Flexible wiring for a faucet is an element that connects a plumbing fixture to a water supply. The reliability of this connection largely determines the normal water supply at the water intake point. Traditionally, wiring elements are included in the mixer set for sale; their absence should alert the buyer. All reputable manufacturers supply mixing devices together with a connection kit.
On the modern market today there are four types of flexible wiring for the mixer:
- Rubber hose with metal braid.
- Bellows wiring in a steel ring pipe format.
- Polyethylene pipe with pressed connecting components.
- Nickel-plated copper pipe with flared ends.
All flexible wiring options are designed to ensure normal water supply and differ in their own characteristics.
The main types of connections for connecting plumbing equipment
After the pipes have been laid out, plumbing fixtures should be connected to the water supply system. This category of devices includes mixers and taps, which are used to supply and shut off water.
Flexible hose is a rubber hose with a metal braid, equipped with connectors on both sides
Flexible hose is a rubber hose with a metal braid, equipped with connectors on both sides
These components ensure normal functioning:
- showers;
- urinals and toilets;
- bidet;
- dishwashers and washing machines;
- water heaters and other equipment.
All of these devices cannot be connected directly to the central water supply system, so an intermediate connecting element is used in the form of a flexible or rigid connection for the toilet and other plumbing fixtures. Each option has its own specifics and also has certain advantages and disadvantages.
Mixer installation
A tube with an external thread must be screwed onto the base of the mixer body, which will pass through the countertop or sink. The tubes of all three connections must be passed through a plastic nut. If this is not done in advance, then after installing the mixer, large liner fittings will not fit into the nut hole and everything will have to be disassembled and started over.
Next, we make a hole for the faucet in the countertop or sink. On some sink models, the hole is made by the manufacturer. On many others, the user can decide for himself where the tap will be located, on the right or left. EcologyStone artificial stone sinks come with a cutter for making holes.
We put the cutter in a screwdriver or drill and drill a hole in the sink or countertop.
Next, we place the rubber gasket on the base of the mixer and secure it in the resulting hole. To do this, first screw in the three liner tubes from below, and then tighten the black plastic nut. In the figure, the countertop (sink) is shown schematically in section so that you can see what should happen.
Next, we screw an adapter to the line that is connected to the drinking water tap, at the other end of which there is a standard fitting for connecting the line with clean water from the filter.
Advantages and disadvantages of using hard eyeliner
This type of eyeliner is characterized by rigidity. When connecting the mixer to the system using this design, the connection is stationary. The rigid liner is presented in the form of a metal pipe with a chrome coating. An exception is copper products, which do not have a protective layer, since harmful bacteria and mold do not multiply on their surface.
Rigid liner has a long service life, which is about 20 years
Note! It is not always possible to use a flexible faucet connection for connection. GOST clearly establishes that the operating pressure in the apartment pipeline should not exceed 4 bar. Most products can withstand this load. Some particularly resistant options can handle pressures of up to 10 bar. However, not all of them are designed for high temperatures. When using hard eyeliner, this problem does not exist.
Advantages of a rigid connection for a mixer:
- Excellent decorative qualities and classic design.
- Ability to withstand high temperatures and temperature changes.
- Resistance to aggressive chemicals.
- High safety margin.
- Resistant to corrosion damage.
- Long service life (up to 20 years).
The disadvantages of rigid structures include the high price, as well as a rather complex installation scheme. Since during the installation process all elements are in a stationary position, assembling such a connection may be accompanied by certain difficulties.
Due to the smooth surface, keeping the eyeliner clean is not a problem
The length of the tubes should be selected very carefully. If the direction of the water outlets is not vertical, you will have to change it. For these purposes, curved fittings are used. In addition, a fixed connection creates additional difficulties in the process of repair and maintenance of cranes. Therefore, buyers prefer flexible connection options.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a flexible water line
Installing rigid steel pipes is a labor-intensive process that results in a bulky and heavy metal structure. Installation of flexible products does not require significant effort. At the same time, the reliability of the system and the quality of connections do not suffer at all.
Flexible hoses for kitchen faucets and other connection points have many beneficial advantages:
- Safety and convenient operating system.
- The tightness of the structure, which is achieved through the use of high-quality materials for the manufacture of these products.
- Installing and dismantling the liner does not require special skills, knowledge or professional equipment. Even an inexperienced person can handle this work.
- Vibration resistance. Flexible connections are not afraid of water hammer.
- If used properly, the service life of the products is quite long.
- Flexible hoses are able to function normally over a wide temperature range.
