Flexible hose for heating. Flexible water connection Parts of one of them include

Flexible piping is well known to domestic consumers, since today it is used to install not only water supply devices, but also heating and plumbing equipment, any household appliances that use water, and even household-type gas stoves to risers. Indeed, the range of application of flexible hoses is so wide that it should be described in a separate book. But today we will talk about the type of flexible liner, which is still little known to the domestic buyer and is produced mainly abroad.

So, in addition to the usual flexible hose, an anti-vibration hose appeared on domestic markets not so long ago, which is a traditional braided hose, but at the same time having a larger diameter (approximately 3.5 cm). This can be used where there is a need to get rid of the hum, vibration, pipe noise that often occurs in water supply systems after pumps, hydrophore blocks, air conditioners, surge tanks, etc. are connected to them.

Every year, the production of this type of eyeliner is becoming more and more massive, which is associated with a growing demand for this type of product among the population. The use of a flexible hose for connecting pumps and pumping stations becomes possible due to its manufacture with the location of the union nut at an angle. The main advantage of such hoses is that the anti-vibration water supply can withstand increased pressure due to the fact that there are at least seven threads in each strand of its braid.

It is extremely important that only certified goods be installed in your home or office, otherwise this can lead to a number of household problems, since low-quality products are known to have an increased accident rate. Only by choosing a flexible hose, the reliability, safety and quality of which you are sure, you can safely enjoy the coziness and comfort in your home. Do not chase after foreign products. Domestic enterprises produce a lot of flexible anti-vibration hoses that meet all the necessary quality standards: from the material from which they are made to operational issues. Many domestic enterprises repeatedly test their products, and also pay for tests in specialized laboratories, which makes it possible to deliver the safest and highest quality goods to the consumer. That is why the domestic flexible eyeliner for has excellent performance even when used in extreme conditions.

Modern anti-vibration flexible hoses open up wide opportunities for improving the reliability of products, as well as labor productivity, reducing the influence of the human factor in the process of manufacturing components and further assembly, introducing semi-automatic and automatic control methods for various technological processes. Thus, flexible anti-vibration water connections that meet modern standards and requirements are a guarantee of quality that you will not have to overpay for.

The installation of drinking pipelines is a very important event that must be approached with all seriousness. Water that is transported through such a communication should not change its chemical composition. It follows from this that pipes for such communication should not be oxidized. Among metal pipes, stainless steel products are the best quality option.

Stainless piping is one of the most practical and durable options for connecting to a water supply system.

Stainless steel plumbing

For the installation of drinking communications, two types of stainless pipes are used:

from galvanized stainless steel;
from chromium-containing stainless steel.

Both of these types work well. They are the most environmentally friendly among all and practically do not affect the chemical composition of water. Galvanized steel is an alloy that contains iron and carbon, while chromium-containing stainless steel contains chromium, as its name tells us. In the air, water pipes made of chromium-containing stainless steel are covered with an oxide film, which performs protective functions.

Sanitary and hygienic studies have shown that both of the above types are harmless to human health. In addition, they have incredible resistance to aggressive corrosive influences and high temperatures. Stainless steel pipe for water supply has excellent strength characteristics. However, they also have their drawbacks, which are worth paying attention to.

After 8–10 years, such a pipeline begins to accumulate salt deposits on its inner walls, which leads to a narrowing of the pipe lumen and a decrease in the communication throughput. It is worth noting that this minus also applies to cold water pipes.

Such pipes are produced, as a rule, in two ways:

Helpful information! The welded manufacturing method is simple and cost-effective, however, seamless pipes have increased strength characteristics.

Plumbing systems, mounted and stainless corrugations, do not impair water quality

Stainless pipes are perhaps the most reliable in terms of operation, this is due to their popularity in the modern market. In addition to conventional stainless pipes, there are products that are also used for drinking water pipes - stainless flexible corrugated pipes.

Applications and advantages of stainless steel flexible corrugated pipe

Corrugated stainless pipe for water supply was invented at the end of the last century. It has high performance characteristics and is used both in everyday life and in various industries. Consider the main areas of application of such a product:

drinking pipelines;
technical water supply;
water floor heating structures;
gas distribution systems;
fire extinguishing systems.

Corrugated stainless steel pipe has a number of positive qualities:

compactness, which allows you to quickly and quickly perform installation and save space when connecting various equipment to water pipes. In addition, these pipes are stored and transported rolled into bays, which is very convenient;
flexibility. This property allows for quick installation of such products, even in hard-to-reach conditions. Such pipes bend at any angle;
installation by means of a nut connection, which does not require welding equipment and special knowledge in the field of construction;
presentable appearance;
resistance to negative temperatures;
resistance to water hammer in the system;
resistance to minor mechanical stress;
resistance to vibrations in the system;
abrasion resistance;
in addition, flexible stainless pipe for water supply is resistant to UV rays;
the unlimited service life of communications from such pipes allows you to save on their replacement and repair work. It is also worth noting that the fittings in such systems have a service life of at least 30 years.

