10 tips on how to choose a flexible hose for your shower head

The flexible hose is an important element of the shower system, and without it, hygiene procedures would not be as comfortable. But sometimes it breaks down, which causes a lot of inconvenience and increases water consumption. In this case, it is useful to know how to repair a shower hose or replace it with a new one if the old one cannot be repaired. It would also be useful to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of choosing hoses so that you do not have to change them every year.

Shower hose

No. 1. Shower hose design

The flexible shower hose has an extremely simple design :

• inner tube;
• outer braid (may be missing);
• two nuts for attaching the hose to the mixer and watering can.
  Read also:  The shower smells like sewer, what to do and why the shower stinks

The inner tube is made of plastic or rubber; you can also find products with a nylon tube. Plastic is the cheapest option, but does not have record durability. In addition, it is sensitive to pressure changes. The best option is an inner tube made of rubber , but such a hose will cost a little more. It is not difficult to understand what kind of material was used. Just look inside the hose, and if you see a white tube, then it is most likely plastic. You can also try stretching the hose: rubber stretches well, but this will not work with a plastic tube.

Some manufacturers produce shower hoses that consist only of transparent plastic . Such products look very interesting, especially when water flows over them. You can take such a hose if you have a flow-through filter at home, otherwise you will soon be able to observe lime deposits inside the tube, so there is no question of any aesthetics.

However, a hose without an external winding is very rare. The tube coating performs several important functions, including protection from external mechanical influences, twisting and destruction under the influence of pressure changes and high temperatures. The outer winding increases the aesthetics of the hose and can be made of metal, plastic, or have a silicone coating. The appearance and performance depend on the type of material.

Connecting elements are located at both ends of the hose .
The flat nut is intended for connection to the mixer, while the cone-shaped nut provides connection to the watering can. When deciding which shower hose to choose, it is important to pay attention not only to the winding and design, but also to the quality of the nuts: the thicker they are, the better.

What is the repair of shower cabins?

Strange as it may sound, repairs to shower stalls can be avoided if you properly care for them and use them carefully. In addition, you need to think about repairs even before you install your shower stall in your home. Choose high-quality materials for its installation if you are making a shower with your own hands, and purchase only a high-quality device if you are installing a ready-made one from the manufacturer.

Repair of shower cabins can be emergency or planned. The more often you carry out routine inspections of your shower stall, the less susceptible it will be to sudden breakdowns.

Emergency repairs to the shower box can be avoided if you inspect and test this product during the process.

Try to inspect the appearance of the cabin from time to time, wipe away clogged areas, sort out the mixer and clean the watering can. In addition, if you have an acrylic or plastic pallet, then it is better to immediately strengthen it and place it on the base.

What can break in a shower stall:

• Flexible hose. It may crack at the attachment points, or even just along the body.
• Drain. It may become clogged or leak.
• Mixer. The cartridge may fail or the gaskets may wear out.
• The watering can or aerator may become clogged.
• The roller system or hinges may also fail.
• The pallet, if there is one, may crack or break.
• Possible depressurization of walls.

Polycarbonate shower enclosures may develop cracks in the doors or exterior panel.

No. 2. Types of external winding

The outer braid protects the inner tube from a number of negative influences, increases the elasticity of the hose, its strength, wear resistance and durability, and improves aesthetics. This is in general, but if you dig deeper, many of the properties of the winding will depend on what material it is made of. The most popular options today:

• metal winding;
• plastic winding;
• silicone coated winding.

Metal winding is a classic. It is made of stainless steel, less often - of copper alloys. It has a spiral shape. The metal body provides the hose with excellent flexibility and protects the inner tube well from kinks and kinks. Moreover, such a hose looks impeccable in appearance, it can have a chrome-plated surface, or be made in bronze or gold color, so you can decorate the bathroom in any style. Metal hoses are inexpensive, but they also have some disadvantages . Firstly, low durability (on average 5-7 years). Secondly, over time, the winding begins to unwind, peel and break, damaging the inner tube. In addition, limescale and dirt on the metal will be quite noticeable.

The plastic case copes well with high temperatures (up to 70-800C), has increased flexibility, is resistant to corrosion, is easy to clean, and can be smooth or spiral. clear, colored and chrome-plated plastic hoses on sale Chrome-plated products are externally indistinguishable from metal ones, colored ones give free rein to imagination in interior design, and transparent ones only look impressive at first. Then streaks and even blackened spots appear on them. The main disadvantages of plastic windings are their tendency to dry out and crack. To extend its service life, it is better not to wind the hose tightly - let it hang freely in the shower or bathtub. The plastic case is not repairable.

