Embrass Peerless Flexible Tap Connectors — Compression, Push Fit and Isolating Valve Types Explained for UK Plumbers

Flexible tap connectors are one of those fittings every plumber keeps in the van. Whether you're swapping a kitchen tap, replacing a basin mixer or fitting a new bath, you need the right flexi to join the tap tail to the copper supply. Embrass Peerless make a comprehensive range covering all standard UK sizes and connection types — and APM Electricals stocks the full set.

This guide explains which Embrass Peerless flexible tap connector to specify for common UK plumbing jobs, covering compression, push fit, with-isolating-valve variants, and 22mm for bath and washing machine supplies.

Why Embrass Peerless Flexible Tap Connectors?

Embrass Peerless is a well-established UK plumbing fittings brand, supplying flexible connectors, pan connectors and ancillary plumbing parts to the trade for decades. Their flexi tap connectors are manufactured to comply with BS EN 13618 (flexible hose assemblies for water supply systems) and are rated for both hot and cold supplies.

Key construction features of the Embrass Peerless range:

• Stainless steel outer braid — protects the inner EPDM hose from mechanical damage
• Brass end fittings — DZR (dezincification resistant) grade brass for longevity in hard water areas
• EPDM inner tube — rated for hot and cold water; resists chlorine and temperature cycling
• Fibre or rubber washers — included at both ends; replaceable separately if needed

The range covers 15mm and 22mm copper supply sizes, 1/2" and 3/4" BSP tap tail threads, 300mm/500mm/900mm hose lengths, compression and push fit ends, and with or without integral isolating valve.

Choosing the Right Embrass Peerless Flexi Tap Connector

Step 1 — Identify the copper supply pipe size

UK domestic supplies are almost always 15mm. However, some bath supplies — particularly older installations — run 22mm. Check the pipe outside diameter before ordering. 15mm OD pipe takes a 15mm compression fitting; 22mm OD pipe takes 22mm.

Step 2 — Identify the tap tail thread

Most modern basin and kitchen taps take a 1/2" BSP (British Standard Pipe) tail. Bath taps and some older kitchen taps use 3/4" BSP. Measure or check the tap specification — fitting the wrong thread size is the most common error on flexi orders.

Step 3 — Choose connection type: compression or push fit

• Compression — the traditional method. The flexi nut tightens against an olive on the copper pipe. Secure, inspectable, and the tool of choice under kitchen sinks where space allows.
• Push fit — snap-fit onto the copper; no tools required. Fast and useful in confined spaces such as pedestal basins. Note: pipe must be clean-cut and deburred; push fit ends are not recommended on chrome-plated copper pipe without a grip insert.

Step 4 — Decide on length

300mm is the standard default and covers the vast majority of UK tap installations. Use 500mm when the supply enters low and the tap connection is high — common under freestanding or floating vanities. Use 900mm for awkward layouts, concealed cisterns, or extended runs to a freestanding bath filler.

Step 5 — Isolating valve or not?

A flexi with an integral isolating valve costs a little more but allows the water supply to be isolated at the fitting without shutting off the whole house. This is a legal requirement under Part G of the Building Regulations where a service valve is not otherwise accessible within the same enclosure. On a new tap installation under a kitchen sink or vanity unit, specifying a flexi with isolating valve is best practice and simplifies future maintenance for the homeowner.

Featured Embrass Peerless Products

Embrass Peerless Flexible Tap Connector 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm

The workhorse of the range. 15mm compression x 1/2" BSP x 300mm — the go-to flexi for basin, kitchen sink and toilet cistern tap connections on 15mm copper supplies. Stainless steel braided outer, DZR brass compression nut and 1/2" BSP male end. Compatible with the majority of modern basin and kitchen mixer taps sold in the UK. Keep a handful in the van — you'll use them on almost every tap job.

• Connection: 15mm compression x 1/2" BSP male
• Length: 300mm
• Supply size: 15mm copper pipe
• Tap tail: 1/2" BSP
• Includes: fibre washer at tap tail end

View product at APM Electricals

Embrass Peerless Flexible Tap Connector c/w Isolating Valve 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm

The same 300mm 15mm x 1/2" flexi as above, but with an integral quarter-turn isolating valve at the compression end. For a small premium over the plain version, you get an in-line service valve that lets you isolate the tap without shutting the house supply off. Ideal for kitchen sink tap replacements, bathroom basins and cloakroom WC feeds. The isolating valve turns with a flat-head screwdriver — open (flow) when the slot is in line with the pipe, closed when across. Specifying this type on new work is considered best practice and saves the customer hassle on future tap maintenance.

