Liner for kitchen faucet: how to choose, types + 2 stages of installation

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

Flexible hoses greatly facilitate and speed up the work of the plumber

Types of eyeliner

There are only three main types. Below are the features of each of them.

Flexible hose

Very popular due to its versatility. Compatible with almost any plumbing equipment. In addition, models of this type are suitable for supplying water to a tap that is located at a distance from water intake points. Such hoses for mixers are usually equipped with a brass fitting, which is attached to it with a sleeve or a union nut.

The main disadvantage of such models is instability to torsion. Bends that are too strong will deform them, leading to leakage. However, this option has more positive qualities:

1. Flexibility makes it possible to move the connecting device without damaging the plumbing.
2. It is easy to hide the part in a box, thereby maintaining the integrity of the interior.
3. Easy to install.

Topic: How to choose a kitchen faucet - 3 plumbing parameters that you should rely on when purchasing

Bellows hose for faucet

It is usually made from stainless steel. The surface of such models is corrugated. The fixing parts are union nuts on which the gasket is placed. This type also applies to flexible eyeliner.

Tip : if the sink is shallow, it is better to choose a mixer with a high spout, like Franke POLA. This will make washing dishes and collecting water in large containers more convenient.

The length of the kitchen faucet hose rarely exceeds a couple of meters. The diameter of the product ranges from 12-34 mm. The operating temperature range is from -50 to +250 degrees. The only disadvantage of this option is the rather high price. Although, given the number of advantages of this solution, it is quite justified. Bellows liner:

1. high degree of strength;
2. not afraid of water hammer;
3. can last more than a quarter of a century;
4. resistant to temperature changes and freezing;
5. fireproof

Hard hose

One of the most reliable connection options. The eyeliner looks like a metal tube. These hoses are made from copper, brass or steel. These materials are not afraid of temperature changes, chemical and mechanical stress. Models are installed with one side to the pipe and the other to the tap via thread.

Recommendation : Corner sinks like the AZG 661-E are perfect for kitchens with a non-standard layout or tight spaces.

The main disadvantage is that installation is more complex compared to other types. But this type of connection has many advantages:

• service life up to 20 years;
• is not afraid of rust;
• easy to clean: dirt hardly sticks to it, and it is easy to clean;
• resistant to alkali and other chemicals, high and low temperatures.

Find out: How to choose a kitchen sink: 4 selection criteria

Is there a difference in what kind of braid is used for a flexible liner 3/8 or another size?

The protective sheath of interwoven steel or polymer fibers performs three functions:

• protection of the sealed hose from mechanical and thermal damage during installation and operation;
• compensation of internal water pressure, otherwise the flexible polymer shell would swell and a rupture would occur at the place where the sleeve is pressed onto the nipple;
• gives additional rigidity to the hose, which is useful when installing flexible hoses in hard-to-reach places.

The braid can be made of stainless steel, coated steel or nylon. Blue or red stripes are applied on top of the wicker shell - this is the marking of the product for cold or hot water.

The most expensive and high-quality are flexible hoses with stainless steel braiding. This 3/8-inch hose can be installed on plumbing fixtures even next to heating equipment.

Galvanized steel braiding is often considered to be of lower quality. This is partly true. Individual fibers may lose zinc due to mutual friction, and the metal will rust.

Soft hose rupture

The quality of the metal braid does not depend on the presence of a protective coating, but only on the grade of steel. The more sulfur, phosphorus and carbon in the metal, the worse the characteristics of steel fibers. Individual strands burst under load, the sharp ends of the fibers tearing apart the rubber sealing layer.

Stainless steel is considered a good choice, but not the best due to its high price. Braids made of mild low-carbon steel with a galvanized protective layer are considered a good solution.

How to distinguish a quality leash from a fake? You can distinguish high-quality 3/8 or 3/4 inch flexible eyeliner from an obvious fake. If you touch the braid with your palm and move it along the axis, there should be no scratching or tingling sensations from raised microscopic metal burrs.

Nylon braids are more durable in use, but they have one drawback. Polymer fibers often absorb water like a sponge, which leads to premature degradation of the polymer hose.

Flexible eyeliner

Material of manufacture

Regardless of the type of connection chosen, the main selection criterion is quality. Of course, this affects the price, but it’s not worth saving: a good hose for a kitchen faucet means both a low probability of leaks and durability.

Things to consider:

• Appearance of the product. It should not be deformed or too thin.
• The manufacturer is also important: unknown companies are too risky a choice. They often make a cheap but not reliable product.
• It’s good if the seller is ready to provide quality certificates.

Tip : to avoid lifting heavy pots of water, you can purchase Novara-Plusс. It is equipped with an exhaust hose.

Features of materials used in the manufacture of eyeliner:

• Steel - durable galvanized pipes are not afraid of rust. May expand slightly at high temperatures.
• Copper is ductile, does not rust, disinfects water, and remains operational at +250 °C.
• Brass - withstands up to +300 degrees, resistant to chlorine, high pressure (up to 400 atmospheres).

The best brands

Among most manufacturers there are the most popular companies. These include German companies Grohe and ProFactor, which produce high-quality products. The products are durable, reliable, but expensive. There is a brand from Italy called Remer, which is a competitor to its German counterparts. You can find fakes from this company; they do not include all the components for the mixer.

Among domestic brands, ST Giant eyeliner from Santrade is distinguished. Reviews about this product are mixed. The company produces products at different prices. Products of low cost are of poor quality, hence the different opinions of consumers.

The Spanish brand Industrials Mateu has high product performance and always controls its quality. Products are manufactured according to international quality standards. The Turkish company Rispa, founded in China, has an affordable price and fairly good quality. The product can operate uninterruptedly for many years. Therefore, if you have a limited budget, you can buy products from this company.

