Why use both 3/8″ and 1/2″ Pex with Manabloc systems?
A. Since 3/8″ Pex is rated to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), it is the correct size tubing for all std 2.0 gpm, or less, low-flow fixtures (lav’s, toilets, kitchen faucets, dishwashers, washers, icemakers, etc). 1/2″ Pex can be used for these fixtures, but more water is wasted waiting for hot water to reach the fixtures (1/2″ Pex holds almost twice as much as 3/8″ Pex, so it takes almost twice the volume of water to travel between the water heater and the fixture). Then, after the fixture is turned off, all the energy required to heat the hot water between the water heater and the fixture is wasted. We recommend 1/2″ Pex for high-flow fixtures only (many tub/shower valve and most hose bibs are the only std fixtures that require 1/2″ Pex). For more details, visit our Manabloc Packages page.
