How to change hoses on a kitchen faucet
As everyone has long known, it breaks where it is thin. And the thinnest place in the connection between the mixer and the water supply is the supply hose. After working for a certain time, it begins to let water through. The mixer itself continues to work. Fixing the problem is very simple - you just need to replace the hoses. The only thing that is necessary for this is to purchase the necessary replacement and not make a mistake in choosing.
The content of the article
Replacement instructions
How to change hoses on a kitchen faucet:
- The first step is to turn off the water.
- We carefully pull out the old product, having first unscrewed the liner from the mixer. We try not to use excessive force.
- We screw the FUM tape onto the threaded connection and tighten the hose.
- Now turn on the water again and see how well the connection is made. If there are no leaks, then the assembly was completed correctly.
If water leaks are visible, turn off the water again and check the connection. Perhaps they forgot to put in a gasket, which is why there is a leak, or there is not enough FUM tape wound on the threads.
What types of connecting hoses are there?
Knowledge of how to change hoses on a kitchen faucet is not enough to carry out the work efficiently. It is important to know the difference between products and choose them correctly.
All existing hoses can be divided into several types:
- for hot water - they are easily identified by the presence of red threads in the braid;
- for cold water - the color of the threads is blue;
- universal - products with blue and red threads.
The hoses also differ in the braid itself, which affects some of their qualities:
- Aluminum reinforcement. Nowadays it is very difficult to find such products. Their main advantage is their low cost, but they quickly become unusable. In addition, they are not designed for high pressure. But the worst thing is that such products are susceptible to corrosion. If there is high humidity, the braid quickly deteriorates, and then the rubber itself fails. Such hoses are not suitable for the bathroom; they can still be installed in the kitchen.
- Stainless steel braid. The most common. Thanks to its resistance to moisture, its service life increases. The product can withstand more than ten atmospheres of pressure and can be installed not only in the kitchen, but also in the bathroom.
- Nylon braid. Allows you to improve the quality of operation. The service life of such a product reaches fifteen years, and it can withstand pressure of more than twenty atmospheres. Such products are quite expensive, and since there is no need for such characteristics in everyday life, they are usually not used.
Reference. On sale you can find hoses in which rubber is replaced with rubber. They cost more, but are also much better quality. Additionally, a layer of silicone is applied to the braid, thanks to which the hose functions for up to twenty years.
Bellows hoses are classified as a separate category, although they are also flexible. Essentially, this is corrugated metal - it is flexible, but durable. No rubber is used in these products.
The end clamp and fitting are connected to the corrugation by welding - this makes the structure more reliable.This eyeliner will easily last for more than twenty-five years, withstanding temperatures of two hundred and fifty degrees. Typically, stainless steel is used, but more expensive models use brass or copper material.
This is a new product on the plumbing market and there are no fakes for it yet. Such products are much more expensive than analogues.
The following elements can be distinguished in all hoses:
- gaskets for sealing connections;
- nipple made of brass or steel;
- internal hose made of rubber or caoutchouc;
- protective braid;
- press sleeve;
- connecting fitting;
- union nut.
Hoses have different lengths. In stores you can find options from half a meter to two meters. You need to take careful measurements before purchasing. Otherwise, you will have to do additional extensions.
The fittings themselves also differ in size. It is better to choose products with a long fitting - they are more convenient.
How to choose a hose for a mixer
When going to the store to buy a new hose, you need to read the information on the label. It contains all technical data. Check that the diameter and type of fastener matches.
In addition, you should weigh the product in your hands. If the braid is made of aluminum, it will be much lighter than one with a braid made of steel. Usually, if it is aluminum, the fitting is not of very high quality. This product will not work for long. You should not buy products with plastic fittings. You also need to consider the following:
- If the hose bends poorly, then it is not recommended to buy it. Lack of flexibility clearly signals poor quality.
- The press sleeve must be made of stainless steel. Pay attention to how well it holds up.
- Union nuts should not be too light or thin.
- Low-grade rubber produces a very unpleasant odor. It's better not to buy such products.
- If you are purchasing a product for hot water, then you need to look at the labeling.
- The length must be chosen so that nothing sag or stretches.
- The country of manufacture does not matter. Sometimes the products of domestic companies are much better than those of foreign ones.