Plastic hoses reinforced with metal wire are also sold . Such products receive additional strength, durability, resistance to bending and microcracks.

Another good modern solution is a metal hose with silicone coating. The additional layer protects the metal from delamination, increasing the durability of the product. In addition, flexibility and elasticity increases. Such hoses last longer than conventional metal ones, leak less often, and they are much easier to keep clean - fungus will not appear on the silicone. The disadvantages are higher price and weight.

Voting for the best shower hose

Which shower hose would you choose or recommend?

WELTWASSER 1750 SP

29.41 % ( 5 )

Grohe Silverflex 28388000

11.76 % ( 2 )

hansgrohe Comfortflex 28168000

0.00 % ( 0 )

Ideal Standard Idealflex A4109AA

5.88 % ( 1 )

IDDIS A5071120

11.76 % ( 2 )

Grohe Relexaflex 28151001

5.88 % ( 1 )

G-lauf URG-1314

11.76 % ( 2 )

HANSGROHE 28112000

11.76 % ( 2 )

RAVAK X07P340

0.00 % ( 0 )

Vanstore Flex 222-90

0.00 % ( 0 )

IDDIS A5061120

5.88 % ( 1 )

Lemark LE8030S

5.88 % ( 1 )

No. 3. Connection Size

The standard thread diameter of the nut on both ends of the hose is 1/2 inch, but 3/8 inch nuts are also available. It is important that the size of the connecting elements of the hose matches the size of the connecting elements of the watering can and mixer. Otherwise, you will have to use special adapters.

The European inch system in determining thread sizes is used everywhere today. There is also a domestic metric system, but it is used very rarely: hoses and watering cans with Russian threads are difficult to find today. By the way, it is not easy even for a professional to determine by eye which type of thread is used in a particular sample. Our sample nuts are slightly larger. To avoid mistakes, the easiest way is to take an old hose with you to the store.

Purpose and varieties

The main task of the element is to connect the watering can with the shower mixer. By design, the hose is a long, flexible tube with 2 union nuts, with which it is connected to the specified parts.

Based on the type of braid, the following types of hoses are distinguished:

1. Plastic. Equipped with a polymer braid. Cheap, but short-lived products.
2. Rubber (with plastic braid). Can withstand high temperatures (up to +80°C). More flexible, durable (compared to the first option). Corrosion resistant and easy to clean. The surface can be smooth or with a spiral coating.
3. With metal outer part. Made from rubber, nylon, and other types of plastic. The braid is made mainly of stainless steel. However, there are metal parts with silicone protection. The elements are easier to clean from contamination and are characterized by high flexibility (compared to standard metal ones).

Before choosing a shower hose, experts recommend paying special attention to the quality of the braid. However, it should be noted that the metal version, especially with silicone coating, is the most expensive.

Several types of designs can be distinguished depending on the scope of application: for example, for a bidet, a classic shower cabin, a jacuzzi, a hydromassage bathtub. This division is largely arbitrary, since there are no other differences between the products other than the length of the hose.

No. 4. Hose length

The standard length is 150 cm. Such hoses have gained maximum popularity, they provide complete freedom of movement, and all the most remote parts of the bathtub or shower tray can be washed without any problems with such a hose. At the same time, the hose is not too long and will not get in the way under your feet; there will also be no need to twist it several times.

On sale you can find hoses with a length of 125 cm (the best option for a hygienic shower and arranging a shower panel), 175 and 200 cm . The latter are quite difficult to find, and they are suitable for high shower panels. Be sure to consider the size and features of your shower or bathtub when choosing the length of the hose. Both a hose that is too short and a hose that is disproportionately long will cause a lot of inconvenience. So don't skimp and don't overstock.

Remote control for shower cabin: repair and features

Modern shower cabins are no longer the same as those that grandma had in her garden or in the courtyard of a country house. In some homes, the shower area is more like a spa, where dream weights are magically realized. And this stick is a remote control.

The control panel of a shower cabin, equipped with many functions, is a device that ensures its vital functions. Failure of this device completely blocks the operation of some models.

Major repairs to the shower cabin remote control require the technician to have special knowledge and skills

In some cases, it is even difficult to determine what exactly has failed: the electronics control panel, or the electrical system of the cabin itself. If you are not an electrician, then it is better not to risk the health of your family members and call a specialist.

What you can try to do yourself:

• Replace the battery in the control panel;
• Disassemble the remote control and clean the inside of the device;
• Clean the button.

