Intro

On most remodels, plumbing overruns eat profit fast. For us, THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... and kept the schedule tight. The choice was simple: use a PEX home‑run manifold instead of copper branch‑and‑tee. Fewer fittings. Faster pulls. Cleaner testing. In this article, I’ll show the exact setup, the cost ranges we saw, and the steps to repeat it. If you manage kitchens, baths, or full gut jobs, this approach can save hours and reduce callbacks. It’s practical, code‑friendly, and easy to explain to clients.

Quick Answer

We switched to a PEX home‑run manifold with 3/4" or 1" mains and 1/2" runs to each fixture. That one decision cut 25–40 tees and elbows, shaved 8–12 labor hours, and reduced leak points. In short, THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... without cutting quality.

Table of Contents

• Why THIS Choice Matters
• What We Installed: The PEX Manifold Setup
• Cost Breakdown You Can Show a Client
• How To Install It: Step‑By‑Step
• Avoid These Common Remodel Mistakes
• Hand‑Off, Testing, and Client Sign‑Off

Key Takeaways

• A PEX home‑run manifold can remove 25–40 fittings on a small remodel.
• Expect 8–12 labor hours saved, plus simpler pressure testing at 60–80 PSI.
• Material ranges: PEX $0.35–$0.60/ft vs copper $3–$5/ft.
• Central isolation valves make service calls faster by 15–30 minutes.

Why THIS Choice Matters

THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... because it attacked the real cost drivers: fittings, labor, and risk. Copper branch‑and‑tee needs many tees, elbows, and solder joints. Every joint adds time and a possible leak. A home‑run manifold sends one line from a central block to each fixture. That cuts joints and speeds up pulls.

Many contractors find copper prices swing hard. PEX stays steadier. PEX bends around corners, so you avoid 90° elbows. You also get clear labeling at the manifold. That means easier service and faster diagnostics. On a 2‑bath remodel, we cut 30 fittings and 10 hours. That’s why THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... without shortcuts.

What We Installed: The PEX Manifold Setup

We used a 1" main feed into a 1" manifold for larger homes, or 3/4" on smaller units. Each fixture got a dedicated 1/2" PEX run. Hot and cold got separate manifolds, each with isolation valves. Lines were color‑coded: red for hot, blue for cold. Pressure‑balance shower valves kept the setup simple.

Sections were supported every 32–48 inches with plastic clamps. We kept minimum 6 inches of separation from electrical, and 12 inches from heat sources. We used crimp rings and full‑flow fittings to stay consistent. THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... because the layout was clear, repeatable, and easy for any tech to service.

Cost Breakdown You Can Show a Client

• Pipe: PEX commonly runs $0.35–$0.60 per foot. Copper often runs $3–$5 per foot.
• Fittings: PEX crimp/clamp fittings are usually $0.50–$2.00 each. Copper elbows/tees and solder or press fittings can land at $1.50–$3.00+ each.
• Tools: A PEX crimp kit is often $80–$200 to own. A press tool can be $1,500+ or $50–$100/day to rent.
• Labor: Expect 8–12 hours saved on a typical 2‑bath plus kitchen remodel, thanks to fewer joints and quicker pulls.
• Testing: One manifold makes testing simple. Pressurize to 60–80 PSI, verify in 20–30 minutes, then insulate where needed.

Show this side‑by‑side to clients. It’s simple math. Fewer joints. Lower material cost per foot. Faster install. THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... because we spent less time fabricating and more time finishing.

How To Install It: Step‑By‑Step

1. Plan the Routes Map fixtures and runs. Keep hot lines short to sinks and showers. THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... by keeping runs clean and direct.
2. Size the Manifold Use 1" for larger demand, 3/4" for smaller. Confirm fixture units and local code.
3. Mount the Manifold Level and secure it on blocking. Leave 6–8 inches clearance for labeling and valve access.
4. Pull PEX Home‑Runs Run 1/2" lines to each fixture. Avoid tight bends; use bend supports for 90° turns.
5. Crimp or Clamp Consistently Pick one system. Use a gauge after each crimp. Keep fittings accessible, not buried.
6. Pressure Test Cap ends, pressurize to 60–80 PSI for 20–30 minutes. Check gauges and joints.
7. Label and Photograph Label each circuit. Shoot photos before cover‑up. THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... and these photos saved callbacks.

If you’re also looking to streamline professional proposals, our guide covers clear scopes under the anchor text "professional proposals". Pair this with best practices for "change orders" to avoid mid‑job surprises.

Avoid These Common Remodel Mistakes

• Mixing Systems Don’t combine push‑fit, crimp, and press everywhere. Pick one. Keep spares in the van. Consistency prevents leaks.
• Ignoring Water Quality Hard water chews parts. Add a filter or conditioner when needed. It’s common for older homes.
• Long Hot Runs Keep hot lines short. Use 3/4" trunk to manifold, then 1/2" to fixtures. This reduces wait time and heat loss.
• No Isolation Strategy Put an isolation valve at the manifold for every run. Service calls go 15–30 minutes faster.
• Tight Bends Near Fixtures Use stub‑outs or bend supports. Avoid kinks. A kink can cost you an hour.

THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... but only because we respected these basics. The method is strong. Execution still matters.

Hand‑Off, Testing, and Client Sign‑Off

Do a final walkthrough at the manifold. Show each labeled line and valve. Cycle valves twice. Run hot water 2–3 minutes to purge air. Record static pressure at 60–80 PSI. Share photos and labels in your closeout packet.

For smooth approvals, capture scope and fixture choices early. Tools like Donizo let you turn voice notes and site photos into a clear proposal fast, get e‑signatures, and convert to invoices when accepted. THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... and a tight proposal process kept it that way.

FAQ

Is a PEX manifold system code‑compliant on remodels?

In general, yes. Most US codes accept PEX and manifold systems when installed per manufacturer specs and local amendments. Always check your local authority. Use approved fittings, proper supports, and insulation where required.

Will a manifold reduce water pressure to fixtures?

When sized right, no. Use a 1" or 3/4" manifold and 1/2" runs to fixtures. Keep runs direct. Many contractors report steadier pressure because branches don’t fight each other during simultaneous use.

How many fittings can a manifold system save?

Commonly, 25–40 fittings on a 2‑bath remodel. More on complex layouts. You replace branch tees and elbows with simple bends and fewer transitions. Fewer joints mean fewer leak points and faster installs.

What about hot water wait times?

Keep the water heater close to the manifold when you can. Use 3/4" hot to the manifold, 1/2" to fixtures. For long homes, consider a recirc loop= or on‑demand recirc. Short runs and good insulation make a big difference.

Can I mix copper and PEX on the same job?

Yes, with approved transition fittings. Keep transitions accessible. Stay consistent on crimp or press type. Photograph every transition before cover‑up for your records and future service calls.

Conclusion

Choosing a PEX home‑run manifold was decisive. THIS Plumbing Choice SAVED Our RENOVATION BUDGET... by cutting fittings, labor hours, and leak risk. Do three things now: 1) Map direct runs and size the manifold. 2) Standardize your fitting system and test at 60–80 PSI. 3) Get client sign‑off with clear scope and photos. Platforms such as Donizo help you turn site notes into signed proposals and invoices, so the plan sticks. Use this method on your next remodel and protect your margin.