Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Topic: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping (Read 13556 times) previous topic - next topic

Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

April 17, 2015, 11:02:44 pm

Didn't any manabloc manifold leaking before winterizing, BUT I do see history of where it was dripping in the past due to some corrosion. I'm looking on amazon and other places and a replacement isn't that much. I just want to make sure it fits right in.

It may also be some o-rings. Has anybody ever taken the manabloc apart or replaced one?

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #1 – April 17, 2015, 11:11:23 pm

Looks like my system will be "Vanguard Manabloc" from what I see on eBay of older ones.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #2 – April 17, 2015, 11:25:51 pm

Oh, my guess is freeze damage, like this guy: MXBD1B-14C2 Manabloc Manifold - Beaver Maintenance - Gallery - FMCA Motorhome...

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #3 – April 18, 2015, 12:05:57 am

I haven't taken our manibloc apart (hasn't leaked so far... Where is the emoticon for fingers crossed???

) , but I have removed it from the compartment while rebuilding the bulkhead joint and utility bay. You probably already know, but it is a series of stacked valves which are held together with some all thread and a and a sheet metal backing plate. As you suggest, I think each valve block is sealed to the next with an "O" ring. I would guess that individual valve blocks are replaceable if the parts are available. There are also different manifolds which might even be an upgrade such as those used for radiant floor heating where each valve isolates a zone. I have considered this option, but have no reason to pursue as yet.
Don

Quote from: krush – April 17, 2015, 11:02:44 pm

Didn't any manabloc manifold leaking before winterizing, BUT I do see history of where it was dripping in the past due to some corrosion. I'm looking on amazon and other places and a replacement isn't that much. I just want to make sure it fits right in.

It may also be some o-rings. Has anybody ever taken the manabloc apart or replaced one?

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #4 – April 18, 2015, 09:56:08 am

I have plastic (of some sort) distribution and return manifolds in our in-floor heat system at home. One began leaking. The service fellow got out a torque wrench and tightened the four bolts that connect the stack of individual segments to whatever the spec was. Then he did the one that was not leaking. Both were not up to spec. Leak stopped, hasn't returned.

If you can get at the through bolts try tightening them up. A torque wrench will keep the tension in the four bolts uniform.

Amazon has lots of Manabloc assemblies of every size plus every fitting you can think of.

Multi-port manifold

Viega 1/2" Zero Lead PEX Compression ManaBloc - 14 Ports - 6 Hot, 8 Cold...

Parts

Amazon.com: viega manabloc: Tools & Home Improvement

Hope this helps

Roger

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Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #5 – April 18, 2015, 01:51:14 pm

I think I got it fixed. Pulled it apart and replaced some o-rings. looks like somebody rigged it up before. One end piece is cracked, but I flipped it over. I'll post some pictures later.

IF YOU HAVE A LEAK, DO NOT KEEP TIGHTENING BOLTS. You'll likely just crack stuff and not fix the leak.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #6 – April 18, 2015, 02:38:17 pm

I just replaced mine. If you search Manabloc on the forum, you will find a thread from about 3 years ago. Mine now looks almost exactly like the picture in the thread. Got all the parts from Supplyhouse.com--mentioned in the thread. You will need a crimp tool and a crimp removal tool. about 20 elbows and a few straight connectors, Mine was freeze damage from operator error in late Dec. Buy the kit with the top and bottom connectors. You will need about 50 crimp rings (cheapest at Supplyhouse) by the time you practice and redo a few crimps. I went ahead and made a water heater bypass from the old parts. You will also need about 4-5 feet of Pex. I used tape to make mine the right color. Use at least 5 wraps of teflon tape on the top and bottom connectors where the NPT brass threads mate together. Don't use any on any Manabloc connection. The special wrench is handy. Don't put your labels on until you are all done. They are not very water resistant.

Rich

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #7 – April 19, 2015, 12:14:34 am

Krush is correct about over tightening these plastic manifolds. But if the bolts are not tight use a torque wrench and tighten them to spec. Even if you are disassembing them, replacing o-rings, cleaning and lubing the o-rings with silicon grease or replacing blocks you should tighten the bolts to a specified torque.

Roger

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #8 – April 09, 2017, 10:26:46 am

I realize this is an old thread but I need a little Manabloc help.

With some help from Krush I'm going to try and rebuild my leaking Manabloc. Not wanting to tear up the fittings when I remove them I need one of the wrenches, but when I went to order one just now it appears there are a number of reviews saying that
the wrench is too small for the older Manabloc fittings.

