Replace supply lines regularly on toilets and faucets?

[Brian Kehlmeier]

I have always seen the advice to regularly replace the supply lines for faucets and toilets. I actually had a polybutylene pipe burst overnight and woke up to a inch of water in our slab-home.

I replaced every supply line in my current home when I moved in 6 years ago. I used the metal braided hoses and bought them longer so that I could put a loop in each one. Are these something that I should replace regularly every so many years, or is this more a fear-based myth? I have always told myself that a failure would be more of a spraying fitting than a burst, but I want to get some educated feedback.

I apologize if this question has already been asked in the forum. I used the search function and could not find a similar one being asked. I plan on using some FloodChek hoses with my second-floor washing machine and it got me thinking about these other supply lines.

 

[hj]

If by "flood chek" you mean the ones that "automatically turn off" when they burst, then you should know that THEY have been the cause of more flooding than any other lines. I only replace the braided metal ones when I have to replace the faucet or shut off valve.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Brian Kehlmeier]

Nah, I meant these: http://www.floodchek.com/

 

[Reach4]

Chromed copper supply lines seem most rugged if you are up to it. I have been told it is not difficult, but my only experience was removing. They were not easy to remove, but I did not know what I was doing.

Braided stainless is over a rubber-like tube. So the reliability would vary based on hidden parts. I have suspected that corrugated stainless or copper would be a nice thing for bathroom supply lines. They are strongly preferred for water heaters.

 

[Plumber69]

Chromed copper supply lines seem most rugged if you are up to it. I have been told it is not difficult, but my only experience was removing. They were not easy to remove, but I did not know what I was doing.

Braided stainless is over a rubber-like tube. So the reliability would vary based on hidden parts. I have suspected that corrugated stainless or copper would be a nice thing for bathroom supply lines. They are strongly preferred for water heaters.

To remove them shut water off and tin snip them.