Most often, when repairing a bathroom or kitchen, a hidden eyeliner for faucets is used. It is done using flexible hoses. But what if the design solution involves an old-style interior that uses copper or bronze taps? Or is there no way to make the water supply system hidden? In such cases, a rigid connection for the mixers is used. It is worth considering in more detail this topic.
What it is?
The eyeliner for the faucets is a product made in the form of a tube, the diameter of which is 10 mm.
Adapters, corner connectors, collet connectors are available for such products. The liner for stainless steel faucets is 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. Color ranges from red to yellow. Good thermal conductivity, abrasion resistance, resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. If a protective coating is not applied, it may blacken over time.
- Copper. The color is golden red. It has a high resistance to corrosion, but over time in humid rooms it may acquire a greenish tint. Excellent heat and electrical properties. Resistant to chemical attack, mechanical abrasion.
- Stainless steel. It has high anticorrosive properties and strength characteristics. It has a shiny metal surface.
As can be seen from the above materials, the liner for mixers has several advantages.
Advantages and disadvantages
There are a number of positive properties:
- Resistance to corrosion. This is important for wet rooms, especially since condensation forms during operation on the eyeliner.
- Smooth surface. The dirt does not accumulate, it is easy to clean.
- Resistance to chemical attack.
- Presentable look.
- Durability. Compared with flexible, the service life is 4-5 times longer. Rigid eyeliner for mixers is operated up to 20 years. Flexible 3-5 years, depending on quality and manufacturer.
- Hygiene When interacting with water does not emit harmful impurities into it.
The disadvantages include installation, but this is a moot point.
If the pipe size 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 that the cost justifies itself. Mobility - in case you need to move plumbing or household appliances, a thorough rework is required. As you can see, the advantages of hard eyeliner are obvious.
Scope of application
The eyeliner for stainless steel faucets is used not only in domestic use, but also in institutions that have high sanitary standards. This is due to the fact that the surface is smooth and conveniently washed. If we consider a flexible eyeliner, then it has an intertwined or corrugated structure in which dirt and dust can accumulate. The use of pipes is most often carried out in the following areas:
- Medical institutions: hospitals, motels, clinics, laboratories.
- Children's institutions: schools and kindergartens.
- Sports and fitness centers.
- Stations, airports.
This is just a series of establishments using such eyeliner.
The use of such products for domestic purposes is very popular. Antique faucets have a beautiful appearance, and to complement this effect, some designers use open eyeliner, made in the same style as faucets.
In the kitchen, the intensity of the use of water supply implies a greater likelihood of equipment wear, plus the room itself - an aggressive environment. Furniture and equipment care should be as comfortable as possible. Therefore, the eyeliner for taps in the kitchen of a hard look is the best option.
Nuances of selection
There are a number of subtleties for selecting a rigid 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 supply and mixer.
- Manufacturer. Before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the reviews and options.
- Material. It all depends on the designer's idea and price category, as well as visual preferences.
In general, the main difficulties may arise during installation.
Installation
As with conventional water inlet, there are two options for the system - hidden and open.
For the first, you will have to ditch the walls, or sew them into drywall boxes. For an open eyeliner, a wall mounting system should be provided.
Before installation, marking of the planned wiring is done. After the pipes are passed, the craftsmen install the old mixer and assemble the entire system. Further, all fittings are already fixed with the winding of a fum tape or tow. If the eyeliner is hidden, then close the strobes with plaster. Time is given for solidification of the solution. Unscrew the old mixer and mount a new one. Turn on water, check for leaks.
Installing a completely new system is much easier than replacing flexible hoses with rigid ones.
Replacing an old eyeliner
If you decide to change the flexible eyeliner to rigid, you should choose the pipes of the desired length. If the size is non-standard, a cut should be made according to the desired parameter. Next, connect through the collets. Details 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, installation of a rigid eyeliner 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.
Manufacturers
The market is replete with firms that specialize in the production of luxury eyeliner. One of these manufacturers is the company Grohe (Germany). An eyeliner for Groe mixers differs in ergonomics, reliability, durability.
The manufacturer himself recommends that for Russian operating conditions, water purification filters be installed before the eyeliner 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 assessment of raw materials and is monitored throughout the entire production cycle of these products. That is why copper Remer eyeliner for faucets has established itself as a quality product.
When buying such systems, you should pay attention to completeness.
Branded original eyeliners have a complete set, including gaskets. Fakes may be incomplete.
Cost and reviews
The price of a rigid eyeliner varies from 1200 rubles and above. This cost is due to the high cost of the material, in the first place. And, accordingly, the price for the brand itself will be included on products of well-known brands. But it guarantees product quality.
According to reviews, the main problem with installing such systems is precisely the size fit. Otherwise, consumers confirm the reliability and durability of such systems.