Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Plumbing Connections

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 11 May 2001
Time: 10:15 PM

Comments

If your plumber used connecting "T's" that were designed for the sized tubing used, you should be OK. Generally, the tubing expands around the connector and is clamped or crimped to prevent leaking. While the connector may reduce the opening slightly, this shouldn't have a material effect on the plumbing so long as they're not excessive.

A slight reduction in opening for a short distance will have less friction loss than tubing which is of smaller diameter.

However, when using flexible tubing and to avoid unnecessary friction loss, it is generally recommended to use a "manifold" approach, whereby each fixture has a cold (and hot if applicable) "home run" back to the distribution manifold. This way, there are no reducing elements in the path of the tubing which could reduce the flow. This also helps to reduce the impact of one fixture on another, resulting in fewer temperature variations in multiple use conditions. Manifolds designed for PEX tubing are available from companies such as Roth at http://www.roth-usa.com.

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