Intro
On most renovation jobs, the pipework decision sets the cost tone. This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget because we switched from copper branches to a PEX homeârun manifold system. Fewer joints. Faster runs. Cleaner second fix. In this article, Iâll show exactly what we chose, why it saved money, and how to install it right. Youâll see real numbers, typical sizes, and stepâbyâstep tips you can copy on your next kitchen, bathroom, or fullâhouse refurb.
Quick Answer
We picked a PEX homeârun manifold system instead of copper branch and tee. That single decision cut fittings by 8â12 per bathroom, saved 1â2 labour days on a 3âbed, 2âbath refurb, and reduced leak risks. This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget by speeding first fix and simplifying testing and repairs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A PEX homeârun manifold cuts joints and speeding installs by 1â2 days.
- Expect 8â12 fewer fittings per bathroom and cleaner second fix.
- Use 15 mm feeds to fixtures, 22 mm to manifolds, as needed.
- Pressure test to 4.5â6 bar for 30 minutes (check manufacturer).
- This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget with fewer leaks and simpler repairs.
Why This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget
A copper branch system needs many tees, elbows, and soldered joints. Every joint is time and risk. A PEX manifold uses one central block and dedicated runs to each outlet. That means long, clean runs with almost no hidden joints.
Hereâs why it saved us:
- Fewer joints: 8â12 fewer per bathroom. Thatâs less cutting and soldering.
- Faster pulls: 100 m coils let you pull single lengths to taps and WCs.
- Easier second fix: Each line is labelled at the manifold. Isolation is simple.
- Lower leak risk: Fewer buried joints means fewer surprises after tiling.
This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget by cutting both material handling and labour. On site, that shows up as shorter firstâfix windows and less rework.
Where PEX Manifolds Shine (And Where Copper Still Wins)
Best Use Cases For PEX Manifolds
- Wholeâhouse refurbs with new bathrooms or kitchen relocations.
- Timber floors where you can route long runs easily.
- Homes needing isolation per outlet for future maintenance.
This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget because manifolds reduced time on routing and testing across two bathrooms and a kitchen.
When Copper Still Makes Sense
- Near heat sources: many installers use short copper tails at boilers and cylinders.
- Visible surface runs where a rigid, straight finish looks best.
- External or UVâexposed areas (PEX dislikes sunlight; protect or reroute).
Use copper for the hot first lift, then transition to PEX. In general, 300â600 mm of copper near heat appliances is common practice. Always follow the manufacturerâs guidance.
How To Design And Install A PEX Manifold System
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Plan Loads And Routes
- List every outlet: bath, shower, basin, WC, kitchen sink, dishwasher.
- Set expected flows. Many fixtures run fine on 15 mm. Use 22 mm for main feeds or highâdemand baths.
- Sketch routes. Avoid tight bends. Use bend supports.
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Choose The Manifold
- Count ports. Add 10â20% spare for future changes.
- Place it central: a cupboard, plant room, or underâstairs works well.
- Allow drain and isolation. Label each port.
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Size Pipes
- Typical: 22 mm cold and hot to the manifold, 15 mm to outlets.
- Long bath runs may benefit from 22 mm if the run exceeds 10â12 m.
- Keep hot runs short for faster hot water times.
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Pull The Runs
- Run single lengths from manifold to each outlet. Aim for zero hidden joints.
- Use 100 m coils for efficiency. Clip at 300â500 mm centres.
- Protect where pipes cross studs or masonry with grommets/plates.
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Connect Fixtures
- Use proper inserts. Follow torque guidance on compression or press ends.
- Keep final tails neat. Clip within 150 mm of outlets to stop movement.
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Pressure Test
- Fill and purge air. Then test to 1.5Ă working pressure (often 4.5â6 bar).
- Hold for 30 minutes. Watch for drops. Reâcheck after 2 hours.
- Log results with date, pressure, and duration.
