Which flexible water line is the most reliable. Flexible water line. How to choose a flexible water line

Prices for bellows liners in our catalog

Flexible hoses are used for installation of water supply devices, heating and plumbing equipment, household appliances using water, as well as connecting household gas stoves to risers. It would seem that everything is clear: you just need to purchase the necessary kit and install it. But is it really that simple?

Flexible connections were invented to connect mobile and portable units to existing water and gas communications in cases where it is technically impossible or difficult to do this using pipes. Its use has brought so many conveniences that now we can’t think of any other way to connect the equipment in the house. ABOUT various types flexible liner will be discussed in this review

Water liner

The modern market offers two types of flexible hoses: rubber hoses in a metal braid and bellows metal hoses.

Rubber hoses with metal braid. This one is the simplest and cheap look Eyeliners are manufactured at enterprises approximately like this. The rubber hose is braided with a metal thread streaked with red and blue colors. Its task is to protect the hose from external mechanical influences and hydraulic shocks. The braided hose is cut into pieces of the required length. Metal bushings of one of two types are inserted into each segment on both sides: made together with a fitting (it will be screwed into the connected device) or with a union nut attached (it will be screwed onto the end of the threaded pipe). After this, the braid together with the hose is compressed around the bushing with a metal sleeve. Next, rubber seals are installed on the connecting elements - and you’re ready to use! It is this apparent simplicity of the process that until recently gave literally anyone and everyone a reason to engage in the manufacture of flexible eyeliner. As a result, both individual apartments and entire entrances “sank.”

Accidents happen, first of all, due to the fact that, despite its apparent simplicity, flexible hose is a rather complex technical element that does not tolerate an amateurish approach and the use of low-quality materials.

The most typical shortcomings leading to accidents:

Weak compression of the braid, which occurs both due to the use of sleeves made of low-quality metal, and due to the manufacturer’s lack of specialized equipment to perform this operation (done manually).

The use of low-quality metal in the production of elements such as bushings, fittings and nuts, or making them insufficiently thick-walled, and therefore fragile. As a result, they become deformed during installation or during operation, rust, etc.

Use of low quality technical rubber. In less than a year, such rubber “ages” (especially quickly as a result of thermal changes) and begins to crumble. Gaskets last even less.

Poor quality braid material. For example, a braid of galvanized steel wire, when moisture condenses on it, is destroyed within six months to a year.

But times are changing, and there are fewer and fewer manufacturers of low-quality goods on the market. Only, let's say, the most serious and technically equipped companies are preserved. They use a tube made of ethylene propylene rubber - EPDM (manufacturers often call it non-toxic rubber). The braid is made of stainless steel (AISI-304) or aluminum wire, and with an increased weaving density. Plus stainless steel compression sleeves; bushings, fittings and union nuts made of nickel-plated brass. The structural dimensions of all elements comply with special standards. And all this is recorded in the accompanying passport for the product. Don't be surprised, it's in the passport. It also indicates the warranty period of the eyeliner and its service life. U good manufacturer The warranty period for steel braided eyeliner is 2 years, and its total service life is 10 years. For aluminum braided eyeliners, these terms are 1.5 years and 5 years, respectively. But this is not the case for everyone. More often, the warranty period is limited to one year, and it is established by trade organizations. Even though manufacturers (especially foreign ones) give longer warranties.

It is by the presence of such a passport that you, dear reader, can distinguish a good manufacturer (and therefore a quality product) from a bad one. Moreover, if the neighbors living below you “drown” during the warranty due to poor-quality eyeliner, you have every right to sue the manufacturer in order to force them to pay for the damage caused. But you have a chance to win the case only if you have preserved your passport and cash receipt for the purchase of this product.

Naturally, in order for everything to end happily for you, you should make the purchase not at the market, but at a large store or a company specializing in the sale of plumbing fixtures. The chance of running into a fake on the market is much higher. Moreover, “Chinese craftsmen” now, as it turned out, are counterfeiting products not only from European companies (for example, there is eyeliner from the Italian BUGATTI on the market, but this company does not produce it at all), but also from Russian enterprises.

By the way, domestically produced eyeliner is mainly available on the markets. It is produced by such companies as "FLEXILINE", "AKVATEHNIKA", "MONOLITH" (trademark "Monoflex"), "GALLOP" and others. Somewhat less often you can find products from China, Turkey, Spain (INDUSTRIAS MATEU - trademark Fil- Nox; KVG, B&M) and Italy (STC, PARIGI). Prices for a hose with a diameter of 12 mm and a length of 50 cm range from 40 rubles. for domestic up to 80 rubles. for Italian.

In addition to the “regular” liner, foreign manufacturers offer anti-vibration liners. In principle, this is the same braided hose, only the outer diameter is much larger - 27-64 mm (inner - 19-50 mm). The use of such equipment will help get rid of vibration, hum and noise of pipes in the water supply system when connecting household pumps. These products are offered by Italian companies PARIGI: AVC brands (there are two red stripes on the braid, the sleeve is aluminum, the braid is galvanized steel) and AVC-I (connections are steel, the braid is stainless steel) - INDUSTRIAS MATEU. The length of the hoses is 30-200 cm. The cost of a 0.5 m line is 188-310 rubles.

Bellows liners for water are offered on our market by two companies: WITZENMANN (Germany, brand Hydraflex) and PARIGI (TAM series). In design, it resembles a flexible braided hose with the difference that the hose is made as a corrugated hose (ring corrugation), and the sleeves are rolled along the sleeve and welded to the sleeve by roller welding (all parts in direct contact with water are made of stainless steel).

Advantages:

Wide operating temperature range (from -50 to +250°C).

Resistant to lateral compression, hose end fracture, combustion, wear and embrittlement.

High oxygen diffusion resistance (helps to avoid failure of radiators and heating system control units).

Hydraflex hose can be used in the same applications as braided rubber hose. The liner is equipped with union brass nuts at both ends. Available in four diameters and lengths to choose from. Service life - at least 15 years. The price of 1 m, depending on the diameter, is 340-550 rubles.

The TAM liner is intended for connecting heating devices. Available only in the “nut - union” version, with two internal diameters: 13 mm (1/2″ connection) and 16 mm (3/4″ connection). Length - 90-150, 140-250 and 200-355 mm (stretches within the specified limits). Cost - 280-512 rubles.

Connection rules

The safety and service life of flexible hoses depend on their correct installation:

Before installation, it is necessary to carefully inspect the hose for the integrity of the fastening (crimping) of the end fittings, the presence of a gasket, damage to the threads, braiding and other defects that arose during storage and transportation.

After installation, monitor the hose for water leaks for 30 minutes. If drops appear at the junction, it must be tightened.

Flexible hoses should be installed with a bending radius that is at least 5-6 times greater than the outer diameter (some manufacturers indicate this value in the passport).

The hose must not be stretched or twisted either during or after installation.

Do not apply excessive force when tightening the tip - there is a risk of damage to the seal (recommended tightening torque is no more than 0.4 N m).

The flexible hose should not be exposed to open flame or excessive heat.

Every six months it is necessary to inspect the flexible line and check the tightness of the end fittings. To do this, ensure easy access to the flexible hose.

Avoid the risk of galvanic corrosion of the tips. It is safe to connect brass to brass, brass to copper and steel to steel pairs.

Some experts advise replacing flexible hoses every five years.

Gas connection

True, the introduction of the new product resulted in numerous explosions and fires. The troubles began when flexible gas lines became available for sale. After all, seduced by the ease of installation, the connection master gas stove Almost everyone who at least once held in their hands began to consider themselves spanner. And gas, as you know, does not tolerate jokes (one can see before one’s eyes the childhood poster hanging in every entrance: “Don’t joke with gas!”), nor does it tolerate an amateurish approach to itself.

Gas hoses

To supply gas to household stoves, two main types of flexible connections are used: rubber hoses in a metal braid and bellows metal hoses.

Rubber sleeve with metal braid.

This is practically the same hose in a steel braid as for supplying water to the mixer, but in this case the hose hidden inside the braid is made not of rubber, but of special polymer materials, and in a steel braid ( aluminum version not used here - gas after all!) Instead of red and blue threads, yellow ones are woven. Such products are supplied to our construction markets from China and Turkey, Spain (INDUSTRIAS MATEU - Fil-Gas trademark; B & M-GAS - Flexi Tab trademark, etc.) and Italy (PARIGI - Sicurgas trademark). It should be noted that a braided hose is perhaps the most popular type of flexible hose until recently. The reason is the affordable price: only 230 rubles. for a 1 m long liner from Turkey. True, a similar product from Italy will cost 360 rubles.

As an example, let's take a closer look at the design of gas hoses from INDUSTRIAS MATEU. They are produced with nut-to-fitting and nut-to-nut end fittings, having diameters designed for connection to 1/2, 3/4 and 1″ pipes. The length of the sleeves is 20-400 cm. They themselves are made in two diameters: regular (Fil-Gas; internal diameter - 8.5 mm, external - 13 mm) and enlarged (Fil-Gas Gigante; internal diameter - 13 mm, external - 19 mm). The first of them are used for ordinary home stoves, in which gas consumption is low, the second - for powerful stoves or cases when the owners like to cook and periodically turn on all the burners at the same time as the oven (the flow section of a gas hose with a diameter of 9 mm in this case can simply not enough). Note that the service life of the Spanish flexible eyeliner (and it is considered the best on our market) is (including storage) five years from the date of release. In this case, the warranty period is equal to the service life. The choice of hoses offered by PARIGI is somewhat more modest: connection only in the “nut-to-fitting” version, diameter - 19 mm (internal - 13 mm), length - 500-1800 mm.

We would like to draw your attention to the fact that in the markets it is quite possible to find eyeliner from China, made and even labeled under one of the Spanish companies. Only a specialist or an experienced seller will be able to distinguish such a fake from the original (although the latter will not always want to inform the buyer about this). But, to the credit of domestic sellers, it should be noted that due to the large number of complaints, the volumes of imports of Chinese products (including counterfeit ones) are gradually decreasing (we, as consumers, cannot but rejoice at this fact).

Bellows metal hose

More rigid and reliable, but also the most expensive. And it seems that such products are the future. Why? The fact is that the gas supply hose must comply with the requirements of a whole series of regulatory documents, such as “Safety Rules in the Gas Industry”, approved by Rosgortekhnadzor, SNiP 3.05.02-88 and 2.04.08-87, GOST R50696, 15763, 25136. And steel-braided rubber hoses comply with these documents (if, of course, we are talking about certified products). But a little more than a year ago, another document came into force - GOST R 52209-2004 "Connections for gas burners and apparatus", which does not recommend the use of braided hoses (note: the document does not prohibit their use, but rather does not recommend). But it strongly advises the use of bellows metal hoses as they are the most resistant to gas pressure and mechanical damage.

This recommendation does not mean that braided rubber hoses will suddenly disappear from our markets overnight. They, apparently, will be on sale for a long time (our GOSTs are now like this: not “hard”, as before, but “soft” - advisory). But gas services settlements These recommendations will definitely be responded to. For example, the Moscow “service 04” recently decided to use only bellows hoses in their work, and exclusively made in Germany. Agree, the very fact of making this decision speaks volumes.

Bellows liners are supplied to our market from China, Turkey (AYVAZ, PEPE, G. BEKA), Spain, Italy (PARIGI) and Germany (WITZENMANN). Its cost ranges from 230 rubles. for a 1 m long hose made in Turkey up to 400 rubles. for a similar product imported from Germany.

As an example, let's look at the design of bellows liners from WITZENMANN. They are made of stainless steel, which makes them resistant to mechanical damage, providing a high level of safety and durability.

If the Hydragas HX 311 liner is a round corrugated hose without additional protection (price for 1 m - about 400 rubles), then in the GA 621 and GA 651/657 series the bellows is protected from the outside by a metal hose made of stainless steel with a twisted locking profile (that is, it is made as a flexible hose for a shower head). The task of the outer sleeve is not only to prevent mechanical damage and contamination of the bellows, but also to limit its bending radius (minimum 100 mm), as well as excessive stretching (the cost of hoses of the GA 651/657 series with a length of 1 m is 640 rubles). On the GA 621 connection, at one end, instead of a union nut, a Firebag thermal protection valve and a built-in interceptor type tap are installed. The Firebag mechanism automatically shuts off the gas supply when the room temperature rises to 95°C (for example, in the event of a fire). Response time - no more than 60 s. True, this valve is disposable - if the protection is triggered, the entire device must be replaced. The interceptor tap allows you not only to connect/disconnect a flexible hose, but also to turn off the gas for the time when you leave home (it replaces the standard gas valve). The GA 621 model is naturally more expensive - 640 rubles. (hose 1 m long) plus 570 rub. (faucet with thermal protection mechanism). A faucet without a thermal protection mechanism will cost 440 rubles.

Another option for Hydragas two-layer eyeliner is the HX 451/457 series. This time, the manufacturers placed the inner corrugated sleeve in a transparent PVC tube, which is much easier to clean than a corrugated bellows. And the eyeliner of this series is somewhat cheaper: a 1 m long hose costs 572 rubles.

Note that bellows hoses in plastic insulation are offered not only by German, but also by Spanish and Italian producers. For example, PARIGI coats its SIM-G eyeliner with yellow polymer coating(the composition is not disclosed), and washing it is almost as easy as the German one. The choice of lengths is as follows: 500-1000, 750-1500, 1000-2000, that is, the bellows can be stretched within the specified dimensions if necessary. True, it is not recommended to reach the maximum length - the more it is stretched, the less rigid the sleeve becomes.

And one more important point. You can easily find any of the flexible hoses described above on construction markets. Only German products are supplied only to large stores.

Some characteristics of bellows gas metal hoses

Saving insert

Many of us, at least once, having touched the stove, suddenly felt a slight, but still very noticeable electrical discharge. There are two possible reasons this phenomenon.

The first is to protect the main pipe from electrochemical corrosion by applying a small negative electrical potential to it. At the junction of the main and the pipes leading to the house, a dielectric insert is installed, designed to isolate the apartment wiring from the main. It is clear that such protection works as long as the insulating insert is in good condition. What if not? This means that then current will flow through the flexible connection from the riser to the stove.

The second is that the equipment of a modern gas stove includes a whole set of electrical equipment - from the backlight to the motor that rotates the spit in the oven. As long as the insulation of the electrical wiring of the stove is in order, there are no problems. But as soon as it is damaged, a current will flow through the liner - now from the stove to the riser. The current flowing through the liner is especially dangerous for braided hoses - they are made from wire of a very small cross-section, which means they have high resistance. Experts say that in some cases the hose braid can become so hot that it simply burns the hose inside it. The escaped gas, coming into contact with a heated braid, will cause trouble... By the way, it is precisely in the likelihood of such a phenomenon that lies one of the reasons why it is not recommended to use braided hoses.

So what to do? When installing flexible hoses, it is worth using a special dielectric insert. It can be entirely plastic or combined: the insert itself is made of plastic, and the threaded parts are metal (the price of any of the options is from 150 rubles). According to experts, the first inserts are preferable as they are more reliable. Professionals recommend using similar devices when connecting household electric water heaters using flexible connections, dishwashers and other similar equipment.

Key words: flexible liner, bellows liner

There is quite serious competition among roofing materials. And this has a good effect on the development of each brand individually and on the market in this area as a whole. Due to the large number of building materials presented, consumers involuntarily have a question: what flexible tiles better? And how not to make a mistake with your choice? Let's try to figure it out together with you.

The use of flexible tiles in many countries around the world suggests that the material is suitable for use in various climatic conditions. This fact has been verified in different regions of our country. For example, it performed well in the extreme harsh conditions of Siberia and the Far East, as well as in the southern regions.

The best proof of the mechanical strength and high tensile strength of soft roofs are numerous hurricanes in the USA, when people were saved on such a roof when other roofs were blown away by the wind. It is particularly resistant to wind loads, as it can withstand hurricane gusts at a speed of 210 km/h.

Each manufacturer believes that its flexible tiles are the best. To the credit of many of them, it can be said that work to improve quality roofing material is being carried out seriously. But in general, the technical characteristics are not very different. These include the presence of a lower self-adhesive bottom layer, which greatly simplifies the installation of shingles and allows you to create a more airtight coating.

For example, the production is based on fiberglass treated with modified SBS bitumen. Availability polymer additives helps to improve many characteristics of the material, and, consequently, the durability of the roofing material. The thickness of the shingles varies from 3 to 3.8 mm, weight from 8 to 9.2 kg per m2. We can say that it stands out significantly in terms of this parameter, which has the smallest specific gravity 8 kg per m2.

Regarding the color stability of the top layer of soft roofing, manufacturers have taken a number of measures to increase the material’s resistance to fading in the sun. One of the most effective developments is the use of a top layer of natural stone. It also has such features. The color preservation guarantee extends for several decades.

Flexible tiles sound proud or why they should not be considered just an imitation

A fairly common fact is that flexible tiles are considered an excellent imitation of natural cement-sand roofing. At first, this was probably a big compliment for the new building material that had reappeared on the construction market. But now soft roofing has occupied its niche, is popular among the population of many countries, and therefore has fully deserved the “title” of an independent roofing material with its own exceptional features.

In order to list the advantageous characteristics, it is not at all necessary to compare flexible tiles with any other product. The material is distinguished by soundproofing properties, which is important in our time, when a person would like to be at home in a calm environment, without being irritated by extraneous noise.

One of the important factors is elastic properties bitumen shingles. Thus, its tensile strength is significantly high, and its tightness is maximum. But this is not even the most important thing, but the fact that flexible tiles allow you to veil all the shortcomings made during the construction of the roof. Experts noted an important fact - soft roofing is one of the few that is resistant to the formation of mold, moss, and fungal plaque.

The disadvantages of using flexible tiles include the need for additional costs for purchasing OSB-3 and installing sheathing under soft roof. It is this fact that makes this material not so widespread. But its shortcomings are literally brightened up by the presence of a large number of collections from manufacturers with a huge selection of color shades. Compared to expensive, but less bright and attractive natural roofing, flexible tiles significantly benefit in beauty, style and originality.

Flexible water line used to connect faucets, toilets and water heaters to the water supply. Nowadays the market offers a wide range of eyeliners of various lengths and diameters.

The main difference between analogues is the material from which the flexible hose is made, through which water will flow. Initially, all liners were made from industrial rubber, but it has already been proven that this material has a negative effect on water. In addition, rubber wears out quickly, and from constant contact with water it dries out and cracks. Also, with constant bending, the material breaks. The weakest point of the rubber line is the crimping of the end switches, which can become leaky even after the first water supply.

Flexible hoses in a metal braid are more reliable. There may be a hose made of ordinary rubber inside, EPDM rubber or PEX tube. The last two materials are non-toxic and can be used to supply drinking water. In addition, and EPDM, And PEX They last many times longer than their rubber counterparts. How to determine the quality of water hose material? The easiest way is by smell. Industrial rubber has a sharp unpleasant smell, such a liner has a low price; it can only be used when connecting a toilet or water heater, but its service life is only about a year.

The braid is usually made of either aluminum or stainless steel. Some unscrupulous manufacturers save even more and make the braid from galvanized wire. Such a liner will rust within a couple of months and fail. Eyeliner with aluminum braid is a little more durable, but condensation often forms on it, leading to oxidation and destruction of the threads. Steel braid is different best characteristics strength and resistance to high humidity and temperature changes.

The braid almost always contains colored threads that indicate the purpose of the eyeliner: blue for cold water, red for hot. On universal ones both threads are present. Also, some manufacturers weave in additional colors to indicate the hose material (e.g. RVC water connection there is a green thread indicating the material PEX).

It is also important to pay attention to the material of the fitting - it should under no circumstances be plastic. Fittings made of brass are the most durable; silumin fittings are thinner and more susceptible to corrosion. It is easy to determine the material: lightly scratch the edge of the fitting; if a yellowish color appears, you have brass.

When choosing a water liner, pay attention to its weight - the liner is too light and is made of silumin with aluminum braid. If the hose is tight and does not bend well, it will most likely break quickly. The walls of the fittings should not be too thin, and the threads should not be too flat - such liners will simply be torn off by the pressure of water. Check the integrity of the rubber seals; rough rings reveal cheap rubber and will quickly rupture and lead to leaks.

Brand RVC offers water liner made from EPDM or cross-linked polyethylene PEX-b in AISI-301 stainless steel winding. The fittings and nuts are made of HPb58-3 brass, so the operating pressure for such hoses reaches 20 Bar and 24 Bar, respectively. EPDM liner will last more than 10 years, and from PEX– more than 50. RVC water line complete with a plastic nut for easy installation: now when installing a faucet or connecting a toilet at home, you will not need additional tools.

Installation of any fittings for plumbing fixtures is not complete without connecting the device to cold and hot water supply systems. And here an important connecting part is needed - a bellows, rigid or flexible connection for the mixer. These tubes and hoses ensure an uninterrupted supply of water to the plumbing fixtures, so the connection for the tap must correspond to the most high standards quality. Which of the three types is better? Is there a fourth alternative? Let's look at everything in detail.

The connection of the main pipeline to the sink or sink faucet can be done using a liner. There are three types of these elements:

• hard;
• flexible;
• bellows

Each variety has its own characteristics, design features, installation and operation rules. Let's take a closer look at the main parameters of each type.

Rigid tube for connection to the mixer

A rigid connection for a mixer is the most durable and reliable option for connecting a water supply to a plumbing fixture. A tube with a length ranging from 20 to 50 cm can be made from:

• steel;
• copper;
• brass

Any of these materials, be it steel, brass or copper liner, is able to withstand sudden changes in high and low temperatures, exposure to caustic chemicals for cleaning plumbing, and most mechanical impacts on the tube from the outside.

The advantages of a rigid connection are the following parameters:

• long service life - up to 15-20 years;
• high resistance to corrosion processes;
• relatively convenient connection.

The rigid water supply is connected to the pipeline thread on one side, and to the mixer using threaded fittings on the other. For this, special corner valves and other connecting parts can be used, but in some cases you can do without them.

The threaded connection can be implemented in one of two options:

1. On one side, a fitting and a union nut with a ½-inch internal thread are connected.
2. On the other side, a standard M10 thread for a mixer or a ½ inch union nut with internal thread is connected.

A rigid connection to the tap is recommended for rooms with high sanitary and hygienic requirements, and for those plumbing fixtures where it is expected to be used frequently by a large number of people (medical, sports and educational institutions, catering establishments, airports and train stations).

Replacing a hard-type external liner is not difficult. Any man can easily do this with his own with my own hands using tools that are found in every home.

Flexible hose for faucet

This is the most popular option for home faucets, which is a rubber hose that is enclosed by a metal braid. Flexible faucet hoses are used with millet due to their low cost and simplicity. installation work. Of course, the service life of such a hose is somewhat lower than that of a rigid tube, but if you follow the operating rules, then such a line will last quite a long time - up to 10 years.

The service life and reliability of this part depends on the quality of the braid and hose material. As a rule, high quality rubber or special non-toxic rubber is used to make a hose. Metal braiding is made from the finest threads:

• aluminum;
• steel;
• galvanized iron.

Braiding is necessary for reliable protection rubber hose from the outside from mechanical damage, and from the inside from the consequences of unwanted water hammer, which inevitably occur in any water supply system. So the flexible line should contain the pressure in the network to 10 atmospheres.

Another significant design detail of a flexible connection is the fastening area. A brass bushing with a union nut is connected to it at one end, and a fitting made of the same material is connected to it at the other end.

To make the connections airtight, a third element is needed - seals or rubber gaskets.

The length of the flexible hose varies from 30 cm to 2 m. This allows it to be used for mounting the mixer, either on a stand or on the side of the bathtub.

As mentioned, flexible eyeliner can last up to 10 years if it is made from quality materials. But twisting during installation, kinks, and too high temperatures can easily damage the hose, rendering it inoperable. Therefore, you should handle it very carefully, and for preventive purposes, change the hose itself every 2-3 years.

Bellows connection for tap

The bellows connection for the mixer is an innovative development, which is a kind of corrugated stainless steel hose, at the ends of which there are union nuts made of brass. This hose is produced using a technology that consists of three stages flowing into each other:

1. Rolling up stainless steel tape.
2. Seam welding using laser or argon arc welding.
3. Corrugation of a metal sleeve.

This significantly improves the performance of such an eyeliner.

A bellows product for connecting a tap is a solution with excellent performance characteristics:

• has a high degree of wear resistance;
• features reliable operation at high temperatures (200-250 degrees);
• withstands sudden temperature changes;
• long service life - up to 25 years;
• resistance to impact chemicals and aggressive environments;
• good resistance to sudden compression and bending;
• shows a high level of resistance to oxygen;
• resistance to corrosion processes;
• easy installation process;
• Corrugation allows you not to change the flow area of ​​the liner when bending.

But such high performance comes at a higher price.

Connecting the bellows hose yourself is very simple:

Which option should I choose?

This type of connection is already equipped with standard fittings of different lengths for screwing into the body of the mixing valve. Collet adapters are screwed onto the other end of the semi-rigid tube with a rubber gasket around this tube. On the opposite side of the adapter there is a standard (HP or BP) ½ inch plumbing thread.

Connecting a semi-rigid line is very simple:

1. The bodies of the collet adapters are installed at the outlet of the pipeline.
2. Then you need to screw these semi-rigid tubes into the mixer and install it on the sink.
3. Then you need to bend the liner to the desired place so that the tube does not fold, that is, with a large radius.
4. After this, you need to mark the required length, put the conical part of the collet adapters on the tube and saw off the excess.
5. Before sawing, do not forget to put on a collet clamp, otherwise you will have to file the tube for a long time and remove a long chamfer from it.
6. Then the tube is inserted into the collet adapter bodies that are pre-screwed to the pipeline.
7. Then you need to throw the conical parts onto the adapter and tighten them very carefully so as not to damage the rubber seals.

For installation, you only need three tools: an adjustable wrench, an open-end wrench from an auto-dial and a hacksaw (or a file with a sharp edge).

Semi-rigid liner, unlike flexible liner, does not need to be replaced every couple of years for preventive purposes, and is more resistant to hydraulic shocks and ruptures. By choosing this option, you will significantly increase the reliability of the connection, reducing the risk of rupture or leaks.

General installation rules

Often you have to connect the mixer to the plumbing not in the most convenient place. But in order to ensure reliability and uninterrupted water supply, it is worth thinking through the installation details in advance and selecting all the necessary structural elements and tools for connection.

When choosing key parts for connecting the tap to the water supply, you need to consider the following:

• constructive implementation;
• ease of installation;
• quality of connectors and fittings;
• wear resistance and reliability.

The long service life and stable operation of the mixer depend only on the quality of the product and correct installation, but also on compliance with certain conditions.

1. Knowing that the quality of water in our water supply system is not the best high level, and contains a fairly large number of various small particles, dirt and rust, a rational solution would be to mount a mesh filter at the beginning of the apartment wiring.
2. Before installation, you need to ensure the quality of the liner by checking it for damage, as well as the quality of the sleeve crimp and the condition of the threads in the connections.
3. When installing a flexible hose, it is strictly forbidden to sharply bend, twist or break it. The bending radius must be at least 6 times the diameter of the liner.
4. Do not over-tighten the connecting fittings, otherwise you may break the tightness or damage the fitting.
5. After installation is completed, it is necessary to check the tightness of the system. If there are no leaks at the joints for 20 minutes, then everything is done well.

The connections for the mixer are its main supply lines for hot and cold water. A variety of design solutions for plumbing fittings provide for certain types of connections. If they are not included in the kit, you need to purchase them yourself.

The correct type of eyeliner, its correct installation, will allow the mixer to operate without problems for quite a long time, and the owner will be spared the problems of unplanned repairs. There are a huge variety of methods for connecting mixers. Typically, hoses have a single internal diameter, which greatly simplifies their installation.

The final stage of installation of plumbing equipment is the connection to the water supply (hot or cold). At the same time, choosing the right connections for the mixer is the key and most crucial moment. This unit serves for non-stop water supply and must be of the best quality. This connection is an element of the mixer that connects it to the water supply, or, more simply, it is a hose. You can choose absolutely any type of equipment; each has its own features, advantages and disadvantages. That is why the question of how to choose a water liner does not lose its relevance.

How to choose a water liner and what it is

Previously, only pipes were used as connections. However, this method of supplying water or connecting plumbing fixtures is not universal, sometimes causing severe inconvenience during installation. As an alternative to conventional pipes, you can choose flexible hoses.

Greater ductility sets this installation method apart from the use of polypropylene and steel pipes. Essentially, it is a hose with male and female threaded connectors installed at both ends. It is made of elastic material, which provides it with good flexibility.

This element can be selected for connecting toilets, faucets, and shower installations. When using such a flexible liner, connecting water for these devices will not be too difficult.

This is not to say that it is impossible to install a faucet and toilet without using this particular method. Instead, you can choose metal-plastic, but it will be quite inconvenient, and such a connection will lose reliability compared to the situation when you decided to choose a high-quality flexible water line.

This element can also be used for mounting hydraulic accumulators. It is also called a “vibrating hose” and is installed in places where equipment is subject to permanent vibrations, for example, in pumping stations.

A flexible water supply will be the only choice for connecting a shower stall that is planned to be moved away. In the presence of vibration and when installing displaced equipment, this method will provide the desired technical solution.

Which faucet liner to choose: rigid or flexible?

Hard eyeliner

A rigid connection for the mixer can be chosen as the most reliable option for connecting water. It will look like metal pipes made of copper, brass or steel.

The rigid liner is mounted on one side to the pipeline, and the other to the mixer using a threaded connector. Metal of this design is resistant to temperature fluctuations, chemical disinfections and some mechanical loads.

If you choose a rigid water line, then, if installed correctly, it will have the following advantages over a flexible system:

Service life is about 20 years;

Not subject to corrosion;

Relatively convenient installation;

• Does not accumulate dirt, easy to clean;

Comfort of use;

Alkali resistance, chemicals and temperature fluctuations.

Possible installation difficulties;

The rigidity of the structure means that it cannot be moved.

If you decide to choose a rigid line, then it will be connected to the water supply directly without the use of adapters or using angle valves and connecting fittings.

The length of such an element for a mixer, as a rule, varies from 20 to 50 cm. The connecting thread is available in two versions:

With fitting and half-inch union nut with internal thread.

With standard M10 thread for faucet or half-inch union nut with internal thread.

Most often, rigid eyeliner is chosen in public spaces with high traffic volumes and strict sanitary standards:

• Hospitals;

• Clinics;

  Kindergartens;

  Sanatoriums;

  Airports;

  Boarding houses;

  Stadiums;

  Sports centers.

Replacing a hard water line is not particularly difficult and can be done on your own.

Flexible eyeliner

This type of connection can be chosen in more common situations. It can be used with any plumbing equipment, and will also ensure the delivery of water to equipment located at a distance from the stationary points of its supply.

The flexible line is made from a hose of the required length, which is wrapped with metal braiding to increase strength. Fittings are installed at the ends of this structure. Most often, rubber is chosen as a flexible liner material, since it fits well under modern requirements environmental friendliness and safety. It also has a fairly long service life without emitting toxic substances. Since rubber is resistant to high temperatures, structures based on it can be used not only for hot water, but also for heating.

The flexible hose has a brass fitting, which is attached to the hose by means of a sleeve. The connection to the water supply system occurs through a union nut or fitting.

If you decide to choose a flexible water line, it will have the following advantages:

Safe operation;

Reliability and good quality;

Higher practicality relative to its rigid counterpart;

Installation and dismantling is carried out with a couple of tools and is not difficult;

Sufficiently long service life;

The flexibility of the product allows it to be moved relative to the mixer without damage;

Possibility of creating an aesthetic interior (flexible hoses can be hidden in a box inside the wall).

Flexible eyeliner also has disadvantages:

Strong bending, twisting and stress can cause warping and leaks;

If the flexible liner is made of a bellows, then the water in it will make noise when used in different rooms simultaneously.

How to choose a flexible water line

Flexible water lines come in the following types:

Bellows liner

The bellows flexible liner is made of stainless steel. The length usually does not exceed 200 cm, and the diameter is in the range of 12–34 mm. During installation of the system, the corrugated hose is stretched to the required length. This liner also has a gasket on a brass nut with a high melting point. Low-quality brass is more susceptible to corrosion, so it is better to purchase material from trusted manufacturers.

If you decide to choose a flexible bellows water line, it will show you excellent resistance to temperature changes, remaining operational from -50 to +250 degrees. This design can be used when installing heating systems. The price range for bellows liner provides various options– from 200 to 500 rubles, the cost also depends on its size.

The bellows liner made of stainless steel has a service life exceeding 25 years. In addition to water supply, corrugated hoses of this quality are also used for gasification.

Advantages of bellows flexible liner:

High quality steel;

Resistance to water hammer;

Long service life;

Can work at low temperatures;

Safe;

Fireproof;

Operates at high temperatures up to +250 degrees.

Disadvantages of bellows flexible liner:

High cost.

Reinforced eyeliner

Most often, buyers decide to choose this option. The reinforced liner is a rubber hose braided with stainless steel. The permissible maximum water temperature in such a system is 90 degrees. Reinforced liner can be selected to connect a toilet, boiler, washing machine. It is for these purposes that it is purchased. At both ends of the hose there are nuts and fittings with seals and threads. This design should not be chosen for heating systems, since the water temperature in them exceeds what is permissible for this type of material. The price of a rubber reinforced liner is lower than a bellows liner, but the service life is also shorter.

The average lifespan of such a water hose is approximately a couple of years. With proper use it can be even higher.

So, if you decide to choose reinforced eyeliner, you will receive the following advantages:

Environmental friendliness;

Quick installation;

Convenient installation;

Durable materials;

Flexibility.

The disadvantages of reinforced eyeliner include:

Increased wear on bends (will also deform faster with frequent bends);

Water negatively affects rubber, reducing its service life.

Stainless steel liner

The hose that is connected to the water supply system and to the connected device is made of corrosion-resistant materials. This directly affects the quality and durability of the flexible liner. It is quite possible to choose this design at reasonable prices. Thus, this type of eyeliner also has its popularity among buyers. The length of the stainless steel hose ranges from half a meter to a meter.

When choosing this connection method, the main thing is not to confuse this element with a flexible stainless steel connection for gas equipment. Gas hoses, although made of the same metal, are not suitable for connection to plumbing, as they do not have sufficient tightness and can corrode. A logical question is how can stainless materials become corroded? The fact is that gas lines at the ends have nuts or fittings made of ordinary steel, so when they come into contact with water they will quickly oxidize and begin to leak. In general, the shelf life of stainless steel hoses is quite long, but you need to pay attention to the condition of the gaskets, which wear out over time and no longer hold water.

If you decide to choose a stainless steel eyeliner, you should know the following advantages:

Corrosion resistance of the hose;

Affordable price;

Fire resistance;

• Works at sub-zero temperatures;

Easy to install.

However, the disadvantages of such an eyeliner will be:

Leaks are possible due to a worn or poor-quality gasket on the thread or weak connection of the liner.

How to choose a flexible water line: 10 criteria

Criterion 1. Hose

The main working part of the flexible water supply will be the hose. Quality products are made from non-toxic EPDM rubber, which can also be called ethylene propylene rubber. This material can also be chosen for the passage of drinking water, since upon contact with it it does not emit harmful substances. Also, rubber of this brand can be used for high temperature(up to 95 degrees), which allows you to use such a hose for connecting heating appliances and hot water. Thus, the first thing you should pay attention to will be the brand of rubber for a particular liner. Non-eco-friendly material has characteristic feature in the form of a pungent odor.

Criterion 2. Braid

The second no less important part of the flexible liner will be the braid. The task of this element is to ensure the strength and resistance of the product to mechanical loads and water hammer. There are several types of braids:

Made from stainless steel thread. An ordinary eyeliner in such a braid has a service life of about 8 years. After this period, as a rule, new mixers are installed, complete with their own hoses. The working pressure in the liner with stainless braid is designed to be up to 10 atm, and the temperature – up to 95 degrees. A short-term increase in the declared values ​​is allowed.

Made from aluminum thread. The practice of using such braids shows that eyeliners of this quality have a shorter service life compared to others. Their working period lasts on average 3–4 years. The pressure in such a hose should not exceed 5 atm. It is also unstable to the formation of condensation, which leads to oxidation and loss of strength of the reinforcement. When choosing an aluminum braid, it is very easy to recognize: if rubbing with your hand leaves a dirty mark on the skin, then this is exactly the option you have in front of you.

Made from galvanized steel wire. This braid is even less durable and is also prone to corrosion. The working pressure inside the liner with such a braid does not exceed 3 atm. Its service period will be very short, so it can only be chosen as a temporary measure.

If you need to find water connections for extended service life, then you should pay attention to products in nylon or stainless steel braiding; they are designed for operating pressures of up to 20 atm and temperatures of up to 110 degrees. The service life of such hoses can exceed 15 years.

Criterion 3. Connection

A good marker of product quality will be the condition of the hose tip. At the same time, this part is one of the most important in a flexible water line. The service life and the likelihood of leakage depend on its quality and material.

Weak compression of the braid indicates either poor quality of the metal or insufficient adjustment of the equipment by the manufacturer. Low quality metal cannot provide sufficient wall thickness, which will lead to oxidation, corrosion, deformation and destruction.

Tips are made of the following metals:

Brass LS-59, coated with nickel-chrome. This tip will last 15–20 years.

Stainless steel AISI-304, uncoated. Service life – 15–20 years.

