Most often, when renovating a bathroom or kitchen, a hidden faucet connection is used. It is done using flexible hoses. But what if the design solution involves an old-style interior with copper or bronze faucets? Or is it not possible to make a hidden water supply system? In such cases, a rigid faucet connection is used. It is worth considering this topic in more detail.
What is this?
The mixer hose is a product made in the form of a tube with a diameter of 10 mm.
For such products, adapters, corner connectors, collet connectors are produced. Stainless steel faucets are available in sizes from 200 to 500 mm.
Types of materials
There are several options for the execution of such products:
- Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper. The color ranges from red to yellow. Good thermal conductivity, abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. If nota protective coating has been applied, it may turn black over time.
- Copper. The color is golden red. It is highly resistant to corrosion, but may acquire a greenish tint over time in damp areas. Excellent thermal and electrical conductive properties. Resistant to chemical attack, mechanical abrasion.
- Stainless steel. Possesses high anticorrosive properties and strength characteristics. Features a shiny metallic finish.
As you can see from the listed materials, faucet hoses have a number of advantages.
Pros and cons
A number of positive properties can be distinguished:
- Corrosion resistance. This is important for wet rooms, especially since condensation forms on the liner during operation.
- Smooth surface. Does not accumulate dirt, easy to clean.
- Chemical resistance.
- Present looking.
- Durability. Compared to flexible, the service life is 4-5 times longer. Rigid faucet hoses are used for up to 20 years. Flexible 3-5 years, depending on quality and manufacturer.
- Hygiene. When interacting with water, it does not emit harmful impurities into it.
The disadvantages include installation, but this is a moot point.
If the size of the pipes is correctly selected, then installation difficulties should not arise. The price of such products is much higher than the cost of analogues. But taking into account the service life, we can say thatthe cost justifies itself. Mobility - in case you need to move plumbing or household appliances, a thorough alteration will be required. As you can see, the advantages of hard eyeliner are obvious.
Scope of application
Stainless steel faucets are used not only for domestic purposes, but also in institutions that are subject to increased sanitary standards. This is due to the fact that the surface is smooth and easy to clean. If we consider a flexible eyeliner, then it has an interwoven or corrugated structure in which dirt and dust can accumulate. Pipes are used most often in the following areas:
- Medical institutions: hospitals, sanatoriums, clinics, laboratories.
- Children's institutions: schools and kindergartens.
- Sports and he alth centers.
- Stations, airports.
These are just some of the establishments using this eyeliner.
Very popular is the use of such products for domestic purposes. Antique faucets have a beautiful look, and to complement this effect, some designers use open faucets in the same style as faucets.
In the kitchen, the intensity of the use of water supply implies a high probability of equipment wear, plus the room itself is an aggressive environment. Maintenance of furniture and equipment should be as comfortable as possible. Therefore, the faucet connection to the hard-looking kitchen is the best option.
Nuances of selection
There are a number of subtleties for the selection of hard eyeliner:
- Exact size. Deviation up or down will cause installation difficulties. Therefore, before buying, you should make accurate measurements. You also need to pay attention to the diameter of the fittings. They must match the size of the main eyeliner and faucet.
- Producer. Before buying, you should read the reviews and options.
- Material. It all depends on the design idea and price category, as well as visual preferences.
In general, the main difficulties may arise during installation.
Installation
As with conventional water supply, there are two options for the system - hidden and open.
For the first one, you will have to ditch the walls, or sew them into drywall boxes. For open piping, a fixing system to the wall should be provided.
Before installation, the layout of the planned wiring is done. After the pipes are laid, the craftsmen install the old mixer and assemble the entire system. Further, all fittings are already fixed with winding fum-tape or tow. If the eyeliner is hidden, then close up the strobes with plaster. Give time for the solution to solidify. Unscrew the old mixer and mount the new one. Turn on the water, check the tightness.
Installing a completely new system is much easier than replacing flexible hoses with rigid ones.
Replacing the old eyeliner
If it is decided to change the flexible piping to a rigid one, you should choose pipes of the required length. If sizenon-standard, you should make a cut according to the desired parameter. Then connect through the collets. Parts are put on before cutting.
There are times when the length is less than necessary, you have to weld or buy a new one.
As a rule, the installation of hard piping is trusted by professionals, due to certain difficulties. An experienced craftsman will determine how best to install with minimal risk of damage to the product.
Producers
The market is replete with firms that specialize in the production of elite eyeliner. One such manufacturer is Grohe (Germany). Grohe faucet hose is ergonomic, reliable and durable.
The manufacturer himself recommends for Russian operating conditions to install cleaning filters for water before supplying in order to maintain the reliability of the water system.
There is another well-known manufacturer of this type of eyeliner - Remer (Italy). This company has been on the market for a long time and has a full production cycle. Quality control of products begins with the evaluation of raw materials and is monitored throughout the entire production cycle of these products. That's why Remer copper faucet hoses have proven to be a quality product.
When buying such systems, you should pay attention to completeness.
Branded original eyeliners have a complete set, including gaskets. Counterfeits may be incomplete.
Cost andreviews
The price of hard eyeliner varies from 1200 rubles and more. This cost is due to the high cost of the material, in the first place. And, accordingly, for products of well-known brands, the price for the brand itself will be included. But it guarantees product quality.
According to reviews, the main problem with the installation of such systems is precisely the size adjustment. Otherwise, consumers confirm the reliability and durability of such systems.