Flexible steel pipes are not afraid of high temperatures, this allows them to be used to connect water heaters

The main disadvantage of such products is a rather high cost, which is due to technical characteristics, as well as the cost of manufacturing materials. Steel itself is a fairly expensive material.

Main Features of Corrugated Stainless Pipe

As mentioned above, flexible corrugated pipes are resistant to corrosive influences, in addition, they have many unique characteristics. The pressure that such a pipe is able to withstand is 60 bar, which is almost 4 times higher than that of a conventional steel pipeline. The pressure indicator for drinking water pipes of an economic type, as a rule, is 7 bar.

Important! When purchasing such pipes, you must be careful and carefully check that there are no damage or defects on their surface.

The maximum temperature at which a corrugated stainless product can be operated is 110 ° C, and it is also not afraid of negative temperatures. Resistance to low temperature indicators is due to the design features of the stainless corrugated pipe. Corrugation compensates for water expansion at low temperatures.

The installation of such communication is simple and thanks to flexible pipes, structures with any configuration can be made. The fitting system allows installation without special tools. In addition, such a pipeline requires a smaller number of connecting elements than for a conventional one (from simple metal pipes).

Seals must be used when fitting steel corrugated pipes

Connection of stainless pipes

The installation of stainless corrugated pipes for water is carried out by connecting individual parts of the pipeline with special fittings. In addition to the fitting system, the joining of individual elements of a flexible stainless water supply can be performed by other methods: pressure testing, welding and flange connections.

Pipeline installation by welding requires special welding equipment, as well as knowledge and skills in this area. Welding of stainless pipes can be carried out in an inert gas environment. This method requires the use of special tungsten electrodes. However, the most common method is the so-called plasma welding. In this case, the work is done by a directed plasma arc. Not every owner is able to independently perform this process without errors, so we will consider other popular methods that do not require special skills.

Pipe flanges are typically used in systems that require periodic preventive inspections and repairs. Such a connection allows you to quickly replace individual elements of communication. Flange connection is carried out without the use of threads.

Flanged connections also have their disadvantages:

high metal consumption;
deterioration of sealing performance during temperature changes and water hammer.

Threaded connections of stainless flexible corrugated pipes are made using fittings. The most popular type of fitting is considered to be a coupling, through which two pipes are connected in a straight section of the pipeline. The fitting method of installation is the most popular because of its simplicity and high speed.

The threaded connection is the simplest and is produced very quickly.

However, care must be taken in the selection and installation of fittings. Such parts are detachable and in the event of a breakdown, the failed part can be easily replaced with a new one. Connection of stainless steel water pipes to plumbing equipment is carried out using a special product - stainless steel piping.

Flexible stainless steel braided water hose

Previously, bulky structures were used to connect plumbing and other equipment, which were fastened together with clamps. This method was distinguished by the complexity of installation, as well as low reliability and, in addition, unpresentable appearance. Today, there is an easier and more reliable way to bring water to the toilet, boiler, washing machine or dishwasher. This method is connected with a flexible stainless steel hose. Such devices are very popular and are used everywhere.

Flexible water supply is a hose that can have different lengths (from 30 cm to 5 m). Both ends of such a hose are equipped with special pipes or nuts with rubber gaskets, as well as seals. Thanks to rubber seals, the desired sealing performance is achieved.

As a rule, water pipes are made of stainless steel (flexible corrugated stainless steel water pipes) or have a braid of this material. This is due to the fact that stainless steel is superior to other materials and has excellent anti-corrosion qualities, which are necessary when in contact with water.

Helpful information! The purpose of such a hose is determined quite simply: the product for cold water has a blue thread in its braid, and the model that is used to connect hot water has a red one. Combined products are distinguished by the fact that they have threads of both colors in their braid.

One of the options for a flexible stainless liner is a steel braided hose.

Stainless steel hoses are used not only for household purposes. They are also in demand in other areas:

construction;
Agriculture;
mining industry.

The flexible stainless steel water connection is designed for harsh environments and is resistant to aggressive chemicals. Consider the basic requirements that such hoses must meet:

flexible piping should have good tightness, which is feasible with its proper installation;
the gasket material must be of very high quality and wear-resistant;
the nut must have a thread without marriage;
a special rubber seal must be present.

