Flexible hose for the faucet

Today, most people choose exactly the flexible version of the faucet inlets. In our material, we will try to examine in detail this element of plumbing, as well as to understand the reasons for its popularity.

To the positive sides, which the flexible supply line has, we can include:

• Safety in the process of operation;
• Reliable service of the product at its high quality;
• Flexible system is easy to use, it is much more practical than its rigid counterpart;
• Serves long enough;
• It is easy to install and remove from the mixer. In fact, it requires only a couple of tools;
• Actually, the product is flexible, and therefore allows you to carry out various manipulations with it - to move on different sides of the mixer, without fear of damage;
• Flexible hoses are easy to hide when installing recessed faucets. By placing them in a special box inside the wall. This allows you to make the interior more organic, hide unnecessary elements.

Still, it is impossible to call a flexible underwater line an ideal solution, because it has certain disadvantages.

• Bends, tension and twists are not allowed, which lead to failure of the product, possible leaks and flooding;
• It is impossible to use them if there is an open source of flame nearby;
• The flexible hose is not suitable for very hot water;
• The metal braid will oxidize over time, corrosion can begin to occur;
• If it is a bellows hose, the water will hum in it when using water in different rooms at the same time.

Now there are two varieties of flexible hoses, which are used when connecting to faucets:

• Flexible rubber hoses encased in a steel braid;
• Bellows hoses, which have better connections.

Rubber variants are made quite easily, which positively affects the final cost of products. Therefore, they are widely distributed among our consumers. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers produce anti-vibration hoses. Their peculiarity is the larger diameter of the hose. Thus it is possible to avoid unnecessary noise and vibrations, which appear as a result of pumping systems inside household appliances or water utilities. Bellows liners, which have better connections.

Bellows liners are made in the form of a corrugated hose made of high quality metal. Their sleeves are rolled up and welded to sleeves. Each element that comes in contact with water, is made of stainless steel. Alas, in our country only imported versions are available, that is why their cost is much higher. Read more about them in the article about bellows-type connecting pipes..

Let us acquaint you with several useful recommendations that will allow you to choose the right flexible hose for your faucet.

• Study the label carefully, check the specifications of the device, read the manufacturer. All of them should match your requirements and the plumbing you use.
• Check to see if the eyeliner feels very light.. If it does, then it is likely that the material used for the braid is aluminum, and that the fittings are made of low-grade metal. Over time, these elements will simply collapse.
• Never buy a product if its connector is made of plastic .. This is the worst option that can only exist on the market.
• Check the supply line for "oakiness" .. That's why it's flexible, to be flexible. Lack of elasticity indicates poor quality hose. Over time it will crack or burst inside.
• Make sure the fittings are properly pressed and the tubing is fully inserted.Make sure the fittings are properly compressed, the tubes are fully inserted and the compression sleeves are made of stainless steel.
• Take a close look at the packing nuts.. Sometimes they can be too light or too thin. The lightness indicates that the fitting can be plastic, or the nut is simply made of low-grade metal. This causes leaks. The best option is nickel-plated brass. You can check whether it is used or fake by a simple scratch.
• Smell the supply line.. For all the comicality of the advice, it will give a lot to understand about the product. The presence of a pungent smell indicates the use of technical rubber, dangerous to your health. As a rule, such phenomena are characteristic of cheap eyeliners and faucets.
• Purpose. Each tap has its own specialty, so to speak. There are products for hot water, cold water, as well as universal models. This is denoted, respectively, by a red or blue braid. As for the universal variants, both colors should be present there.

Over time, the eyeliner can give weakness, provoking the appearance of certain problems. There are popular reasons why the device fails:

• Weak or poorly made crimp in the braid;
• Poor quality fittings and accessories such as nuts, sleeves, connectors;
• The use of rubber and braid materials for the hose of low grade.

Such problems, as practice shows, arise when purchasing products from dubious sellers and untested manufacturers. But recently such situations are becoming less and less.

The explanation is simple enough. Manufacturers, in an effort to gain the trust and favor of customers, improve the quality of products, use better raw materials. As a result, now most of the hose is made of specially treated rubber, nuts and sleeves - from brass, and the braids are made of steel, which is not subject to corrosion and not afraid of water.

Modern fittings have eliminated the weak point of the flexible type - seals. Now, a number of products do not include seals, as the connection fully replaces them.

Once you understand the varieties of flexible hoses, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, you can proceed with the installation.

To do this, follow the step-by-step instructions. It is not necessary to involve professionals. The work is simple and can be done in minutes.

• Turn off the water system. And make sure that you shut off both the hot and cold water.
• Remove the flexible connection that was used before. It is enough to remove the union nut or the nipple, depending on the faucet model.
• Purchased flexible lines are checked for quality, installed in place of the removed. Seal for the nut on the supply nut is not required, as there is a special rubber gasket.
• Do not overtighten the grommet, make sure that the length is long enough to avoid tension during operation.
• Put the nut on, tighten, but don't overtighten. Excessive strain can cause breakage.
• Turn on the water and check the new mixer element in operation.

It is imperative to take into account the fact that the supply lines are under constant strain. They occupy the working area of the pipeline.

This entails a potential hazard. If you are away from home for a long time, the water pressure can increase, the product will not withstand the stress, burst. As a result, you will flood yourself and the neighbors. The consequences of eliminating the consequences is hard, long and financially expensive.

As you can see, the flexible hose has its undeniable advantages, but it is also characterized by disadvantages. In fact, the main reason why there is no full-fledged confidence in flexible systems is the use of many products of poor quality.

Trying to save money on the arrangement of the water supply system often entails much more serious financial losses. It makes no sense to blame the manufacturers of cheap supply lines, because you are responsible for the repairs of your home. Do not spare money, buy once the quality product. The supply line, in turn, will answer you with a long and reliable service.