Flexible tap connectors - quality of

[Elbow]

Some of these last well for years, and others seem to fail quickly. Is there a British Standard? Can anyone suggest good brands?

 

[Roger Welton]

I'd suggest copper lasts a lifetime.

 

[Elbow]

I agree. But some combinations of tap/sink/basin are so awkward that flexi connectors are the only way to get in.

 

[ne1ls0n]

flexable frank springs to mind everytime i see a flexi

 

[Roger Welton]

I always think of system3

 

[Billy Bob Bob]

there is a professional standard that that flexys come under


​NO....

 

[Mike Jackson]

If you use one that is WRAS approved it's a good start. Not as good as copper but better than the non approved ones and not a breach of the water regulations to fit either.

 

[lame plumber]

the use of non wras approved ones has lead o legionella in a hospital, seems the bacteria like cheap chinese rubber.

 

[Elbow]

What is it about the WRAS approved ones, then - is it a particular type of rubber that resists bacteria? And is it thicker rubber that resists bursting?

 

[JCplumb]

I always think of system3

Same here
Within weeks of joining this site I began to get a guilty twinge and thought of System3 every time I touched one...
Not good.

 

[lame plumber]

wras approved = min acceptable quality Id have thought. Dear old system, he'll catch up with the rest of the world one day, bet he misses the art of lead soldering etc, but we can't use that kit now for one reason or another.

 

[Mike Jackson]

What is it about the WRAS approved ones, then - is it a particular type of rubber that resists bacteria? And is it thicker rubber that resists bursting?

They've been subject to testing to prove that they are up to the job and will not contaminate the water supply.

 

[REDSAW]

wras make good ones lol.

 

[Guest123]

Same here
Within weeks of joining this site I began to get a guilty twinge and thought of System3 every time I touched one...
Not good.

Wherever you are, whatever you do
Use a flexy and I'll be watching you.

 

[WHPES]

The ones that come with the more expensive taps are usually a decent quality. If I don't use them, I save them.

 

[gassafe]

Why the big fuss over flexis?

we all know, that when changing a set of basin taps its a nice surprise to see a set of flexis below the basin! Trying to get the rigid copper tails connected is a pain, the old washer breaks up inside, it's difficult to clean & put a new washer on whilst fiddling about through the old tap hole!

Flexis have that nice rubber seat! No leaks, first time!

 

[Koogatubac]

Totally agree with you gassafe. If its changing a set of kitchen taps i prefer to use flexi's just like you say, you link them up and they dont leak first time and save alot of hassle!

 

[Meady]

You also get a lot of mixer taps for sinks and basins that comes with flexi's already connected that you can't get off no matter how much you try

 

[Elbow]

Do WRAS-approved fittings have it written on them? Like a kite mark or something?

 

[Guest123]

Totally agree with you gassafe. If its changing a set of kitchen taps i prefer to use flexi's just like you say, you link them up and they dont leak first time and save alot of hassle!

Yes they don't leak FIRST time is not the attitude of a professional plumber. Whatever we install should be far better than any diy installer can do. Flexis are not a long term solution and I've seen enough that have failed or burst to know better.

It's not just my opinion, in most public buildings, nursery homes and hospitals, their use is banned.

 

[kay-jay]

Even the council work i do is all soldered tails.
I do carry flexis though. They can get you home quicker when its necessary (fridays)