Find out how to install a faucet on a sink: tips from a plumber

Connecting a flexible line: detailed instructions

All plumbing equipment is connected to water pipes using rigid or flexible hoses. Rigid hoses are less preferable, as they require higher precision during selection and do not allow the device to be moved in any direction. You can connect a flexible line to a faucet or other plumbing device yourself.

Connecting the mixer with flexible hoses

What is flexible eyeliner?

The flexible line is a hose protected by a special braid. On one side of the hose there is a crimp sleeve intended for connection to the mixer. On the other side there is a union nut complemented by a rubber gasket. A nut is used to connect the inlet to the outlet of the water pipe.

Components of flexible liner

The liner hose can be made:

For braiding the following can be used:

• aluminum. Hoses with aluminum braid are designed to pass water whose temperature does not exceed 80ºC. Working pressure no more than 5 atmospheres. The average service life of the product is 5 years. The main disadvantage of aluminum-wrapped hoses is their high susceptibility to corrosion when used in rooms with high humidity;
• stainless steel. The service life of such a product increases to 10 years. At the same time, the flexible liner can withstand water temperatures up to 95ºС and pressure up to 10 atmospheres;

Flexible hose with stainless steel braid

• nylon. The hose with nylon braid has a long service life (up to 15 years). Installation is possible at water temperatures up to 110ºС and pressure up to 20 atmospheres. The cost of such products is higher than other types;

Flexible eyeliner with nylon braid

• galvanized wire. Hoses are characterized by high flexibility and low price, but at the same time they have a short service life;
• one-piece corrugated hose (bellows connection). The eyeliner is quite strong and durable. It is characterized by high cost.

Liner with braided solid corrugated hose

Choice of eyeliner

If you need to replace the flexible hose, then first of all you need to choose the right hose to connect the mixer. When choosing, you need to rely on the following factors:

• purpose of the eyeliner. On sale you can find hoses for connecting cold and hot water, as well as universal products. The cold water liner is wrapped with blue thread. For hot water - red thread. The universal eyeliner has inclusions of both blue and red threads;

Connection suitable for connecting both cold and hot water

• hose parameters. When selecting parameters, it is necessary to determine the type of connection of the line to the mixer and water pipe (nut, fitting, etc.), as well as the type and size of the thread. Threads can be internal or external. Thread sizes range from ½” to 1 ½”. At the next stage, the length of the hose is selected. To make the connection as reliable as possible, it is necessary to eliminate the possibility of tension on the hose. To do this, you need to choose a device whose length is slightly greater than the distance from the mixer to drain the pipe;

Selection of eyeliner according to connection type

• material for making fittings and nuts. Brass is more reliable and durable. Connecting elements can also be made of aluminum (over time, the material becomes rusty and becomes unusable) or plastic (highly susceptible to mechanical stress);
• the hose must be sufficiently elastic. If, when holding the hose by one end, the hose assumes a hanging position, then this indicator is normal. If the hose takes a horizontal position, then the elasticity of the product is small;
• there should be no visible damage on the winding, nuts and fittings, which will lead to a reduction in the service life of the product.

When replacement is necessary

It is necessary to change the hose if:

• The flexible line broke. Breakage of the braid or rupture of the internal hose will lead to the formation of a leak and, as a result, flooding of the room. The causes of leakage may be high pressure in the system or mechanical impact;

Loss of tightness of the connecting hose

• A flexible hose leak was detected at the junction with the mixer or water pipe. The causes of leakage may be natural wear of the gasket or a crack in the fitting (nut).

Leak at the hose connection

Flexible line replacement process

To install a flexible water supply to connect a mixer, you must:

1. turn off the water supply. This can be done using a tap installed in the apartment;
2. open the mixer taps to drain the remaining liquid;
3. Using an adjustable wrench or a wrench corresponding to the diameter of the union nut, unscrew the hose from the water pipe. If the connection point is rusty and the hose does not unscrew, then you should not make any effort to remove the liner. In this case, a solvent or WD 40 liquid is applied to the rust, which removes plaque;

Disconnecting a flexible hose from a water pipe

1. remove the mixer.
   To do this, it is necessary to loosen the nuts securing the device; Places for fixing the mixer to the plumbing equipment

1. disconnect the hoses from the mixer with an adjustable wrench;
2. connect new connecting hoses to the mixer and install the device in its original place. If the fastening on the hose does not correspond to the connector on the faucets, then additional adapters are installed. When installing the adapter, it is important to take care of the tightness of the connection, which is made using FUM tape or linen thread;

Installing flexible hoses on the mixer

1. Attach the supply hoses to the outlet of the water pipe.

1. When you turn on the water for the first time, it is recommended to check the flexible hose and connection points for leaks. The average inspection time is 20 – 30 minutes.

