Flexible connection for the mixer: full product characteristics and advice on choosing

Uninterrupted operation of plumbing equipment largely depends on how well it is connected. A flexible hose for a mixer is used for these purposes much more often than its rigid counterpart. This is due to the large number of advantages that are inherent in this type of product. This article provides a full description of flexible eyeliner types, including their properties, advantages and disadvantages, sizes and prices.

Flexible connection greatly facilitates and speeds up the work of the plumber

The main types of connections for connecting plumbing equipment

After the piping has been completed, plumbing fixtures should be connected to the plumbing system. This category of devices includes mixers and taps, with the help of which water is supplied and shut off.

Flexible hose is a metal braided rubber hose equipped with connectors on both sides

These components ensure proper functioning:

• shower cabins;
• urinals and toilets;
• bidet;
• dishwashers and washing machines;
• water heaters and other equipment.

All these devices cannot be connected directly to the central water supply system, therefore, an intermediate connecting element is used in the form of a flexible or rigid pipe for the toilet and other plumbing fixtures. Each of the options has its own specifics, and also has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of using rigid eyeliner

This type of liner is characterized by rigidity. When the mixer is connected to the system using this design, the connection is fixed. The rigid liner is presented in the form of a chrome-plated metal pipe. The exception is copper products, which do not have a protective layer, since harmful bacteria and mold do not grow on their surface.

Rigid eyeliner has a long service life, which is about 20 years

Note! It is far from always possible to use a flexible hose for the mixer to connect.GOST clearly states that the working pressure in the pipeline of the apartment should not exceed 4 bar. Most products can withstand such a load. Some particularly robust options can handle pressures up to 10 bar. However, not all of them are designed for high temperatures. There is no such problem with rigid liners.

Advantages of a rigid mixer hose:

1. Excellent decorative qualities and classic design.
2. Ability to withstand exposure to high temperatures, as well as their drops.
3. Resistant to aggressive chemicals.
4. High safety margin.
5. Resistant to corrosion damage.
6. Long service life (up to 20 years).

The disadvantages of rigid structures include a high price, as well as a rather complicated installation scheme. Since during the installation process all elements are in a stationary position, the assembly of such a connection can be accompanied by certain difficulties.

Due to the smooth surface, keeping the liner clean is not a problem

The length of the tubes must be chosen very carefully. If the direction of the outlets is not vertical, you will have to change it. For these purposes, curved fittings are used. In addition, the 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 laborious 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 the connections are not affected at all.

Flexible piping for kitchen taps and other connection points has many advantages:

1. Safety and convenient operation system.
2. The tightness of the structure, which is achieved through the use of high quality materials for the manufacture of these products.
3. Installation and dismantling of the liner does not require special skills, knowledge and professional equipment. Even an inexperienced person can handle this job.
4. Vibration resistance. Flexible connections are not afraid of water hammer.
5. Subject to correct operation, the service life of the products is quite long.
6. Flexible hoses are able to function normally over a wide temperature range.

Technical characteristics of stainless steel allow the use of a braid made of it in almost all water intake points

Unlike rigid structures, the position of flexible joints can be changed and moved relative to the mixer.

Important! Any manipulations with the bending eyeliner must be done very carefully, otherwise the structure can be damaged.

Disadvantages of flexible hoses for mixers:

1. Flexible products are afraid of mechanical stress and are easily subject to deformation changes, so they cannot be strongly twisted, bent or pulled. Otherwise, the service life of the liner will be significantly reduced.
2. It is not permitted to install flexible hoses near open flames.
3. If water is supplied to different rooms at the same time, the liner can make an unpleasant noise due to vibrations in the pipes.

The main disadvantage of aluminum braids is their low corrosion resistance.

In addition, the metal components that are present in the connector will corrode over time. Some flexible products are sensitive to high temperatures. If the water in the piping is too hot, leakage may occur.

Flexible hose for mixer: characteristics and types of products

Manufacturers offer two types of flexible hoses - rubber and bellows hoses.When choosing connections for connecting plumbing equipment to the plumbing system, most buyers pay much attention to the decorative qualities of products. Of course, the attractive appearance of the eyeliner is very important, but its quality and technical characteristics are much more important.

When purchasing flexible connections, the following factors should be considered:

• material of manufacture;
• estimated cost of service and possible repairs;
• external characteristics;

There are different types of flexible liners used for different occasions

• operating conditions (temperature regime);
• the degree of reliability of the manufacturer.

Note! It is visually difficult to distinguish good products. The quality can be confirmed by the fact that the seller has a corresponding certificate.

