Collecting and distributing water in the PEX circuits of the radiant system is the main function of radiant heat manifold. They are commonly sold in two pairs, the supply and return. Supply manifold works by delivering hot water from the boiler to various outlets.

Normally fixed with pex tubing, the outlet of the radiant manifold then supply water where it is needed such as radiators or baseboards. Once the heated water is transferred, the pex tubing then deliver the water back to the return manifold that gather and send water back to the heat source.

Radiant Pex manifold is identified according to the outlets on the manifolds. Oftentimes, zone is confused with circuits. To distinguish one another, know that zone denotes an area where it needs to b heated such as a certain room whereas circuits refer to the pex tubing placed in the supply to the return manifold.

In order to help you out next time you shop for radiant heat manifold, read the following products:

Balancing valves: Regulates the flow of the water through desired outlets in the radiant manifold. This is an important part of pex plumbing as the valves provide various functions such as regulating the temperature in all circuits in the heat system as well as bounding the manifold.

Drain valve: It is important to drain the radiant system for maintenance in order to keep it working efficiently. Drain valves make it easier to purge and fill the system at a faster rate.

Air vents: Used to remove air from the heating system, air vents come in two types, automatic and manual versions. The manual version only allows the air to move away only in the initial stages. On the other hand, the automatic air vent version will remove the air without needing any separate device.

Flow meter: This device control the volume of water that stream through the radiant manifold outlet in GPM or gallons per minute. This is another important part of pex plumbing system because without proper control of the water, the whole system cannot work efficiently. The flow meters are usually made from cylindrical-shaped glass or clear plastic with red-coloured float inside.

Isolation ball valve: Shut-off valves that connect the supply and return lines to the pex manifold. One side of the device is set in a union-style connection whole the other side is a 1-inch NPT inlet.