The process of replacing connecting hoses is presented in the video.

Replacing flexible hoses yourself is not a problem. The main thing is to choose the right hose that meets all the parameters.

Source: https://vse-o-trubah.ru/podkluchenie-gibkoj-podvodki.html

Some advantages of flexible pipe

The use of flexible connections makes the water distribution system simple and uncluttered. Simple connection does not exclude long-term operation. The flexible pipe can be from 20 cm to 5 m in length, its internal diameter is from ½ inch to 1½ inch. The use of a flexible hose for water supply allows you to:

• obtain a tight connection;
• save interior space in your home by installing plumbing fixtures or household appliances;
• if necessary, move installed equipment, for example, a washing machine;
• do not use a welding machine when connecting household appliances or plumbing fixtures;
• do not be afraid of vibrations and minor damage;
• do not be afraid of water hammer;
• install the necessary equipment or technology on your own, without resorting to the services of an outside specialist;

By using a flexible pipe, you don’t have to worry that it will soon have to be replaced. When properly installed and used, it is reliable, looks attractive and will last a long time.

Flexible connection for the mixer: how not to get confused when choosing

Flexible connection to the mixer is one of the most common elements used for the installation of plumbing fixtures. There are a huge number of different flexible hoses on the market, which makes choosing the right part difficult.

We would like to help you understand the ins and outs of liners, especially if you intend to install the faucet yourself.

Purpose

Connectors made of flexible material are used to connect various plumbing fixtures to water pipes.

By and large, the scope of application of these products is much wider; they are actually seen in arbitrary pipelines:

• gas,
• technical,
• automobile, etc.

But within the framework of our article, we are looking at only the plumbing segment of their application.

So, a flexible lead is used to connect the following devices:

• Taps and mixers;
• Boilers;
• Shower cabins;
• Washing cars;
• Dishwashers;
• Pumps and pumping stations;
• Gas water heaters and boilers;
• Toilets, bidets, toilet installations.

Why has this type of pipe become so widespread? Everything is quite simple: using a flexible hose, it is possible to connect any device without connecting steel or plastic pipes exactly to the connection point, since for this you often have to not only cut and weld metal, but also tap the walls.

Along with this, each inaccuracy will lead to the fact that the work will need to be redone or the device moved, which is very undesirable.

In addition, quite often the faucet is connected in hard-to-reach areas, especially in small bathrooms with a clutter of pipes and various devices. The use of a flexible supply eliminates all such troubles, since it can be laid virtually anywhere and along the most winding route.

At the repair stage, you just need to remove the water sockets from the wall or floor near the intended installation location of the washbasin. After this, you match the length of the liner and connect the mixer to the pipes.

Note! Hoses are prohibited from being used as a replacement for main and distribution pipes. In addition, it is not advisable to use them in heating systems to connect radiators.

Device and materials

The flexible inlet for the mixer is designed quite simply - it is a rubber tube into which fitting bushings are inserted on both sides. From above, the connection between the pipe and the bushing is pressed with steel crimp. In addition, the product has external reinforcement in the form of a braid of iron or polymer wire.

Couplings with internal threads (sleeve nuts) or fittings with external threads are used as fittings.

• Much more often, a nut-fitting assembly (designated g/w) is used to connect the mixer.
• But on sale it is possible to find a nut-nut version (g/g).
• From time to time, fitting-fitting (w/w).

The most common common nut size is ? inches, fitting - M10.

You often see an option with a 1:2 inch fitting; in addition, you come across a 3:8 inch nut (you have to use an adapter fitting to connect it). Models with a long fitting are common and popular among plumbers, since it is more ergonomic to connect them to the mixer from the bottom of the sink.

