Can 1/2″ PEX runs be shared from a manifold?
Kail Zuschlag| Posted inEnergy Efficiency and Durabilityon
I am trying to build a house and am planning on using a Manabloc PEX manifold. I’m planning on having dedicated lines to most fixtures but was curious if some can be shared with out have flow issues. I assume the ice maker in the fridge would just come off of the kitchen sink run, is this right? How about the dishwasher? Is it typically shared of the 1/2″ for the kitchen sink hot water line or does it have its own dedicated run?
Thanks for any advice you might have!!!
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Replies
Kail,
Yes, they can all share the same supply. Dedicated runs serve two purposes: On the cold water side they reduce the risk of low flow, and on the hot water supply they allow the reduction of pipe sizing minimizing water loss before hot water arrives at the fixture. The ice-maker uses too little water to cause flow issues.The dishwasher only benefits from a smaller supply line if the distance to your water heater is quite long and you don't use the dishwasher's element to further heat the water.
Kail,
Here is a link to a Fine Homebuilding web page with more information:Three Designs for PEX Plumbing Systems.
If you really want to understand the principles behind sizing residential water supply tubing, see the attached JLC article by Richard Zannini.