In this demonstration I feature two of the most popular methods when connecting the water supply to a toilet tank.

The flexible stainless steel model is most often seen in use today, so here’s my take on both.

The FSS models come in pre-determined lengths, generally 12″, 16″ and 20″ lengths. The 12″ length is the size most often used to connect a toilet and the 16″ and 20 ” lengths are generally used to connect faucets. Because these are of a pre-determined length, you may end up having some slack depending on the distance from the water supply up to the toilet fill valve.

For this reason, I’m not too crazy about the way they look even though they’re used every day. The one tip I can recommend is that when you tighten these be sure to hold back on the crimp rings to keep them from twisting around.

I personally prefer the solid 3/8″ chrome plated copper supply tubes which come in the same lengths but are able to be cut to the exact size you need.

All you need is a tubing cutter and in a pinch you can even use a fine tooth hack saw blade (32 teeth per inch). My tip for these is to always tighten the top first to ensure it’s seated up against the fill valve and then you can finish up and tighten the bottom.

I see all too often when changing a fill valve that when loosening the top nut, the water supply will actually drop a good 1/4″ which creates a downward strain on the fill valve.

Not good in the world of plastic fill valves as they can crack! I also think the chrome plated copper supply tubes make for a more professional looking installation in an exposed application whether it’s for a toilet or an exposed wall hung sink.

In general I use the FSS versions under cabinets where they’re out of sight.

If you’re in doubt about anything covered in this video I look forward in hearing from you! info@bobsplumbingvideos.com.

HAPPY PLUMBING!