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Connecting to a Tap with Flexible Tails

The majority of our taps come with Flexible Tails, also known as “Flexi” Tails. An example can be seen below:

What are they?

They are a method of connecting from the plumbing pipework to the Tap fitting. There is two tails for mixer taps, one carries the hot to the tap and the other the cold. Essentially, they consist of a rubber material (hose) wrapped in a braided metal such as stainless steel. They come in a number of sizes and lengths and are a very convenient method of fitting taps.

These connections come with a number of advantages:

  1. They are very convenient to fit.
  2. They are very strong and can cope with high flow rates.
  3. Stainless steel does not corrode.
  4. They are better for the environment as the alloy content safely meets the requirements for drinking water.
  5. They are recyclable.
  6. They look good and can be manipulated by hand to be moved out of view.
  7. They are more cost effective then copper tails.

Typical fitting of a Flexible Tail with a female 1/2″ BSP thread

It is always best to get a qualified person to fit your tap and to ensure you follow local plumbing codes and laws.

The tap end is connected to the tap by threading by hand and then nipping up lightly. It is important to tighten correctly but not to over tighten as this can cause leaks.

The pipework end of the flexi tail shown above (female connection) is typically threaded onto an isolating valve with a male 1/2″ BSP or else a compression fitting with a 1/2″ BSP male thread. It is always recommended to fit isolating valves so that the flow to the tap can be easily stopped for maintenance purposes. Always ensure the pipework is flushed before connecting the tap to the plumbing. This stops debris getting into the tap valves.

 

 

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