Metal water supply hoses of the highest quality. Flexible water supply: types, selection, installation, service life

Hoses are made of non-toxic ethylene propylene rubber, which is resistant to corrosion and high temperature. Steel thread is used for braiding. It provides high mechanical strength, including bending and tearing, and protects against hydraulic shocks. This hose is designed for operating pressure up to 20 atmospheres. It is used in drinking water supply systems, for organizing heating and hot water supply.

Manufacturers offer products with different bore sizes. To select the required diameter, it is important to know the predicted water flow. Most water supply and heating systems use hoses with an internal diameter of 8 mm.

Bellows liner

The products are made from corrugated metal sleeves. The connecting sleeves are welded directly onto the bushing of the end of the liner itself. Such products have a long service life (up to 25 years). The corrugated hose is resistant to pressure changes and can withstand hydraulic shocks. However, when used in systems with variable loads, microcracks appear on the corrugation. For harsh operating conditions, manufacturers offer the option of corrugated pipes protected by steel braiding.

Bellows liners are most in demand for transporting liquids at temperatures from +50 to +250 °C. In everyday life, flexible corrugated pipes have not found use due to the fact that when a large flow of water passes through, they hum and vibrate strongly.

What are the dangers of poor-quality faucet connections?

By choosing plumbing products from dubious manufacturers, you risk wasting your money.

The main problems of low-quality products:

• leakage at the attachment point of the connecting nut;
• condensation formation;
• break of the hose at the place where the sleeve is attached.

The World of Plumbing company offers a huge selection of products from domestic and foreign manufacturers. You can buy them with delivery throughout Moscow, Moscow Region, as well as other regions of the Russian Federation. When placing an order, be guided by the diameter, type of connecting nuts and length of the hoses.

Until recently, most plumbing systems in apartments and private houses were made according to the same scheme. Initially, steel or plastic pipes were laid out in the kitchen, bathroom and toilet to the installation site of the end users. At the second stage, all consumers - washbasin, sink, washing machine, shower and waste tank were connected using a flexible water supply, or in common parlance - a water supply adapter hose.

Main types of flexible hoses

The use of flexible transition hoses is a necessary measure. Just twenty years ago, all taps and tanks were connected directly to a steel water pipe using a cunning system of taps and couplings. As a result, the number of pipes in the bathroom and kitchen often resembled the insides of a submarine. But that's not the worst thing.

Due to periodic vibrations and hydraulic shocks, the connections and seals of the water supply system regularly failed, and the delicate rubber gaskets and valves on the drain tanks were destroyed within a few months. The problem was solved using a flexible nut-nut water line. Thanks to the high technical characteristics of the flexible water supply, the service life of the shut-off valves was extended from several months to 10-15 years.

Today, there are three types of flexible hoses used in households for water supply:

• Rubber tubes in steel braiding. It is easily distinguished by its prickly outer surface, consisting of dozens of intertwined thin wires;
• Hoses made of special rubber in a braided plastic sheath. They are mainly used for supplying water to the washing machine;
• Bellows flexible water connection made of stainless steel. It is made by pressing and welding under high pressure hundreds of steel rings assembled on a core mold. The result is a relatively flexible and very durable stainless steel connection.

Important! All water supply hoses are designed for high pressure, so the outer sheath is always made of either reinforced steel-plastic braid or stainless steel.

A bellows-type flexible stainless steel water line must be distinguished from a similar extension or hose for a hand-held showerhead, which is not designed for high pressure. It is quite simple to distinguish an extension cord from a bellows - all flexible hoses for supplying water, no matter whether steel or plastic braided, are equipped with hex nuts or wrench fittings. In the extension for a hand-held shower head, round union nuts with a grooved surface are installed at the ends. They are designed for low pressure, so they are tightened by hand, without using a key.

The exception is some models of flexible hoses in nylon braid for supplying water to washing machines. Such devices are used as a flexible supply for hot water, are designed for high pressure in the hot water supply system and are equipped with plastic nuts, not turnkey, but with wings for tightening by hand.