In high-quality hose models, the fittings are made of plumbing bronze (Cu Zn39 Pb3). It can be pure or nickel plated. The crimp sleeve is made of stainless steel (GOST 08Х18Н10 or AISI 304).

Note! In modern construction stores, you often see products with fittings made of an alloy of silicon and aluminum (silumin). This is an unacceptable option, which can be destroyed even at the installation stage; therefore, it should not be taken.

It is possible to find out what the nut and fitting are made of simply: if you scratch nickel-plated bronze, the bottom of the groove will be yellow. Silumin will remain monochromatic. In addition, aluminum alloy is much lighter than brass.

The hose itself must be made of ethylpropylene rubber (EPDM), a non-toxic rubber approved for transporting drinking water. This material is elastic and can withstand peak pressures of up to 50 atmospheres.

Here, when choosing, you need to smell the product: if it emits a characteristic unpleasant smell of synthetics, it means that the hose is made of technical toxic rubber, which, moreover, easily breaks and crumbles when bent strongly.

The union nut must be equipped with a sealing gasket, and the fitting must be equipped with one or more rings. These gaskets and rings must also be made of ethylpropylene rubber.

The outer braid in conventional products is made of stainless steel or polymer fiber. Such liners last from 8 to 20 years and can withstand operating pressure of 10 – 20 atmospheres.

But on sale there are models with aluminum braiding, and from time to time the reinforcement is made of simple galvanized steel.

Note! Aluminum braiding will last a maximum of 2 - 3 years, steel braiding can rot in just a few days. As a result, the hose may burst, and petty savings on the quality of the liner will cause you a lot of significant trouble.

The length of the eyeliners in most cases ranges from 30 to 200 cm, but if you are thirsty, you can find virtually any size. In addition, flexible connections sometimes include bellows - tubes made of corrugated stainless steel. They are more durable and reliable, but their price is higher.

Note! There are stripes on the braid. light blue - for cold water, red - for warm water, light blue with red - for universal water, yellow - for gas. Low-quality products may not have similar markings.

Installation rules

Despite the fact that the installation instructions for the products are incredibly simple, when connecting them you must follow certain rules:

1. Before connecting, be sure to inspect the product for defects, breaks in the braid, presence of sealing gaskets and rings;
2. When choosing a hose, select a length so that it is not stretched , and the turning radius is at least 5 - 6 of its outer diameters;
3. During installation, bends are not allowed ; instead, it is better to make rings;
4. It is not allowed to twist the tube along the longitudinal axis;
5. The threaded connection of the nut and fitting does not lack sealing with tow or FUM tape ; its role is played by rubber rings and gaskets;
6. The nut is tightened by hand until it stops , then tightened with a wrench half a turn, to a maximum of 270 degrees. Over-tightening risks cutting through the gasket, which leads to leaks.

Note! Receive only high-quality products made from materials that meet the standards. Saving can be very expensive.

Conclusion

The use of flexible connections allows you to connect various plumbing fixtures to the water supply. When installing faucets, they are often completely indispensable, so choosing the appropriate model should be taken seriously, which the video in this article will help you with.

Source: https://uchebniksantehnika.ru/smesiteli/gibkaia-podvodka-dlia-smesitelia-kak-ne-zaputatsia-pri-vybore.html

Areas of application of water liner in everyday life

In apartments and country households of individual houses, rigid and flexible water supply is used for:

• Connections for faucets installed on bathroom and kitchen sinks.
• Supply of cold water to toilets and installations of more complex structures.
• Directions and discharge of water to gas water heating columns.
• When installing pumping equipment and heating systems to connect the hydraulic accumulator of the water supply system, expansion tank of the heating system.
• Water supply complete with equipment for showers and Jacuzzis.
• Water supply to the inlet threaded pipes of household appliances using hoses included with dishwashers and washing machines.

Rice. 2 Use of elastic hoses in water heaters and pumping equipment

Installing a faucet on a sink

Faucets that supplied hot and cold water separately are practically a thing of the past. They have been replaced by faucets that mix cold and hot water by changing the location of the device handle. In our article we will talk about the nuances of installing a faucet on a sink.

The mixer is an integral part of the plumbing system

Choosing the right mixer is the key to long-term and convenient use of the product.