The technical characteristics of stainless steel allow the use of braided steel in almost all water intake units
Unlike rigid structures, the position of flexible connections can be changed and moved relative to the mixer.
Important! Any manipulations with a flexible liner must be done very carefully, otherwise the structure may be damaged.
Disadvantages of flexible hoses for faucets:
- Flexible products are afraid of mechanical loads and are easily subject to deformation changes, so they cannot be twisted, bent or pulled too much. Otherwise, the service life of the eyeliner will be significantly reduced.
- Flexible hoses must not be installed near open flame sources.
- If water is supplied to different rooms at the same time, the supply line may make unpleasant noise due to vibrations occurring in the pipes.
The main disadvantage of aluminum braids is their low corrosion resistance
In addition, the metal components that are present in the connecting device are susceptible to corrosion over time. Some types of flexible products react sensitively to high temperatures. If the water in the pipe is too hot, a leak may occur.
What to consider when connecting pipes to the mixer
- It is important to remember the height of the faucet above the bathtub. The location of the corner fittings for a new faucet depends on the length of the spout. If it is needed only to fill the bathtub, it can be installed low above its edge. If the faucet has a long spout, it needs to be fixed much higher.
- If external installation of pipes is planned, then the walls are tiled first. Water inlets are attached to the wall and aligned horizontally at a distance of 150 mm between their centers.
- If the pipes are laid through a wall, then you need to take into account not only the placement of the fitting at a certain depth, but also the angle of inclination of the mixer to the tiled wall. In this regard, the central axis of the water socket thread must be positioned at an angle of 90° relative to the wall.
- Particular attention must be paid to aligning the corners. To do this, a calibrated tube is screwed into the water socket, the end of which has a thread. You need to pay attention to the inclination of the tube relative to the horizontal line, which is marked on the side wall according to the building level, and set the angle of vertical inclination. The horizontal tilt angle is set according to a line on the floor, which is drawn using a construction angle relative to the plane of the installation surface. It is impossible to set the corners correctly without using construction tools.
Buying high-quality flexible eyeliner: product prices and recommendations for selection
Manufacturers offer flexible hoses, which are designed separately for cold and hot water. It is impossible to confuse such connections, since the braid on them is made in the corresponding color. There are also universal options that are marked in both blue and red.
Prices for hoses for faucets with a diameter of 1/2″
| Name and type of connection | Length, cm | price, rub. |
| Cost of a stainless steel braided hose | ||
| Connector with fitting nut | 20 | 125 |
| 30 | 143 | |
| 40 | 160 | |
| 50 | 173 | |
| 60 | 182 | |
| 80 | 196 | |
| 120 | 200 | |
| 150 | 230 | |
| Cost of stainless steel bellows hoses | ||
| Connector with two nuts | 40 | 186 |
| 50 | 203 | |
| 60 | 219 | |
| 80 | 252 | |
| Flexible connection for faucet with long fitting | 40 | 173 |
| 50 | 189 | |
| Flexible hose with shortened fitting | 120 | 289 |
In addition, additional parts are used to connect plumbing equipment using a flexible hose, including:
- flexible hose extensions for faucets;
- sealing gaskets ensuring a reliable threaded connection;
- faucets, etc.
Before installing a flexible hose, you should definitely find out the nominal operating pressure and water temperature in the water supply system
They are used to install a coupling, adapter and other components on a water pipe.
Helpful advice! Experienced craftsmen recommend using sealant paste and flax tow instead of FUM tape for joining. These materials reduce the risk of leakage.
During operation, flexible wiring sometimes leaks and undergoes deformation changes. Most often, problems arise for the following reasons:
- the braid on the hose is of poor quality or is crimped too loosely;
- the installation of plumbing fixtures was carried out using low-quality components (bushings, nuts, fittings);
- the product or part of it is made of low quality materials.
It is better to buy flexible wiring in specialized stores
For this reason, when choosing products, it is very important to pay special attention to the quality of the eyeliner and its components, as well as the reliability of the manufacturer.
The best manufacturers of flexible water connections for faucets
To make it easier to choose high-quality faucets and connections for their connection, it is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the list of the best manufacturers.
For example, the German brand ProFactor has been on the market for more than 50 years. During this time, its products managed to earn a positive reputation among consumers, demonstrating the highest quality. All ProFactor products are popular with customers.
The products of other German brands are no less in demand on the market. Hansgrohe, a manufacturer of flexible faucet connections, was founded in 1901. This company produces plumbing fixtures, drainage systems, faucets, showers and bathroom accessories. These products are manufactured in five factories and supplied worldwide (more than 140 countries).