Materials for flexible hoses

Water circulates under relatively high pressure in pipes and communications throughout the apartment. For example, for water pipes the water pressure can reach 5-6 atm, hot water in the heat exchanger and pipes of the individual heating system is under a pressure of 1.5-2 atm, in centralized hot water supply systems the pressure reaches 3-4 atm. Therefore, the strength and durability of flexible liner primarily depends on several conditions:

• The quality of the rubber or metal from which the central channel of the hose is made;
• Material used for reinforcing braid;
• Metal used to make fittings and nuts.

How important the correct selection of braiding material is can be assessed by the technical characteristics given in the table.

The central part of the flexible hose is made of special types of rubber with a minimum content of water-soluble components. The material must comply with GOST 5496 for flexible water supply. Most often, hose manufacturers use EPDM rubber.

For your information! The most common defect is damage to the outer braid of the flexible hose and the compression ring or sleeve securing the nut at the end of the rubber hose.

If you need to make a decision on the question of which flexible water connection is better, choose a hose with braided stainless steel AISI 304 or GOST 5632. For fittings or nuts, the best material is brass CW614N, with nickel plating. In this case, the service life of the flexible water line will be at least 10 years. Hoses with aluminum or steel-aluminum fittings last half or three times less.

Designs of flexible water hoses

Almost all flexible hoses used to connect water consumers in the home can be divided into two groups:

• Extension cords used to supply water to remotely located plumbing fixtures, washbasins, bathtubs, and shower stalls. Usually these are long hoses, from 90 cm to 500 cm, a standard set of flexible water connections, a ¾-inch fitting and a nut;
• Adapter hoses, usually of short length, up to 50-60 cm, are used to directly connect the consumer to the water supply system.

When selecting extension cords or flexible leads, you must pay attention to the markings applied to the outer braid in the form of colored stripes. Hoses for cold water are marked with blue stripes, for hot water - with red markers. Extension cords with yellow stripes that are similar in appearance are used only for connecting gas; they cannot be used for water.

Features of the design of flexible rubber hoses in steel braiding

Most often, flexible braided hoses are used to connect plumbing fixtures, kitchen and shower faucets. The advantage of rubber-reinforced extensions is their low price and relatively high flexibility of the hose material. You can freely bend it into a ring, but you cannot bend it in half, stretch it, or try to tie it in a knot; such handling invariably leads to damage to the crimp sleeve and braid.

Shower water heaters and cisterns are typically connected with a 1/2 inch flexible water connection.

Most often, a hose with a fitting and a nut at the ends is used, but manufacturers also produce models in the “nut-to-nut” and “fitting-to-fitting” versions.

Flexible hoses of a special configuration are used for mixers and kitchen taps. They are smaller in diameter than a conventional extension; the cross-section of the internal channel is only 6 mm. An M10 fitting is pressed into the hose at one end; it is screwed into the body of the joystick or mixer at the sink. A rubber gasket must be placed under the thread of the fitting, so the fitting can be screwed into the hole of the mixer without any sealing tape.

At the second end of the line there is a half-inch nut with which the tap is connected to the fitting on the water supply system pipe. A silicone gasket is placed inside the nut, but this, as a rule, is not enough to ensure a tight seal, so before installation the threads are wound with a foam tool.

Most faucet manufacturers complete their products with a set of two hoses 50-60 cm long. As a rule, when you buy a good quality faucet, you automatically receive excellent connecting flexible hoses as a bonus. Each one must be marked: for cold water - with a blue marker, for hot water - with a red or blue-red marker.

Today you can buy flexible eyeliner produced by the companies Aqualine and Monolit; Italian VALTEC, Spanish TUCAI or IndustriasMateu are famous for their good quality.

In order for the flexible eyeliner to serve the period promised by the manufacturer, it is extremely important to adhere to the recommendations set out in the product data sheet:

• You cannot install a flexible hose with a bend radius of less than 50 mm; cracks and fistulas invariably form on the rubber surface in this condition, even under ideal operating conditions;
• The connected supply must have sag or slack. Most often, when connecting, hoses of increased length are used, which are rolled into an arc or ring of a relatively large radius, 15-20 cm;
• When wrapping sealing tape around a water line outlet fitting, it is important not to exceed the recommended thickness of the seal. Otherwise, when tightening the nut, the thin-walled brass part may crack.

