Flushing Away the Mysteries That Surround Plumbing Supply Lines
Flushing Away the Mysteries That Surround Plumbing Supply Lines
Most of the plumbing in bathrooms are located under fixtures and behind walls – with one exception being the supply line. While visible to the homeowner, they may notice that this mysterious tube connects the toilet to the inside of the wall but that is often the extent of their knowledge. What they may not know about the supply line is its function, along with its many applications and material options.
A supply line, also called a supply connector or supply hose, is a tube that carries water or gas from the supply shut off to the plumbing fixture or appliance. In particular, water supply lines can be used for connecting the faucet, toilet, washing machine, dishwasher, and ice maker. Water supply lines may be made of copper but most are made of plastic, chrome plated, braided plastic, or braided stainless steel material. See below for the features and benefits of each one:
|
Supply Line Material |
Features/Benefits |
Picture |
|
Plastic |
|
 |
|
Copper |
|
 |
|
Copper Chrome Plated |
|
 |
|
Nylon reinforced vinyl tubing with stainless steel braided wire |
|
 |
|
Nylon reinforced vinyl tubing |
|
 |
As a relatively new product to A.Y. McDonald’s plumbing line, stainless steel water supply lines are available in multiple styles. This would include the following:
- Compression x ballcock
- Compression x compression
- Compression x FNPT
- FGHT x FGHT
A.Y. McDonald quality braided stainless steel water flex lines are the ideal choice for connecting the faucet, toilet, or appliance to the supply stop. Constructed with a durable material with nylon-reinforced vinyl tubing inside, these supply lines are also certified to NSF-61, NSF372, ASME A112.18.6-2009, and CSA B125.6-09.
It takes a maze of pipes, tools, fixtures, and accessories to create an entire plumbing system for a home or building. Due to its visibility in certain applications, the supply line in particular is one that the homeowner may come across from time to time. Thankfully, A.Y. McDonald is here to inform about the applications, features/benefits of each supply line material, and to offer top-notch stainless steel options.
For more information on water supply lines, fill out a contact us form, call our customer service department at 1-800-292-2737, or take the Supply Lines AYU course.
WARNING: It is unlawful in CALIFORNIA, VERMONT, MARYLAND, LOUISIANA and the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA to use any product in the installation or repair of any public water system or any plumbing in a facility or system that provides water for human consumption if the wetted surface area of the product has a weighted average lead content greater than 0.25%. This prohibition does not extend to service saddles used in California, Louisiana or under USA Public Law 111-380.