Flexible hoses for the mixer: the characteristic and tips on choosing

Uninterrupted operation of the sanitary equipment is largely dependent on how well it performed connection. Flexible hoses for the mixer is used for this purpose more often than its hard counterpart. This is due to the many advantages that are inherent in this type of product. This article presents a complete characterization of the flexible liner types, including their properties, advantages and disadvantages, sizes and prices.

The main types of podvodok to connect the sanitary equipment

Once formed wiring pipes to be connected to a sanitary tap valve system. This category of devices include faucets and valves, through which the water supply and overlap.

Flexible connection - a rubber hose in a metal sheath, equipped with connectors on both sides

These components provide the normal functioning:

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

All of these devices can not be connected directly to a central water supply system, so use an intermediate connecting member in the form of flexible or rigid liner toilet and other sanitary instruments. Each option has its own specificity, but also has certain advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a rigid liner

This type of liner is characterized by rigidity. When connecting the mixer to the system using such a construction, the fixed connection is obtained. Rigid eyeliner presented as a metal pipe coated with chrome. Exceptions are copper products that do not have the protective layer because their surfaces are not proliferate harmful bacteria and fungi.

Rigid hoses have a long service life, which is about 20 years

Note!You can not always be used to connect the flexible hoses for the mixer. GOST is clearly established that the operating pressure in the pipeline apartment should not exceed 4 bar. This load can withstand the majority of products. Some particularly resistant variants can handle pressures up to 10 bar. However, not all of them are designed for high temperature. In applying the rigid liner is such a problem is absent.

The advantages of a rigid liner mixer:

1. Excellent decorative quality and classic design.
2. The ability to withstand high temperatures, as well as their differences.
3. Resistance to aggressive influence of chemicals.
4. High safety factor.
5. Resistance to corrosive damage.
6. Long service life (up to 20 years).

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

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

tube length should be selected very carefully. If the direction is not vertically vodorozetok have to change it. For this purpose fittings are curved. In addition, a fixed connection creates additional difficulties in the process of repair and maintenance of cranes. Therefore, buyers prefer flexible options for connections.

Advantages and disadvantages of using water flexibles

Installing hard steel pipes - consuming process, resulting in the obtained bulky and heavy metal construction. Installation of flexible products do not require much effort. In this case, reliability and quality of connections did not suffer.

In a flexible liner for kitchen faucets and other connection points has many beneficial advantages:

1. Safety and comfortable operation of the system.
2. Sealed design, which is achieved by using high quality materials for manufacturing these products.
3. For installation and removal of liner does not require special skills, knowledge and professional equipment. With this work, even an inexperienced person can handle.
4. Resistant to vibration impacts. Flexible connections are not afraid of water hammer.
5. Provided service life of products correct operation is quite large.
6. Flexible hoses are able to function in a wide temperature range.

Technical characteristics of the stainless steel allow the use of a sheath made it almost all the nodes of the water intake

In contrast to the position of rigid structures flexible connections, you can change and move them relative to the mixer.

Important!Any manipulation with foldaway eyeliner must be done very carefully, otherwise you may damage the structure.

Disadvantages of flexible hoses for mixers:

1. Flexible articles are afraid mechanical stress and deformation changes easily, so they are not much twist, bend or stretch. Otherwise liner service life is significantly reduced.
2. Do not install flexible hoses near open flames.
3. If in different rooms at the same time supplied water hoses may produce unpleasant noise due to vibrations that occur in the pipes.

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

In addition, the metal components which are present in the connecting device, eventually affected by corrosion. Some varieties of flexible products are sensitive to exposure to high temperatures. If the water in the pipe is too hot, there may be a leak.

Flexible hoses for the mixer: Characteristics and types of products

Manufacturers offer two types of flexible liner - rubber hoses and bellows. Picking up connection to connect to the water plumbing system, most buyers are paying much attention to the decorative quality of the products. Of course, the attractive appearance of eyeliner is very important, but much more important is the quality and specifications.

When buying flexible connections the following factors must be considered:

• manufacturing material;
• the estimated cost of maintenance and possible repairs;
• external characteristics;

There are various types of flexible liner used in certain cases

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

Note!Visually difficult to distinguish good products. quality of proof may be the presence of the seller appropriate certificate.

Experts recommend avoiding products made from the materials budget, because the quality of the liner will depend on the further operation of the sanitary equipment. From the acquisition of luxury goods should also be waived if the buyer is not willing to pay for costly repairs in the event of an accident. More often than not find spare parts for these podvodok problematic, and the cost is quite high.

Features flexible hoses for mixers

Flexible products of this type is a soft elastic hose, reinforced with a special braiding. These coupling devices have a high margin of safety.

The most popular flexible connection - with reinforced stainless steel braid

Liner consists of the following components:

• rubber hose;
• braid;
• Crimping compressible sleeve made of metal;
• rubber gaskets providing sealing structure;
• nut and the pin used for connection to the tap design system;
• fitting (fitting flexibles mixer also has sealing rings).

On the one hand fittings located nipple with a cape nut. These components are separated by a sealing ring. On the other hand fitting located. Carving applied thereon from the outside. There are unions in the flexible hoses for the mixer without a thread. As the fixing member is used in such articles clamping plate.

From the quality of the materials used in determining the life liner service and its purpose

On sale there are hoses made from these materials:

• rubber;
• rubber;
• crosslinked polyethylene, which is further enhanced in the transverse direction.

Flexible hose throughout the length of braided wire filament of nylon, aluminum or stainless steel. The popularity of mobile connections is primarily due to the low price flexible liner mixers, which can be bought in any store. Simplifying the structure of these products, as well as using practical and budgetary materials, manufacturers were able to reduce their cost.

The most common material for the braid reinforced hose is stainless steel. This metal has the optimum operating parameters. Products capable of withstanding pressures up to 10 atmospheres. They can be used in systems where the water temperature reaches +95 ° C. Operational life of hoses with stainless steel braiding is 10 years.

There are types of reinforced flexibles with a lifetime of 15 years, an operating pressure of 20 atmospheres and able to withstand temperatures up to +110 ° C

More practical are considered braided nylon. They are resistant and durable. Hoses with braided nylon normally operate at high temperatures (up to +110 ° C) and are able to withstand a pressure of 20 atm. Their service life is 15 years.

Related article:

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Braid made of aluminum strands are not intended for high temperatures. The upper limit that can withstand these products is +80 ° C, and the maximum allowable pressure - 5 atm. The service life of the hose does not exceed 5 years.

Note!It is not recommended to use hoses with braided strands of aluminum in environments with high humidity, as this material is resistant to corrosion

Characteristics of the bellows liner mixer

Bellows hose - a kind of stainless flexible liner mixer, made of steel. This metal sleeve has an unusual structure which provides it with good mobility. Producers harvesting the plants used for the manufacture of hoses, crimped in a special way. The result is a corrugated product consisting of rings with different diameter, which alternate.

The high-quality types of liner with non-toxic, safe and healthy gums

Bellows hose is limited on both sides of a bar terminal lugs. These elements have the form of captive nuts called "American women." They are made of brass.

Bellows eyeliner far superior product with braid for operational properties. In the list of its advantages including the following characteristics:

• long service life;
• high reliability;
• ability to function at high temperatures (the product is kept to +250 ° C);
• resistance to mechanical stress;
• resistance to oxygen diffusion;
• Steel products are not afraid of corrosion;
• unlike rubber hoses with braided they are less damaged if happened during mounting compression or bend;
• resistance to temperature changes;
• simple installation technology;
• maintained contact with aggressive media.

One indicator of long life flexible liner is a quality union nut

Dimensions flexibles toilet, sinks and other plumbing

Dimensional range of fixed structures is quite limited. In contrast to the hard wares with a maximum length of 20 to 50 cm, flexible hoses for mixers in the form of a rubber hose may be up to 5 m.

If you plan to install mobile connections, be sure to take into account parameters such as:

• length;
• drift diameter;
• minimum bend radius;
• fitting thread.

The majority of products is threaded M10. It is the most common form of compounds. Although there are exceptions in the form of a flexible liner M8 mixer. they are usually used in sinks and kitchen.

Stretch the flexible wiring should be careful, because this procedure can significantly reduce product life

Useful advice!To find the optimum length of liner, it is necessary to measure the distance between the tap water pipe system and sanitary equipment.

On sale you can find a flexible connection to the mixer 1 and 1/2, 3/8 and 3/4. diameter size is selected in view of the volume of water that is expended plug sanitary appliance. For baths require hose whose diameter is not less than 15 mm. Wash basin and sink and shower connected by smaller compounds - 10 mm. Flexibles mixer 3/8 inch (8 mm) are commonly used for connecting a toilet bowl.

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

1. Fixed - these products have a fixed size in the range 20-80 cm (a step between the values ​​of 10 cm).
2. Foldable - liner length can be increased by stretching. The amount of the product indicated two parameters, for example, 200-355 or 140-250 mm, where the first
3. number - the minimum limit value, and the second - largest.

Flexible connection in the form of a rubber hose may be 5 m in length

In the process of stretching the foldable wiring it is very important to comply with the measure, since this procedure can significantly reduce product life.

Buying quality flexibles: prices for products and advice in choosing

Manufacturers offer a flexible connection, which is designed separately for hot and cold water. To mix these compounds is not possible because the braid is made to them in an appropriate coloring. There are versatile options that are marked and blue, and red.

Prices hoses for mixers 1/2 "

Name and type compound	Length, cm	price, rub.
The cost of the hose with braided stainless steel
Eyeliner with a nut-fitting	20	125
30	143
40	160
50	173
60	182
80	196
120	200
150	230
The cost of bellows hose made of stainless steel
Eyeliner with two nuts	40	186
50	203
60	219
80	252
Flexible hoses for faucet with a long fitting	40	173
50	189
Flexible connection with a shortened fitting	120	289

In addition, for connecting plumbing through a flexible hose used additional details, including:

• Extension flexible liner mixers;
• gaskets providing secure threaded connection;
• air valves and m. p.

Before installing a flexible liner, you should definitely find out the nominal working pressure and temperature of the water in the water supply system

They are used for installation of couplings, adapters, and other components on the water pipe.

Useful advice!Experienced Master recommend the use of compounds for the paste sealant linen and hemp instead FUM feeds. These materials make it possible to reduce the risk of leakage.

In the operation of the flexible wiring sometimes occurs, and lends itself to deformation changes. Most often problems occur for the following reasons:

• braided on the hose poorly formed or crimped too weak;
• installing plumbing fixtures made with low-quality parts (plugs, screws, fittings);
• product or part made from low-quality materials.

Better to buy a flexible wiring in specialized stores

For this reason it is important when choosing a product to pay special attention to the quality of its components and fittings, as well as the reliability of the manufacturer.

The best producers of flexible liner for water taps

To facilitate the choice of quality faucets and podvodok to connect them, it is desirable to pre-read the list of the best producers.

For example, ProFactor German brand on the market for over 50 years. During this time, its products have already earned a positive reputation among consumers by demonstrating the highest quality. All products ProFactor are popular with buyers.

No less demand on the market products of other German brands. Manufacturer of flexible podvodok for Hansgrohe mixer appeared in 1901. This company is engaged in production of sanitary devices, draining systems, mixers, showers and bathroom accessories. These products are produced at five factories and shipped worldwide (over 140 countries).

For long-term operation it is recommended to choose a flexible liner from reliable, trusted manufacturers

Attention also deserve the flexible liner Grohe faucets. This brand appeared on the market in 1936. Capacities of the company are located in Germany (3 plants), as well as in Thailand and Portugal. Products of this brand is about 8% of the total world market.

Interesting fact!Hansgrohe and Grohe company owned by members of the same family (father and son) and produce similar products. Nevertheless, each of which maintains its own marketing policy. Grohe in the Russian market appeared much earlier, but Hansgrohe is very popular abroad and of a higher quality.

The Italian company Remer compete with German brands. Russian consumers are well aware of these products and trust her. High quality of products is ensured by the fact that the company carries out a thorough control of the production process at every stage.

In one of the best producers of hit and Russia's Santrade, although it occupies an ambiguous position on this list. The fact that the company manufactures products in different price categories. Low cost options are not of high quality, while the more expensive models are marked customers as reliable and durable. Therefore consumers to popular opinion so.

German mark ProFactor, which also produces liner, has earned a positive reputation among consumers

In the list of the best manufacturers worth mentioning Spain in the face of the brand Industrials Mateu. The company carries out strict control of their own products. In addition to producing applied research approach, so eyeliner comply with international quality standards.

How to choose a quality liner to the mixer

When selecting eyeliner, it is desirable to pay attention to some of the nuances that are marked by experts. Every hose manufacturer puts a special tag. It contains information about all the technical parameters and characteristics of the product. These data will help to choose the correct diameter of the liner, and a method of fixing it.

Material can be identified by product weight. Liner aluminum is very easy. Steel products are much heavier. Hoses, having a little weight, as a rule, do not differ high quality. Such products typically fail six months after installation.

It is not recommended to buy eyeliner, fitting which is made of plastic. This material is not strong enough, so the connection will not be able to withstand the stress caused in the water system. It should also check the degree of flexibility of the hose. Rigidity and lack of ductility speak about the poor quality of the product. In the future, this eyeliner is covered with cracks and deforms earlier period.

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

For the production of press sleeves used stainless steel. On quality eyeliner these elements sit very tight, indicating that the pressure test performed in good faith. If you press the liner stagger, better to abandon the purchase of such a hose. "American women" (sleeve nut type) provide long liner operation. If these details are too thin and lightweight, so they are not reliable in the future become a source of problems.

Sharp and unpleasant smell of rubber - one of the main signs of defective liner. If such low-quality raw materials, it will not last for long and will soon require replacement products used for the manufacture of hose.

The length of the liner to choose better with a small margin, to allow a little slack. This will eliminate the tension of the hose and prolong its service life. Experts do not advise to do build-up eyeliner, because the presence of additional compound reduces the reliability of the entire system. The optimal solution of such problems will be replacing the product hose of suitable length.

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

Advantages flexible podvodok front rigid connections embodiments are obvious. These practical and easy-to-use products do not require special care, easy to install, in the event of failure they can be easily replaced. Flexible hoses can effectively serve over the long term, however, this is possible only under the condition that meets the requirements of eyeliner water system.