Metal hoses are one of the most versatile pieces in various industrial sectors. They are used in many industries including plumbing or other industrial applications. The corrugated hose is made out of metal alloys like stainless steel and bronze. These alloy properties have made them flexible, durable, efficient, corrosion-resistant and capable of withstanding high temperatures. Whether you are dealing with stormwater drainage or water line connections, corrugated tubing is a reliable choice.
We’ll introduce what exactly is a corrugated hose, explore the different types of corrugated pipes, their advantages and how to choose the right one in this article. PlumbingSell offers a wide range of different kinds of pipes, including corrugated hose, so feel free to check out anytime.
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What is a Corrugated Hose?
Corrugated metal hoses, also known as stainless steel braided hoses, are a type of specialized flexible hoses characterized by their unique surface. Their design has enhanced their flexibility, durability and ability to withstand external pressure. The corrugations have given the hose flexibility to be bent easily without kinking, making it an ideal choice for applications within narrow spaces or where the hose needs to navigate around obstacles.
The corrugated hose typically consists of a base material to form a series of alternating ridges and grooves. This process increases the surface area of the hose, which helps provide extra strength and durability. Corrugated hoses are commonly made from plastic (PVC) or metal (stainless steel, aluminium, etc.), depending on their purpose. A corrugated hose is an excellent choice for gas or liquid transfer as it is also capable of handling extreme temperatures. It is commonly used in water supply, drainage, and industrial applications.
Corrugated pipes also play a key role in drainage systems; similar to corrugated hoses, they come in various sizes and materials, from plastic to metal, 4-inch corrugated drain pipe for residential or commercial and more.
Types of Corrugated Hoses & Their Uses
Corrugated Hose & Corrugated Tubing
There are various types of corrugated hoses and corrugated pipes available. As for the corrugated pipes used in stainless steel hoses, there are two types of corrugated pipes, one is a spiral pipe and the other is an annular corrugated pipe. Spiral corrugated tubing has continuous corrugations formed by winding a strip of material into a spiral, offering smooth internal flow, making it ideal for drainage and underground conduit applications. In contrast, annular corrugated pipes have distinct ring-shaped corrugations that enhance flexibility and structural strength, allowing them to withstand higher loads and external pressure. This has made them suitable for sewer systems and under conditions that have severe weather.
Water Line Connector
A water line connector is an important plumbing component used to create a secure, leak-proof connection between water supply pipes, fixtures and other appliances. A corrugated hose is considered a type of water line connector used to link water supply lines to different fixtures. It is often made with stainless steel, and is a flexible tube with fittings on both ends for connection.
A corrugated hose is a flexible tube with a ribbed or corrugated surface with connections on both ends. They can serve as water line connectors in specific applications, especially when flexibility is needed for tight and narrow spaces under high-pressure environments. In plumbing applications, they are commonly used for gas and water supply lines and drainage systems. You might have seen them in dishwasher and washing machine connections or sink and faucet connections. While all corrugated hoses can function as connectors in some way, not all water line connectors are corrugated hoses.
Advantages of Using Corrugated Hose
There are various reasons for you to use corrugated hoses instead of other types. These key advantages make them a popular choice across many residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Flexible and Durable
One of the primary advantages of corrugated hoses is their flexibility. The design of this kind of plumbing connection allows the hose to be bent easily without kinking, making them suitable for applications for piping in narrow places. Corrugated hoses are also durable, made up of materials that are capable of withstanding high pressures, extreme temperatures and harsh environments. They can offer excellent resistance to wear, corrosion and other forms of degradation. This durability of the materials ensures the corrugated hoses serve a long lifespan even in harsh conditions.
Resistant to Corrosion
The most common materials used to manufacture corrugated hoses are strong plastic like PVC or corrosion-resistant alloys like stainless steel. This has made them highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation. The resistance to corrosion makes the corrugated hose capable of maintaining its integrity and high-level performance even under corrosion environments.
High Resistance to Pressure and Temperature
Except for being resistant to corrosion, corrugated hoses are also considered to be able to withstand high pressures and extreme temperature applications. They can expand on a contract according to the change of temperature without getting damaged or losing their structural integrity. This has made the metal corrugated hoses ideal for transferring hot fluids or gases, such as steam transfer or hot water supply lines.
Moreover, the inherent strength of the metal material and the flexibility provided by the corrugated design enable the corrugated hoses to handle a higher level of internal pressure without leaking. They can be bent at various angles for creating connections in even complex pipeline systems as they can remain bent for a long time without any stress cracks.
Choosing the Right Corrugated Hose for Your Needs
To choose the proper corrugated hose, several factors need to be considered, such as the intended application, material compatibility, pressure requirements, sizes and materials of the corrugated hose, environmental conditions and more.
- Material Selection – Choose a hose material that matches the fluid or gas being transported. Stainless steel hoses are ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications as they are corrosion-resistant.
- Pressure and temperature limitation – Ensure the hose can withstand the operating pressure and temperature range. High-pressure applications require reinforced hoses, while high temperatures should require other specifications.
- Applications – If the hose needs to move or flex frequently, a more flexible design with a smaller bend radius is necessary to prevent kinking or fatigue failure. While for applications in narrow areas, a larger bend radius might be needed to move around obstacles. Except for the flexibility and bend radius, the dimensions of the corrugated hose are also critical. The main factor in choosing from a wide size selection, ranging from a 3-inch Corrugated Drain Pipe to a 24-inch corrugated drain pipe, is to consider the assembly details of any movement and other plumbing application sizes within the same system.
By evaluating these factors, you can select a corrugated hose that meets your system’s demands, ensuring durability, efficiency, and safety.
Conclusion
Corrugated hoses are essential components in the plumbing system; they are flexible, durable and resistant to high pressure and extreme temperature. Their unique design, featuring alternating ridges and braids, allows them to handle common applications such as water supply lines, drainage systems, and industrial fluid transfer. Whether made from stainless steel, PVC, or other materials, corrugated hoses are capable of providing excellent performance in both residential and commercial applications.
When selecting the proper corrugated hose, various factors need to be considered, such as material compatibility, pressure and temperature ratings and more. By choosing a suitable hose for your system, you can ensure a reliable and long life span solution for your projects. PlumbingSell offers a wide range of high-quality corrugate hoses and other plumbing supplies, browse our collection today to find the perfect fit for your project!
