Choosing a hose for a mixer

Without a flexible hose that will be connected to the mixer, it is impossible to assemble the water supply system. This element plays an important role in the installation of a water supply system that will supply the user with water at a comfortable temperature.

The mixer hose is an integral part of any water supply system in which this element is provided. They cannot exist separately from each other. It is not so easy to buy a hose, because they are presented on the market in a large assortment. It is necessary to understand the features of these devices, to understand the main principles of selection, to study the available proposals.

A good hose must meet a number of requirements:

• high-quality design;

• reliability of connection points;

• convenient and intuitive installation;

• impeccable quality, reliability and ability to withstand workloads.

Also, before choosing, you need to think about the installation process. Perhaps it will have some specifics, which will require the purchase of additional components or add special criteria for choosing a hose.

There are only a few basic types of mixer hose.

• Rubber hosebraided metal is a common option found in standard faucet installation kits.

This type of water connection is available, easy to install and use. But it is difficult to call it durable, although everything directly depends on materials and workmanship. The upper protective braid is created from thin threads, which can be steel, aluminum and galvanized. The hidden part, the hose itself, can be rubber or rubber. This option is often chosen for houses and apartments.

To connect a faucet with a mixer and to a water source, flexible connection systems are equipped with a brass union nut and a union. Special plumbing gaskets are responsible for the tightness, which are also installed on the taps.

• Bellows linerwhich uses an annular steel tube is an innovative development. The device looks like a corrugated metal sleeve for which stainless steel is used. At the ends of the tube there are brass union nuts for easy connection to a sink, shower or sink (on the underside, closed from prying eyes). The process of creating such a liner consists of rolling a metal tape, welding a seam and corrugating a sleeve.

This system of connecting pipes to the mixer is a reliable and durable way. The liner can withstand air diffusion, temperatures up to 250 degrees, compression, bends, temperature drops and aggressive environments. No corrosion occurs on such a hose.

• Polyethylene connecting tubesequipped with press fit connectors are a novelty that users are just starting to try.

• Nickel plated copper systemequipped with flared ferrules is a rigid type of connection. It can definitely be called the most reliable and durable. In addition to copper, brass and steel can be used. To connect such a hose, on one side it must be connected to the thread on the pipeline, and on the other side, due to the thread, the product must be attached to the mixer. Such a system is not afraid of high water temperature, frequent disinfection and other negative influences.

During installation, angle valves may be required as an installation option. Such a connection is often chosen for premises with high traffic and strict requirements regarding sanitary and hygienic conditions.

The length of the rigid connection for the mixer varies between 20-50 cm. The length of the flexible hoses starts from 30 cm and can be up to 2 meters.

The connector is available in several versions.

• A union and union nut with a ½ in. Female thread.

• Standard thread for M10 mixer or 1/2 ”flare nut with female thread.

• A custom connection is rare and can be a 3/8 ”or ¾” M8 / nut. To connect such a supply, you may need a special adapter or even replacement of plumbing equipment.

The dimensions must be selected accurately and correctly so that the installation is not complicated and is carried out according to the standard scheme.

Even if you have chosen a good hose that meets the requirements and is suitable for the operating conditions, it still needs to be connected correctly. Any model, with inept installation, will not be able to demonstrate high-quality and long-term work. In the near future, the device will have to be removed and replaced with a new one.

The basics of proper connection are presented below.

• The presence of a strainer at the beginning of the wiring of the water supply system can not only improve the quality of the water, but also protect the user from frequent repairs and replacement of system components.

• Before installing the hose, it is necessary to check the piping. Pay attention to damage, threads and liners. If in doubt about the condition of these parts, it is best to replace the worn out parts or make repairs if possible.

• Flexible hose does not tolerate kinks, so installation must be neat. The permissible bending radius cannot exceed the hose diameter by more than 6 times. Otherwise, the extension cord will be damaged and leak. Only a few single microcracks contribute to the rapid formation of a leak.

• If the connecting fittings are screwed on tightly, the tightness may be compromised or the fitting may be damaged. It is necessary to tighten it, but it is important not to overdo it. Although there are gaskets in the fittings, you still need to wind up from plumbing flax.

• The fittings are screwed into the mixer holes. The hoses must be passed through the opening of the washbasins. Clamping brackets are used to fix the tap to the bottom of the sink. The hose is connected to the water pipes by means of union nuts.

• After completion of the installation work, the system is checked for leaks. The connections should be checked for leaks for 20 minutes. If this was not found, then the mixer for cold and hot water will work properly. If a leak is found, it is necessary to unscrew the connectors, check the gaskets, wind up and mount the system back.

• The approach system can be hidden and open. A hidden option is often chosen for the bathroom. It is easier to implement it even at the stage of repair, because you will have to gouge walls or build plasterboard boxes.

Covert connection must be done at a high level, using expensive and reliable materials. After all, unscrewing any part and performing repairs will be problematic. For an open system, it will be enough to screw the fasteners into the wall and perform the installation according to the previously created plan.

Just by starting to choose a hose for a mixer, you can realize how vast the market for these elements is. A large number of manufacturers sometimes delay the selection of the required products.To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with the most popular and reliable companies that are included in the presented list.

• Grohe (Germany) demonstrates the high quality that is characteristic of this country. The company produces an elite eyeliner that attracts the consumer with ergonomics, reliability, and impressive durability. Against the background of these characteristics, even the high cost does not seem to be a problem.
• ProFactor also based in Germany. The company has a 50-year history, during this time the products have shown themselves in the world market and have become the undisputed leader. Each unit in the ProFactor range is the benchmark for high quality.

• Remer Is an Italian trade mark, which is a serious competitor for the products of the two manufacturers presented above. These products are well known to the Russian consumer. The company has a full production cycle, which allows it to control every stage.

There are often fakes of this brand on the market, which differ in incomplete complete set. Original supply systems are always supplied complete.

• Mixer hoses are common among Russian consumers ST Giant... This trademark belongs to the Russian company Santrade. It is difficult to draw definite conclusions as product reviews vary. In some cases, users are satisfied with the work of the hoses and have no complaints about the manufacturer, but sometimes the company's customers have negative reviews.

The company manufactures products for various price niches. Inexpensive products are not of the highest quality. Therefore, there is a difference of opinion.

• Industrials Mateu Is a Spanish manufacturer that is constantly engaged in research and development and carries out strict control over its products. This principle of work allows him to produce an up-to-date product that always meets world requirements.

• Rispa - this is a manufacturer about which not much information has been provided. According to some sources, this is a Turkish company, from other sources it becomes clear that it was founded in China. The products are affordable, which allows them to keep well on the Russian market, and besides, they are not of the worst quality. Mixer hoses can last for several years, even with very frequent use, so if you have a limited budget, you can stop at this brand.

The following recommendations will help you make the right choice of hose for the mixer.

• Each supply must have a label with technical parameters. This information will allow you to accurately select the hose in terms of diameter and method of attachment.

• By weight, you can determine the material of manufacture. Aluminum will be light, steel will be heavier. Light carts often turn out to be of poor quality and break down without having served even six months.

• A plastic fitting is a sign of an unreliable hose. With such a fastening, the supply will not be able to withstand the working loads.

• The hose must be flexible. With insufficient flexibility, we can talk about low quality, which will lead to the formation of cracks and deformation after a short time of operation.

• Stainless steel is used for press sleeves. They must hold tightly, which is achieved with good and high-quality pressing.

• Union nuts should not be thin and light - such a product in the process of work will bring a lot of problems.

• The mixer hose should not have a strong rubbery smell. This indicates the low quality of the material used for the production of the inner supply element. This product is not intended for domestic use, it will leak over time and will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

• For hot water, only hoses with red markings are used. The blue bar corresponds to the hoses that are for cold water. Versatile supplies with blue and red stripes are available.They can be used for water of any temperature within the recommended values.

• The length of the hose must be chosen with a small margin so that the supply hangs down a little or at least is not too taut.

• Many serious manufacturers equip devices with 50 cm hoses. This length is usually only enough for the kitchen. In the bathroom, one and a half meter carts are used.

Some plumbers practice lengthening with such hoses. In this case, an extra connection is added to the system, which reduces its reliability. It is better to immediately replace the product with a hose of the required length.

What you need to pay attention to when choosing a hose for a mixer is described in detail in the video.