Installing a boiler or instantaneous water heater is an important step in ensuring comfort in your home. However, for the system to work smoothly and safely, special attention must be paid to the selection of components, in particular flexible connection hoses. They are the connecting element that ensures the water supply to the device.
The boiler operates under pressure and is constantly in contact with hot water. Therefore, the flexible hose for the boiler must withstand high temperatures, pressure drops and not lose its tightness over time. The use of poor-quality hoses can lead to leaks or even emergencies. Let’s figure out what types of flexible hoses exist, and why corrugated stainless steel hoses are the best choice.
Main types of flexible hoses for water heaters
There are several types of flexible hoses on the market for connecting boilers and instantaneous water heaters. Each of them has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.
- Metal-braided rubber hoses. This is the most common and affordable option. They consist of an inner rubber tube that is protected by an outer stainless steel or aluminum braid. Although these hoses are cheap, they have a limited lifespan (usually 3-5 years) and are sensitive to pressure and temperature changes. Over time, the rubber can lose elasticity and crack, leading to leaks.
- Reinforced hoses. These are a subspecies of rubber hoses, but with a stronger reinforced braid. They can withstand higher pressures, but still have a rubber base that wears out over time.
- Bellows hoses (corrugated stainless steel hoses). This is the modern and most reliable type of flexible boiler supply. They are made of corrugated stainless steel, which provides exceptional strength and durability.
Why are corrugated hoses the best choice?
If you are looking for a reliable water supply to your water heater, bellows hoses are what you need. Here are their key benefits:
- Durability. Corrugated stainless steel hoses do not rust, do not age and do not lose their properties over time. Their service life is practically unlimited, which allows you to forget about the risk of sudden leaks. They are not subject to corrosion, which makes them ideal for use in conditions of high humidity.
- High resistance to pressure and temperature. Bellows hoses easily withstand significant pressure drops (up to 16 bar) and temperature drops (from -50°C to +250°C), which is especially important for hot water.
- Flexibility and ease of installation. Thanks to the corrugated structure, the hose bends easily, which greatly simplifies the connection even in hard-to-reach places. This makes installation quick and easy, without requiring special tools.
- Environmental friendliness and safety. Stainless steel is an environmentally friendly material that does not emit harmful substances into water, which is an important factor for health.
How to choose a flexible hose for a boiler?
When choosing a hose to connect the boiler, pay attention to several important points:
- Material. Choose corrugated stainless steel hoses from trusted manufacturers. This guarantees durability and safety.
- Length: Measure the distance from the water pipe to the boiler inlet. Add a small margin (10-15 cm) to avoid tension on the hose.
- Connection size. Make sure the thread diameter on the hoses matches the size of the fittings on the boiler and pipes. Typically, a 1/2 inch connection is used for domestic water heaters.
- Manufacturer. Don’t skimp on quality. Choose products from well-known brands that provide a guarantee on their products, such as Eco-Flex.
In conclusion, a flexible water heater hose is not just a small thing, but a key element that affects the safety and longevity of your water heater. Corrugated stainless steel hoses are an investment in reliability and peace of mind that will pay off with the absence of leaks and emergencies in the hot water supply system.
Eco-Flex products are modern solutions for supplying water to boilers and water heaters, combining quality, reliability and affordability.
