An all weather durability water hose is an essential tool for homeowners and gardeners. Hoses can typically be found at local hardware and discount stores, as well as big-box retailers. With all the many choices, how are you to decide which hose is the best?
Choose the Correct Hose for Your Needs
- Vinyl hoses are a good choice for basic watering needs. They are lightweight, easy to handle and less costly than rubber hoses.
- If you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, then a heavy duty rubber hose is the better choice for an all weather durability hose, as it will last longer than a vinyl hose.
- If you will be cleaning furniture or heavy equipment that may have sharp edges, then choose a reinforced hose, which has several layers and a mesh covering.
- Choose a rubber industrial hose if you need to use hot water on a regular basis, as it will hold up to extremely hot temperatures.
- A sprinkler or soaker hose is a superb choice for watering the lawn on a regular basis. Both types of hoses lay on the ground and have evenly spaced holes for the water to ‘leak’ out. The holes on a sprinkler hose face upward and shoot water up in the air, whereas the holes on a soaker hose face down, allowing the water to trickle into the ground.
- An expandable hose is compact and works well for light watering needs, but are more susceptible to tears and punctures. These hoses also need to be completely drained after every use.
- Choose a hose with antimicrobial protection if you are going to use the hose to fill a pool, allow your children to drink from it, or use it to water a garden.
- Garden hoses measure anywhere from 25 to 100 feet in length. Choose the length based on the size of your property, and if necessary, connect two hoses together to reach a longer distance.
- The amount of pressure you need should determine the diameter, keeping in mind that the wider the diameter loses less pressure over a longer distance:
- A half inch diameter delivers about nine gallons of water per minute, which is sufficient for basic watering needs
- A five-eighths inch diameter delivers approximately 17 gallons of water per minute
- A three-fourths inch diameter delivers about 23 gallons of water per minute
- Choose cast brass fittings over stamped brass fittings, as cast brass is of high quality and reduces the chance of damaged fittings.
- An adjustable brass nozzle will fit better and outlast the life of a plastic nozzle.
- While in the store, test each hose to find out if it bends or kinks. Many hoses are advertised as kink free when they are not. To test a hose, unroll it approximately two feet and then bend it in half.
- Wind your hose on a reel to prevent damage and kinks. Reels can be mounted to your house or on a stand-alone cart.
- Drain your hoses completely and store before the temperatures drop below the freezing point.
- Store your hoses in a garage or basement, as cold temperatures can cause hoses to crack.