Follow these steps and youâll see why This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget. The system is simple, repeatable, and fast to test.
Cost And Time Breakdown: A RealâWorld Scenario
Take a 3âbed, 2âbath renovation with a new kitchen.
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Branchâandâtee copper approach:
- 30â40 soldered/elbow/tee fittings across two bathrooms.
- Multiple hidden joints under floors and behind walls.
- 2â3 full days of first fix for one plumber plus mate.
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PEX manifold homeârun approach:
- 1 central manifold with 10â12 ports.
- 22 mm feeds to the block; 15 mm dedicated runs out.
- 8â12 fewer fittings per bathroom. Minimal hidden joints.
- 1â2 days for first fix in similar conditions.
Material prices vary, so donât chase pennies per metre. The big win is labour and fewer callbacks. Thatâs where This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget. Faster pulls, simpler testing, and clean labelling cut headâscratching later.
For contractors dealing with pricing, this pairs well with understanding professional proposals and clear change orders. If youâre also looking to streamline invoice templates that save time, make that part of your standard kit.
Risk Control: Testing, Protection, And Good Practice
Avoid Common Mistakes
- Donât bury pushâfit joints without access. Go continuous from manifold.
- Use correct pipe inserts. Mixing brands can cause leaks.
- Protect against kinks. Use bend supports or gentle sweeps.
Control Pressure And Movement
- Fit service valves at the manifold for each run.
- Pressure test at 4.5â6 bar for 30 minutes, then reâcheck later.
- Clip lines at 300â500 mm to stop hammer and abrasion.
Documentation And Labels
- Label every port: Kitchen Sink C/H, Bath H, Shower C, etc.
- Photograph routes before closing walls. Mark stud bays.
Good practice is what turns âcheaperâ into âbetterâ. Done right, This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget without cutting corners.
Document The Choice And Protect Your Margin
Clients change taps. Designers move islands. Thatâs normal. What hurts is undocumented scope changes. Put the manifold spec, pipe sizes, and test method in your proposal. Note copper tails near heat sources. Add the pressure test result.
Tools like Donizo help here. Capture site notes with Voice to Proposal, send a branded PDF, and get eâsignatures fast. When the client accepts, convert it to an invoice in one click. Clear paperwork supports why This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget and protects your margin if plans shift.
FAQ
Is PEX legal for domestic plumbing in the UK?
In most UK homes, yes. Use WRASâapproved PEX or MLCP and follow the manufacturerâs instructions. Check local building control if unsure, and always protect against UV and heat where required.
Can I mix PEX and copper on the same job?
Yes. Many installers do. Use the correct connectors and pipe inserts. Itâs common to run copper near boilers and cylinders, then transition to PEX for runs to fixtures.
Do manifolds reduce flow or pressure at taps?
Usually they improve it. Dedicated runs mean fewer tees and elbows. Size correctly: 22 mm feeds to the manifold and 15 mm to most outlets work well in typical homes.
How do I pressure test a PEX system?
Fill, purge air, then test at about 1.5Ă working pressure. For many homes thatâs 4.5â6 bar. Hold for 30 minutes, monitor, and reâcheck after 2 hours. Follow the pipe brandâs testing steps.
Where should I still use copper?
Near high heat, in exposed areas where a straight, rigid look matters, and outside/UVâexposed zones. Many fit short copper sections near boilers and cylinders before switching to PEX.
Conclusion
The bottom line: a PEX homeârun manifold is simple, fast, and reliable. This Plumbing Choice Saved Our Renovation Budget by cutting fittings, speeding first fix by 1â2 days, and reducing leak points. Next steps: 1) Plan a manifold layout with 10â20% spare ports. 2) Pull continuous 15 mm runs and 22 mm feeds. 3) Pressure test at 4.5â6 bar and document it.
For clean paperwork and faster approvals, platforms such as Donizo make it easy to capture specs, send proposals, and collect eâsignatures. Build this workflow into your next refurb and protect your margin.