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PhrasesAt the Hardware StoreHo bisogno di un tubo flessibile per il lavandino.
B1

Ho bisogno di un tubo flessibile per il lavandino.

I need a flexible pipe for the sink.

Pronunciation

fles-SI-bi-le — four syllables; stress the second; 'ss' gives a long sustained sound.

When to use it

Use this when replacing or adding plumbing connections — under a sink, behind a washing machine, or for a shower hose. Flexible pipes (tubi flessibili or trecce) are far easier to install than rigid copper or plastic piping.

What it means

Tubo flessibile covers various flexible connectors: treccia (braided flexible hose — for taps and toilets), tubo ondulato (corrugated flexible pipe — for drains), and tubo di scarico flessibile (flexible waste pipe). Specifying the connection size (typically 3/8 or 1/2 inch) and length helps find the right product.

Variations

Treccia di collegamento 3/8 da 40 cm per il rubinetto.

3/8-inch braided connector 40cm for the tap.

Treccia (braided flexible hose) is the standard connection between tap and water supply.

Tubo di scarico flessibile per il sifone.

Flexible drain pipe for the U-bend.

Used to connect the waste pipe when the existing configuration doesn't align perfectly.

Tubo per lavatrice da 1.5 metri.

Washing machine hose 1.5 metres.

Standard replacement inlet or outlet hose for Italian washing machines.

Mini Dialogue

— Ho bisogno di un tubo flessibile per collegare il nuovo rubinetto. — Che attacco ha il rubinetto? 3/8 o 1/2? — Non lo so. Ho portato la foto. — Bene. Vedo dal raccordo che è 3/8. Quanto è lontano il rubinetto dal tubo del muro?

— I need a flexible pipe to connect the new tap. — What fitting does the tap have? 3/8 or 1/2 inch? — I don't know. I've brought a photo. — Good. I can see from the fitting it's 3/8. How far is the tap from the wall pipe?

Cultural Note

Italian plumbing uses a mix of metric and imperial (inches) thread standards, which confuses even experienced DIYers. The 3/8 and 1/2 inch references for tap connections are international standards that persist despite Italy's metric system. Ferramenta owners are skilled at identifying the right fitting from photos or by matching the old component brought in by the customer.