For long-lasting operation, it is recommended to choose flexible hoses from reliable, trusted manufacturers
Flexible hoses for Grohe faucets also deserve attention. This brand appeared on the market in 1936. The company's production facilities are located in Germany (3 factories), as well as in Thailand and Portugal. The products of this company account for about 8% of the total world market.
Interesting fact! Hansgrohe and Grohe are owned by members of the same family (father and son) and produce similar products. However, each of them has its own marketing policy. Grohe appeared on the Russian market much earlier, but Hansgrohe is in great demand abroad and is of higher quality.
The Italian company Remer has provided worthy competition to German brands. Russian consumers know these products very well and trust them. The high quality of products is ensured due to the fact that the company carefully monitors the production process at every stage.
The Russian company Santrade was also among the best manufacturers, although it occupies an ambiguous position in this list. The fact is that the company produces products in different price categories. Budget options are not of high quality, while expensive models are noted by buyers as reliable and durable. That's why consumer opinions are so different.
The German brand ProFactor, which also produces eyeliners, has earned a positive reputation among consumers
In the list of the best manufacturers, it is worth noting Spain represented by the Industrials Mateu brand. This company exercises strict control over its own products. In addition, a scientific research approach is applied to production, so the eyeliners meet international quality standards.
How to choose the diameter of a flexible liner based on its type
Flexible water supply consists of rubber hoses in metal or nylon braid and a bellows connection. The flexible water connection has two nozzles (one at each end of the hose), which provide the ability to connect according to the principle of fitting-to-fitting, nut-to-nut and fitting-to-nut to pipes with a diameter of 1, 1/2, 3/4 and 3/8 inches. The internal diameter of the flexible line affects the throughput of the hose.
A flexible hose in a metal or nylon braid is a hose made of ethylene propylene rubber (non-toxic rubber), braided on the outside with stainless steel or nylon thread. This braid protects the hose from water hammer and increases its mechanical resistance.
The material used in the production of flexible hoses is safe for health (non-toxic), therefore it is often used in drinking water supply systems. This eyeliner is resistant to high temperatures up to +95 degrees Celsius. These characteristics allow it to be used in heating systems and hot water supply.
The high mechanical resistance of the flexible hose allows it to withstand hydraulic shocks (working water pressure up to 20 atm). Depending on the required water flow, the diameter of the flexible line (flow area) may be different. In water supply systems, a liner with an internal diameter of 8 mm is most often used. The blue thread in the braid indicates the possibility of its use in cold water supply systems, and the red thread indicates the possibility of its use in hot water supply systems.
The stainless steel sleeve provides a secure connection between the metal braided hose and the nickel-plated brass sleeve. For more convenient installation of this type of liner, there are two types of fittings equipped with gaskets for a tight connection: a threaded fitting (for a reliable connection with the internal thread on the connected equipment) or union nuts (for connection to a pipe with an external thread). When installing flexible hoses in a metal winding, it is recommended to use hoses no longer than 2.5 m. The service life is no more than 5 years.
When purchasing flexible eyeliner, you need to carefully inspect the products. The presence of dents, bulges and other defects on the nut and winding is not allowed. The braiding threads must be smooth, without protrusions, etc. The fitting elements must be aligned with the hose. The sealing gasket should not wrinkle or become detached. Defects on the decorative coating are also unacceptable. When selecting a product, ask for a product passport and specify the warranty period. If possible, purchase eyeliner only from authorized dealers.
Bellows liner is a sleeve (hose) made of stainless steel in the form of a corrugation. To produce this type of liner, a stainless steel strip is twisted into a tube and welded with a laser beam along its entire length, and then compressed into a corrugation. Rolled sleeves are welded to the sleeve. The service life of such a liner is higher than that of a hose with a metal winding and can be up to 25 years. Thanks to the corrugated structure, the bellows liner is able to withstand large pressure drops, water hammer and absorb thermal expansion (it can maintain its properties in the temperature range from -50 ° C to + 250 ° C).
During operation, microcracks form on the metal due to alternating pressure, which contributes to destruction. Under extreme conditions, a protected version is used - a bellows liner in a metal braid. It is easy to install, has excellent flexibility and does not interfere with the flow area (at least 11 bends per point).
In addition to the advantages, bellows eyeliner also has disadvantages. When using water supply in the bathroom and kitchen at the same time, vibration and humming of the corrugated hose is heard, which increases with increasing water pressure. For this reason, it is recommended to select a flexible liner with a larger diameter. For high water consumption, it is recommended to use a 3/4 inch flexible hose diameter. Another way to combat vibration and hum is to use a plastic-coated bellows, which also protects the corrugation from damage.
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