Supply lines are flexible tubes that connect your water supply to your plumbing or appliance fixture. They're available in different sizes. The size refers to the diameter of the fittings on either end of the tube, so check your fixtures to see what size you need.
Most faucet supply hoses are 1/2”, with a 3/8” compression fitting to connect to the building water lines. But still take note of measurements in your application, and make sure you have any necessary fittings to connect your new faucet to your water lines before you begin the installation process.
Water Supply Line Materials
May be made of copper, but most are made of plastic, braided plastic or braided stainless steel. Research local regulations because some areas do not allow braided plastic supply lines.
You may need to obtain an adapter in order to connect your new faucet to your pre-existing supply lines or shut-off valves. Moen faucets typically utilize either flexible supplies with ⅜" compression fittings or ½" IPS connections.
The most common type of faucet connection size is 1/2 inch, but there are also 3/4-inch and 1-inch sizes available. These sizes are typically used in commercial buildings or larger residential buildings where multiple fixtures need to be installed at once (such as multiple lavatories).
For the most accurate measurement, remove the faucet and handles from the sink. To get the faucet center, measure from the center of the hole in the sink on the far left to the center of the hole on the far right. Faucet center measurements can be anywhere between 4 and 16 inches.
Not all sinks and faucets are compatible.
To attach the supply tubes to the faucet: Wrap plumber's tape around the threads of the faucet's male hot and cold fittings to prevent leaks.
It's much easier to detach water supply lines near the shut-off valves and replace them than to try to keep them and disconnect them near the faucet assembly. Supply lines are relatively inexpensive, so you might as well replace them while replacing your faucet. Remember, there might be some water left in the lines.
Such overtightening will cause the metal threads inside of the line to become warped, making it much easier for water to slip past. It may also damage the rubber O-rings inside of the line. Only tighten the line as far as is necessary to prevent water from leaking out when you turn the fixture on.
Stainless steel braided flex tubes are appropriate for both hot and cold water lines. Braided stainless steel is usually the most expensive option for flexible supply tubes, but is also the most attractive and most durable.
The general rule of thumb is to replace all your supply line hoses every 5 years as a preventative measure to protect your home against any potential leaks. But since braided supply lines have a rubber core, we recommend that they can be replaced every 10 years.
and RMS founder Jim Kupczak was also on site and able to turn off the main shut off. We recommend changing braided supply lines every 10 years to avoid injuries such as those sustained by the appliance service technician as well as to protect your home and other property from water damage.
Generally speaking, the main pipeline from the street to your home is either ¾ or 1 inch in diameter. Supply pipes are ¾ inch in diameter and individual components are ½ inch in diameter.
All you need to do is wrap a string or a flexible tape measure around the outside of the pipe. Now, take this measurement and divide it by pi (pi = 3.1415). This calculation is the plumbing pipe's Outside Diameter that you can use to look up the Nominal Size.
These hoses tend to burst when the braided lining fails, which then allow the rubber tube to expand. At some point, this inner core will burst.
If your water supply pipes are older, you may experience some leaking. The good news is unless your home is very old, you shouldn't expect to have to replace any supply pipes. Here are the expected lifespans for common supply pipes: Copper Pipes: 70-80 years.
Assemble and Place the New Faucet
Apply a bead of plumber's putty or silicone caulk around the bottom of the faucet or the faucet holes on top of the sink, if called for in your instructions.
Yes, it is recommended that teflon tape or sealant is used on this item.
An important thing to remember is that PTFE tape should not be used when connecting PVC fittings or valves with a female (FPT) thread. If the tape is used on female connections, a wedging action can occur which will cause major stress on the joint during assembly.
When applying the tape clockwise, it's recommended that you wrap it around the thread three or four times. This is thick enough to prevent leaks, but not too thick that you can't get the nut on.
Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.
A safe course no matter where you buy is to stick with name-brand products known for quality and reliability. Off-brand faucets often are poorly made, and it's difficult to get parts for them.
'Think of your cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet like jewelry,' says Xander Shreenan of Dowsing & Reynolds. 'One should complement the other; creating a beautiful and decorative kitchen that has been tailored to perfection. ' However, bear in mind that anything too matchy-matchy can look contrived.