When purchasing a mixer, you should pay attention to:

• the material from which it is made;
• sealing parts;
• spout type

High-quality faucets are made from bronze or brass. Their main difference is the yellow spout neck of the device. If the neck is gray, then the mixer is made of silumin. This material wears out quickly due to corrosion.

The sealing elements must be rubber. The mixer kit must include a split spout spacer ring. Some unscrupulous sellers claim that it does not need to be installed. But that's not true. The absence of a spacer ring will cause the mixer to become loose and leak.

As for the type of spout, it is better to purchase a faucet with a swivel spout for sinks. This is explained by the fact that models whose spout does not turn are inconvenient to use. Often the stream of water hits the edge of the sink or flows down its edge. And you won’t be able to wash your face properly when water is pouring into one point.

Mixer assembly

The main elements of a mixer for large sinks (made of stone or cast iron) are:

• 1-2 stud screws;
• a pressure plate having a rubber gasket;
• nuts

If the sink is made of light stainless steel (for example, a kitchen sink), then a plastic support plate is also used. It is attached between the shell body and between the rubber gasket of the pressure plate. The plastic plate will provide the mixer with a more rigid attachment to the sink.

Mixer assembly

The tightness of the lower nut is first checked. It must be done by hand along the entire thread. After tightening it, the faucet should not wobble on the sink. If this does not happen, then you were given a defective product.

A spacer ring is placed at the base of the spout. It should fit into the groove. The ring is quite tight and may not immediately fit into the hole. To install it in place, it should be squeezed with tweezers near the cut, and the lower part of the spout should be lifted slightly. The click of the ring means it is locked correctly.

Attaching flexible hoses to the mixer

A liner is provided to connect the mixer to the water pipe. It can be rigid (copper tubes with a diameter of 10 mm) or flexible (a metal braided hose equipped with a fitting or union nut). Flexible eyeliner is more convenient.

In order to properly connect the flexible hose to the mixer, you must adhere to the following requirements:

1. It is forbidden to install the liner in a highly tensioned position.
2. To prevent damage and leaks, the connecting elements are not tightened all the way.
3. The eyeliner should be positioned in its natural state, without excessive twisting or kinking.
4. The diameter of the liner should be 5-6 times less than the bending radius.
5. To avoid premature corrosion, it is necessary to connect elements from compatible materials (for example, steel parts are joined to steel products, brass to brass or copper, etc.).

Despite the presence of rubber seals in the fitting, it is necessary to additionally use winding material, which will improve the sealing of the connections. The best solution would be to use sanitary flax and sealant.

Flexible connection to the mixer

Tightening the union nuts should not be accompanied by turning the connection. This process involves holding the crimp sleeve with pliers. When tightening the nuts, you should try to twist the line a little in the opposite direction.

Installation of a faucet on a sink

After fixing the flexible hose, the mounting screws and bottom gasket are installed to seal the mixer. Having done this, you can begin installing the faucet on the sink. The pins are tightened. Depending on the type of construction, a screwdriver or wrench is used. In the second case, the nuts need to be locked.

Flexible hoses attached to the faucet are passed through holes in the sink. Sometimes you may encounter that two union nuts do not fit into the sink hole at the same time. It becomes impossible to lower two flexible hose tubes at once. In this case, one liner tube is passed into the sink, and the second is connected to the mixer through a hole.

The lower fastening of the mixer is being assembled. If the mixer is mounted on a sink with thin walls, then the design is complemented by a plastic support plate. The nuts located on the studs are tightened using an open-end wrench.

The nuts are tightened in such a way as to ensure reliable fastening of the mixer to the sink. It should not move when turning the spout or water handle. But you shouldn’t overdo it with tightening the nuts either, since you can damage the surface of the sink, tear off the nuts and threads on the studs, and also deform the pressure plate.

Connecting a flexible line to the water supply

A completely logical question immediately arises: how can a flexible hose be connected to a water pipe, when tightening the fitting can be accompanied by simultaneous unscrewing of the hose from the mixer body? To avoid this, a liner is used, one of the fittings of which has a left-hand thread (usually it is screwed into the mixer body).

Particular attention is paid to the thread of the water pipe. If it is threaded on a thin or metal pipe that will rust, then a stainless steel protective tip is installed between the union nut and the thread.

