brass valve sizing for PEX

[juddspaintballs]

I'm using 1" PEX all around for my complete installation, where I'll be doubling lines for supply and return underground for a cross sectional area of just slightly more than 1.25" lines for less money. I was comparing brass valves and 1" PEX last night at Lowes while I was putting together black iron fittings for a propane tank into air tank conversion. It would appear that the ID of 1" PEX is approximately the same ID as 3/4" brass ball valves. Would there be any real benefit to using 1" brass valves on 1" PEX if 1" PEX ID is closer to 3/4" ID? Using the smaller valves would save me a significant amount of money since I'm going to install about 2 dozen valves in my setup.

 

[in hot water]

But you will need to by adapters, two per valve to get from the 3/4 valve, sweat or IP, l to 1" pex. I think buying 1" valves with the pex adapters built into them would be the best bet.

hr

 

[juddspaintballs]

i'll only need one adapter for most of the valves since the vast majority of them will be right at the boiler or part of my manifolds.

 

[in hot water]

Can you find a fitting to get from a 3/4 ball valve to 1" pex in one step? If it is an affordable solution, go for it. Look for a 100% full port valve, sometimes the home center valves are smaller opening type, maybe 80%.

hr

 

[RobC]

When all said and done would you be better off buying premade manifolds? Some include temp gauges and flow meters for balancing.

 

[juddspaintballs]

When all said and done would you be better off buying premade manifolds? Some include temp gauges and flow meters for balancing.

I've looked at pre-made manifolds. I found nothing I liked the last time I looked, but I was searching for something with a 1.25" main body and 1" outlets. Perhaps I could find something with 3/4" outlets that I would like though. I'll do some more research.