Manifold

Slovak term: Slovenský termín

1. A main channel providing equal flow distribution to lateral channels (WHO 2001).
2. A manifold system in plumbing is where each individual water using fixture, hot water or cold water is connected individually to a central breaching piece called a manifold (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).

Explanation

A manifold plumbing system eliminates the need for probable simultaneous demand when calculating hydraulic loads for pipe sizing. A manifold water system is similar in concept to a home's electrical system where the individual supply is connected to a central distributor point. The cold water manifold is fed directly from the cold water supply line, with the hot water manifold fed from and installed close to the hot water heater (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).

Example

A manifold system has each individual supply line sized only to supply a single fixture. Probable simultaneous demand is not used therefore the supply pipe is smaller than a conventional plumbing system. This enables the plumbing manifold system to deliver both energy and water savings in buildings (World Plumbing Council Working Group 2008).

References

• WHO (2001) Upgrading water treatment plants

Links

• WHO — The Health and Environment Lexicon