Important points in buying and maintaining a hose With so many options to choose from and so little difference when shopping for garden, gas, water hoses, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest. But small differences can have a great impact on the life of the hose and its ease of use.
A good irrigation hose should last 5 to 10 years. But many homeowners who buy lower-quality hoses end up replacing them every year because of leaks, cracks, or rot. Although some problems are repairable, it is usually more economical to start with a good quality hose.
In this article, we’ll review the features to consider when shopping for a new garden hose so you know what to look for when choosing a quality product.
If you are just interested in the types of hoses and our recommendations for the best garden hose, don’t miss this article.
How to choose the best garden hose for you
There is no one-size-fits-all type of garden hose. What works best for you depends on the size of the area you use it in, what you use the hose for and where you store it, as well as your budget. But, in general, there are six things to consider when choosing a garden hose.
Important points when buying garden hose, gas, water
1_ Length – longer is not better
Garden hoses are 25, 50, 75 and 100 meters long. It’s tempting to buy a longer hose and use it for all your water needs around the garden. But longer hoses not only cost more, they’re heavier to move, require more storage space, are difficult to empty before putting them away for the winter, and can lead to reduced water pressure.
Measure the farthest distance from your pipe and buy a hose that extends slightly beyond that. You don’t want to pull the hose to pull it because it could cause a snag or leak.
Important points in buying and maintaining a hose
On a deck or balcony, a 25-foot garden hose is usually fine. Most urban yards require a maximum of 40 meters of hose. If you need a hose length of more than 50 meters, buy two hoses and connect them together when you need more than 50 meters. That way you’re not lugging around a long, heavy garden hose all the time.
2_ Hose diameter – equal width of water flow
The most common garden hose diameters are ¾ inch, five eighths inch, and half inch. These sizes are based on the inside diameter of the hose, not the outside diameter. The larger the diameter, the more water the hose will carry.
A hose width of five-eighths of an inch is usually very useful. It’s a good combination of water flow and pressure without being too heavy.
If hose weight is an issue for you, a half inch hose may be best. They are lighter in weight, but because of their smaller diameter, they don’t carry much water. Half-inch garden hoses are best kept to 40 feet or less and used for light gardening tasks such as watering cans and hanging baskets. These hoses are not suitable for use with sprinklers or anything that requires more water pressure (such as washing a car).
3. Strength – Look at explosive pressure — Important points in buying and maintaining a hose
The strength of a garden hose can be measured in terms of “burst pressure” (water pressure at which it is likely to burst). If you are using a hose or sprinkler nozzle, look for a hose with a burst pressure above 350 psi. To use a pressure washer, check your manual before buying a hose – you may need a higher psi.
Flexibility – Try the twist test
You want a garden hose that is flexible (for easy storage, going around corners, etc.) but not so flexible that it bends easily. Kinking leads to splits and shortens the life of your hose. While all garden hoses will kink when kinked (yes, even “knock-free” hoses), some are better than others. In general, reinforced and rubber hoses are less likely to kink than other types.
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