If you do not know how to fix the remote control, it is better to take the device to a workshop. If the problem is with the remote control, then just let them fix it for you, or replace it with a new one. If your remote control is in order, then urgently call a qualified technician to repair the electrical part of your shower stall.

No. 6. What else to consider when choosing?

To choose the right shower hose, pay attention to the following points when purchasing:

• preferably hoses with additional antibacterial and antifungal protection;
• the base of the connecting elements should be brass, not plastic;
• there should be no burrs, sagging or other defects on the hose;
• crooked thread is a sign of a low-quality product. We hope it is clear that such a hose will cause a lot of problems during installation and operation;
• uneven color and corrugations of different sizes are other signs of an unscrupulous manufacturer;
• The hose should come with a pair of gaskets for the nuts;
• The manufacturer must be indicated on the packaging, as well as all important parameters of the product.

TOP 13 best shower hoses

Which shower hose would you choose or recommend?

Take the survey

No. 7. Shower hose manufacturers

The leaders in the market of flexible shower hoses are German companies. Their products are of high quality, durability, reliability, but also cost accordingly. Good products can be found from Czech, Hungarian and domestic manufacturers. Chinese hoses in most cases are of low quality, but sometimes there are pleasant exceptions.

The largest manufacturers of shower hoses include:

• Hansgrohe is a large German company specializing in the production of sanitary ware. Hoses are presented in several collections, made of different materials. The range of prices is sufficient, there are budget products, the most expensive ones (with antibacterial coating) are guaranteed for up to 5 years
• Grohe is another German company. Its products combine impeccable quality and excellent design. All hoses are guaranteed, all products receive the Twist-Free protective system;
• Ravak - cheaper Czech hoses. The company uses anti-twist protection in its models, produces products with lengths from 150 to 200 cm, and provides a guarantee;
• Aquanet is a domestic manufacturer, offering a wide range of different hoses, prices are reasonable;
• Zegor is a Chinese company, the very exception to the rule. Produces hoses with different windings, incl. plastic with metal reinforcement.

You can also recommend the products of KorDi (Switzerland), IDDIS (Russia), Kludi (Germany) and Nobili (Italy).

Best Braided Silicone Shower Hose

WELTWASSER 1750 SP

The highly durable silver-white product from the German brand WELTWASSER is equipped with an ANTITWIST anti-twist system and a thrust bearing for connecting a hand shower. The hose is made of stainless steel and PVC plastic with a smooth surface of increased flexibility. Both sides of the hose have chrome plated brass 1/2-1/2 flare nuts with sealing gaskets.

WELTWASSER 1750 SP

Characteristic:

• hose length - 175 cm;
• shell - metal braid with silicone;
• protection against twisting - yes;
• connection - 1/2″x1/2″;
• warranty - 5 years.

pros

• easy cleaning and maintenance;
• does not scratch the bathtub and faucet;
• there is protection against creases and twisting;
• anti-microbial coating;
• easy installation.

Minuses

• there are no shortcomings.

Shower hose WELTWASSER 1750 SP

No. 8. How to install a shower hose?

Replacing an old shower hose with a new one is not difficult - you don’t have to be a plumber or have any experience in this field. The sequence of actions is as follows:

• unpack the new hose and check its integrity;
• unscrew the watering can. There are usually no problems here, everything is done by hand, but sufficient force may be required. If the connection does not work, then the cone of the old hose can be held with a pipe wrench and the watering can be turned by hand so as not to damage it;
• unscrew the nut on the mixer, you can use an open-end wrench;
• clean the threads of the mixer and watering can from dirt;
• insert the gasket into the union nut and screw it onto the mixer;
• the second gasket is inserted into the cone-shaped nut and the watering can is tightened. You need to work with your hands, as you can tighten the thread with a tool;
• turn on the water and check the work done. If water is leaking somewhere, you should tighten the nuts a little more tightly.

If the thread size on the hose and the mixer or watering can does not match, you will also have to attach adapters. This makes installation somewhat more complicated.

Step-by-step repair of a shower cabin (video)

Timely preventive measures have never harmed anyone. To prevent the failure of your shower stall from catching you wet and naked in the morning before work, carry out a timely preventive inspection of its parts. Try to treat your shower stall with love, take care of it and take care of it, and it will reward you with tender care for you and your health.