Connecting the faucet to the plumbing system

The best solution is when, when connecting the liner to the pipe, the internal thread has a minimum length of within 1.5 cm. The thread should be located on a thick wall, and the elements are screwed in using a winding for sealing.

Sealing rubber gaskets are exposed to hot water, which reduces their service life. But this is not the only reason for their premature wear. During installation, seals must not be turned flat or over-tightened.

The correct assembly of the gaskets is as follows. On one side, the threaded connection of the water pipe is held with an adjustable wrench, and on the other side, the crimp sleeve of the union nut is held with pliers. And only after this the union nut is tightened.

Useful tips

When installing a faucet on a sink, there are a number of nuances that will help carry out this work more efficiently and in a short time. In particular, it can be easier to work with flexible hoses if the hoses have different lengths. During installation work, the fittings on the two connections will not interfere with each other, and they will fit into the hole in the sink one after another.

If a new sink was purchased along with the faucet, then its fastening is carried out on a structure that has not yet been fixed. This will make it more convenient to install the mixer. The sink will be installed with the faucet already installed on it.

When replacing an old mixer, you may encounter the problem of its quality dismantling. Unscrewing the faucet can damage the water pipe, since settled salts often cause tight “sticking” of the connections. This problem is solved with the help of brake fluid, which is used to treat the joint. After 15-20 minutes the mixer will unscrew without problems.

Sometimes it happens when the faucet fastening element has an unsuccessful design. For example, when the fastener consists of a thin pressure plate and a pin, which is shifted to the outer part.

It will not be possible to securely fix such a fastening element, since it will only be properly attached to the sink at one point. As a result, a gap may form in the area opposite this point.

To prevent water seepage, such a gap is sealed with silicone sealant.

about installing the mixer:

Source: https://akvauyut.ru/ustanovka-smesitelya-na-rakovinu/

Preparation for installation

To install the mixer, you need to purchase a complete device. The set includes: body, spout, eccentrics, shower hose and watering can, fasteners, seals. The main thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a device is the distance between the centers of the fittings for connecting the water supply pipes. GOST 25809-96 provides a distance of 100 and 150 mm. Water pipes are not always routed perfectly, so eccentrics are included with the mixer; with their help, you can adjust the distance by 1-2 cm.

Adjusting the center distance using eccentrics.

The only installation tool you will need is an adjustable wrench. And to waterproof the connections you need FUM tape, plumbing flax or thread.

How to install a faucet with your own hands

• Mixer with fasteners;
• 2 flexible eyeliners;
• rags;
• masking tape;
• adjustable wrench.

Turn off the water

‑channel “220 volts”

Before you begin, close the cold and hot water taps on the sink. If there is no separate shut-off valve on the device, turn off the water on the risers.

Place a clean rag in the bowl to prevent accidental falling parts from damaging the coating.

Remove the aerator

‑channel “220 volts”

Remove the aerator from the spout so that it does not become clogged with rust and other possible contaminants from the pipes. To do this, unscrew it counterclockwise using the plastic wrench included in the kit or a regular adjustable wrench.

The jaws of a metal wrench can scratch the finish of the faucet, so it is better to wrap them with masking tape or a rag.

Assemble the faucet

‑channel “220 volts”

As a rule, plumbing fixtures are supplied already assembled. If any of the elements are not connected, install them according to the instructions. Take the mounting pin from the kit and screw it clockwise until it stops into the hole of the appropriate diameter in the bottom of the mixer.

Connect flexible hoses

‑channel “220 volts”

Attach the flexible hose fittings to the faucet by tightening them by hand. First check that O-rings are installed at the ends of the threads. Do not tighten the fittings with a wrench - excessive force may damage the gaskets.

Reinstall the faucet

‑channel “220 volts”

To prevent water from leaking through the body, place the o-ring in the special groove in the base of the faucet.

First thread one flexible hose into the mounting hole of the sink, and then the second. Place the faucet in the designated location.

Secure the faucet

‑channel “220 volts”

Move under the sink. Place a rubber gasket and a crescent-shaped fastening washer onto the stud. Screw the nut on top and tighten it by hand, and then tighten it with a socket wrench.

Before final tightening, make sure that the faucet is installed without distortion.

