Falcon Corrugated Stainless Steel Flexible Water Connector (with PTC Ball Valve) - 3/4 x 18" - recommended for water heater and water softener installations (especially in regions prone to seismic activity). I now use this part in lieu of Sharkbite U3088FLEX18BVLF....considerably better flow (see photos) plus the benefits of working corrugated stainless.

Falcon hoses will not discolor, corrode or rust nor will they crimp or kink. The hose in this listing includes a John Guest PTC* (push to connect) full port ball valve at 1 end and a 3/4" FIP connector ("Female Iron Pipe"....ie, Female NPT) at the other. These PTC fittings simply push onto any copper, CPVC, or PEX piping with no tools required. Available in both 18" and 24" lengths.

Features of Falcon water hoses include....

• 304 Series Corrugated Stainless Steel
• Full Port - no rubber or plastic hose or inserts to reduce flow
• Stronger and more flexible than copper
• Re-usable and Re-bendable
• Minimal deformity in Curvature...these hoses will hold a bend
• Burst pressure rated to 2200psi
• Re-Usable and Re-Bendable
• No Galvanic Effect (no dielectric union is needed)
• All fittings are chrome plated solid brass
• High temp EPDM Washer (-40° to 220 °F)
• 100% leak tested
• Falcon Warranty

* As a homeowner who has had to deal with emergency repairs over the years, I've become a big fan of Push-to-Connect fittings. I've got a fair amount of Sharkbite fittings in 1/2, 3/4 and 1" and have added a nice selection of Falcon hoses to my stock of repair parts. The braided hoses I had been using were fine for pressure but really cut back on my flow volume. Plus there's a fair amount of discussion online, and a few horror stories, about inspecting and replacing braided hoses far more frequently than I had assumed necessary.

** The fittings on the 3/4" FIP hoses can be tightened with an adjustable wrench or a 1 3/16" (30mm) open end wrench. Please do not use a pipe wrench. I personally like Facom's 70A series ratcheting flare wrench as this contacts the fitting on all 6 points and is less damaging to the chrome plating. This wrench retails for over $100 but is currently available at a 50+% savings.