Selection of the optimal dimensions of the flexible hose

When choosing an eyeliner for a particular case, the following characteristics must be considered:

hose diameter. The cross-sectional indicators of a flexible water supply are determined taking into account the water consumption of a particular plumbing equipment. To connect the toilet, as a rule, use a hose with a cross section of 8 mm, for a sink - 10 mm, and for a bathtub 15 mm;
hose length. The length is determined on a case-by-case basis. The connected product should not be too tight or, on the contrary, should not sag too much, thereby forming a kink.

In the event of improper installation of such a hose, its performance is reduced. In addition, it is worth considering the material from which the hose is made. The service life of flexible hoses differs depending on the material of manufacture.

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Flexible water supply - where and how to use it

Flexible water supply - a means to connect plumbing to water communications, if it is difficult to install rigid pipes. There are two types of flexible water connections: metal braided rubber hoses and bellows hoses. Connection using flexible piping has become widespread. Installation does not require special devices and time-consuming, the installed equipment is reliable.

Flexible water hoses allow you to reliably connect the plumbing fixture to the water supply network in a limited space

Some advantages of flexible pipe

The use of flexible connections makes the water distribution system simple and not bulky. A simple connection does not preclude long-term operation. Flexible pipe can be from 20 cm to 5 m in length, its internal diameter is from ½ inch to 1½ inch. The use of a flexible hose for water supply allows:

get a tight connection;
save the interior space of the home by installing plumbing or household appliances;
if necessary, move the installed equipment, for example, a washing machine;
do not use a welding machine when connecting household appliances or plumbing;
not be afraid of vibrations and minor damage;
do not be afraid of water hammer;
install the necessary machinery or equipment on your own, without resorting to the services of an outside specialist;

Having applied a flexible pipe, you can not worry that it will soon have to be changed. With proper installation and operation, it is reliable, attractive and will last a long time.

Materials for the manufacture of flexible piping

The eyeliner is an elastic hose. It is protected by a metal braid. Fasteners are installed at the ends of the hose. A simple design puts forward certain requirements for the details that make it up. A hose for a quality product is selected from soft, elastic, well-flexible rubber.

The hoses are equipped with fasteners, the installation of which does not cause difficulties.

It is important to know! Technical rubber has a rather pungent odor, does not bend well and quickly fails. Such products should not be used.

For the manufacture of braid can be used:

aluminum;
nylon;
stainless steel.

The aluminum-reinforced braid will allow the hose to be operated under pressure up to five atmospheres at a temperature of 80º C. Use is guaranteed for two to three years. In conditions of high humidity, aluminum is quickly destroyed, it ceases to protect the hose.

Stainless steel braid is the most common. It is able to ensure the operation of the product for ten years at pressures up to 10 atmospheres and temperatures up to 95º C. Nylon braid extends the life of the pipe up to 15 years at temperatures up to 110º C and pressure rising to 20 atmospheres. Fittings, union nuts are made of stainless steel and nickel-plated brass.

What to look for when buying a product

It is necessary to purchase a hose for an eyeliner, based on its intended purpose, conditions of use. You should know the temperature of the water and the operating pressure in the system.

The purpose of the product is easy to determine by the color of the threads in the braid; if both blue and red are present, such a hose is considered universal

Colored ribbons woven into the braid are used in the marking:

red - for flexible hot water supply;
blue - for cold;
red and blue - universal purpose.

On eyeliners of inadequate quality, there are, as usual, no markings.

The technical specifications are printed on the label of the flexible water connection. The weight of the hose in the hand should be felt, excessive lightness indicates poor quality materials. A product with an aluminum braid can quickly accumulate condensation. The reinforcement will oxidize and collapse, and the connection will need to be replaced.

Fittings deserve special attention. The plastic ones won't last long. The fitting must be well crimped with a braid grip, with a stainless steel sleeve and a tube inserted to the end. Otherwise, the design may simply fall off. High-quality union nuts cannot be too light and thin, so as not to crack the rubber seals and cause leakage.

Important! It is unacceptable to connect gas pipes to the water supply. They contain toxic substances dangerous to the human body.

Rubber hoses with metal braid

The most common flexible water supply is a rubber hose with a metal braid. It is extremely easy to manufacture. This is one of the reasons for the relatively low cost of the product. Modern manufacturers use EPDM rubber as the material for the hose. It does not have a strong chemical odor, is non-toxic, and is suitable for drinking water.

Flexible hoses are used to connect mixers where there is no possibility of supplying a stationary pipe

Flexible water connections are most often used when connecting faucets. It is usually impossible to bring a stationary pipe to it. The flexible water supply hose is easy to connect to other household appliances: toilet bowl (urinal, bidet), washing machine, dishwasher, water heater. It is applicable wherever there is hot and/or cold water supply. The rubber hose for connection is very convenient, simple and practical.