• Connection: 15mm compression x 1/2" BSP male
• Length: 300mm
• Integral isolating valve: yes, quarter-turn screwdriver slot
• Supply size: 15mm copper pipe
• Tap tail: 1/2" BSP

View product at APM Electricals

Embrass Peerless Flexible Tap Connector Push Fit 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm

Push fit x 1/2" BSP x 300mm. The copper end grips the 15mm pipe mechanically — no olives, no spanners, no sweat. Best used in tight under-sink or pedestal spaces where turning a compression nut is impractical. Ensure pipe is square-cut with no burrs; pipe insert (supplied) must be fitted. Note: push fit flexi connectors should not be used on 15mm chrome-plated pipe without a support insert as the gripper teeth may not engage correctly. For plain copper: push, hear the click, done.

• Connection: 15mm push fit x 1/2" BSP male
• Length: 300mm
• Supply size: 15mm copper pipe
• Tap tail: 1/2" BSP
• Includes: pipe insert for support

View product at APM Electricals

Embrass Peerless Flexible Tap Connector 22mm x 3/4" x 300mm

22mm compression x 3/4" BSP x 300mm — for bath tap supplies and washing machine connections where the supply runs in 22mm copper. Bath taps typically have 3/4" BSP tails and are fed by 22mm pipework; this is the correct flexi for that application. Also used for washing machines where the supply branch runs in 22mm rather than 15mm, and for some older kitchen mixer tap installations where larger-bore supply pipes were used. Stainless steel braid, DZR brass fittings, same build quality as the 15mm range.

• Connection: 22mm compression x 3/4" BSP male
• Length: 300mm
• Supply size: 22mm copper pipe
• Tap tail: 3/4" BSP
• Includes: fibre washer

View product at APM Electricals

Embrass Peerless Flexi Tap Connector Sizes at a Glance

The full APM Electricals Embrass Peerless flexi range covers:

Additionally, replacement washers are available separately: fibre 1/2" and rubber 3/4" — useful for refurbishing old flexi connectors or for trade van stock.

Installation Tips

Compression ends

1. Cut copper pipe square with a pipe cutter — no hacksaw burrs.
2. Remove the compression nut from the flexi and slide it onto the pipe (thread first).
3. Slide on the olive — ensure it sits squarely on the pipe.
4. Push the flexi body onto the pipe and hand-tighten the nut.
5. Tighten 1.25 turns past hand-tight with a spanner — over-tightening splits olives.
6. At the tap tail end: ensure the fibre washer is seated inside the swivel nut, thread onto the tap tail and tighten firm — hand-tight plus a quarter turn maximum.

Push fit ends

1. Ensure pipe is cut square, deburred, and clean.
2. Insert the pipe support insert (supplied) into the pipe end.
3. Push the pipe firmly into the push fit head until it clicks and cannot be withdrawn.
4. Connect the tap tail end as above.
5. Turn on supply slowly; check for leaks at both ends before boxing in.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Wrong thread size: Always verify tap tail thread — 1/2" and 3/4" look similar but are not interchangeable.
• Forgetting the washer: The fibre or rubber washer at the tap tail end is what makes the seal. Always check it's seated before tightening.
• Over-bending the hose: Flexis have a minimum bend radius. Do not kink or fold — route them in a gentle curve.
• Reusing old flexis: Stainless braid and inner hose degrade. On a new tap installation, always fit new flexis — they cost less than a call-back.
• Wrong length: A flexi stretched taut will fail at the fittings. Allow slack; a gentle S-curve is ideal.

Summary

For most UK basin and kitchen tap jobs on 15mm copper with 1/2" BSP tap tails, the Embrass Peerless 15mm x 1/2" x 300mm compression flexi is the default. Upgrade to the version with integral isolating valve for best practice on new installations. Use the push fit variant where access is restricted. Step up to the 22mm x 3/4" version for bath taps and larger-bore supplies.

APM Electricals stocks the complete Embrass Peerless flexible tap connector range — all sizes, all lengths, available for same-day collection from our Acton trade counter.

APM Electricals — 24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ — 020 8702 8080
Open to the trade Monday–Friday. Same-day collection on stocked lines.