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No. 9. Hose care and maintenance

To ensure that your shower hose serves faithfully for many years, follow a few simple rules when handling it:

• After taking a shower, place the watering can in the holder. Do not throw the hose into a bathtub or onto a tray, do not twist it around the faucet, do not twist, bend, stretch or pinch the product;
• abrasives, aggressive chemicals and hard metal brushes are not suitable for cleaning the hose - it is better to use a soft cloth, a synthetic brush and ordinary detergents;
• It is better not to allow very hot water to pass through the hose for a long time.

If you follow these rules, then even the simplest hose will last quite a long time. If handled carelessly, an expensive product will quickly break.

How to change the drain in a shower stall if it is broken

If the drain is simply clogged, that’s, as they say, not so bad. A much worse situation is when, while taking a shower, we realize that a puddle is spreading across the room from under the tray. And it’s good if your apartment is not on the ninth or fourteenth floor. What to do in this case?

It is necessary to change the drain in the shower stall, as in the bathroom, as soon as you discover a leak. The faster you do this, the less harm you will cause to your neighbors.

There are not many options for replacing the drain. If you determine the location of the leak, you can only change the component of the drain design.

If the drain leakage in the shower stall is not fixed, then the entire set will have to be replaced.

How to replace a shower tray drain:

• Shut off the water supply to the mixer;
• The old siphon was removed;
• Install a new drain structure.

The situation is much worse with do-it-yourself trays, or in showers where there are no trays at all.

Cleaning and reassembly

The procedure for cleaning a disassembled shower head includes the obligatory washing of the dissecting mesh, on which so-called water stone or scale accumulates during the operation of the shower. Experts advise using special cleaning compounds for this purpose, which are freely available for sale. Acid and products like Santry clean scale well.

After disassembling the divider, its elements on which large accumulations of stone are noticed are washed. Upon completion of these procedures, the previously dismantled and cleaned product is assembled in the reverse order of its disassembly.

When dismantling the shower head for cleaning, you should also check the condition of its other components (mode switch or sealing gasket on the coupling). If any violations are detected in their condition, these elements are either restored or replaced with new ones.

Shower head disassembly technology

How to disassemble a shower head? This process is considered quite simple and understandable, so even without experience it will not be difficult to carry out the work. The procedure is divided into successive stages:

• the watering can is disconnected from the hose, and to do this it is enough to unscrew the element. If the product is new, then this process will not cause difficulties, but if it has been used for a long time, then usually a lot of scale and alkali have accumulated at the joint, so the process causes difficulties. It is often possible to unscrew the watering can only with a gas wrench;
• Direct disassembly of the element begins. There is a plug in its center. It should be dismantled, and it is quite easy to pry it off with an ordinary sharp knife. As a rule, there are no obstacles to removing it;
• After removing the plug, the screw will be revealed. It is this that holds the mesh, and it is quite difficult to unscrew it, since usually a lot of sediment accumulates here due to the use of low-quality water. First, the recess is cleaned with a blade, after which the screw is unscrewed;
• Then you can begin to disconnect the mesh from the body. This work is carried out carefully, since if you make sudden movements, the gasket can easily be damaged. Although this element has a low cost, the difficulty lies in finding the gasket of the right size and thickness.

First remove the plug

Under the plug there is a screw that needs to be unscrewed

Disassembled shower head

Thus, if you follow the instructions exactly, you will get a disassembled element consisting of several parts. After completing the process, it will be easy to clean them from dirt and blockages.

Cleaning

Various methods can be used to clean a shower head, and you can use all methods at once to achieve the best result. Solutions used for these purposes:

• using vinegar - for this process you need to prepare a regular container with 9 percent vinegar. The amount of solution depends entirely on the diameter of the mesh, and the most common designs are with a diameter of 5 or 6 cm. Therefore, 300 g of vinegar is used. The solution is poured into a container, where the mesh and other parts of the structure are then lowered. It is advisable to keep them in vinegar overnight;
• the use of citric acid - this method is considered more efficient, since this product quickly copes with various blockages. To do this, it is also necessary to lower the mesh into a container with citric acid, and then boiling water is poured, and the part should be completely hidden in the solution. You need to wait for the water to cool, so it will take about 20 minutes. Next, bubbles will begin to appear, after which the mesh will be pulled out. It is cleaned quite easily and quickly after this procedure with a standard toothbrush. This is due to the fact that the plaque softens, so it is easily detached from the mesh.

To clean a shower head, you can use vinegar or citric acid.
Thus, cleaning a shower head is a simple process that involves using standard solutions found in almost every home.

Assembly

Assembly is performed in exactly the same way as disassembly, only in reverse order. To do this, the mesh is placed in the housing and then secured with a screw.