Experts recommend avoiding products made from budget materials, since the further operation of plumbing equipment will depend on the quality of the liner. The purchase of luxury products should also be abandoned if the buyer is not willing to pay for expensive repairs in the event of an accident. Most often, finding spare parts for such connections is problematic, and their cost is quite high.

Features of flexible hoses for mixers

Flexible products of this type are a soft elastic hose reinforced with a special braid. These connectors have a high safety margin.

The most popular flexible hose - with a reinforced stainless steel braid

The eyeliner consists of the following components:

• rubber hose;
• braids;
• a crimp pressed sleeve made of metal;
• rubber gaskets to ensure the tightness of the structure;
• nuts and nipples used to connect the structure to the plumbing system;
• the fitting (the flexible hose fitting for the mixer also has O-rings).

On one side of the liner there is a nipple with a nut cape. These components are separated by an O-ring. On the other side is a fitting. The thread on it is applied from the outside. There are no-thread fittings in the flexible hose for the mixer. A pressure plate is used as a fixing element in such products.

The service life of the liner and its purpose depend on the quality of the materials used.

On sale there are hoses made of the following materials:

• rubber;
• rubber;
• cross-linked polyethylene, which is additionally reinforced in the transverse direction.

Full length elastic hoses braided with nylon, aluminum or stainless steel wire strand. The popularity of movable joints is primarily due to the low price of flexible mixer hose, which can be bought at any store. By simplifying the structure of these products, as well as using practical and budget materials, manufacturers were able to reduce their cost.

The most common braid material for reinforced hoses is stainless steel. This metal has optimal working parameters. Products are capable of withstanding pressure up to 10 atm. They can be used in systems where the water temperature reaches +95 ° C. The service life of stainless steel braided hoses is 10 years.

There are reinforced types of flexible pipes with a service life of up to 15 years, a working pressure of 20 atmospheres and capable of withstanding temperatures up to +110 ° C

Nylon braids are considered more practical. They are stable and durable. Nylon braided hoses function well at high temperatures (up to +110 ° C) and can withstand a pressure of 20 atm. Their service life reaches 15 years.

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The braid made of aluminum filaments is not suitable for high temperatures. The upper limit that these products can withstand is +80 ° C, and the maximum allowable pressure is 5 atm. The service life of such hoses does not exceed 5 years.

Note! It is not recommended to use hoses with braided aluminum filaments in rooms with high levels of humidity, as this material is corrosive

Characteristics of the bellows connection for the mixer

Bellows hose is a kind of stainless flexible mixer hose made of steel. This metal sleeve has an unusual design that gives it good mobility. In the factories of manufacturers, the workpiece used for the manufacture of hoses is crimped in a special way. The result is a corrugated product, consisting of rings with different diameters, which alternate.

In high-quality types of eyeliner, non-toxic, healthy rubber is used

The bellows hose is bounded on both sides by end pieces. These elements are in the form of union nuts, called "American". They are made from brass.

Bellows are significantly superior to braided products in terms of performance. The list of its advantages includes the following characteristics:

• long service life;
• high degree of reliability;
• the ability to function normally at high temperatures (products can withstand up to +250 ° C);
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• resistance to oxygen diffusion;
• steel products are not afraid of corrosion;
• unlike rubber braided hoses, they are less damaged if compression or kink occurs during installation;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• simple installation technology;
• withstand contact with aggressive media.

One of the indicators of the long service life of the flexible hose is a high-quality union nut

Sizes of flexible hose for toilet, sink and other plumbing

The size range of stationary structures is rather limited. In contrast to rigid products, the maximum length of which is from 20 to 50 cm, the flexible hose for mixers in the form of a rubber hose can reach 5 m.

If it is planned to install movable joints, it is imperative to take into account such parameters as:

• length;
• bore diameter;
• minimum bending radius;
• fitting thread.

Most of the products have M10 threads. This is the most common connection option. Although there are exceptions in the form of a flexible hose for the M8 mixer. They are commonly used in sinks and kitchens.

Be very careful when stretching flexible cables, as this procedure can significantly shorten the life of the product.

On sale you can find a flexible hose for the mixer 1/2 and 1, 3/8 and 3/4 inches. The size of the diameter is selected taking into account the volume of water that is consumed by the connected plumbing fixture. The tub requires a hose with a diameter of at least 15 mm. The washbasin and sink, as well as the shower stall, are connected using smaller connections - from 10 mm. A 3/8 ”(8 mm) tap hose is typically used to connect a toilet.

As for the bellows wiring, it is of two types:

1. Fixed - these products have clearly defined dimensions in the range of 20-80 cm (the step between the values ​​is 10 cm).
2. Foldable - the length of the liner can be increased by stretching. Two parameters are indicated in the size of the product, for example, 200-355 or 140-250 mm, where the first
3. number is the smallest limit and the second is the largest.