If the rules are followed, a high-quality rubber hose can withstand a maximum pressure of up to 20 atm. To facilitate the connection of extensions and mixing hoses, a large number of adapters and nozzles are produced; if desired, you can assemble the entire home plumbing system from extensions and adapters. True, it will have to be changed every 7-10 years.

Water supply using a stainless steel hose

Most often, stainless steel hoses are used for remote water distribution, instead of the usual steel or plastic pipes. Using a flexible 1-inch water extension, you can bring water into the apartment from the central water supply riser. Often, additional radiators of the heating system are connected with stainless steel bellows. Due to the corrugated surface, the resistance to water flow is higher, but this can be easily compensated for by using oversized hoses.

Corrugated pipes are also used to connect boilers or hydraulic accumulators, pumps, filters, and any equipment that requires increased strength and at the same time is capable of dampening vibrations.

Union nuts are made of brass; branded models always have a nickel coating and a manufacturer's mark. An important distinguishing property of bellows is their high resistance to water quality. The corrugated surface can accumulate rust or organic matter, but stainless steel almost never corrodes, even when the water is highly saturated with carbonate salts. Rubber connections quickly fail in very hard water conditions.

Conclusion

The most significant problem with flexible hoses is the huge number of counterfeits sold on the market and in showrooms under the guise of well-known brands. Such hoses are manufactured on semi-industrial equipment using cheap materials, so the rubber can emit a characteristic chemical odor, delaminate and dissolve in water. Metal parts quickly oxidize, the nickel plating peels off, and the stainless steel bellows becomes covered with a thick layer of rust. Therefore, experts say that it is easier to install a flexible eyeliner than to choose an inexpensive and at the same time high-quality specimen.

In the era of modern building and plumbing materials, you no longer have to rack your brains over how and where to place a convenient and discreet plumbing system. Standard rigid pipes have been replaced by soft flexible hoses enclosed in a durable housing. These parts will last for many years if properly selected and used.

Peculiarities

Flexible eyeliner has a number of features, among which the positive ones easily stand out. But negative nuances should also be mentioned in order to avoid an unpleasant aftertaste, a waste of time, effort and money.

The advantages of this flexible eyeliner:

• complete tightness and protection against leaks;
• saving space, allowing you to install additional interior items or equipment without having to worry about bulky pipes;

• ease of changing the location of an object connected with a flexible liner;
• refusal to use a welding machine;
• protection of the hose from water hammer (if a pressure surge occurs in the water supply system, a high-quality flexible line is protected from rupture and water leakage);
• ease of installation and operation (all basic work can be done independently).

Flexible hoses are typically used for various plumbing connections. Most often it is used in bathrooms (connecting a toilet, faucet, boiler to water) and in kitchens.

As for the negative assessments of flexible hoses, most often users complain about problems that arise as a result of improper installation of the hose. To avoid this, experts advise purchasing products only from a well-known manufacturer. A thorough inspection of the product in the store (before you purchase it) will also guarantee a purchase of good quality.

When choosing, you need to pay attention to several important points.

• The weight of the eyeliner should not be lighter than a feather. If you pick up exactly such a product, immediately put it back in its place. At best, this hose will last you a couple of weeks after installation.
• A flexible liner should bend easily in different directions. If you have to make an effort to change the shape of the hose, you can safely put it aside and take on another one, since this one is made of low-quality technical rubber, which can simply crumble from bending.

Another significant drawback is the short service life of the plastic fitting. To accurately choose exactly the right eyeliner, consider the main characteristics of this product.

Specifications

Today, there are two categories of flexible water connections: extensions and adapters. The second are standard hoses that connect the necessary devices to the water supply: sinks, toilets, showers and boilers. They usually have a length of up to 60 cm. Extensions are an auxiliary hose that is connected to an adapter to provide water to the most remote areas.

The service life of any supply hose depends both on the initial quality of the product and on the correctness of its installation and operation.

When purchasing a flexible bathroom liner, pay attention to the presence of colored stripes on the reinforced surface:

• red indicates the possibility of using only hot water;
• blue can only be used in cold water supply conditions;
• both stripes immediately indicate that the hose can be installed to supply both hot and cold water.

Thus, when connecting a tap or toilet to places where only cold water is always used, you can use all three types of flexible hoses. If we are talking about a mixer with two temperature modes, a boiler or a radiator, the use of hoses with a blue stripe is strictly prohibited.

