Supply Line Products
The groups below organize plumbing supply connectors by the fixture or appliance they serve.
Faucet Connectors and Supply Kits
Faucet connectors run from a 3/8 in. compression stop valve to the faucet shank or tail, usually with a 1/2 in. FIP or 3/8 in. compression outlet. They cover lavatory and kitchen faucet water supply lines in common lengths from 12 to 30 in. Faucet supply kits pair connectors with matching stop valves for a complete valve-to-faucet hookup.
Toilet Supply Connectors and Kits
Toilet supply connectors join a 3/8 in. compression stop to the 7/8 in. ballcock thread on the fill valve shank. Lengths of 9 to 20 in. cover most stop-to-tank distances. Toilet supply kits combine the connector and stop valve for new rough-ins.
Risers and Water Supply Risers
Risers are rigid or semi-rigid tubes, typically chrome-plated copper or brass, with a bullnose or flat head that sits against the fixture inlet. Cut to length on site, they suit exposed installations such as pedestal sinks, wall-hung lavatories, and commercial fixtures.
Dishwasher and Ice Maker Connectors
Dishwasher connectors use a 3/8 in. compression inlet and run 48 to 72 in. from the sink cabinet to the appliance, often with an inlet elbow. Ice maker connectors use 1/4 in. compression fittings to feed refrigerators and ice makers.
Washing Machine Connectors
Washing machine connectors use 3/4 in. female hose thread (FHT) on both ends to connect a laundry box or hose bibb to the machine inlets. They are commonly supplied in hot and cold pairs.
Gas Connectors
Gas connectors are flexible corrugated stainless steel lines that link a gas shut-off valve to a range, dryer, or water heater. Use a gas supply connector rated for the appliance's BTU input, and install a new connector each time an appliance is replaced.
How Supply Lines Work and Where to Use Them
From Stop Valve to Fixture
Water supply line connectors attach to the outlet of a stop valve on one end and the fixture inlet on the other. Compression, FIP, and hose-thread fittings seal mechanically, so most connections need no solder or thread sealant. Closing the stop valve isolates the fixture for service without shutting down the building supply.
Residential Applications
In homes, bathroom water supply lines feed lavatory faucets and toilets, while kitchen supply lines serve faucets, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Laundry and gas appliance connections complete most residential installs. Each fixture typically has its own stop valve and dedicated supply line.
Commercial Applications
Commercial supply lines serve restrooms, break rooms, and food service areas. Risers and braided connectors are matched to each fixture inlet and inspected during routine facility maintenance. Standardizing sizes across a building simplifies stocking replacements.
Key Specifications and Planning Steps
Connection Types and Sizes
Confirm the stop valve outlet and the fixture inlet before ordering. Common US sizes are 3/8 in. compression at the stop, 1/2 in. FIP or 3/8 in. compression at faucets, 7/8 in. ballcock at toilets, 1/4 in. compression at ice makers, and 3/4 in. FHT at washing machines.
Length and Routing
Measure the path from stop to inlet, then add a few inches for a gentle bend. Common lengths run from 9 to 72 in., depending on the fixture. Avoid tight kinks, stretched lines, and contact with sharp edges or hot surfaces.
Materials and Lead-Free Compliance
Braided stainless resists abrasion, braided polymer resists corrosion, and PEX or chrome-plated tubing suits exposed runs. Lines carrying drinking water must meet federal lead-free limits, verified by NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 certification.
Choosing the Right Plumbing Supply Lines
Start with the fixture, match both end connections, then choose the length and material. For residential supply lines, braided connectors handle most faucet, toilet, and appliance hookups. Specify rigid risers where the line stays visible or where the fixture manufacturer or local code calls for them. Kits save time on new rough-ins because the stop valve and connector arrive matched.
For gas, use only connectors listed for gas service, never a water line, and never run a connector through walls, floors, or ceilings. Keep spare plumbing supply lines in the common sizes above, and replace any line that shows bulging, fraying, or corrosion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy plumbing supply lines for faucets, toilets, and appliances from one source?
Look for a category that groups faucets, toilets, dishwasher, ice maker, washing machine, riser, and gas connectors together, so every connection can be sourced in one order. Match each of the plumbing supply lines by fixture, inlet size, outlet size, and length.
What supply lines should I keep on a service truck?
A practical truck stock includes 3/8 in. compression x 1/2 in. FIP faucet connectors in 16 and 20 in., 3/8 in. compression x 7/8 in. ballcock toilet connectors in 12 and 16 in., a 60 in. dishwasher connector, a 1/4 in. ice maker line, and a pair of 3/4 in. FHT washing machine connectors.
Should I use braided stainless, braided polymer, or PEX supply lines?
Braided stainless resists abrasion and is the most common flexible option. Braided polymer is flexible and corrosion resistant. PEX tubes are semi-rigid and suit straight or exposed runs. All three are suitable for drinking water when certified lead-free.
Should I use a flexible connector or a rigid chrome riser for a lavatory faucet?
Use a flexible connector inside a vanity, where the line must bend around the drain. Use a rigid chrome riser on pedestal or wall-hung sinks, where the line is exposed and a straight, finished run is preferred.
Is a supply kit better than buying the connector and stop valve separately?
A kit is faster for new rough-ins and full replacements because the stop valve and connector are pre-matched. Buy components separately when only the connector needs replacing and the existing stop valve stays in service.
What size supply line do I need for a toilet fill valve?
Most US toilets use a 3/8 in. compression x 7/8 in. ballcock connector. Confirm the stop valve outlet size first, since some older installations use 1/2 in. stops.
Are faucet supply lines 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch?
Usually both. The stop valve end is typically 3/8 in. compression, and the faucet end is typically 1/2 in. FIP or 3/8 in. compression, depending on the faucet. Check the faucet specifications before ordering.
How do I measure the right length for a water supply line?
Measure the routed path from the stop valve outlet to the fixture inlet. Then choose the next standard length up, so the line forms a gentle curve without stretching or kinking.
Why is my supply line leaking at the compression nut?
Common causes are a size mismatch, a cross-threaded or overtightened nut, a damaged sleeve, or thread tape on the compression threads. Shut off the stop valve, reseat the connection, and tighten per the manufacturer's instructions. Replace the line if the leak continues.
How often should flexible water supply lines be replaced?
Inspect flexible water supply lines at least once a year. A common maintenance practice is to replace them about every five years, and immediately if the braid frays, bulges, kinks, or shows corrosion.
What connector do I need to hook up a dishwasher to a 3/8 inch compression stop valve?
Use a dishwasher connector with a 3/8 in. compression inlet and an outlet or elbow that matches the dishwasher inlet valve. Lengths of 48 to 72 in. reach most installations.
What kind of line connects a refrigerator ice maker to the water supply?
An ice maker connector with 1/4 in. compression fittings, run from a 1/4 in. stop valve outlet to the refrigerator inlet valve. Braided stainless and PEX lines are common choices.
Can I reuse an old gas connector when replacing a range or dryer?
No. Manufacturer installation instructions typically prohibit reusing a gas supply connector once it has been installed. Use a new connector listed to ANSI Z21.24/CSA 6.10, sized for the appliance's BTU input, and leak-test every joint after installation.
What hose connection size do washing machine supply lines use?
Washing machine connectors use 3/4 in. female hose thread (FHT) on both ends. They connect the hot and cold laundry box or hose bibb valves to the machine inlets.
Do supply lines for drinking water need to be lead-free in the US?
Yes. Federal law limits lead to a weighted average of 0.25% on the wetted surfaces of products that carry drinking water. Look for NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 or NSF/ANSI 61 certification on water supply lines and connectors.
