Flexible Tap Connectors — 15mm, 22mm, Push-Fit and Isolating Valve Types for UK Plumbers

A flexible tap connector is one of the most-used fittings in any plumber's bag. Whether you're fitting a new basin, replacing a kitchen tap, or reconnecting a washing machine supply, a flexi tap connector bridges the fixed copper or plastic pipe to the tap tail — absorbing minor misalignment, vibration, and movement that a rigid fitting cannot. This guide covers the key sizes and types available, how to choose the right one, and when to specify an integral isolating valve.

What Is a Flexible Tap Connector?

A flexible tap connector (also called a flexi tap hose or basin connector) is a short length of corrugated stainless-steel braided hose with fittings at each end. One end connects to the pipe (compression or push-fit), the other screws onto the tap tail (typically 1/2" or 3/4" BSP). The flexible body allows a few degrees of angular offset and takes up the slack where the tap tail and supply pipe don't align perfectly — a routine occurrence on older builds or when retrofitting taps to existing pipework.

They are rated for both hot and cold supplies and are suitable for mains pressure systems.

Pipe Size: 15mm vs 22mm

The pipe connection end comes in two standard sizes:

• 15mm — by far the most common. Hot and cold supplies to basin taps, kitchen sink mixers, bidets, and cisterns are almost always 15mm in domestic installations.
• 22mm — used on larger-bore supplies: traditional bath taps with high flow rates, or where the hot supply has been run in 22mm to reduce pressure drop on longer runs.

When in doubt on an existing installation, measure or use a pipe gauge before ordering. Connecting a 15mm connector to a 22mm supply line will fail immediately; the reverse won't seat properly either.

Tap Tail Thread: 1/2" vs 3/4"

Tap tails are threaded BSP (British Standard Pipe). Most basin and kitchen taps use a 1/2" BSP tail. Bath taps and some larger kitchen mixer taps use 3/4" BSP. Always check the tap specification before buying; many tap manufacturers now include a specification sheet or mark the tail thread size directly on the fitting.

A 3/8" tap tail thread also exists on some older or imported bathroom fittings — less common but worth checking if you're replacing an old connector on an unknown tap.

Length: 300mm, 500mm, or 900mm

Standard lengths are 300mm, 500mm, and 900mm. The 300mm connector suits the vast majority of pedestal basins and kitchen sinks where the supply pipe drops down close to the tap tail. Use 500mm where the pipework is routed further away — wall-hung basins or sinks where the supply enters lower in the vanity unit. 900mm connectors are for longer runs or to avoid awkward bends: back-to-wall toilets, utility rooms, or situations where routing the supply close to the appliance isn't practical.

Avoid excessive coiling of surplus hose — it traps debris and makes the installation look unprofessional. Choose the shortest length that fits comfortably without tension.

Compression vs Push-Fit Pipe Connection

The pipe-end fitting is either compression or push-fit:

• Compression — the traditional connection. Tighten the compression nut onto the pipe by hand then one and a quarter turns with a spanner. Suitable for copper and chrome-plated copper pipe. Fully serviceable and leak-traceable.
• Push-fit — insert the pipe into the fitting until it clicks. Works on copper and plastic barrier pipe (with an insert fitted for plastic). Faster on new-build or refurbishment where speed matters. Not recommended on chrome pipe without removing the chrome finish first, as the grab ring won't bite properly.

Both connection types are equally reliable in normal use. Compression is the default in commercial and insurance-sensitive environments; push-fit is increasingly standard in residential new-build.

With or Without an Integral Isolating Valve?

Flexible tap connectors are available with and without an integral isolating valve. The isolating valve is a quarter-turn (slotted screwdriver) valve incorporated into the compression fitting end. It lets you isolate the supply to a single fitting without turning off the zone or main stopcock.

Building Regulations (Part G) do not mandate individual isolating valves on every fitting, but good practice — and most reputable plumbing schemes — recommend them. They pay for themselves the first time a customer calls with a dripping tap: you can isolate in seconds without finding a customer's stopcock, draining a zone, or turning off other appliances. Specifying connectors with integral valves on every fitting on all new installations and first-fix replacements is the right call. Browse our full isolating valves range for standalone quarter-turns as well.

Fibre or Rubber Washers?

The seal between the connector's 1/2" or 3/4" end and the tap tail relies on a compression washer seated in the swivel nut. These come in two materials:

• Fibre washers — traditional, very reliable, compatible with all tap materials including older brass tails. Slightly harder than rubber and less prone to extrusion under high pressure.
• Rubber washers — modern standard, slightly more forgiving on slightly damaged or rough tap tail faces. EPDM rubber is compatible with hot and cold supplies and meets WRAS requirements.

Always replace the washer when you reuse a connector or reconnect to an existing tap tail. A £0.20 washer is cheaper than a callback leak.

Installation Notes

1. Isolate the supply and drain the pipe before starting.
2. Clean the pipe end — remove any burrs from copper pipe with a deburring tool, and wipe the pipe clean.
3. For compression fittings: slide the compression nut and olive onto the pipe before pushing the connector onto the pipe end.
4. Hand-tighten the tap-tail swivel nut first, then use a spanner — do not overtighten, as this cracks the swivel nut body.
5. Tighten the compression nut fully: hand tight plus one and a quarter turns is the standard rule of thumb.
6. Turn on the supply slowly and check for leaks at both ends before commissioning.
7. Do not bend the hose to a tight radius — maintain a gentle curve to avoid kinking the corrugated body.

Choosing the Right Connector: Quick Reference

Flexible Tap Connectors at APM Electricals

APM Electricals stocks the full Embrass Peerless range of flexible tap connectors in both 15mm and 22mm pipe sizes, with compression and push-fit ends, in 300mm, 500mm, and 900mm lengths. We also stock replacement fibre and rubber washers so you can keep a supply in the van without carrying excess stock of each size. Browse the complete flexible hoses and tap connectors collection for the full range.

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

The standard-specification compression flexi connector for basin and kitchen sink installations. 15mm compression × 1/2" BSP swivel at 300mm — fits the vast majority of UK domestic pedestal basins, kitchen sinks, and cistern supplies where the pipework drops close to the fitting. Stainless steel braided body, brass fittings. Sold individually.

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

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

22mm compression × 3/4" BSP swivel, 300mm length — the correct specification for standard bath taps and larger-bore basin or kitchen mixer taps with 3/4" tails. Hot and cold compatible, mains pressure rated. Stainless braided body. Required when the supply has been run in 22mm copper to the bath or a high-flow mixer.

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

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

15mm compression flexi connector with integral quarter-turn isolating valve at the compression end. Allows individual supply isolation at the fitting without affecting adjacent appliances. Recommended for all new-fit or replacement installations. 300mm length, stainless braided body.

Buy Embrass Peerless 15mm x 1/2" Flexible Tap Connector with Isolating Valve

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

15mm push-fit × 1/2" BSP swivel, 300mm — the fastest installation option for new-build and refurbishment work on plastic barrier pipe. No olive or compression nut required; pipe inserts and locks in the fitting body. Compatible with Hep2O and John Guest-type barrier pipe (use an insert). Same stainless braided body and brass swivel end as the compression version.

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

APM Electricals — 24 Western Avenue, Acton, London W3 7TZ
Call us: 020 8702 8080 | Same-day collection available | Shop flexible hoses and tap connectors