Thus, cleaning the watering can is easy if you figure out how to disassemble and reassemble it. If the room has a switch from the shower to the tap, then often problems with the flow of water are associated with it, so repair work has to be carried out.

Shower siphon repair

A broken siphon results in an unpleasant odor in the shower stall. In order to repair the siphon in the shower, remove the tray screen, unscrew the top part of the siphon and replace it with a new one.

Replacing a sewer siphon is a very labor-intensive process. During this type of work you will need rubber gaskets and special tools. It may also be necessary to clear a blocked bend. To do this, disassemble and clean the siphon.

Variety of shapes and sizes of shower heads

Modern nozzles can vary in shape and size. Shower heads are produced in the following shapes:

• rectangular and square;
• triangular;
• round and oval.

The size of the watering can is determined by its area of ​​application. For example, those who like to bring down a whole “waterfall” on themselves choose “tropical rain” models, the working area of ​​which is about 50 cm2. Connoisseurs of the classics choose standard manual watering cans, the diameter of which does not exceed 6-8 cm.

The ergonomics of the product is also important. Therefore, when choosing a model, twirl it in your hands to check how convenient it will be in everyday life.

Some stores have a special stand where the consumer can check the functionality of the device by placing his palm under the stream

In terms of practicality, those watering cans in which modes are switched using a button are much more convenient. It's much safer for your hands. And besides, rotary mechanisms are beginning to become a thing of the past.

How to repair a damaged product

Usually the hose is damaged near the attachment point to the shower head or faucet. Having determined the location of the problem, we proceed to repair:

1. Unscrew the hose completely from the watering can and from the mixer;
2. Slip the fastening nut from the edge of the hose and pull out the inner hose, picking it up with a thin flat tool: a screwdriver, a knife;
3. Carefully cut off the damaged end of the inner hose and insert it back into the hose sheath.
4. Screw the repaired hose to the faucet and screw the watering can back on.

If possible, it is better to unscrew the connecting nuts by hand to prevent mechanical damage.

How is the installation done?

The shower cabin comes with an instruction manual describing how it works. If it is not there, then installation should be carried out based on the following tips:

1. You should select a location for assembly. It is advisable not to do this in the bathroom.
2. Installation of the pallet depends on whether there is a frame. If it is present, then fixation will be more difficult.
3. It is necessary to turn the pallet over and fix the square beams to it.
4. The beams have holes into which the studs are installed. The long side rests against the corner of the product, and the short side against the floor.
5. On one side the fixation is carried out with a nut, and on the other - with a thrust bearing. The structure must be turned over and put in place. The height is adjusted using the thrust bearing.
6. After installation, everything is tightened using locknuts. To fix the pallet to the wall, you must use brackets. The joints are coated with sealant.

Installation of a product without a frame is carried out as follows:

1. When installing a product with a flat tray, a siphon should be installed. You should unscrew the clamp and the joint with the drain hole, and treat it with sealant.
2. Then everything is inserted into place.
3. On the other side, a sealant treated with silicone is attached to the corrugation.
4. Then the hose is inserted into the sewer.
5. After installing the siphon, you need to pour water into the pan and check for leaks. If absent, then major fixation is performed.
6. The product is attached to the installation site and raised by 5 cm. Polyurethane foam is poured under it. The load must be placed in the installed pallet. Only after a day can you perform the next stage.

Criterias of choice

When choosing, you should pay a lot of attention to the main operational characteristics of the product, incl. the material from which the tube and braid are made.

Length and size

Length affects not only the ease of use of plumbing fixtures. The service life of the structure depends on it, because if the product is short, the tension in the hose will be strong and the system will fail faster.

A long element twists, and a short one restricts movement, causing inconvenience to the consumer himself.

In most cases, for a standard bathtub, an element 1.5 m long is selected. If it is large, then the figure can be 2 m. For a shower stall in a small bathroom, 1.5 m is sufficient.

However, it is better to take measurements in advance. You need to focus not only on the plumbing parameters, but also on your height and habits.

Material of manufacture

Plastic and metal are used for the braid, and polymer or rubber is used for the tube itself. The latter and steel are the most durable and expensive materials.

Anti-torsion protection

The device must be equipped with a special bearing and a rotating cone with which the hose is attached to the watering can.

Other aspects of choice

It is worth paying attention to several additional points, for example, whether the product is protected from bacteria or fungi.

When choosing, be sure to inspect the hose, check that the threads are even and the color of the braid is uniform. The package should include gaskets. They will be needed to install the nuts.

All technical parameters are indicated on the packaging or in the instructions.