The anti-vibration eyeliner is of high quality. The hoses of such a product have an increased diameter compared to the standard ones. They are used when connecting devices equipped with household pumps. The use of a special rubber anti-vibration design can significantly reduce the level of noise and vibration in the water distribution network.

Advantages and disadvantages of a flexible water line in a reinforced braid

A stainless steel braided rubber hose is usually connected to a water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, or toilet. It is designed for use within two to three years, provided that the water temperature does not exceed 90º C. Practice shows that flexible pipes serve a much longer period. Connecting a braided rubber hose to the heating system is irrational.

A flexible hose option is a reinforced hose

The undoubted advantages of reinforced hoses for water supply include:

flexibility (can be used when experiencing a clear lack of free space for installation);
significant strength of the materials used in the manufacture;
environmental friendliness, compliance with sanitary standards;
quick assembly with simple equipment;
Ease of installation without much effort
comparative cheapness.

The disadvantages of flexible hoses are inextricably linked with their advantages. Rubber, which provides flexibility, interacting with water, quickly becomes unusable. Frequent bending of the elastic metal braid accelerates its wear.

Bellows connection

Metal is used to make the bellows hose. Most often stainless steel. It looks like a corrugated sleeve. The increased reliability of the bellows flexible water supply was provided by the following technical characteristics:

high resistance to fractures and compressions, which do not lead to a violation of the shape and internal diameter;
withstands water hammer;
not subject to combustion;
the ability to work in an incredibly wide temperature range - from -50ºС to +250ºС;
resistance to oxidation under the influence of oxygen;
fast installation in cramped, uncomfortable conditions.

The bellows connection has many advantages over conventional braided hoses.

These properties allow the bellows hose to serve uninterruptedly for at least twenty-five years. Manufacturers give a thirty-year warranty on the fluoroplastic nuts used, as usual, when installing a bellows eyeliner.

It is recommended to use a bellows pipe in conditions of high pressure and elevated temperature, that is, for connecting radiators, water heaters, heated towel rails and other similar devices. Another parameter that determines the choice of bellows pipe is the lack of space for any other connections.

In addition to a simple bellows eyeliner, there is a more attractive, "folding" shape. It comes folded. The corrugation is not stretched, the sleeve takes up less space. And during installation, you just need to stretch it to the desired length.

Water connection installation

Before proceeding with the installation of the supply flexible pipes, you should carefully make sure that they are not damaged. Even an expensive and high-quality product could be damaged during transportation or during storage. After that, it is necessary to verify the completeness and integrity of the gasket set. When starting work, you should remember the important rules for handling a flexible hose:

it cannot be pulled, so the required length is calculated in advance;
the eyeliner must not be twisted, deformation will make it unusable;
it is recommended to bend the metal flexible water supply according to the values specified in the product data sheet. The eyeliner cannot be bent more than 5-6 of its outer diameters;
give the desired configuration to the eyeliner before attaching the nuts;
do not bend the pipe closer than 7 cm to the union nut connected to the consumer;
for union nuts, take only flat gaskets;
it is better to twist the tips by hand. With an adjustable wrench, it will be enough to turn the tip after that, a maximum of one turn. Applying excessive force can easily damage the gasket.

When mounting the eyeliner, do not overtighten the nuts.

How to make your own eyeliner

For self-production of flexible water pipes you will need:

flexible pipe, preferably stainless, of good quality;
pipe cutter;
roller;
nuts;
gaskets.

Using a pipe cutter, a pipe of the required length is cut. The resulting corrugated pipe is inserted into the roller with a ledge into two rings. It will take several hammer blows to roll each side of the pipe. When rolling flexible hoses from one inch in diameter, they should be fixed with a metal retaining ring. The manufactured metal flexible water inlet is completed with prefabricated gaskets.

It is desirable to match the inner diameter of the hose with the inner diameter of the pipes of the water supply system. With a smaller diameter of the liner, the available water flow will be reduced, otherwise, the pressure will drop sharply.

The ability to install a flexible water supply of different sizes and diameters greatly simplified the installation and use of plumbing and household appliances. A simple and reliable means of connecting to water communications attracts with its speed of installation in the most inconvenient places. It gracefully blends into the environment, bringing comfort and convenience.

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Flexible water connection 1, 3/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inches: characteristics

A flexible water supply will help you connect a faucet, toilet bowl, water heater and other plumbing fixtures even at the most inconvenient location. It will allow you to abandon rigid pipes that require a large number of connections, and do without calling the wizard. Let's find out how to choose and connect a flexible plumbing hose correctly, so as not to flood the neighbors later.

