Trunk & branch and home-run piping systems are the two most popular ways to configure PEX tubing for domestic water. The traditional trunk & branch method includes main hot and cold lines that run through a building. Smaller lines branch off the main trunk with tees or small manifolds in order to feed water to fixtures. Home-run systems typically use single hot and cold manifolds mounted near a water heater, from which an individual line runs to each fixture. The intuitive piping setup makes home-run systems popular among do-it-yourselfers, and Viega’s Manabloc simplifies installation. When deciding between these two types of piping, note the advantages listed below and watch our plumbing manifold video for more information.
Advantages of trunk & branch systems:
- Less total tubing required
- Higher water pressure during single-fixture use
- Easier to install in most retrofit applications
Advantages of home-run systems:
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- No fittings usually needed between manifold and fixtures (which speeds up installation and reduces the likelihood for leaks)
- Ability to have centrally-located shut-off valves for each line
- More balanced water pressure when multiple fixtures run
- Shorter wait time for hot water in non-recirculation systems
