renewing flexi hose for kitchen mixer

[ykfc]

I wonder if someone can help. My kitchen has a spare basin installed with a Grohe mixer. It is equipped with flexi hose but I notice signs of damage (in the steel that used to protect the flexi hose). See attached picture link.

I was thinking it is supposed to be a simple task to replace the flexi hose. After I removed the whole mixer unit from the basin I found it is an headache to learn how to replace a new one. I've seen many people bought a new mixer that comes with two flexi hoses. Connecting them from the mixer base to the water outlet is fairly simple. However, the problem is why with this mixer it is not so obvious how to remove the flexi hose from it and install a new pair.

The mixer is still in very good shape and the handle works smoothly therefore I want to continue using it if the flexi hose(s) can be replaced. If I don't replace the hose I've heard of flexi hose burst and that can cause wate damages to the house and its contents.


https://drive.google.com/open?id=1BWsGL9fY_kD5w3uVfl7AvMdg_cuyppKg


In advance let me thank you for those whio have good experience with this brand of mixer and are willing to give me some advice.

[NCArcher]

I've replaced a few and the hose just screws out of the base of the mixer.
Have a look at the examples here
https://fixatap.com.au/boston/water-connectors/mixer-tap-hose#prettyPhoto

[damian]

I had one blow years ago and you couldn't get the flamin replacements. You can get them now but there is no standard so while a lot of mixers use the same thread not all.

I buy the cheap mixers. $25. The hoses go before the insert starts leaking so I just chuck the lot and replace.

[Fuzzie]

I think I would be concerned about damage to the braided covering. Its usually the poly that deteriorates and leaks. Damage to the braid would indicate something unusual is happening under the sink?

[artful bodger]

ykfc, maybe your mixer is of a type which the hoses can't be changed?. Disposable.
My missus works at a big hardware chain and came home one day with a fancy tap mixer (Methverin?) that was reduced from $300 plus to $5.
Of course neither of the hoses that were with it fit it, and when we ordered them (from a plumbing shop) they were also very expensive.
Most of the flexi hoses you see in hardware stores have the same sized threads and nuts on each end.
Common sense suggests buy a mixer that is able to use these ones.

[ykfc]

ykfc, maybe your mixer is of a type which the hoses can't be changed?. Disposable.


That is the main point I like to ask. Is this model of Grohe mixer having non-replacable hose?

I have seen many mixers and bought a mixer that has the flexi hose being replacable. This is the first one I found the hose cannot be screwed out.

[Beardy]

I know it sounds a bit crazy but unless you can easily source a replacement hose I suggest you just buy a new tap and start again as the cost will not be much more and you have a new cartridge as well which are about $100 to buy and full warranty as well
Methven is very good gear and is made in NZ. There warranty is excellent and will repair or replace the tap in your home

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I know it sounds a bit crazy but unless you can easily source a replacement hose I suggest you just buy a new tap and start again

Seconded. By the time you source the correct new lines - if even available - you probably could've already had a new mixer in place for less time, money and headaches.

It's sad, but we're very much still living in a disposable society no matter how much recycling and renew-ability is spruiked by the media.


I think I would be concerned about damage to the braided covering. Its usually the poly that deteriorates and leaks. Damage to the braid would indicate something unusual is happening under the sink?

The braid is one of the parts that reflects the cost of purchase.

A 'cheap' replacement usually has lesser quality SS in the braid which is vulnerable to rust spots from... let's call it "sloppy sink usage" where moisture gets under the tap fitting and runs down the lines.

Being such fine strands, this usually results in breakage of multiple strands where the water drop sat.

I've replaced many, many hoses because of this; in one house I do maintenance for I've had to replace all such lines (9, I think!) every 18-24 months over the last coupla decades. :doh: The actual lines themselves were perfectly fine, but would eventually blow out due to lack of support from the cheap-arsed braid if ignored.

Give me soft copper lines any time!

(I would like to point out that I do not personally consider such situations to be "sloppy sink usage." I call it normal wear and tear for a wet area. But the penny pincher's legal eagles like to have their ways to weasel out of the terms of warranty. :~ )

[clear out]

I couldn’t agree more,we will be getting our plumber to replace them with copper next time they’re here.
These braided stainless hoses are a real trap.
We had one blow on our up stairs basin.
Lying in the cot, heard a boom sound, dashed into the two way onsuite and the water was already over the floor drain.
Opened the othe taps in spa and shower, the missus grabbed towels and I dashed downstairs to the water shut off from the street. Can’t remember what I was wearing but it wasn’t much.
The water was on the timber floor and just starting down the Tas Oak stairs.
Bought a replacement no probs that morning but the guy at Reece’s said they blow all the time.
They have a ten year warranty but that’s void if any chemicals are stored near them.
Soap, cleaners etc all void the warranty.
Ive since heard of a few horror stories of units where a few units downstairs get destroyed also because the owners where it blew were out.
H.

[chambezio]

My experience with these connectors has shown me that on both ends of the braided hose they rely on soft neoprene seals. The label attached to them says NOT to use a spanner to tighten them. Hand tight only. If you use a spanner you run the risk of deforming the plastic pipe under the braid. OK it my not leak immediately but the damage done with the spanner may shorten the life of the braided pipe

The NRMA sent me a "love letter" saying that they would like them replaced every 10 years to head off any leaking problems

[Beardy]

If you are going to fit a flick mixer you end up with braided lines for connections regardless, I haven’t seen a soft copper version for close to 20 years.

[justonething]

That is the main point I like to ask. Is this model of Grohe mixer having non-replacable hose?

I have seen many mixers and bought a mixer that has the flexi hose being replaceable. This is the first one I found the hose cannot be screwed out.

Can you show us a picture of the connection? Its impossible to know without first seeing the picture. sometimes you need to use a pair of vise grip to remove the hoses

[Lappa]

Regarding turning off from the street. Apparently you must have shut-off valves under the sinks in kitchen, laundry and bathroom if using flexi hoses. It’s part of the building code and insurance requirements.

[Handyjack]

It might be part of the building code, but depends when the building was built. I have had quiet a few where there are no isolation taps under the sink.

If I was replacing a hose or tap, if possible I would fit an isolation valve.

True story: I was called back to work because a flexihose had burst. As I was heading to the building I called security to find out which bathroom. "Room 42 on the ground floor".
Ok I am going to the first floor was my reply.
"The leak is on the ground floor, repeat ground floor" called security.
"I am going to the first floor as that is where the isolating valves are!" Went to first floor and turned the water off. Next day I replaced the hose. The sink had individual taps, not a mixer.
Shortly after, all the flexis had isolating valves fitted.