Flexible hoses with a yellow stripe along the entire length of the hose are also available for sale. They are intended only for connecting users to gas supply and have special impregnations and lubricants inside, which are unacceptable for use with water, especially drinking water or for washing. The water that passes through this hose is considered technical and contains impurities hazardous to human health.

It is worth dwelling on the main types of flexible hoses that exist on the construction market today.

Kinds

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of connecting water pipes. They are classified according to the type of braid, internal filler (main tube), type, quality and size of fittings. Let's look at the most common division, based on the type of braid.

According to this characteristic, flexible liner can be:

• reinforced;
• bellows

The first is a rubber base (quality products are made from durable rubber) covered with steel braiding. In this case, the casing of such a hose can be made of different materials. For example, galvanized steel and aluminum occupy a leading place among analogues. This is explained by the low price - and nothing more. Such braiding is absolutely short-lived; it practically cannot withstand the average water pressure in the water supply system and breaks down very quickly. This should not happen, because the upper skin of the rubber hose is designed to strengthen it and prevent water from escaping.

In terms of quality and durability, the best braid is considered to be made from durable stainless steel wire. It provides reliable protection to the internal rubber hose. According to manufacturers, the service life of such liners reaches ten years or more.

Nylon braiding is a reinforced treatment of the water hose that can withstand even the maximum pressure in the system.

By choosing reinforced braid for flexible hoses, you automatically receive the following benefits:

• installation speed;
• environmentally friendly manufacturing materials;
• high strength;
• flexibility.

The second type is an elastic corrugation made of stainless steel. Bellows hoses last longer and have higher technical characteristics.

There are two modifications of corrugated elements:

• with a specified length;
• with variable footage.

For the first, manufacturers immediately determine standard sizes, ranging from 20 cm to 80 cm. The step in the length of the product is 10 cm. The second has a floating range over which it can be stretched. For example, on sale you can find bellows liners with variable lengths of 150-250 mm, 200-350 mm and others. It is worth considering the fact that the maximum stretch is indicated for reference - it is not advisable to stretch the eyeliner that much.

The quality, strength and durability are evidenced by the use of bellows hoses for industrial purposes. Very often, this type of liner is used when connecting sprinklers - ceiling-mounted fire extinguishing devices. The main nuance lies in the plumbing system. A sprinkler installation is a whole network of pipes that constantly contains water under pressure. Therefore, choosing a particularly high-quality eyeliner material comes in handy.

Among the disadvantages of bellows flexible hoses is their noisy operation at high pressure in the water supply system. Despite the fact that this does not happen often in modern apartment buildings, some users recommend using it as little as possible in private properties.

Fittings are usually supplied with flexible hoses. Often these are brass fittings or nuts that come in various shapes and sizes. To select the correct mount, it is necessary to measure the diameters of the pipes in the room where the installation will be carried out.

Plumbing previously consisted of ornate intricacies of pipes, tubes and adapters. But today, thanks to flexible hoses, it has become possible to install devices that use water supply in the smallest rooms. Angled flexible connection allows installation even in hard-to-reach places. Thanks to the peculiarity of its mounting, it can be located close to the wall and thus increase the usable area of ​​​​the room.

Dimensions

The main parameters of flexible hoses are the diameter of the hose and its length. In this case, the caliber is important not only in the tube, but also in the fittings. For example, modern flexible eyeliners are manufactured with a maximum diameter of 1-2 inches. And the most commonly used ones have parameters of 1/2, 3/4 and 3/8.

As for the length of the reinforced or corrugated hose, each manufacturer has its own. In addition, it is practically individual for each individual case. If we consider a stationary liner, then the maximum length is 60 cm. In corrugated sliding models, this indicator can only start at 500 mm, and finish within 5000 mm. The latter are extremely rare, mainly on an industrial scale.

Manufacturers: review and reviews

The most popular today are flexible eyeliners made in Italy. They have proven themselves in the construction market, and many users are happy to note their advantages.

One of the most popular Italian trog brands today is Parigi. According to customer reviews, the products of this brand are highly durable. The manufacturer guarantees the service life of reinforced flexible hoses from 3 to 5 years, while bellows products can last more than 7 years. The Italians pay special attention to details: fittings and nuts are made of high-quality nickel and have a service life of more than 10-15 years. Product prices are high, which approximately 60% of users consider the main disadvantage.

Mateu is a Spanish manufacturing company that has established itself as a high-quality manufacturer in the mid-price segment. In sets of faucets for the kitchen or bathroom, you can often find flexible hoses with a metal braid from this particular company. They also produce large quantities of their own brand products for large construction hypermarkets.

Another feature of the Spanish manufacturer is the production of reinforced connections using PEX hoses. According to the descriptions of professionals, this type of hose has a maximum service life, since they are made of cross-linked polyethylene. The operation of such material in some cases reaches 50 years. Another feature of the PEX hose is its versatility: flexible hoses with such a base can be used to connect both complex devices (for example, heating systems) and simpler ones (cold and hot water supply).

The domestic plumbing industry is also not standing still. A large number of high-quality, but more affordable products are produced by such manufacturers as “Giant”, “Monolith”, “Aquatechnika”. Users note a large number of advantages of these eyeliners. But still, approximately 50% of respondents insist that some of the technical characteristics specified in the product data sheet do not correspond, but on the whole they remain satisfied with the purchase.

In order for each part to function correctly and for as long as possible, it is necessary to strictly follow the rules for connecting and installing elements. Despite the fact that even a high school student can handle this process, you should take into account some expert advice during installation.

Connection rules

Connections between water supply systems are carried out using special mounting fasteners. As mentioned earlier, these are fittings and nuts. The hose must be attached freely, slightly sagging, so when choosing the length, rely on a large number. As for the fittings themselves, they come in different diameters (0.5-1.5 inches) and different shapes. If the water pipe and the connection have different diameters, a special adapter comes to the rescue, which can be easily found in all plumbing stores.

Let's look at the basic rules for installing a flexible water line.

• Before installation, or even better before purchasing, perform a complete inspection of the fittings' ends (fasteners). Check whether the gasket is in place and the condition of the threads and braid.
• After installation, it is necessary to connect the water supply to the system and check the operation of the line for leaks within 30-40 minutes. If a leak does appear, try tightening the nuts a little tighter. But you also need to be careful not to overdo it, so as not to spoil the fastening.
• The bend of the hose is allowed in a ratio of no more than 5-6 diameters of the outer tube.

• Shlag is very sensitive to high temperatures, so try to avoid using the product in unfavorable conditions.
• Twice a year it is necessary to check the tightness of the installation and inspect the external condition of the flexible connection.
• If the hose length is not enough, you can purchase a special extension. To avoid metal corrosion due to electromechanical reaction, it is necessary to use pairs of the same material.
• Despite the service life specified by the manufacturer, it is recommended to replace flexible hoses at least once every 3-5 years.

The service life of flexible hoses directly depends on the correct installation.

Before installation, it is necessary to carry out a visual inspection of the liner for the quality of the sleeve crimp, the quality of the end fittings, the presence of a gasket, damage to the thread, integrity of the braid and other defects that may occur during storage and transportation.

Before installation, check the reliability of the sleeve crimp and the integrity of the liner braid

Poor quality connections can fail even with normal water pressure. Access to the end fittings must be free for installation and inspection.

It is necessary to use eyeliner of sufficient length.
It is not allowed to increase the length of a flexible liner using another liner.

It is prohibited to subject the liner to mechanical stress, twisting, stretching, or breaks. during storage, transportation and installation.

Twisting of the liner along the longitudinal axis is not allowed.

Install the liner with a bend radius of at least 70 mm.
If necessary, use a liner with an elbow fitting.

The minimum bending radius must be at least 70 mm

It is forbidden to install the liner under tension.

Do not overtighten connections!
The end fittings should be tightened with a force of no more than 0.4 Nm. This force corresponds if the union nuts are screwed on manually and then tightened a quarter turn with a wrench.

When installing the end fittings of the liner, it is prohibited to use plumbing flax or other sealants that can expand in a humid environment.

Upon completion of installation, make sure there are no water leaks.
Slowly turn on the water, carefully turning the water tap to the fully open position. If drops appear at the joints, the union nuts must be carefully tightened. After 30 min. After installation, it is necessary to visually inspect the connections and make sure there are no leaks.

