Most bathroom faucets are equipped with an inexpensive kit, which consists of a manual watering can and a flexible shower hose. Sometimes the hoses fail and have to be replaced. And since the modern market offers the buyer a large selection, it is sometimes difficult to figure out what to choose so that the device works efficiently.
Over time, during operation, you can observe how the hoses flow at the joints. Also, with careless handling, they are torn. Some change the whole mixer, but this is the wrong approach. It is much cheaper and easier to replace only one flexible item. The problem is also that modern manufacturers do not offer universal products that would suit any type of connection. Therefore, each mixer needs its own hose. What types it happens and which one to buy - we will consider further.
Characteristic
Shower hose - one of the accessories for the bath faucet. Structurally, this element is a tube made of flexible materials that connects the mixer with a watering can.
Components such as plastic and rubber are used as materials for the manufacture. To give this element rigidity, manufacturers cover the hoses with different windings. They protect the tube from damage caused by high temperatures and water pressure, as well as from external loads if the hose is twisted.
The edges of the product are equipped with straight or conical (depending on the model) nut ends. On one side, a narrow nut with ribs is screwed onto the mixer. Another, longer - to the soul watering can.
Universal models have standard specifications. These are threads that allow you to connect the product to almost any mixer. The optimal size for convenient use of the shower is approximately two meters. But various manufacturers produce products of different sizes - this is 1.25, 1.5 and 1.6 meters.
The main types of products
If the shower hose is leaking or worn, it is recommended to replace it. For this, the most suitable element is selected from the huge number of available models. But to choose, you need a little understanding of the issue. Shower hoses have various external windings:
Metal winding
Modern models with a metal winding are a tube made of plastic, rubber or other polymeric materials. This tube is placed in a metal casing. Such a case is slightly springy, due to which the hose is protected from excesses. Often you can find models where the winding is not steel, but only imitates metal.
Choosing from such options, it is better to purchase a product two meters long. This will reduce the load in the place where the product will be connected to the mixer in the bathroom.
Not having great reliability and durability, these solutions are characterized by low prices. This is where the virtues end. A metal winding breaks after a short time, unwinds, and then breaks the tube. The price allows you to change these products often, but this can not be called a rational approach.
Plastic wrap
Such solutions can be completely plastic or only a winding for a rubber tube can be made of plastic. These models are able to withstand exposure to water at temperatures up to 80 degrees.
Unlike metal counterparts, these hoses have excellent performance characteristics - this is what the reviews say. There are models with metal wire - they are durable, quite flexible, and durable.
The disadvantages of the reviews include the ability of the material to crack and then crack. It is not recommended to wind these hoses around the taps of the mixer after taking a shower. Also, do not load the product with hot water for a long time.
Plastic components are produced both with a smooth surface and with a spiral coating. The product can be transparent, color, chrome. It must be said that during operation, transparent windings may turn yellow over time. Impurities of calcium salt, dirt, rust are deposited on them.
Innovative solutions
Now the market for sanitary equipment constantly offers various new items and improved models, which are an excellent alternative to most traditional shower watering hoses.
A special silicone layer on a metal braid protects the metal from damage and significantly improves performance. Therefore, many prefer silicone hoses. Judging by the reviews, they have considerable flexibility and resilience.
Some products are even protected against twisting by means of special bearings, which are integrated into the fittings at the ends of the hose. This allows such a shower hose to rotate as you like. To increase strength, manufacturers reinforce products with capron or metal thread. Among the leaders are manufacturers from Germany, Hungary, and Italy.
How long are the hoses in stores?
Manufacturers supply hoses with four main dimensions. So, a product with a length of 125 centimeters is a hose for a hygienic shower. A size of 150 centimeters is standard. 175 is a rarely seen oversize. And finally, two meter models are accessories for tall mixers.
If a hose of a different length was previously installed, then it is more advisable to acquire a standard size. It is neither long nor short. Such a product is very comfortable to use.
Plastic or metal?
We examined the main types of shower hoses. Now we can say what is better. Metal hoses are often bought out of habit. But they are characterized by low flexibility, are covered with limescale, the braid is torn and untwisted. This is a low-quality product, and you should not buy such products. Plastic is more durable, but not so familiar and can not be repaired if it fails. For lack of extra funds, it is better to purchase just such a model.
What to look for when choosing?
When purchasing hoses for a shower head, the first and most important thing to pay attention to is the quality of the connections. Well, if they are not pressed in the place where the product will be connected to the mixer. A reliable option is models with swivel joints or equipped with bearings.
It is better to give preference to solutions in a silicone braid on a metal casing. This increases the level of protection against water hammer. You can also take care of your health - hoses with protection against bacteria are on sale.
Hardware Grohe Silverflex
This Grohe shower hose is made of plastic. Its surface is smooth, and it is really a convenient hose - it is characterized by increased characteristics of flexibility. It is very comfortable to use. You can not be afraid of the destruction of the hose and wash with a watering can in hand. The length is enough to bring the watering can to any place on the body.
The edges of the hose are well protected from creasing, and a rotating cone will not allow it to twist. The surface of the product is chrome plated. The length of the model is 150 centimeters. This is more than enough for people of average height with a standard mixer.
Hansgrohe Isiflex hardware
This is a German shower hose. Hansgrohe produces plastic hoses. Their surface is smooth. The level of flexibility is increased - this allows you to wash in showers or boxes. Due to the rotating cone at the attachment point, the product is reliably protected from creases. The surface imitates a metal one. The lineup contains models of standard length, which we have already considered above.
Zegor WKR 007
These are the products of the Shanghai brand. Flexible shower hose made of plastic. Its surface is smooth. There is a chromed metal corrugation. Despite this, the product has a sufficient level of flexibility. The watering can can be freely twisted as you like - the risk of creases is minimized. The hose is equipped with a swivel cone.
As for the available sizes, it is possible to purchase a hose with a length of one and a half to two meters. The company took care of people with any growth.