Connect to water supply

‑channel “220 volts”

Now place the union nuts of the flexible hoses on the fittings of the water sockets or sink taps and tighten them by hand. Tighten the connections with a wrench, but not too much - half a turn or a little more will be enough.

Don't mix up the hoses! According to the standard, hot water should be on the left and cold water on the right.

Check the operation of the mixer

‑channel “220 volts”

To check and flush the system from possible contamination, open the shut-off valves on the device or risers. Run the water and make sure that when you turn the tap, cold and hot flow as expected.

Install an aerator

‑channel “220 volts”

Return the nozzle to its place by screwing it into the mixer by hand in a clockwise direction. Tighten the aerator just a little with a plastic wrench or a regular adjustable wrench. To avoid scratching the chrome plating, the jaws of the key can be wrapped with masking tape.

Try the faucet

‑channel “220 volts”

Take the eccentric couplings from the kit and screw them into the water sockets in the wall. Wrap the fittings four to five turns so that the distance between their centers is 150 mm.

uralsfs channel

Screw the decorative rosettes on top, and then install the faucet and tighten the union nuts by hand. Make sure there are a couple of threads between them and the covers.

uralsfs channel

Check with a bubble level whether the structure is level and, if necessary, adjust its position by screwing in or unscrewing the eccentrics. Measure the exact distance that the couplings protrude from the wall and note it.

Install eccentrics

uralsfs channel

Disassemble the entire structure to finally assemble it with thread sealing. Wind five or six turns of FUM tape clockwise around the thin ends of the eccentrics. Screw the couplings into the wall to the previously measured depth.

Seal joints

uralsfs channel

To prevent water from getting into the gap between the eccentrics and the wall, fill it with silicone sealant. Squeeze the required amount from the tube and gently spread around the couplings.

Install the faucet

uralsfs channel

Screw decorative rosettes onto eccentrics. Install the gaskets into the union nuts of the faucet, and then attach it to the couplings and tighten the nuts. First by hand, then using a wrench about one turn. Check with a level that the mixer is installed horizontally.

Wrap the wrench jaws with masking tape to avoid damaging the coating on the faucet nuts.

Attach the shower head

uralsfs channel

Install the gasket into the union nut of the hose and screw the part onto the corresponding fitting on the mixer. Attach the second, conical end of the tube to the watering can, also not forgetting about the gasket.

Attach the watering can bracket

‑channel “Repair and decoration”

Estimate at what height the shower holder will be located. Apply masking tape in this place, and then attach the bracket and mark the points for the mounting holes with a pencil.

Use a drill to drill holes. First, with a ceramic drill in the tiles, and then with a concrete drill in the wall. Insert dowels into the holes and secure the holder with screws.

Check the operation of the mixer

uralsfs channel

Open the taps on the cold and hot water risers. Make sure the faucet works in all modes, including shower.

Install an aerator

‑channel “220 volts”

After a small amount of water has drained, do not forget to return the faucet nozzle to its place. Screw the aerator by hand and tighten it 10–20 degrees with the special plastic wrench included in the delivery kit. If you don't have such a tool, wrap the jaws of the adjustable wrench with masking tape and use it.

Source: https://Lifehacker.ru/ustanovka-smesitelya/

Selecting a thread sealant

Rewinding is only needed for eccentrics.

The quality of installation of the mixer depends on how reliably the threaded connections are waterproofed. For this purpose use:

• Plumbing linen.
• Plumbing thread.
• FUM tape.

Linen is a time-tested material. Despite the emergence of many other methods of waterproofing, it is still popular among professional plumbers and amateurs. The quality of the seal is at a high level. Correct linen winding does not move when screwed in and is not cut by thread. The external bushing with flax winding can be adjusted in space, but by no more than ¼ turn.

To wind the thread, flax is twisted into a braid. Then they are wound tightly in one layer, so as to hide the thread. The tail of the thread must be clamped with the first turn. The direction of the winding should be opposite to the direction in which the part will be screwed. Then the flax will remain in place when connecting the threaded pair.

The only disadvantage of flax is that it is not slippery enough. It is imperative to use special plumbing lubricants (pastes) with it. They prevent the fibers from being cut when screwed in and allow the flax to crumple tightly along the thread, making the connection as reliable as possible. In addition, it protects flax from destruction under the influence of moisture.

