Pex manifold: Copper or plastic?

I need to replace a manabloc pex manifold that froze and blew out a seal. Called Vanguard and they would not repair it but they would be happy to sell me another one at full price. I was always a bit uneasy with it anyway because it would make creaking sounds every time you turn water on and off but never had a leak until it froze. Yes the manabloc was located in a heated area but the house was vacant the heat turned off and system drained or so I thought.

My question is should I buy another manabloc or go with a copper manifold? At least a copper manifold I could wrap in heat tape to keep it from freezing. I talk to a Vanguard rep about heat tape on a manabloc and he said the adhesive on heat tape is not good for the plastic or tubing (will soften it over time). Any suggestions?

I'd treat the cause of the problem, no heat frozen water, rather than the symptom. Copper busts too when the water freezes.

Water freezing expands with a force in the 40,000 PSI range.
It will have its way with pretty much any material that cannot expand slightly and absorb the expansion with out breaking.

Sounds to me like freezing is your problem, not the manifold. I'd take care of the freezing problem first, then replace the Manabloc (they are heavily discounted online).

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