What is the purpose of a manifold in plumbing or piping systems?

The purpose of a manifold in plumbing or piping systems is to join several piping or tubing runs. Manifolds achieve this by acting as a central hub that distributes fluid, gas, or other materials to various outlets or branches in the system. This makes it easier to manage flow rates and ensures that multiple lines can share a common source.

Manifolds simplify the piping layout and often help in balancing pressure across different lines. They can be particularly useful in systems where multiple connections are required, such as heating, cooling, or water distribution applications. By providing a centralized point for distribution, manifolds improve the efficiency of the system and facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting.