Air Compressor Flex Hose

[j.robinson389]

I know I have read this here and there, but I wanted to ask it specifically.

Has anyone had any problems using a water heater supply line such as this as a flex line from their compressor to hard lines?


I know it is not worth ≈$10 savings if it is going to cause me problems later. But if it works good, 10 bucks is a couple/three couplers.

 

[Zrexxer]

Just use a hydraulic hose. Rated to 3500 psi working pressure and it's only a a couple bucks more.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/hydraulic-hose-1-2-in-2-wire-24-in-l-1819240

 

[e-tek]

I'd rather see you use a piece of air hose, or best a hydraulic hose, but I'm sure that'd be fine - but what's the ID?

 

[rlitman]

I actually used one of those, with a Sharkbite fitting at one end no less, to fix the intercooler hose between my compressor's two stages. But technically, that hose is only under pressure while the pump is running, and otherwise the pressure is released by the unloader.

That sort of hose should be fine for the static pressure, and 180F is a realistic high point for the tank outlet. Looks good to me.

Beware of the pressure ratings on hydraulic hose. It is misleading. They're basically the burst pressure of the hose, as hydraulic hose doesn't have much of a safety factory worked into the working pressure. There is a reasonably large safety factor built into the DHW hose (probably about 4x), and true air pressure rated parts may have as much as a 10x safety factor between the WP and the burst pressure.

Be aware that some "stainless" braided hoses have silver colored plastic braiding. Home Depot is awful about this (Lowes is much better). Look closely at the product. I wouldn't use the plastic braided hose for this. Also, I wouldn't use the Sharkbite, or Gatorgrip, or whatever sort of push-on fitting, for static pressure like this.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

I would not even consider that water heater hose. It only needs to be rated for 60 psi. Hydraulic hose costs about the same and has like 2500 psi rating. Why even bother with the w.h. hose???

 

[johno]

I doubt it has a real high psi rating, as it's not required.

 

[AZ Pete]

The type L copper pipe used for plumbing shouldn't require a high psi rating either, but it has one that is adequate for plumbing our air lines (900 + psi.). Sure wish they included the pressure rating with the specs though.

 

[rwhite692]

I would not even consider that water heater hose. It only needs to be rated for 60 psi. Hydraulic hose costs about the same and has like 2500 psi rating. Why even bother with the w.h. hose???

^^^Agree

 

[rlitman]

I would not even consider that water heater hose. It only needs to be rated for 60 psi. Hydraulic hose costs about the same and has like 2500 psi rating. Why even bother with the w.h. hose???

First off, if you looked at the link, it says right there, 150PSI.
Second off, please read my comments on hydraulic hose. The PSI ratings on hydraulic hose are completely misleading.
HYDRAULIC hose by its nature is not rated for PNEUMATIC use, so there is no reason to expect it to be more suitable for the OP's purpose than the water heater hose.

PSI ratings for type L copper pipe are easily found on copper.org
NB, the solder joints on copper pipe will have a much lower rating than the pipe itself. Also, brazed joints actually have a lower burst rating than lead-free soldered joints, as the heat from the brazing anneals the copper, making it softer and weaker.

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

First off, if you looked at the link, it says right there, 150PSI.
Second off, please read my comments on hydraulic hose. The PSI ratings on hydraulic hose are completely misleading.
HYDRAULIC hose by its nature is not rated for PNEUMATIC use, so there is no reason to expect it to be more suitable for the OP's purpose than the water heater hose.

PSI ratings for type L copper pipe are easily found on copper.org
NB, the solder joints on copper pipe will have a much lower rating than the pipe itself. Also, brazed joints actually have a lower burst rating than lead-free soldered joints, as the heat from the brazing anneals the copper, making it softer and weaker.

Do what you want and believe what you want. The O.P. asked what our thoughts and experiences were on using a water heater fill hose as a flex hose for an air compressor. You gave your opinion and I gave mine. I disagree with your opinion, no big deal.

I have repaired maybe three failed braided water heater fill hoses for clients over the last five years. I choose not to trust the manufactures specs on those w.h. fill hoses. The hydraulic hose I put in my friends service station air compressor 25 some odd years ago is still working just fine. -and I have never heard of one failing. That is my opinion and I'm sticking with it.

 

[Zrexxer]

First off, if you looked at the link, it says right there, 150PSI.
Second off, please read my comments on hydraulic hose. The PSI ratings on hydraulic hose are completely misleading.

So let's assume based on your prior post that the water heater hose does in fact have a 4x safety factor, and the hydraulic hose has none. Based on a 150 psi working pressure for the water heater hose, that would be 600 psi, which you claim is preferable to 3500 psi hydraulic hose. Riiiiight. I think I'll go with the product that has nearly 6x the working pressure of your best case scenario. But hey, he saves $1.99 going with the inferior product, so it's all good.

 

[jdsac]

A copper anything on a compressor will crack- lots of vibration on a compressor.
Use a hydraulic hose- then you can get adapters & fitting to do it once & for all. Google something like Aeroquip 1503 series hoses

 

[rbgearz]

Parker hose w/fittings can be used for air or hydraulics. Use it at work all the time. A home air compressor will never have the pressure required to burst one of these hoses.

 

[J Persons]

www.tptools.com has steel braided hose in 1/2" and 3/4" diameter. P/N 8524-00 for the 1/2" and 8525 for the 3/4"