Carbon steel, nickel-chrome plated. The service life of such a tip rarely exceeds 3 years. You can recognize carbon steel quite simply: if yellow metal is visible when scratching the coating, then it is brass; if it is silvery-white, then it is carbon steel.

Criterion 4. Gaskets

Since the gaskets directly ensure the tightness of the system, they must be made of high-quality materials. If you decide to choose a liner, you must first of all pay attention to the quality of the material of the seals. If it is lame, then such a part will crack, delaminate and will not be able to perform its functions.

Criterion 5. Fitting

When you decide to choose a water line, you also need to look inside the hose. If you see a brass nipple (fitting), this is a sign good quality. There is no need to choose a fitting made of plastic under any circumstances.

A quality part is made of aluminum, brass, stainless steel or nickel-plated brass.

If the fitting is made of poor metal, then it will have a too thin wall. This will inevitably lead to deformation during installation, corrosion and oxidation during use.

Criterion 6. System temperature and pressure

Each water supply system has unique technical characteristics. These parameters include pressure (water supply) and temperature (DHW and heating). If you do not pay attention to these values ​​when you are puzzled by the choice of flexible eyeliner, it can quickly become unusable.

Determining the operating pressure in the pipeline is much more difficult than the water temperature, which is always known to the consumer. To solve this issue, you can refer to the standard indicators of this parameter in various types of systems.

In a centralized water supply, the pressure is 4 atm;

In an autonomous heating system with forced circulation - 1.5–3 atm;

In the central heating system - 2–4 atm.

In a central heating system, sudden changes and pressure surges are common. Thus, flexible eyeliner should be selected with a certain margin of at least 20–25%.

Criterion 7. Connection type

To choose the right flexible hose model, you first need to decide on the type of connection. To do this, you need to measure the mounting assembly in the line or pipe of the connected device. It is also necessary to consider the type of thread - internal or external. Fittings can be selected from half-inch to one-and-a-half inch.

Criterion 8. Dimensions

To determine the size of the eyeliner, you need to calculate two indicators:

Hose diameter. The required size can be determined based on the water consumption of the connected equipment. For toilet optimal diameter will be 8 mm, for a sink – 10 mm, for a bath – 15 mm.

Hose length. The liner should not be too tight or bent. If left under significant tension or deformation, the hose may lose its reliability much earlier than planned.

Criterion 9. Appearance

After you've taken everything into account technical requirements and nuances, do not neglect the aesthetic component of the matter. The eyeliner you want to choose should be pleasing to your eye and blend harmoniously with the interior and style of the room.

Criterion 10. Cost of maintenance and repairs

The price of a water liner does not always determine its quality. If you decide to choose rare and unusual elements, then the failure of such parts may doom you to a long search for new ones and significantly increase the cost of repairs.

How to choose a flexible water line and what to check when purchasing

Take time to study the label of the product you are planning to purchase. All characteristics must meet your requirements and be suitable for the device being installed.

The eyeliner you choose should not be too light. The very low weight indicates the use of braided aluminum, and the fittings are made of low quality metal. It will not take a long time for these elements to deform.

If the connection fitting is made of plastic, then this is the worst option of all. Choosing such a product is not the best idea.

A flexible water line must live up to its name. You should not choose a design that is too “oaky” - its hose will be prone to cracking or may burst at any moment.

The quality of crimping of fittings must be at a high level, the tubes are inserted to the end, and the sleeves are made of stainless steel.

Pay attention to the union nuts of the liner you want to choose. Too light and thin nuts also indicate low quality not only of themselves, but also of the fitting. This can lead to depressurization of the joint. The ideal material is nickel-plated brass.

Sniff the chosen eyeliner. If it has a pungent odor, then most likely the hose is made of technical rubber, which will negatively affect your health. Quite often this material is used to produce cheap eyeliners and mixers.

Look at the colors of the braid. Each eyeliner has its own niche of use. Hoses are available for cold and hot water separately, and there are also universal ones. The color of the braid will also be appropriate - red or blue. Universal eyeliners combine both of these colors.

How to choose a flexible water line based on the manufacturer

Many domestic companies produce eyeliners of a very high level. Among foreign manufacturers, Italian and Spanish products have proven themselves well. Good bellows water connections can also be found from German companies.

Very often, buyers decide to choose AQUALINE flexible eyeliner. The offer of this manufacturer is distinguished by a balanced price-quality ratio. The production of this brand has high-tech equipment, which allows it to produce a product of proper condition and reliability. From the presented assortment you can choose products of both short length (20 cm) and large sizes (4 m). Thus, you can find a liner suitable for an engineering system of any complexity. The line also includes flexible hoses for connecting the mixer to the water supply source. Such designs are supplied in pairs with a short and a long fitting for easy connection.

AQUALINE flexible water line lasts an average of 10 years. The product is insured and certified according to the GOST R system.

You can select and order flexible AQUALINE water hoses on the SantekhStandard website. In addition to reasonable prices, the company delivers goods throughout Russia. The direct price of the product you have your eye on can be found in the catalog on the official website of the company.

The SantechStandard company has been successfully operating in the plumbing products market since 2004. The company's field of activity is large-scale wholesale supplies of sanitary ware engineering systems heating and water supply products under our own brands, from which you can choose AQUALINE, AQUAPIPE or AQUALINK.

The products of the SantekhStandard company are manufactured using high-tech equipment in full compliance with international quality standards. Since the production has a system of intermediate and final quality control, as well as supervision of raw materials and components, the company’s products fully comply with the declared characteristics.

Any questions you may have about the flexible water supply you have decided to choose can be asked by calling: