Flexi-hoses - do different qualities exist or are they all pretty much the same?

[Sandy283]

Hi all

I'm after some recommendations for high quality manufactured flexi-hoses.

There are a number of flexi-hoses used in my house and I suspect that they are all over 10 years old, so would like to replace them as a pre-emptive measure before they pop (all on mains pressure). Unfortunately they're all in awkward places which would most likely require removal of hardware (bath, vanity cupboard) if I wanted to replace with copper/pex fittings, which would be the ideal resolution but unfortunately the financial situation won't accommodate that, so I'll have to replace on a like-for-like basis.

They're all 300m with standard 15mm & 1/2" threaded connectors, but a couple are of the 22mm push-fit type.

I'd like to think that there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to these, so I'd rather spend a few extra quid and get as best quality as possible (which is sometimes demonstrated by a longer guarantee).

The Flo-fit hoses on ScrewFix appear to have a 50 year guarantee, but when you dig into the T&Cs, they actually state "Products such as flexihoses and tap connectors, have a standard 2-year warranty." Similarly with JG Speedfit - they advertise a 25 year gurantee on the SF site (which I think is now 50 years too?), however the smallprint in their T&Cs state "All other plumbing products such as flexi hoses, valves and tap connectors, have a standard 1-year warranty." Again with Flomasta - SF website states a 10 year guarantee, however their actual website states that this only for radiators, and fill & flush valves.

I've read SirLancelot's similar query, but aside from the flexi being WRAS-approved, there was no suggestions as to specific manufacturers, so I'm resurfacing the question given that his was posted 4 years ago!

Are there any brands/manufacturers which anyone would recommend? Preferably with as long a warranty as possible (I understand that in Oz they all come with 10 year minimum now) Similarly, are there any which should be avoided?

Thanks

 

[denso13]

Not really much difference, do use WRAS approved though.

 

[Notch7]

Hi all

I'm after some recommendations for high quality manufactured flexi-hoses.

There are a number of flexi-hoses used in my house and I suspect that they are all over 10 years old, so would like to replace them as a pre-emptive measure before they pop (all on mains pressure). Unfortunately they're all in awkward places which would most likely require removal of hardware (bath, vanity cupboard) if I wanted to replace with copper/pex fittings, which would be the ideal resolution but unfortunately the financial situation won't accommodate that, so I'll have to replace on a like-for-like basis.

They're all 300m with standard 15mm & 1/2" threaded connectors, but a couple are of the 22mm push-fit type.

I'd like to think that there are varying degrees of quality when it comes to these, so I'd rather spend a few extra quid and get as best quality as possible (which is sometimes demonstrated by a longer guarantee).

The Flo-fit hoses on ScrewFix appear to have a 50 year guarantee, but when you dig into the T&Cs, they actually state "Products such as flexihoses and tap connectors, have a standard 2-year warranty." Similarly with JG Speedfit - they advertise a 25 year gurantee on the SF site (which I think is now 50 years too?), however the smallprint in their T&Cs state "All other plumbing products such as flexi hoses, valves and tap connectors, have a standard 1-year warranty." Again with Flomasta - SF website states a 10 year guarantee, however their actual website states that this only for radiators, and fill & flush valves.

I've read SirLancelot's similar query, but aside from the flexi being WRAS-approved, there was no suggestions as to specific manufacturers, so I'm resurfacing the question given that his was posted 4 years ago!

Are there any brands/manufacturers which anyone would recommend? Preferably with as long a warranty as possible (I understand that in Oz they all come with 10 year minimum now) Similarly, are there any which should be avoided?

Thanks

I would say how long they last depends on how they fit

if they look like a contorted snake with kinks then thats not going to be conducive to a longlife

Flexis are often used to get over bad plumbing layouts and not for the their intended purpose of awkward locations for rigid fixings

I designed my bath flexy connections so they had a smooth single 90 curve to them

and the basin I managed to do all in copper piping with soldered joints and compression service valve

 

[jj4091]

I have had them in our house for over 25 years with no leaks or other problems like discolouration.

 

[polesapart]

As above, the ones that fail have usually been contorted/stressed.

 

[gas112]

also keep cleaning products etc away from them when cleaning the bathroom as they can help rot them

 

[Sandy283]

Thanks - so working on the basis that the flexi is appropriately installed and WRAS approved, are there any known high-quality manufacturers?