The Advantages

Using manifolds reduces the number of joints - by up to 75%.

As an example: - Hot and cold plumbing in a bathroom - for a typical 3/4'' 3- way hot and 4 way cold manifold, there are only 9 connections, compared to 35 connections on a typical existing system (This assumes 7 three-way Tees, and 7 ball valves). This is a drop of 75% in number of joints.

The visibility of these joints, centralising them in one place is another benefit. This leads to a significant reduction in installation leaks, and post installation call outs.

No additional isolators - The Multiplex does away with the need to use isolators directly below each point of use, like basin taps.

Reduced installation time - there is a saving of around 20% on installation time, once the learning curve for the installer is completed.

Post installation - with a reduced number of joints to leak, and easy access to the joints, there is a considerably reduced maintenance cost associated with sites using manifolds - reduced down-time, time on site and maintenance engineer cost. It also allows a lower calibre (hence lower cost) site plumber to be used, reflecting the do-skilling of our industry. Many Housing associations are beginning to use them.

Central control - the manifolds become a centralised place to attach or locate ancillary controls. You can also reduce from say 3 isolation locations in a bathroom, (some of which may not be visible to the plumber) to 1 location. The consequent time saving is significant.

Individual control - when maintenance is required, rather than isolating a whole system, (the mains supply tap under the sink for plumbing, or ball valves next to the boiler for heating) the service engineer can isolate individual circuits. This minimises drain-down time, and reduces system recovery issues on re-commissioning.

Consistency - manifolds allow repeatability of system installation, as it is essentially a pre-plumbed option, in its simplest form.

Already a small part of the market today is using this, but it is fast growing.



Multiplex Manifolds - advantages are seen as being able to control each point of use from a manifold, with no joints between the manifold and the point of use device. Typically installed in or near a bathroom 'Multiplex' or 'Modular' manifolds.

Click here for more information on multiplex manifolds