The pex plumbing system introduction has ensured better and more reliable heating and water systems in both commercial and residential areas. It is a flexible and more forgiving material than any other rigid piping system. With Pex piping comes the distribution issue, and this is where the best pex manifold gets handy.
Pex manifold is a crucial product in the plumbing system. It is useful in water redistribution and overall performance. More so, it provides ease of use and practicality of the piping connections. You can say that it is the backbone of any pex plumbing construction, without which the entire system would collapse. There is a variety of types and brands of manifolds with different uses. While some have more benefits over others, it is up to you to decide the best Pex manifold based on your needs.
Due to manifolds’ diverse functions, it may be challenging to choose the appropriate one without adequate knowledge. But it all comes down to whether you need it for heating or cold water distribution. For in-floor heating, the size of the Pex piping determines the type of heating manifolds used. You may require a different one for hot and cold water plumbing. Read on to learn more about the best pex manifolds, including their pros and cons.
Best Pex Manifold Reviews
Are you in a rush? Here is a list of the top five quality PEX manifolds available in the market today.
Viega 50243 PureFlow PEX Crimp Manabloc
Apollo 6907984CP PEX Manifold
VIVO Multi-Loop Pex Manifold
SharkBite 2279 Copper PEX Manifolds
CMI PEX Manifold
Viega 50243 PureFlow PEX Crimp Manabloc
Are you looking for a versatile and comprehensive tubing system? Viega is a reputable brand when it comes to durability and quality. You can use it for radiant heating, cold and hot water supply piping. 
The poly-alloy construction makes the product 100% corrosion resistant. So don’t worry about the effects that chlorine might have. It won’t break down regardless of the amount of moisture to which it is exposed.
Reduced flow is another impressive feature of this device. Rest easy knowing that there will be no water shooting noise through the product from under the floor.
The manifold’s homerun distribution design allows a good flow of water and simple installation of various parts. It doesn’t require any skill making it suitable for both experts and amateurs to use. With the extra ports available comes versatility.
Pros
- It allows good water redistribution and easy installation
- The material is durable and corrosion free
- It comes with reduced flow noise
- The manifold is of high quality and chlorine resistant
- It is suitable for radiant heating, cold and hot water supply
- It features several ports
Cons
- Supply inlet fittings are not included in the kit
Apollo 6907984CP PEX Manifold
When it comes to the Apollo 6907984CP manifold, you are guaranteed versatility. This means that you can insert many fittings for large construction thanks to its 16 ports. You have an equal number of cold and hot ports, so no need to worry about running out of either. Besides, you can separate hot and cold lines, including choosing the area to be filtered.
All lines are connected directly to each filter, allowing you to shut off the entire house’s water supply individually. This makes it highly convenient for users. The inlets are one inch in size, making it easy to fit any pipe. Another useful feature is the ¾ inch adapter that you can use when compatibility issues arise.
Thanks to its heavy-duty construction, it can withstand heavy water flow without breaking down. Also, it is suitable for large buildings with continuous running water. You can mount it on any surface using special brackets. If you like complex options, then this model might be what you need. You can use it with all types of water distribution and radiant systems, making it efficient for both home and commercial purposes.
Additionally, the product is highly durable due to its stainless steel base. It will no doubt stand the test of time, including temperature and moisture pressure.
Pros
- It features 16 ports for both cold and hot water.
- The stainless steel makes this model highly durable
- The installation instructions are simple and easy to follow
- It has a low profile design
- It is convenient with the individual closure on each line
- The manifold has a special mounting bracket.
- It is backed with a 2-year warranty
Cons
- The plastic fitting is of low quality
- You may face some issues with turning the valve on and off
- Some users have reported leakage problems
VIVO Multi-Loop Pex Manifold
VIVO is ranked among the top quality brands in the market, and this model is no exception. The loop design not only makes the manifold stand out from the rest, but it also makes the product suitable for radiant floor heating. The design further makes it sturdy enough to be used for anything.