Dimensions

Before purchasing a product, you should determine the required length. Most branded models come with a 50 cm hose included. This is enough to connect a faucet in the kitchen.

It is important to take preliminary measurements, since the layout of the room and the placement of water supply points may differ. The diameter of the union nut is also important. It can be ⅜ - 1”. The fitting has a standard value - M10.

Recommendation : A large family will benefit from a double sink like the N200. It will fit twice as many dishes.

The method of connecting the hose to the faucet in the kitchen may differ:

• Petal Latch + Fitting - Simply push the tube into the bottom of the faucet until you hear a click.
• Thread - the part is simply screwed in.
• The push-in connector is a cylinder-shaped sleeve, which on one side is divided into 4 petals. By rotating the nuts, they bend towards the center, which ensures fixation.

Educational program: What does a kitchen faucet consist of: 5 different models

Specifications

How to change the connection to a faucet in the kitchen

Conventionally, the whole process can be divided into two parts:

1. dismantling the old connection;
2. connecting a new one.

The instructions in the table will help you do everything correctly.

Useful: How to properly install a sink in the kitchen with your own hands: instructions in 4 sections

Knowing what types of tap connections there are, it is not difficult to choose the appropriate connection for the kitchen. And connecting everything yourself is not at all difficult if you act step by step.

Basic criteria for product selection

A few simple recommendations will help you choose a faucet liner that is suitable in all respects and will last for years without any problems.

Before purchasing a product, experts advise:

1. Check the compliance of the actual parameters of the operating temperature, pressure in the water supply of an apartment or private house with the technical characteristics of the liner specified on the label and in the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Consider future operating conditions when selecting braiding material. For damp rooms with poor ventilation systems, you should not purchase products with metal braiding. Condensation that will settle on its surface will quickly lead to corrosion and damage the device.
3. Estimate the weight of the product. There is a high probability that the hoses are too light and are made of aluminum and low-grade metals that quickly deteriorate during operation.
4. Make sure there are no strong chemical odors. They indicate the use of hazardous technical rubber in the product.
5. Test the eyeliner for elasticity. Insufficiently flexible, “oak” tubes will quickly crack and burst a short time after installation.

One of the main components of a hose is the fittings. They must be examined carefully. It is important that they are well pressed and have no visible defects.

The pressure parameters in centralized water supply systems are about 4 atm, but they are characterized by frequent fluctuations. For safety reasons, you need to choose hoses with a margin of 20-25%

Optimal materials for nuts are nickel-plated brass and stainless steel. Aluminum is absolutely not suitable for water supply. Also, do not buy eyeliners with flimsy plastic fittings.

When choosing a device, they are guided by the type of connection to the water supply and mixer, the type/dimensions of the threaded connection, and the length of the hose.

The thread can be internal or external with dimensions ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 inches. This parameter is coordinated with the holes in the pipe and device to which the hose will be connected.

For sinks, shower stalls and sinks, it is better to consider liners with a diameter of at least 10 mm. The required length is determined based on the distance between the plumbing fixture and the pipe outlet.

It is considered ideal if, after connecting, no unnecessary stress is created on the hose and no additional bends are formed.

Reinforced and bellows products made from cheap components and low-grade raw materials are seriously limited in service life

Nuances of installation work

Reliable and long-term operation of the mixer depends not only on the quality of the selected product, skillfully carried out installation work, but also on compliance with certain rules.

1. Considering the quality of water in our plumbing system, which contains a huge amount of dirt, rust and other small particles, it is necessary to install a mesh filter at the beginning of apartment wiring.
2. Before installation, check the quality of the liner for damage, the condition of the threaded connections, and the quality of the sleeve crimp.
3. When installing a flexible hose, it should not be sharply bent, broken or twisted. The bending radius must exceed the diameter of the liner by at least 6 times.
4. Do not over-tighten the connecting fittings so as not to break the tightness or damage the fitting.
5. After completing installation, be sure to check the entire system for leaks. If no leakage occurs at the joints within 20 minutes, then everything is done correctly.

The connections for the mixer are the main supply line for cold and hot water to it. Various design solutions for sanitary fittings provide for certain connections to them. If they are not included in the kit, you must select them yourself.

A well-chosen liner and its correct installation will ensure the mixer has a long service life without problems, and the owner will not have headaches from unplanned repair work. At the same time, there are quite a few ways to connect mixers. And, as a rule, the eyeliners have a single internal diameter, which facilitates installation.

Flexible hose is not allowed

• It is highly undesirable to use liners with aluminum and galvanized braiding in damp rooms .
• Rubber or nylon hoses should not be used near open flames or heating elements .
• Metal hoses are prohibited from being used near electrical panels .
• Flexible hoses cannot be used in constant flow mode instead of pipelines .
• It is prohibited to use flexible hoses at sub-zero temperatures .
• Hang and dry various items on hoses , store all kinds of chemicals nearby .
• Install the liner through the ceilings .

Having figured out what flexible eyeliner is, its characteristics, how to choose and use it, let’s say a few words about the manufacturers.

Fitting

When installing any type of pipes during plumbing work, you cannot do without fittings, which also include all kinds of taps and valves. These can be soldered ball valves, straight or angle valves (with American type). Brass ball valves (crimp, with butterfly handle) are used, which are characterized by good anti-corrosion resistance. When connecting such a tap to a pipe, a split brass ring is used to crimp the pipe; rubber (ethylene-propylene) is used as a sealing material. Similar ball valves are three-way, with external thread, with internal thread, for connecting pipes at right angles.

Ball valve connection diagram

No special tools are required to install these faucets.