Types of flexible piping

For water use 2 types of eyeliner:

reinforced;
bellows.

reinforced

The flexible hose of the first type is a soft elastic hose reinforced with a wire braid, with connecting elements at the ends (fittings). The tube has a complex structure despite its simple appearance. It is made from synthetic EPDM rubber or cross-linked PEX polyethylene. It is braided with a thread of wire made of stainless steel or aluminum. Reinforced eyeliner that will withstand higher pressure has a nylon braid.

The product is cut at the factory into parts of the required length. At the ends, metal nipples with fittings or union nuts are inserted into it. Then the braid with the hose is crimped with a steel sleeve around the sleeve. Connection to pipes is made through rubber seals.

The flexible water hose has different diameters: 1 and 1/2 inches, 3/4, 3/8.

Bellows

Bellows hoses are more reliable and durable. They are made in the form of alternating rings of different diameters from stainless steel. During production, the workpiece is selectively crimped, after which it receives a corrugated shape that provides high flexibility. The cost of such a hose is much higher.

The eyeliner is available in two types:

fixed length;
folding.

The first one does not stretch and has a certain size: 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 cm. For the second, the range of minimum and maximum values is indicated: 140–250, 200–355 mm, etc. It is not recommended to get carried away with stretching, because this affects the life of the product.

The disadvantage of the bellows hose is the noise that occurs when water is supplied to several consumers at the same time, for example, to a faucet, toilet bowl and washing machine. To avoid it, it is recommended to purchase hoses with a plastic coating.

Technical indicators

The main parameters of the water supply are pressure and temperature. Standard pressure values in different systems differ:

Centralized water supply - 4 atm.
Autonomous heating of a private house - 1.5–3 atm.
Central heating - 2-4 atm.

In centralized water pipes, pressure fluctuations are characteristic, therefore it is recommended to choose the strength of the hose with a margin of 20–25%. The table shows the technical characteristics of flexible hoses with different braids.

Bellows eyeliner has higher rates, but here it is important who the manufacturer is. AQUAPROF hoses are designed for operating pressures up to 16 atm and temperatures up to 150 °C, while the GIANT variety of the same type has an increased capacity and withstands temperatures up to 250 °C.

How to choose a flexible eyeliner?

To choose the right hose, consider the following parameters.

The sleeve must be suitable for temperature and pressure. For example, a flexible connection to the toilet can be of any type, but only a hose for hot water is suitable for a boiler.
Braid material is selected based on operating conditions. In a room with poor ventilation, where condensation may occur, it is better not to use a product with a metal braid.

The reliability of the eyeliner depends on its flexibility. You can check it by taking one end and placing the hose horizontally. If it bends slightly, then elasticity (and, accordingly, reliability) is low.

The fittings are selected without defects, the sleeves must be pressed around the entire perimeter. The material for the manufacture of fittings is nickel-plated brass or stainless steel. For gas, aluminum is used, which is completely unsuitable for supplying water, as it quickly deteriorates in a humid environment.
Hoses for domestic water pipes should be made of high-quality rubber without a characteristic chemical odor.

The hose for cold water is marked with a blue braided tape, for hot - red. If the inserts have both colors, the product is universal. Cheap products do not have such markings.

The sleeve is equipped with union nuts or fittings of sufficient thickness and strength so that they do not crack when tightened. If the eyeliner is too light, then the fittings are made of silumin or plastic, and the braid is made of aluminum.

Reliable products are purchased in specialized stores in high-quality packaging and with marking and a certificate (GOST 6286-73). In the attached passport, you must find the expiration date. If it is less than 5 years old, we do not recommend taking such a hose.

The tips must fit the pipes to which the flexible hose is connected. The following combinations are possible: nut-fitting (female-male), nut-nut (female-female, as in the photo below), fitting-fitting (male-male).

After the service life declared by the manufacturer, the flexible hose must be replaced.

We focus on quality

To create durable products requires complex technology and high-quality materials. Handicraft production, which subsequently leads to accidents, is characterized by the following features:

Weak compression of the braid due to the lack of special equipment and the use of sleeves made of low-quality materials.
Low strength and corrosion of connecting elements.
Rapid aging of technical rubber from which hoses and gaskets are made.
The use of ordinary galvanized wire for braiding, the service life of which does not exceed 1 year.

Reliable products have an accompanying passport. High quality products last 10 years. If an aluminum braid is used, this value is reduced by a factor of 2. The stated period is often exceeded, so it is important to find a reliable manufacturer.

Italian and Spanish firms have proven themselves well. It is worth paying attention to anti-vibration models, which are distinguished by a large outer diameter. The equipment eliminates the hum in the pipes when using pumps. The cost of such an eyeliner is several times higher than that of the domestic one.

High-quality products with a large number of positive reviews are produced by the Russian companies Aquatechnika, Monolith, and Flexiline. Stainless steel bellows is produced under the German brand WITZENMANN and the Italian PARIGI. Some models are even suitable for heating systems. High quality bellows sleeves encased in plastic insulation.

Connection rules

The eyeliner in different systems is connected through mounting elements at the ends of the product - union nuts and fittings. The hose model is selected according to its length, type of connection and size of the mounting assembly. Fittings are available with a cross section from 0.5″ to 1.5″. The hose is attached freely, without tension. Otherwise, deformation of the pressed-in connecting fittings occurs.

With different diameters of the mixer and the pipeline, the inlet at one end is fixed through an adapter.

When installing, you must follow the connection rules (SNiP 2.04.01-85).

Before installation in the eyeliner, the fastening of the reinforcement at the ends is inspected, the presence of gaskets, the quality of the thread and braid are checked.
After installation, within half an hour, you need to check the joints: if there are any leaks. When drops appear at the joints, the nuts are tightened.
The bending radius should exceed the outer diameter by more than 5-6 times.
The hose is not stretched or twisted during installation.
When tightening, do not apply excessive force: the seal may be damaged. If there is no experience, tightening is done by hand, followed by a slight tightening with a key.
The hose does not withstand open flames or high temperatures.
Once every six months, the tightness of the fastening is checked and an external inspection of the eyeliner is performed.
To avoid electrochemical corrosion, pairs of the same metal are connected.
It is recommended to replace the eyeliner at least every 3-5 years.

When installing a flexible hose, it is prohibited:

Use it in continuous flow mode.
Install without gaskets or with mechanical damage.
Operate the product at negative temperatures.

Important conclusion + video

To connect plumbing, metal pipes are used less and less. You can bring water with the help of convenient flexible devices that are easy to attach with your own hands. But you have to do it wisely.

Mr. Build recommends: take the choice and installation of a flexible type of eyeliner with all responsibility, change the sleeve regularly. Carefully monitor the condition of the hose, the integrity of the braid. A bursting eyeliner is the most common cause of accidents with flooding of neighbors from below.

Before buying and installing, be sure to watch the videos below. From them you will learn:

how to choose the right product, what to look for;
what are the weak points of the elastic eyeliner;
where and how it is impossible to mount it;
how to install a flexible hose according to all the rules;
How do you know when it's time to change your eyeliner?

mr-build.com

Flexible connection for heating

The main element in a flexible eyeliner is a rubber hose. With the performance of high-quality eyeliner, this hose is made from completely non-toxic rubber of a special grade EPDM, this is the so-called ethylene propylene rubber. This material, in case of contact with water, does not emit harmful substances, and it can be used for drinking water supply. It is also quite resistant to high temperatures, this property allows the use of eyeliner when installing heating appliances (up to +95 ° C).

The outer braid is the second most important element of the eyeliner. Flexible eyeliner provides the product with sufficiently high strength, in case of external mechanical influences, and hydraulic shocks from the inside. That is why, externally, the hose is braided with stainless steel thread, thanks to which the flexible water supply will reliably last for 10-12 years. A high-quality braid will allow the eyeliner to withstand pressure up to 10 atmospheres. If, on the outside, the protection of the braid is made of aluminum thread, then both the service life and the strength of the product will naturally be less.

The braid is also made of galvanized steel wire, it does not withstand the action of condensate, and subject to its constant formation, this eyeliner will last no more than a year. Another element is a brass fitting. To this fitting, with the help of a sleeve made of stainless steel, a completely braided rubber hose is attached. To install the eyeliner, mounting elements are used, these are union nuts or fittings.

Application of flexible water supply

The main application of flexible water supply is the connection of corrugated stainless steel pipe to household equipment and appliances that use water. For this purpose, there are two types of flexible hoses: fully rubberized hoses with a metal braid and bellows metal hoses, the use of these materials makes connecting equipment as simple and convenient as possible.

Metal-braided rubber hoses are the most common type of piping. Along with the “normal” piping, the category “metal-braided rubber hose” also includes an anti-vibration piping.

A flexible corrugated pipe or liner is, in fact, a universal material, if an accident occurs during the use of heating or plumbing systems, then in principle there will be nothing to worry about, but if something bad happens during the operation of a flexible gas liner, the consequences will be much more deplorable . But there are a minimum of such accidents, therefore, a flexible supply for heating or gas is made of sufficient quality to be used in absolutely any areas of increased danger.

Such a technically complex element as a universal flexible hose requires the use of only high-quality materials and modern qualified equipment. And the guarantee of quality when purchasing a flexible braid is the so-called accompanying passport.

Adjusting valve on the heating radiator principle of operation

The bellows water inlet is a corrugated sleeve made of special quality. Such a device is very convenient, but it should be remembered that it is not as flexible as a rubber-metal hose. Bellows connections are used to connect water, air conditioners, gas and plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, and cistern. Flexible hoses in water pipes are installed at the last sections of the water pipe, connected from the main to the devices with which the consumer interacts.

The modern market offers a large number of bellows connections from different manufacturers for selection, differing in price category, models, functional purpose, color, size, quality, service life. Such hoses are very convenient in everyday life and are always popular with consumers. Now you can safely forget about outdated metal pipes. Almost always, during the repair or renovation of plumbing, a bellows water supply is used. Customer reviews about these devices are only positive. With the use of quality materials, all domestic problems fade into the background.

The choice of eyeliner

First of all, you should take into account the quality of the materials used by the manufacturer to make the eyeliner. It is worth paying attention to the products of Italian companies, made of durable quality materials, aluminum and stainless steel. The eyeliners of many manufacturers, having good technical indicators, are distinguished by an affordable price. Some manufacturers are developing anti-vibration eyeliner, which has a large diameter and eliminates noise and hum when connected to household appliances. Such devices have no analogues in the domestic market.

Popular manufacturers

The main manufacturers of such eyeliners are the brands Witzenman, Pagri, G-beka and Hydraflex. If a boiler or some other plumbing is used in the bathroom, the presence of fixtures that will catch the eye cannot be avoided. In such situations, the Hydraflex bellows water connection is recommended. The products of this company have a modern, neat appearance that complements the aesthetic design of the bathroom.

Such eyeliners, of course, are of high quality and can serve customers much longer than ordinary flexible hoses. These devices can be used for both cold and hot water. It should be borne in mind that the cost of a branded eyeliner is several times higher than the usual one.

Appearance

From the proposed range, it is recommended to give preference to hoses in which fitting nuts are made of austenitic steel, since the quality of brass is very low. You can recognize this material by cracks and dents. The seam between the spiral part and the fitting must be made by argon-arc welding, and not by rolling, as on carved connections. Dark spots are rust, and a too rounded shape of the joints indicates the unreliability and tendency of the material to oxidize. Good seams have a thin and even profile and almost do not differ in color from the hose.

A good quality bellows-type water line is free of dents, rust spots, or chips. Their presence indicates the use of low-grade steel. This is considered a sign of poor metal strength. The protected eyeliner is, as a rule, coated with a PVC film. The difference between products for gas and water most often lies in the rigidity of the spirals due to the calculation for interaction with more or less pressure. This is checked by the method of ordinary stretching of the hose.

Operation features

Many manufacturers officially guarantee that their hoses will last 15 years. A good bellows water supply "Aquaprof", for example, can be easily operated for 30-35 years, and under gentle operating conditions, this figure can be extended up to fifty. The service life also depends on the fitting materials. The minimum service life is observed for elements made of carbon steel and brass. Stainless steel nuts are the most durable when compared to other materials.

The design of the spirals makes it possible to twist the hose, and the bend will be fixed. A high-quality stainless steel bellows water inlet can be stretched 1.5-2 times in length without any risk. Due to the rigidity of the corrugated structure, its diameter should not change. When choosing a hose, you can ask the seller to step on the eyeliner or put some kind of load under it.

Advantages

Modern bellows water supply makes it possible to quickly install plumbing, various water supply devices, gas and heating equipment in the most inaccessible places in the country house, cottage, apartment or office. High-quality hoses have high technical performance, anti-vibration properties and are indispensable for organizing comfortable conditions in any room. Remarkable aesthetic properties of flexible eyeliners make it possible to emphasize the stylish interior of an apartment or office.

What is the difference between a bellows water supply and metal pipes?

Long-familiar iron pipes are used less and less. When connecting water supply, heaters, bidets and other devices, bellows hoses made of polymeric materials, rubber and metal are increasingly used. Such a water supply is very flexible, does not rust, is resistant to various aggressive environments, as well as temperature extremes, and has an increased service life.

Eyeliner design

The hose is the most important element of the bellows connection. It can be made of non-toxic rubber of different brands, as well as other materials. The components used must be environmentally friendly, not form harmful compounds on the walls and withstand relatively high temperatures. Rubber hoses are protected from the outside with a braid made of stainless steel, aluminum and other materials so that the bellows water supply is not subject to mechanical stress and has a sufficiently high strength.

All connecting elements - fittings, nuts with a gasket, nipples must always be made of sufficiently high quality materials.

The hoses are made from non-toxic ethylene propylene rubber, which is resistant to corrosion and high temperatures. Steel thread is used for braiding. It provides high mechanical strength, including bending and tensile strength, and protects against hydraulic shocks. Such a hose is designed for working pressure up to 20 atmospheres. It is used in drinking water supply systems, for organizing heating and hot water supply.