The VIVO pex manifold comes in varying models. You can choose the two-loop design or even an extensive one with up to 12 ports available. Although it uses ½ inch connectors to fit tubing, this is not a limiting aspect. You can use the ¾ inch adapter to make it more compatible with your type of plumbing.
Another remarkable feature is the adjustable flow indicators that track the function of the whole system. More features like the stainless steel construction and heavy-duty mounting bracket give the product a long lifespan. With this model, you will find inbuilt ¾ inch drainage valves and easy to use mechanism. This allows the system to fill up and drain smoothly. Besides, the isolation ball valves check and monitor the temperature and supply.
Still, on features, the manifold has automatic air vents to get rid of air that could be trapped in the system. You also have a 1-year warranty and a one-month money-back guarantee in case of any defects. With VIVO Multi-Loop Pex Manifold, you have all you for radiant systems.
Pros
- The stainless steel material guarantees durability.
- It comes in various models
- It features air valves, drain valves, and connectors.
- The model comes with high quality mounting brackets
- It has additional adapters to enhance compatibility
- It can be easily installed by homeowners.
Cons
- It cannot be used with SharkBite PEX fittings
- The product specifically designed for radiant heating
WiseWater Radiant Manifold
Are you looking for a centralized control system for both cold and hot water? Then WiseWater Radiant Manifold could be your best option. With this model, you can keep track of different areas from one place.
The product is a beast when it comes to durability. It is made of sturdy stainless steel that is both corrosion-free and pressure resistant. You won’t have to worry about the effects of chlorine in your manifold. Besides, you can use the product in both high and low-pressure applications without any issues.
You can find WiseWater Radiant Manifold in various sizes, from as low as two loops to as high as 12 loops. This variety makes it versatile, and you can use it for different situations and locations. In spite of all these variations, the manifold is only compatible with tubing outlets of ½ and ¾ inches. The kit also includes a durable stainless steel bracket that makes mounting easy.
Additionally, the radiant heating manifold features a shut-off valve, automatic air vent, balancing valve, and drain valves for extra safety. you will appreciate the temperature gauge and flow valve that allows you to set up the lines as you see fit. With the individual shut off valve, you can control the system without causing unwanted inconveniences.
Pros
- The product is of excellent quality and works with no leaks
- It includes extra features for added benefits
- The manifold is pressure and corrosion-resistant.
- The mounting brackets make the installation process easy and fast
- Its variance provides versatility
- It is a great grade for a radiant heating system
- This product features a high thermal conductivity
Cons
- It lacks compression adapters
- You may need to use PTFE tape since the threads are not tapered.
CMI PEX Manifold Radiant Floor Heating
Speak of efficiency, practicality, and ease of use. This product makes the concept of water distribution a piece of cake. Although this model is a 4-loop design system, you can get five other options ranging from 2-loop design to 12 port systems. Furthermore, each port features independent fill and drain valves with a hose connection cap making the operation convenient and easy.
When it comes to durability, you will first notice a stainless steel construction. It is pressure tested and corrosion-resistant, thereby providing superb service for years to come. Don’t worry about the product changing the quality of your water. This model also comes with NPT shut off valves that allow you to monitor water temperature going in and out of the system.
The manifold can be used in several applications, including radiant heating, snow melting, water redistribution, and hydronic. It also comes pre-installed, making the process simple. You won’t require any special tool. The best part of acquiring this tool is that you have a one-month money-back guarantee if you don’t like the product.
Pros
- The premium stainless steel construction is rust and corrosion free
- The flow meter monitors the gallons per minute on each tube
- Its installation guide is easy to understand and follow
- You can regulate water flow, thereby saving you money and energy
- It features a different number of ports ranging from 2 to 12
- It comes with sturdy mounting brackets
- With its quality, you won’t experience any leakage issues.
Cons
- The box says it is pre-assembled, but you will have to assemble it
- Benefits of Using Pex Manifolds
Benefits of the Pex Plumbing System and Manifolds.
