… REMODEL (1999 PATH Field Evaluation) • Remodel of a Philadelphia row home … TECH CHECK Below is a checklist of steps to follow … Consider an “open building” home design [optional]. 1 TECH SPECS > Home-Run Plumbing Systems YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR USING ADVANCED BUILDING TECHNOLOGY DOLLARS & SENSE Costs to buy, install, and operate home-run plumbing systems… Page 2 MAKING THE SWITCH What it takes to switch from traditional to home-run plumbing systems… Page 2 RESULTS FROM THE FIELD Field evaluation results from Colorado, New …

CODE ACCEPTANCE PEX piping is approved in all the major building codes, but has not received local code acceptance in some areas of the country. PEX tubing must comply with ASTM F876, Specification for Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Tubing, and ASTM F877, “Specification for Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) Plastic Hot and Cold Water Distribution Systems.” Section P2903.8 of the 2003 International Residential Code (IRC) covers Parallel Water- Distribution System Manifolds, and includes sizing, valves, distribution lines, and support. Section P2904 covers materials, joints, and connections. RESULTS FROM THE FIELD PATH field evaluations have demonstrated significant material and installed cost savings compared with traditional plumbing systems. WARRANTY Manufacturers typically offer a 10-year limited warranty on the manifold, piping, and fittings. MAKING THE SWITCH • Home-run systems can take significantly less time to install than traditional rigid pipe plumbing systems once the learning curve has been overcome. • Trades need to receive training in proper handling and installation. • Requires some specialized tools. • Special care required to eliminate construction and line debris from sensitive manifolds THE BASICS Home-run plumbing systems act as control centers, or manifolds, for hot and cold water that feed supply lines to individual fixtures. Also called “manifold systems,” they consist of a plastic or metal plumbing manifold and flexible plastic piping. Generally, home-run systems use cross- linked polyethylene piping (PEX), which is suitable for hot water use and resistant to temperature extremes, chemical attack, and creep deformation. Because of the flexible piping, home-run systems can be installed more quickly than rigid plumbing systems, with only one fitting at the manifold, one transition fitting at the fixture, and no need for piping tees and elbows. However, fittings and couplings are available for special situations, such as repairing damaged piping or for creating changes in direction that are tighter than the minimum bend radius allowable for the piping. Home-run systems equalize pressure, and therefore allow several fixtures to be used simultaneously without dramatic changes in pressure or temperature. In addition, PEX piping can be sized 1/8-inch smaller in diameter than piping in a “tree” type conventional piping system for some fixtures. Hence, hot water arrives at fixtures faster, and less hot water is left standing in pipes after a draw (standing water creates energy loss to the surrounding air). PEX piping can reduce heat loss from water in the pipe because it is a better thermal insulator than copper

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