pex layout like copper OR the manifold method

First of all, this has got to be the most useful website I have seen in quite some time. exactly what i needed to read up and I sincerely appreciate all that everyone has contributed so far. Unfortunately, I am a novice at this so I will be "using" more than "providing".

I just got an estiamte for an "easy" galvanized repipe that was $5k . I'm quickly becoming a DIY kinda guy. Here is my dilema. I am going to replace my pipes with pex. I think that there are two varying methods, the "main" method and the "manifold" method

Main -- my handyman wants to layout the pex like he would copper, meaning large main hot & large main cold with 1/2 inch runners going out to the sink, etc..

Manifold -- I was thinking that we'd have a manifold with small 1/2 running from the manifold to each place water is needed.

Other than the obvious manifold advantage "less places to crimp means less places it could leak" are there other advantages or disadvantages to either?

Anyone know where I can get a manifold in Bellevue, WA?

Much Thanks in advance!,
-Phantom

Please don't have a handyman plumb. You are both breaking the law.

gosh i had no idea

He's not doing the plumbing. I am. We disagree on how I will do the layout. Are you telling me that I can't fix the plumbing on my own house?

what law am I breaking?

no man...you can plumb your own house as long as you pull the permit and get it inspected

besides, running pex takes little plumbing skill anyway

as far as which method..depends upon water heater location to me....if it is centrally located I would just do a standard installation....if it is a long way from some of the fixtures I would at least do a hot side manifold ..... you will decrease the waiting time for hot water as you won't need to run any 3/4" pipe and you can take a more direct route to each fixture

...and if you're gonna do the hot you might as well do the cold

other than that I can see little advantage in a manifold

IMO there are few to no advantages to branch and tee and next to no disadvantages to a manifold except a manifold takes up more space on a wall or ceiling. And looks don't impress me when I'm looking for function and practicality.

The main advantages are; quicker and easier to install, smaller ID, wastes less hot water getting cold to run hot, higher flow rates with less pressure loss, simple install from one location, many fewer fittings etc..

Disadvantages, you need a lot more tubing and the manifold takes up much more space.

Modified Manifold Method

I'm a DIY who recently plumbed a new house - 2 and 1/2 baths - with Pex. After a bit of research, I opted for a modified manifold system. I have a distributed manifold where a 3/4" hot and cold lines goe to each bathroom, the kitchen, hose bibs, etc. It looks really simple, and each room (branch) has its own shut-offs at the manifold. The 3/4" goes to the base of each shower or sink for volume, and since its a straight shot from the manifold to the room the speed of Hot Water to each room is pretty good.

I passed inspection.

locations

Thanks for responding & voting. the bathroom is on the opposite side of the house from the water heater.
looks like manifold is winning.

It depends what state you are in if you can plumb without a license. I would guess most let you, I know Mass. won't let you. Good luck.

I don't know anything about Pex, but here in Prince William, VA. homeowners can pull permits to do everything....including gas, electric, plumbing, mechanical, etc.