Withstands Different Temperatures
A pex manifold can resist all kinds of temperatures. You can use it for radiant heating applications without issues. What is more, is that it can also withstand extreme freezing temperatures without splitting. PEX manifolds are durable and can last for many years without cases of corrosion or rusting.
Convenience
Many manifolds feature a valve design that makes turning on and off easy. Therefore, if you need to repair a line, you can just close it using the individual valve. This way, you will still get water supply from other lines. The product also offers a central control system that is advantageous in commercial and large buildings. You can manage several lines from one point without the need for multiple valves.
Manifolds are also convenient for the radiant heating system and water distribution. They come with various ports, as many as 36. This makes it suitable for commercial purposes.
Versatility
Although the pex manifold is designed to work with PEX piping, it is also compatible with other types of pipes. You can also use it with tubes of different sizes like ½, ¾, and 3/8 inches pipes. This allows owners of old buildings to upgrade or repair their plumbing systems without remodeling the entire system.
Easy installation
PEX manifold installation process is probably the best aspect of this system. You won’t have to spend long hours putting it in place. The sturdy mounting brackets also provide for easy setup. You can get rings, fittings, and clamps with some models to help with installation in a few minutes. The design further offers a simple setup without the need for extra space.
What is more, is that the manifolds feature convenient color coding for cold and hotlines. Setting up a manifold can be a headache without a color grading feature. But with PEX manifolds, this process is straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting the best PEX manifold for your needs requires a lot of research and considerations. This includes their construction, versatility, compatibility, and features. Here are a few questions mostly asked by buyers and their answers. We hope that you will have a better understanding of most areas of your concerns.
Q1: Is PEX manifold a necessity in my home?
A: PEX manifold is not a must, provided that you have a reliable distribution system. However, for more efficiency and practicality, the PEX manifold is the best option.
Q2: How long does the PEX manifold last?
A: Usually, these products last several decades. A typical lifespan of a PEX manifold is between 30 to 60 years. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend its lifespan to up to 100 years. However, experts advise changing the product every 50 years for safety purposes.
Q3: Can I use the PEX manifold for the heating system?
A: Yes, some are designed for floor heating work. Thanks to the multiple ports, you can simply connect different lines in a single product. This makes them a preferable option than other types of distribution systems.
Q4: Is PEX manifold suitable for underground use?
A: No, it is not a suitable option. Through underground installation, the stainless steel or brass construction is likely to corrode. Furthermore, the PEX manifolds are not designed for this type of set up.
Q5: Is it ideal to use a PEX manifold for compressed air?
A: It is not recommended that you use any of these pieces for compressed air. It can’t work, and you may end up damaging the product. The manifolds with meters and pressure gauge would break if exposed to compressed air.
Q6: Can I install the PEX manifold outdoors?
A: While some models are safe and suitable for outdoor installation, others are not. Ensure to check the recommendations before selecting. Many manifolds are made for well-protected interiors. Find the right product for an outdoor setup.
Q7: Are different brands of PEX manifold compatible with each other?
A: Yes, some can connect with each other. With the help of adapters, you can get the right connections. The connections usually come in two different sizes, ½, and ¾ inches. Just ensure that you get the correct measurements suitable for your home.
Summing Up
When it comes to choosing the best PEX manifold, there should never be any compromises. The gadgets ensure sufficient water and heat distribution, thereby making buildings sustainable. From our list, you can also see that you don’t have to break a bank to get a reliable manifold device. Furthermore, most of these devices are made from durable materials to ensure that you get value for your money. With some of the manifolds, you don’t even need a plumber to set it up due to their installation ease.
Getting the best pex manifold comes down to understanding your needs and preferences. Some factors to keep in mind to get premium quality products include size, compatibility, construction, input, warranty, and loops. With that said, our main pick is Viega 50243 PureFlow PEX Crimp Manabloc. You can never go wrong with this option. It offers convenience and efficiency in its operation. Remember to follow the building codes of your area.