Plumbing thread is a less common material for waterproofing threaded pairs, as it is quite expensive and has specific uses. The thread is wound not along the thread, but crosswise. The tail is also clamped with the first turn. The material is reliable and easy to use, ideal for small jobs. Allows you to twist the connection in the opposite direction up to half a turn.

FUM tape is a popular material among amateurs and professionals, as it is very easy to use and fix on the thread. The tape is wound in several layers - from 3 to 10, depending on the diameter of the threaded pair, the density of the connection without winding and the thickness of the tape itself. The winding should be done from the base of the thread to the edge. The tape is wound along the thread, pulling slightly. The end must be cut, not torn off. FUM tape is quite smooth, so it does not require the use of additional lubricant.

Important! After twisting, the element with a winding made of FUM tape cannot be rotated in the opposite direction. To immediately install the eccentric correctly, you need to tighten it without winding and remember the number of turns and location in space.

Kinds

Now there are two types of flexible hoses that are used when connecting to mixers:

• Flexible rubber hoses encased in steel braiding;
• Bellows connections with higher quality connections.

Flexible braided hoses

Rubber versions are produced quite easily, which has a positive effect on the final cost of the products. That is why they are widespread among our consumers. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers produce anti-vibration liners. Their feature is the larger diameter of the hose. Thus, it is possible to avoid unnecessary noise and vibrations,

which appear as a result of the operation of pumping systems inside household appliances or water supply lines. Bellows connections with higher quality connections.

• Study the label carefully
  , check the characteristics of the device, and familiarize yourself with the manufacturer. All of them must meet your requirements and the plumbing used.
• Check if the eyeliner seems very light
  . If this is so, then most likely the braiding material was aluminum, and the fittings were made of low-grade metal. Over time, such elements will simply collapse.
• Do not under any circumstances buy a product if its fitting is made of plastic
  . This is the worst option that can exist on the market.
• Check the eyeliner for “oakiness”
  . That's why it's flexible, to be elastic. Lack of elasticity indicates poor quality of the hose. Over time, cracks will appear inside it, or it will burst altogether.
• Make sure that the fittings are properly pressed
  , the tubes are fully inserted, and the compression sleeves are made of stainless steel.
• Take a closer look at the union nuts
  . Sometimes they are very light or too thin. Lightness suggests that the fitting may be plastic, or the nut is simply made of low-grade metal. This leads to leaks. The best option is nickel-plated brass. You can check whether it is used or fake by simply scratching it.
• Smell the eyeliner
  . As comical as this advice is, it will tell you a lot about the product. The presence of a pungent odor indicates the use of technical rubber, which is dangerous to your health. As a rule, such phenomena are typical for cheap connections and mixers.
• Purpose.
  Each eyeliner has its own specialty, so to speak. There are products for hot water, cold water, as well as universal models. This is indicated by a red or blue braid, respectively. As for universal options, both colors should be present.

Pros and cons of purchasing a flexible design

As with all things a person purchases, flexible eyeliners have pros and cons.

Let's start our acquaintance with the minuses, which are fewer than the pluses, but they still exist.

Flexible wiring must not be twisted or bent.

1. Do not bend or twist. Will cause flooding or constant water leakage from the hose.
2. Do not use near fire. Although this is rare, it does happen.
3. Not used for high temperature water.
4. Over time, the metal used for the braiding begins to oxidize, causing it to be corroded by rust.
5. If the hose inside the hose is not made of rubber, then there will be a hum in the room where it is used.

There is much more positive. Yes, and the disadvantages can be taken into account if the buyer was not responsible in the selection and installation. Pros of the device:

• the operating process is one of the safest;
• with proper connection and product selection, reliability in shelf life;
• installation work can be carried out independently, without the involvement of specialists - dismantling will also not be difficult;
• the ability to connect at different levels (mixer-pipe), since the liner is flexible, manipulations can be different (moving);
• makes it possible to hide it under a faucet or in a wall opening during installation - the interior does not require changes when connected to the faucet.

As we can see from the above, there are more positive aspects. Negative - they can only manifest themselves if they are chosen incorrectly or when installed in a mixer.