Flexible rubber hose can be up to 5 m long

In the process of stretching the folding wiring, it is very important to observe the measure, since such a procedure can significantly reduce the life of the product.

Buying a high-quality flexible liner: product prices and recommendations for choosing

Manufacturers offer flexible liners that are designed separately for cold and hot water. It is impossible to confuse such connections, since the braiding on them is made in the appropriate color. There are also universal options that are marked in both blue and red.

1/2 ″ Mixer Hose Prices

In addition, additional parts are used to connect plumbing equipment using a flexible hose, including:

• flexible hose extensions for mixers;
• sealing gaskets for a reliable threaded connection;
• taps, etc.

Before installing a flexible hose, it is imperative to find out the nominal working pressure and temperature of the water in the water supply system.

They are used to install a coupling, adapter and other components on a water pipe.

Useful advice! Experienced craftsmen recommend using sealant paste and linen tow instead of FUM tape for the connection. These materials help reduce the risk of leakage.

During operation, flexible wiring sometimes leaks and gives in to deformation changes. Most often, problems arise for the following reasons:

• the braid on the hose is poorly made or crimped too weak;
• the installation of plumbing fixtures was made using low-quality components (bushings, nuts, fittings);
• the product or part of it is made of poor quality materials.

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 liner and its components, as well as the reliability of the manufacturer.

The best manufacturers of flexible tap water hose

To facilitate the selection of high-quality mixers and connections for their connection, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the list of the best manufacturers in advance.

For example, the German brand ProFactor has been on the market for over 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.

Products of other German brands are no less in demand on the market. Hansgrohe, the manufacturer of flexible tap connections, was founded in 1901. This company is engaged in the production of plumbing fixtures, drain systems, faucets, showers and bathroom accessories. These products are manufactured in five factories and supplied worldwide (over 140 countries).

For long-lasting work, it is recommended to choose a flexible hose from reliable, trusted manufacturers.

Also noteworthy are the flexible connections for Grohe faucets. This brand appeared on the market in 1936. The production facilities of the company are located in Germany (3 plants), as well as in Thailand and Portugal. The products of this company account for about 8% of the total world market.

Interesting fact! Both Hansgrohe and Grohe are family owned (father and son) and produce similar products. Nevertheless, 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 become a worthy competitor to German brands. Russian consumers know these products very well and trust them.High quality of products is ensured due to the fact that the company carries out careful control of the production process at every stage.

The Russian company Santrade is 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 is why the opinions of consumers 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 and research approach is applied to production, therefore, the liners comply with international quality standards.

How to choose a quality mixer tap

When choosing an eyeliner, it is advisable to pay attention to some of the nuances noted by experts. The manufacturer places a special label on each hose. It contains information on all technical parameters and characteristics of the product. These data will help you choose the right diameter of the liner, as well as the method of fixing it.

The material of manufacture can be determined by the weight of the product. The aluminum eyeliner is very lightweight. Steel products are much heavier. Lightweight hoses are generally not of high quality. Such products usually fail six months after installation.

It is not recommended to buy an eyeliner, the fitting of which is made of plastic. This material is not strong enough, so the connection will not be able to withstand the stresses arising in the plumbing system. The flexibility of the hose should also be checked. Rigidity and lack of plasticity indicate the low quality of the product. In the future, such an eyeliner will be covered with cracks and deformed ahead of time.

Before buying, you need to find out the technical parameters of a specific type of flexible liner and the materials from which it is made

For the production of press sleeves, stainless steel is used. On high-quality liners, these elements sit very tightly, which indicates that the crimping was done in good faith. If the press sleeves are loose, it is better to refuse to buy such a hose. "American" (union type nuts) ensure long-term operation of the liner. If these parts are too thin and light, then they are unreliable and will become a source of problems in the future.

A sharp and unpleasant smell of rubber is one of the main signs of poor-quality eyeliner. If such low-quality raw materials are used for the manufacture of the hose, then it will not last long and soon it will be necessary to replace the product.

It is better to select the length of the eyeliner with a small margin to ensure a little sagging. This will eliminate hose tension and extend hose life. Experts do not advise making an extension of the liner, since the presence of an additional connection reduces the reliability of the entire system. The optimal solution to this problem is to replace the product with a hose of a suitable length.

Before buying, you need to find out the technical parameters of a specific type of flexible liner and the materials from which it is made

The advantages of flexible connections over rigid connections are obvious. These practical and easy-to-use products do not need special care, are easy to assemble, and in case of breakage they can be easily replaced. Flexible hoses can effectively serve over a long period of time, but this is possible only if the liner meets the requirements of the plumbing system.