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

Bellows connection

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

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

What is the danger of low-quality eyeliner for the mixer?

Choosing plumbing products from dubious manufacturers, you risk wasting money.

The main problems of low-quality products:

leak at the attachment point of the connecting nut;
formation of condensate;
breakage of the hose at the point of attachment of the sleeve.

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

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 5 minutes

Types of flexible piping

For water use 2 types of eyeliner:

reinforced;
bellows.

reinforced

The flexible water hose has different diameters: 1 and 1/2 inches, 3/4, 3/8.

Bellows

The eyeliner is available in two types:

fixed length;
folding.

The disadvantage of the bellows hose is the noise that occurs when water is supplied to several consumers at the same time, for example, to a faucet, toilet bowl and washing machine. To avoid it, it is recommended to purchase hoses with a plastic coating.

Technical indicators

The main parameters of the water supply are pressure and temperature. Standard pressure values in different systems differ:

Centralized water supply - 4 atm.
Autonomous heating of a private house - 1.5–3 atm.
Central heating - 2-4 atm.

How to choose a flexible eyeliner?

To choose the right hose, consider the following parameters.

The sleeve must be suitable for temperature and pressure. For example, a flexible connection to the toilet can be of any type, but only a hose for hot water is suitable for a boiler.
Braid material is selected based on operating conditions. In a room with poor ventilation, where condensation may occur, it is better not to use a product with a metal braid.

The reliability of the eyeliner depends on its flexibility. You can check it by taking one end and placing the hose horizontally. If it bends slightly, then elasticity (and, accordingly, reliability) is low.

The fittings are selected without defects, the sleeves must be pressed around the entire perimeter. The material for the manufacture of fittings is nickel-plated brass or stainless steel. For gas, aluminum is used, which is completely unsuitable for supplying water, as it quickly deteriorates in a humid environment.
Hoses for domestic water pipes should be made of high-quality rubber without a characteristic chemical odor.

The hose for cold water is marked with a blue braided tape, for hot - red. If the inserts have both colors, the product is universal. Cheap products do not have such markings.

The sleeve is equipped with union nuts or fittings of sufficient thickness and strength so that they do not crack when tightened. If the eyeliner is too light, then the fittings are made of silumin or plastic, and the braid is made of aluminum.

Reliable products are purchased in specialized stores in high-quality packaging and with marking and a certificate (GOST 6286-73). In the attached passport, you must find the expiration date. If it is less than 5 years old, we do not recommend taking such a hose.

The tips must fit the pipes to which the flexible hose is connected. The following combinations are possible: nut-fitting (female-male), nut-nut (female-female, as in the photo below), fitting-fitting (male-male).

After the service life declared by the manufacturer, the flexible hose must be replaced.

We focus on quality

To create durable products requires complex technology and high-quality materials. Handicraft production, which subsequently leads to accidents, is characterized by the following features:

Weak compression of the braid due to the lack of special equipment and the use of sleeves made of low-quality materials.
Low strength and corrosion of connecting elements.
Rapid aging of technical rubber from which hoses and gaskets are made.
The use of ordinary galvanized wire for braiding, the service life of which does not exceed 1 year.

Reliable products have an accompanying passport. High quality products last 10 years. If an aluminum braid is used, this value is reduced by a factor of 2. The stated period is often exceeded, so it is important to find a reliable manufacturer.

Connection rules

With different diameters of the mixer and the pipeline, the inlet at one end is fixed through an adapter.

When installing, you must follow the connection rules (SNiP 2.04.01-85).

Before installation in the eyeliner, the fastening of the reinforcement at the ends is inspected, the presence of gaskets, the quality of the thread and braid are checked.
After installation, within half an hour, you need to check the joints: if there are any leaks. When drops appear at the joints, the nuts are tightened.
The bending radius should exceed the outer diameter by more than 5-6 times.
The hose is not stretched or twisted during installation.
When tightening, do not apply excessive force: the seal may be damaged. If there is no experience, tightening is done by hand, followed by a slight tightening with a key.
The hose does not withstand open flames or high temperatures.
Once every six months, the tightness of the fastening is checked and an external inspection of the eyeliner is performed.

Use it in continuous flow mode.
Install without gaskets or with mechanical damage.
Operate the product at negative temperatures.

Important conclusion + video

To connect plumbing, metal pipes are used less and less. You can bring water with the help of convenient flexible devices that are easy to attach with your own hands. But you have to do it wisely.

Mr. Build recommends: take the choice and installation of a flexible type of eyeliner with all responsibility, change the sleeve regularly. Carefully monitor the condition of the hose, the integrity of the braid. A bursting eyeliner is the most common cause of accidents with flooding of neighbors from below.

Before buying and installing, be sure to watch the videos below. From them you will learn: