Hi,

As I need to purchase two new taps for our en suite, I've noticed that almost all taps now come with flexi tails as standard. I've read some horror stories about these bursting / leaking so would prefer rigid fixings like the existing ones they are replacing.

I'm looking to purchase this tap: Blitz Basin Mixer Chrome | Bathroom Taps | Bristan - https://www.bristan.com/products/bathroom-taps?code=btz%20bas%20c

Am I correct in assuming, I can just buy these m10 copper tails as a solution: https://www.wolseley.co.uk/product/bristan-m10x-copper-tails-265mm-pd77157-44/

 

I contacted Bristan and asked the same question and their response was to use the supplied flexi, they have a 10 year guarantee and fitting copper tails would void warranty etc. The thing is whilst they might have a 10 year guarantee, they aren't going to deal with the damage caused if one of those flexi's bursts! It's irritating because almost all taps now come with flexi hoses as standard and I understand flexi hose is the standard for toilet cisterns now too. I'd just rather have rigid.

Thanks in advance...

Never had an issue with Flexi hoses. The only way they burst is if you get them all twisted and buckled. If flexible hoses are bad, I pity every car on the road as they have tonnes of them, for fuel, brakes, and air.

 

Stop listening to plonkers on social media, that possibly don't know any better, and possibly caused there own issues in the first place.

8 minutes ago, JohnMo said:

Never had an issue with Flexi hoses. The only way they burst is if you get them all twisted and buckled. If flexible hoses are bad, I pity every car on the road as they have tonnes of them, for fuel, brakes, and air.

 

Stop listening to plonkers on social media, that possibly don't know any better, and possibly caused there own issues in the first place.

The ones we do have elsewhere I've looked at and their condition seems fine and they aren't under any visible stress etc.

In all my years fitting kitchens and bathrooms I  have only had one let go and that had been fitted badly (not by me). Not all flexi,s are equal, if they are willing to give a 10 year guarantee I believe they will have sourced a decent make.

53 minutes ago, joe90 said:

In all my years fitting kitchens and bathrooms I  have only had one let go and that had been fitted badly (not by me). Not all flexi,s are equal, if they are willing to give a 10 year guarantee I believe they will have sourced a decent make.

 

That gives me a further degree of reassurance. Thank you.

11 hours ago, JohnMo said:

The only way they burst is if you get them all twisted and buckled

 

That's a common problem, particularly with DIY, but it's certainly not the only way. It's a real issue:

 

11 hours ago, steveoelliott said:

Am I correct in assuming, I can just buy these m10 copper tails as a solution

Yes, unless they take M8 tails, but I guess you've asked that. I'd be changing them.

Just don't over twist or kink them. Or over tighten. They usually have rubber o-rings and don't need much more than hand tight.

1 hour ago, Mike said:

That's a common problem, particularly with DIY,

Perhaps those people shouldn't be doing DIY, they should get the plumber in. Or possibly read the instructions that tell how to install a hose without kinking and twisting it.

To be honest, anything involving mains pressure water, I get a plumber in for. It looks and for the most part should be easier enough for a competent DIYer but I like the comfort in using a plumber I trust. Plus the fact if it does go wrong, I have somebody to blame (shout at metaphorically) and put right! With water so much damage can be caused by a simple novice mistake.

Edited February 24, 20242 yr by steveoelliott

Don't personally like flexis much but have had no problems where they were necessary. They have been used on the Continent for decades.

 

A lot of satisfaction to be had from DIY, you can take your time over it and choose your fittings not rely on what is in the back of someone's van, often the result is to a higher standard than a professional would have left. Also you end up with a much better knowledge which helps enormously with fault-finding, and you are not paying someone for the time taken to trace and understand the plumbing in your own house.

Flexi’s can fail for no obvious reason . Agree some must be better than others . Now ( after experience ) I only use flexi where I have too - do a visual inspection every 12 months for any sign of decay / leak . My new kitchen I installed copper rod fittings . I feel happier about that .