Install Instructions

Viega IM-PFMB 1007
10
4. THE MANABLOC
4.1 The MANABLOC
The MANABLOC control unit is tested
to the requirements of ASTM F877
and certified by NSF International. The
MANABLOC supply inlet connections
utilize a special 1" MANABLOC
gasketed swivel connection that
requires MANABLOC transition fittings
(not included in the MANABLOC
package, must be purchased
separately). Transition fittings available
include NPT male thread, brass insert
(PEX crimp), bronze insert (PEX
press), and compression.
Connections for the individual PEX
distribution lines are a mechanical-
type fitting and will not work with
standard pipe fittings. Use only fittings
supplied with the MANABLOC or other
fittings designed for special port
transitions available from Viega, listed
in the PureFlow Plumbing System
Catalog. Warranty coverage applies
ONLY when the MANABLOC is
installed with ViegaPEX tubing and in
accordance with the Installation
Instructions, local code and good
plumbing practices.
Protect the MANABLOC from
construction debris, direct
exposure to sunlight and
inadvertent chemical exposure by
storing it in its original shipping carton
until installation.
MANABLOC port connections are
available in Bronze Press, Brass
Crimp, Poly Crimp, and Compression
available in all 3/8", 1/2" or a
combination of both for all connection
types as well as a model for hard and
soft water systems.
4.2 PureFlow PEX Tubing
Components utilized in the
MANABLOC plumbing system consist
of ViegaPEX, ViegaPEX Ultra, and
FostaPEX cross-linked polyethylene
tubing, fixture transition fittings, water
service swivel connections,
compression port connections and
the MANABLOC control unit. The
MANABLOC and ViegaPEX tubing are
manufactured to national and
international standards and are listed
by recognized third-party agencies.
ViegaPEX cross-linked polyethylene
tubing is produced to ASTM
F876/F877 and is tested and listed by
recognized agencies (such as NSF
International) to the requirements of
these standards. ViegaPEX tubing has
a design pressure rating of 100 psi @
180°F, and 160 psi @ 73°F.
These are maximum-use ratings.
ViegaPEX tubing and the resin used
in the manufacture of ViegaPEX
tubing have been tested and listed by
NSF to meet the requirements of
ANSI/NSF 14/61, and NSF Protocol
P171 CL-R/CL-TD, Chlorine Resistance
of Plastic Piping Materials.
4.3 Supply And Distribution
Line Sizing
The general sizing information shown
may be appropriate for many
MANABLOC installations. These
recommendations are based on flow
rates of typical fixtures that require 8
psi residual pressure.
For more complete and definitive
sizing information for distribution line
length limitations, request the
MANABLOC Tube Size Guide from
your local supplier or from Viega.
Typical supply line size:
3/4" up to 2-1/2 baths
1" up to 4-1/2 baths
Typical distribution line size:
3/8" up to 2-1/2 GPM fixture flow
requirement (lavs, toilets, bidets,
bar sinks, kitchen sinks,
dishwashers, some showers
(no tub fill)* and some washing
machines)**
1/2 up to 4 GPM fixture flow
requirement (hose bibbs, tubs,
showers, washing machines,
whirlpool baths, soaking tubs, etc.)
* Due to the many types of shower
valves, it is recommended that you
consult the valve manufacturer’s
literature to determine the actual flow
rate and required residual pressure
demands of the fixture. Use the
MANABLOC Tube Size Guide to
determine distribution line size and
length limitations.
**Some washing machines use a
timer instead of a water-level sensor
to determine when the machine has
been filled with the proper amount of
water.
There are cases in which low supply
pressure or excessive distribution line
length may cause some machines to
fill to a level less than designed.
Consult the washing machine
manufacturer’s literature to determine
the actual fill rate and residual
pressure requirements for distribution
line size.
Hose Bibb Note: If the hose bibbs are
primarily for irrigation purposes, they
should be supplied from the main
service line prior to the MANABLOC.
The service line needs to be sized
appropriately for the additional water
demand. A typical residential
plumbing system can not be
plumbed with all 3/8" distribution
lines. It is the decision of the user to
choose a combination of both 3/8"
and 1/2" lines or to upsize the entire
system to 1/2".
However, supplying fixtures with 1/2"
lines when it is unnecessary for the
fixture demand, will increase the wait
time for hot water delivery to those
fixtures. The best water and energy
savings of a MANABLOC system are
realized when distribution lines are