Supply lines are an essential part of the plumbing system. These small, yet crucial parts are responsible to carry water from the source to the faucet. Often supply lines are overlooked. For a proper flow of water in the plumbing, they play a crucial role.
Do you know the faucet supply line types and their use? Every supply line is used for different purposes. If you have knowledge about various faucet supply lines, you can make informed decisions when you need to repair or install supply lines in the house. By choosing the right one, you can make sure of leak-free connections.
What Are Different Faucet Supply Line Types?
Braided Supply Lines
Braided supply lines are a popular choice among homeowners due to their durability and corrosion and rust-free nature. These properties make it ideal to use in the moisture environments such as kitchens or bathrooms where they are exposed to water.
With durability, flexibility is another great feature of the braided supply line. They can be bent and shaped according to the space so it becomes easy to install them into the tight space. You can install them with a variety of settings. They come in different lengths that make it easy to find the right length for your plumbing system.
These links are straightforward. They connected to the faucet using normal fittings and made no modifications. It is useful for DIY enthusiasts who undertake plumbing repairs on their own faucets. Braided supply lines complement the décor with their sleek and sophisticated appearance. They are trustworthy and cost-effective options for homeowners.
Copper Supply Lines
Copper is a durable material that withstands daily wear and tear. Copper supply lines are resistant to high temperatures. Corrosion-free property of copper makes it ideal to use. These supply lines are not as flexible as braided supply lines. You will need to cut it into the desired length to install it in your kitchen or bathroom plumbing.
If hot water is heavily used in your house, copper supply lines are ideal for you. Without getting damaged from hot water, they supply hot water to the faucet which makes them ideal to use in showers or sinks.
Copper water lines have a long life but their price is relatively high compared to others. That makes it an expensive choice for homeowners and people who are on a tight budget can’t afford it. Additionally, cutting tools are required to install them properly.
PVC Supply Lines
PVC supply lines are an affordable and common choice for home plumbing systems. These are made of plastic. Plastic is a totally rust and corrosion-free material. These lines won’t get corroded.
PVC lines are cheaper than others so they are easily affordable for everyone. PVC supply lines are flexible because of the use of plastic in them. You can install them in any space. You don’t need to cut them, just bend the pipe to adjust the supply line into the space.
These lines are available easily. With a flexible body, they are also lightweight. Their lightweight body is easy to maneuver. But you should also keep in mind that these supply lines are not suitable for extreme hot water supply. It may become brittle over time when exposed to high temperatures for a long time. Additionally, these lines are not good for outdoor installations because they may get damaged by UV lines.
PEX Supply Lines
Because of their ease of installation, flexibility, and durability, PEX supply lines have grown in popularity in recent years.
PEX supply lines are comprised of a flexible plastic material that is corrosion and leak-resistant, making them a dependable and long-lasting alternative for many plumbing applications.
PEX supply lines, unlike copper or stainless steel supply lines, may bend and curve without the use of elbows or other fittings, making installation quicker and easier. PEX is resistant to freeze damage, which is a major issue in cold locations. PEX is chemically resistant and can endure high temperatures, making it ideal for hot water applications.
Since UV rays might damage PEX, it is not advised for outdoor usage. Since PEX degrades with time, it may not be the ideal solution for situations where the water contains high quantities of chlorine or other pollutants.
Common Connections For Faucet Water Supply Lines
Compression Connection
One commonly used connection for the faucet supply lines is compression. It is made out of a threaded nut that is tightened into the valve or faucet to squeeze a little ring known as a ferrule onto the supply line. This forms a tight and secure seal, preventing leakage.
Compression connections can be used with a variety of supply lines such as copper, braided stainless steel, and PVC. It requires only a wrench and pliers for the installation. When you insert the supply lines into the compression fitting, make sure it is fully seated. Slide the compression fitting into the supply line and hand tighten it then use a wrench to further tighten. Use Teflon tape in compression connection to prevent leakage.
Push-Fit Connection
This is a new type of connection and in the last few years, it has become popular. It is a good option to connect faucet supply lines with ease and quickly.
A body with an internal socket, an O-ring or other seal, and a locking mechanism comprises the fitting itself. When inserting the supply line into the socket, the locking mechanism snaps into position, sealing the line and producing a tight seal. This connection doesn’t need any tool to connect supply lines. This connection is not ideal where water pressure is high or supply lines need to be bent.
Barbed Connection
A barbed connection might be the best solution if you’re working with flexible materials like PVC or PEX. A barbed fitting and a clamp make up the two primary parts of this kind of connection. The barbed fitting has ridges or barbs running the length of it that grasp the supply line and keep it firmly in place. The clamp is often formed like a band and composed of plastic or metal. It fits over the barbed fitting and serves as a secure grip for the fitting.
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How Do I Know Which Type of Supply Line Is Best For My Plumbing?
Choosing the right supply line for your house plumbing system is important. You should consider these factors while choosing.
- The material type of the supply line will impact its durability of it. Copper is widely used for its durability and reliability but it comes at a higher price. PVC and PEX are flexible material that makes the installation of lines easy. These materials are easy to install in a tighter space. They don’t require many modifications.
- The size or diameter of the supply line will depend on where you are using it. For example, for the main water line of the house, you need a big size pipeline because it will supply water to the whole house so it must withstand high pressure and also supply more water at once.
- What length you need a faucet supply line will depend on the distance between the faucet and the main water supply line. Use measuring tape to measure the distance to get the correct length pipeline.
- Consider the water pressure of the supply water. High water pressure may damage the supply line. So, you will need a durable supply line that can easily withstand high water pressure without leaking or bursting.
- Before selecting a supply line, make sure to check the local building codes in your area to ensure that the material and size you choose meet the requirements.
What Size Are Most Faucet Supply Lines?
There are different sizes for the faucet supply lines but 3/8 and ½ are the most common sizes. Which size you need will depend on the water pressure and connection type. Larger supply lines are good for high water pressure.
The size of the supply line should be compatible with the existing plumbing system and fixture or appliance that are going to connect with the supply line.
Generally, supply lines in the bathroom tend to be 3/8 inches in diameter. For the kitchen, it may be either 3/8 or ½ inches. You should check the diameter of the existing supply line for a proper leak-free connection. A wrong-size supply line won’t fit properly and may leak occur from it.
Can I use a 1/2 Inch Supply Line on a Faucet That Requires 3/8 Inch?
It is not advised to connect these supply lines as their diameters differ. A larger supply line and a smaller one cannot be connected. Both the water flow rate and the water pressure will be affected by it.
More water flow will be present in a longer supply line. Water leaks and splashing occur when you connect it to a smaller supply line since the smaller one is unable to withstand the high water flow. Additionally, it might potentially harm any linked appliances.
FAQs
What Is The Lifespan of a Supply Line?
A supply line’s durability will vary depending on the material, water pressure, and usage. PVC and PEX supply lines normally last 20 to 25 years, although copper and stainless steel supply lines can last up to 50 years. To avoid leaks and water damage, it’s crucial to frequently inspect supply lines and replace any that are worn or damaged.
Are All Faucet Supply Lines The Same?
No, all faucet supply lines are not created equal. There are several materials, sizes, and connections to choose from, each with special qualities and benefits. Supply lines, for instance, can be 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch or bigger in size and are constructed of copper, stainless steel, PVC, or PEX. Moreover, supply lines may have various connectors like compression, barbed, or threaded that call for particular fittings and installation tools. Based on the specifications and installation needs of your specific faucet or appliance, it is crucial to select the proper type of supply line.
What Is The Difference Between Compression and Flare Connections?
Compression and flare connections differ primarily in how they produce a seal. Flare fittings use the distortion of the tubing end to generate a seal, whereas compression fittings depend on the compression of a ferrule against the supply line. Both types of fittings work well, although flare fittings are favored for soft copper tubing while compression fittings are typically seen to be more user-friendly and adaptable.
Can I Reuse My Old Supply Lines When Installing a New Faucet?
Reusing old supply lines while installing a new faucet is generally not advised. Even though the old supply lines seem to be in good shape, there may be wear or corrosion that is not visible but could still result in leaks or other problems. Old supply lines might also not be compatible with the new faucet or might not be able to give the required water flow rate. To ensure a secure and successful installation, it is always ideal to install new supply lines at the same time as your new faucet. New supply lines can help avoid future issues and are not particularly expensive.
James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.