Fresh water manifolds

[Ekutney]

I have been replacing ALL of the hoses and am in the process of re plumbing the fresh water system.  I found it easier just to redo the entire system.  I removed the sink for access which then lead to replacing the water pump, water heater, water filter...  It seems every time I dig deeper I get more involved.  It seems owning my boat has turned into my NEW hobby but I enjoy every task and this site has been an invaluable resource.

The following are pics of the fresh water manifolds I have built, they include water supply selection, cold water and hot water.  I will edit the pictures when time permits to explain the madness behind the over engineering rather than just using Ts to split the water to where I want it to go.

I will take more pics once I have everything installed but the reason for the post is to get opinions from others that have done this type of project.

[KWKloeber]

ed

One point that you probably already know but I've found that some do not -- if you replace the check valve on the cold supply to the water heater, it must be a high-pressure CV like the brass RV/Marine Jabsco CV. 


Some people have used a one-piece (new style) ShurFlo water line CV, and it can fail (blow up)


-- unlike the old style ShurFlo (with the square case that was bolted together) that was ok on the WH supply.   

Or a SharkBite check valve works nicely (Home Depot etc special order.)


kk

[mainesail]

I pretty much use PEX and SeaTech (Watts) quick connects for everything these days. The manifold below took less than 3 minutes to assemble.. If you have a good supplier nearby they may even stock 3/8" PEX & the Watts/SeaTech fittings. My local plastic pipe wholesaler stocks everything.. I find the straight 10' lengths of PEX in red and blue far easier to work with than rolls and a far better product than clear reinforced PVC..

[Ekutney]

Pics of the manifold explaining their purpose.

[KWKloeber]

Another option for PEX is the newer ProPEX method -- by Uponor (pro stands for proprietary.)

A tool is used to expand the PEX-a and a sleeve -- slip them over a ProPEX fitting, and they contract back to their neutral dimension.   It's kinda the opposite of the PEX crimp-sleeve method. 

It's sweet -- I was in awe watching a plumber blast through a new building totally using that material/method. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9x_D_VxT_Q&feature=youtu.be&t=34

A benefit is the cost of fittings -- a 1/2" ProPEX tee retail is about one boat buck, compared to a Watts push-fit tee at 5X that cost.  The sleeves are about 15 cents in bulk,  The one downside is you need to rent or buy (or find a plumber friend with) the expansion tool.  But, hey it's another tool for the inventory. 

kk