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Most managers have seen hoses with a hole or bubble on the side.
The logical assumption is that this is caused by water pressure.
However, the real cause is the cutting action of the insert and
ferrule which holds the metal swivel on the rubber tube.
Hose failures are becoming more frequent because new construction
used a "greybox" for the plumbing connection. Here,
the washer hose is bent at a ninety degree angle to the coupling.
This forces the sharp edge into the hose wall. As the
hose pulses up and down with each fill cycle, the insert slowly
cuts through the rubber.
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CONSUMER GRADE
Consumer grade inserts are rolled and stamped from thin sheets
of copper alloy. In time, water flow hones them to a fine
edge. When the hose bends at the coupling, this sharp
edge is forced into the interior wall. In hose jargon,
this is known as "razoring." |
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FLOODCHEK
Here is Floodchek's patented heart. Our massive brass
insert is rounded at the end to prevent cutting the interior
of the hose. Barbs along its flank supplement the crimp
design to provide extra protection against pulloff. |
The steel braided hoses have reduced the problem of razoring, but
have created a worse problem. In order to secure the rubber
tube and the steel braid to the swivel, these manufacturers must
use a very aggressive crimp and a relatively thin rubber tube.
When the hoses are bent and flexed, they fail at the crimp point.
These hoses are fine for toilets and sinks but are a poor choice
for washers.
The useful service life of a consumer grade hose is five to seven
years. This is greatly influenced by the chemical composition
of the water, ambient pressure, and the specific installation.
The greater the bend in the hose, the shorter the life expectancy.
Floodchek hoses are warranted for 20 years.
They were specifically engineered for use in multi-family communities.
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