Prohibited:
. operation of the liner at sub-zero temperatures and near open fire.
. hang rags, sponges and other cleaning equipment on the liner, store chemicals near the liner.
. install flexible hoses through ceilings.

A flexible hose with an external stainless steel braid allows the hose to withstand high pressure (up to 10 atmospheres) and is resistant to condensation.
The service life of such products is up to 10 years.
The recommended replacement period is 5 years.

Flexible stainless steel hoses are used to connect faucets, toilets and other devices to. When choosing a suitable product, you must be guided by the basic parameters, a detailed discussion of which is discussed in this article.

Basic parameters for choosing eyeliner

The selection of a flexible hose should be based on the following basic parameters:

• type of eyeliner;
• scope of application of the device;
• hose dimensions;
• ways to connect the product.

Types of flexible eyeliners

The following types of flexible water connections are currently produced:

• bellows The corrugated liner is made of stainless steel and has higher performance parameters.

Which is better, bellows or reinforced eyeliner? Comparative characteristics are given in the table.

Any eyeliner can be:

Choosing eyeliner depending on the application

The liner can be used to connect cold and hot water. The purpose is determined as follows:

• flexible hose for hot water is distinguished by the presence of a red thread in the braid;

• The flexible cold water line is marked with a blue braided thread.

To avoid misunderstandings when using eyeliner, experts recommend purchasing universal flexible hoses that are suitable for connecting water at any temperature. Universal eyeliners are distinguished by the presence of threads of both colors in the braid.

Selection of optimal sizes

How to choose eyeliner size? When determining the dimensional characteristics of the liner, it is necessary to take into account:

• hose diameter. The indicator can be determined based on the water consumption of a particular plumbing equipment. It is considered optimal: for connecting a toilet - 8 mm, for supplying water to a sink (kitchen sink) - 10 mm, for a bath - 15 mm;
• hose length. The supply line must be connected in such a way that the hose is not over-tightened and unnecessary kinks are not formed. Any defect when connecting the liner leads to a decrease in the service life of the product.

The flexible eyeliner Gigant deserves special attention. It differs from standard products in its increased diameter, as well as increased resistance to mechanical stress and loads. The Giant also has thickened walls, which further increase its reliability.

Possible connection methods

When purchasing a hose, it is important to consider how the liner is connected to plumbing equipment and pipes. The flexible hose can be equipped with:

• union nut, which is installed on the outer;
• thread for internal connection;

• a fitting that connects to the mixer.

When selecting connecting elements, it is important to take into account not only their type, but also the size of the fitting or thread. Otherwise, you will need an adapter to connect the device.

The types of eyeliners, their history, and areas of application are described in detail in the video.

1. rubber (reinforced) liner must be made of high-quality rubber. Only in this case can it be used to connect drinking water. You can distinguish high-quality rubber from low-quality rubber by smell. Low-quality rubber has a sharp, unpleasant odor;
2. The braid of the reinforced liner must be intact. The presence of burrs, kinks and other deformations will reduce the service life of the product;
3. hose flexibility. The parameter is checked in the following way. You need to take the eyeliner by one end and hold it in a vertical position. If the liner bends smoothly, then the hose has sufficient flexibility and integrity. A sharp drop (kink) in the line indicates the use of a low-quality hose or the presence of a hidden defect;
4. crimping the tip. Weak compression of the tip is a negative characteristic of the liner and leads to a decrease in the service life of the product;
5. material of connecting elements. Nuts and fittings can be made of aluminum, steel or brass. Aluminum is very susceptible to mechanical stress. Steel is susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, the best option is connecting elements made of brass;

You can check the connection material by weight. Aluminum, unlike brass, is a lightweight material.

1. manufacturer. It is more advisable to purchase eyeliners from well-known companies that guarantee the quality of their products. The following companies can be distinguished:

• "Monolith" (Russia). Flexible eyeliners are produced under the Monoflex brand;
• LLC "Neva" (Russia). Eyeliners with Aqualine logo;
• Grohe (Germany);
• Lavita (Korea);
• Altstream (Türkiye).

A correctly selected and installed water supply, subject to all operating conditions of the product indicated on the packaging, can last for a long period of time. Poor quality eyeliner can fail within 3–5 days of use.