Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Water system manifold (Read 1387 times) previous topic - next topic

Water system manifold

 While at Quartzsite in January with some of the Foretravel gang there was a need to shut off one of the valves on the water manifold of a coach. Upon attempting to turn the valve with the black wrench the small stem on the valve broke off and the valve could not be turned off. Seeing this I decided to try the valves on my coach and they are all stuck and will not move I guess from years of not being turned. Has anyone had this problem and what is the solution. Can the manifold be removed from the coach and the valves freed up somehow. It's not much good if the valves won't turn when you need to shut off a portion of the water system or worse yet if the valve breaks and you have a leak at the manifold to deal with.
1998 U295 36ft build 5236
 
  Full timing just got better with a Foretravel

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #1 –
OK.  Time for true confessions. 

A couple of years ago, I turned on one of my valves that was not connected to anything but it had a cap on it.  Water got between the valve and the cap.  Then, over the winter it froze when I failed to take the cap off while winterizing.  Net result, a cracked manifold body.  To the best of my knowledge, they can not be repaired because you cannot take the stacked manifold apart and they don't sell those parts.  You may be able to find the part of the valve that turns and replace that.

I ended up replacing the entire manifold.  Here's where I got mine. 

SupplyHouse.com - Plumbing, Heating & HVAC Supplies - Formerly Pex Supply

The new manifold is very similar but not a perfect match in size and valve layout.  I ended up having to redo/reroute the connecting lines/connectors.  There are some replacement valve parts for the new manifold.  But I think you still cannot replace any body/case parts.

I don't have any caps on my unused lines anymore ;-).

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #2 –
You can take the assembly apart. I've done it. You can swap out parts from another one. I found the old style on ebay and bought one. Mine was leaking from wrong o-rings and a cracked piece that I replaced.

Also, you can remove the manifold and try soaking in some acid (or vinegar)...it may be deposits keeping the valves from turning.
1998 U270 34'

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #3 –
Quote from: krush –


Also, you can remove the manifold and try soaking in some acid (or vinegar)...it may be deposits keeping the valves from turning.
Maybe soaking in CLR? That stuff is magic.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #4 –
Calling Viega customer service you may find they will send you a new better key and a couple of new valves, all at no cost.
Viega - The global leader in plumbing, heating and pipe joining systems

Yes some parts are available, but our style manibloc manifold may not be available.
There have been some previous Forum discussions on the manifold, but I am not sure how to loosen up tight valves or how to install new valves.
But using the new key that fits better could prevent valve stem breakage.

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #5 –
Are seat cutters (still) available? Ask most any (good) old plumber ;>). 
I would rather rebuild a valve than the effort needed to replace the valve.
Cut (resurface) the seat, stem assembly w/Viton o-rings (just like a valve job on your old ride..)  pc

S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #6 –
I'm not sure you could do that.  I think these are all plastic.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #7 –
Thanks for the good information. I will check on the new key and next time I winterize the coach I will remove the manifold and soak it and see what happens.
1998 U295 36ft build 5236
 
  Full timing just got better with a Foretravel

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #8 –
Sorry for no picture - I'll get one.  My Manabloc got a crack and I ended up replacing it entirely with pvc valves and pex tubing mimicking the Manabloc design.  It works fine, sections can be replaced if needed AND I am getting better water pressure.
Larry Rubin
2004 U295 38' build 6278
2014 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #9 –
I posted some info a while back here: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping  I ended finding a new in box similar style on ebay and bought it for a spare as a shotgun approach (I was able to repair my exisiting).

All the parts are the same except I could not find the double bottom piece the FT uses to connect the hot water side of the manifold to the drain used for winterizing.
1998 U270 34'
 

Re: Water system manifold

Reply #10 –
the water manifold with my 2000 is plastic, however the front face turns with the little square (for the black wrench)  therefore not wanting to break mine off I used a pair of pliers to turn the coloured face to allow the valve to do it's job.
2000  42 U320 DGFE full body paint/modified front lower cap, Build# 5742
2004 C-RV Toad
Tom and Mary, Trouble & Mr. Pants