Has anyone had a problem as described? My unit is 14 years old now, and I'm not sure what the reviewer meant by older models.
Also, I can't find any reference on the board here as to O-ring sizes. Krush tried to help me but I can't find a post anywhere about O-rings. I guess I can pull one out and match it up, but I am just trying to get the parts I need lined up now allowing for minimum down-time.

Maybe one of these would work; Master Plumber 321-334 Mini Strap Wrench, Adjusts To 2-Inch Pipe Capacity,...

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Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #9 – April 09, 2017, 07:37:04 pm

Where is your manifold dripping?

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #10 – April 09, 2017, 07:56:44 pm

It appears to be leaking from just above the bottom left all-thread, from between the stacked plastic pieces.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #11 – April 11, 2017, 12:27:54 am

The reason I asked about where the leak was, we had a leak, but it was from a different place. We have not had a leak between valve layers. I assume there is an O-ring or other type of gasket between each layer. And I guess tightening bottom nuts did not fix the leak.

We had a leak from the brass screw-on large bottom connector from a failing rubber gasket. We hand-made a new gasket which fixed that leak.

Then we had a crack in one of the odd-shaped bottom PVC-looking lower connections, where we fixed that crack with sealer / crack filler that has been holding for many years.

We did call Manibloc and they sent me a new valve and improved turning handle, all for no-cost to us.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #12 – April 11, 2017, 05:29:25 pm

Just contacted Viega (manobloc) and they are sending free of charge the old style(black) key as I could only get the red one. Heading to Kerrville Sunday.
John

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #13 – April 12, 2017, 06:56:35 pm

I need some info concerning the tan PVC adaptors with a brass threaded couplings that allow the PEX to be connected to the top and bottom of the Manabloc (four in all).

Are they proprietary from Viega or can I get some at a plumbing supply house?

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #14 – April 12, 2017, 07:12:05 pm

T-Man, I have not seen anything like that in a plumbing store so think it is custom for their application.
I could be wrong as I seem to remember it happening once before

and am sure someone will say so if they know it is available.
JohnH

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #15 – April 12, 2017, 07:42:05 pm

Oh Boy, I hope they'll sell me some.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #16 – April 12, 2017, 07:55:53 pm

Those fittings are something FT dreamed up. When I replaced the Manabloc I got the Pex tubing adapters.

MANABLOC Replacement

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #17 – April 12, 2017, 11:48:06 pm

I want to say the o-ring size 22 sticks in my head. I had a harbor frieight kit of orings and one of the sizes fit really well. Let me go dig through my stuff and see if I can figure out the size from the empty space in the box!

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #18 – April 13, 2017, 09:41:21 am

Anxiously awaiting your info Krush.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #19 – April 13, 2017, 11:06:23 am

T Man, look at this link from previous post of Michelle and maybe this will replace the plastic part.
John
50631 - Viega 50631 - MANABLOC Wrench For Compression Lock-in Nuts

then scroll down to show other parts and on right is a brass fitting

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #20 – April 13, 2017, 09:42:02 pm

Quote from: Travelin' Man – April 13, 2017, 09:41:21 am

Anxiously awaiting your info Krush.

I went down and checked the kit I took the o-rings from. It appears that R22 is the size I used. I'm pretty sure that is them, because a bunch are missing. Picture on box says R22 is (AS568 #217) ID: 1 3/16 OD: 1 7/16 Section: 1/8 I think kit was from harbor freight...red box of like 20 sizes about 10 of each.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #21 – April 13, 2017, 10:08:36 pm

Thanks John and Krush.

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #22 – April 14, 2017, 05:25:03 pm

I have all the parts I need to rebuild the Manabloc with the exception of the replacement conical rubber washers like in the picture.

Are they specific to an RV supply house, and what are they called?

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #23 – April 14, 2017, 05:40:57 pm

Quote from: Travelin' Man – April 14, 2017, 05:25:03 pm

I have all the parts I need to rebuild the Manabloc with the exception of the replacement conical rubber washers like in the picture.

Are they specific to an RV supply house, and what are they called?

Nope, not specific. They're PEX rubber cone washers. Should be available wherever PEX parts are sold

Re: Manabloc repair/replacement, mine is dripping

Reply #24 – April 14, 2017, 05:49:03 pm

Thanks Michelle.

I tried the Depot & Lowe's to no avail, maybe ACE next.

Happy Easter to you guys.

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