Longevity of valves on PEX manifolds
I am planning on a home run installation in a new house. I never had much luck with the PVC valves currently used in residential plumbing actually working when you need them to.. They either are stuck open or will not shut off. I would try exercising them to keep them loose but they would end up leaking past the stem.
I am concerned with the poly valves used on the manifolds not doing there job 10-15 years down the road. Some manifolds offer the optional copper or brass valves, but our water has a high content of limestone and is tough on copper pipes and fittings.
I pretty much use all stainless ball valves now. Are there any manifolds that come with stainless valves? I am looking for feedback from folks who have installed these manifolds years ago and what, or if any trouble you had with them.
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Replies
Uponor is the leading company
Watts is the leading company among many local installers. The quick to crimp SS riings have little learning curve.
I like both companies. Big box stores have carried bad brass fittings...
Uponor makes good plastic and brass fittings.
Watts makes good brass.
You can always make a non plastic manifold which I have done but not out if trust, more to do with local supply which was poor for years.
John you already know you have trouble on the horizon. Why are you not designing a water filtration system so you can install anything your heart desires? I think this would be the logical conclusion rather than making it a piping material decision of which you can not avoid the use of one or the other. ie. copper or plastics