Keep Your Yard Healthy and Green With the Best Garden Hoses

With different garden hose options out there and little to differentiate them, you might be tempted to choose the cheapest option. The small things often count the most, especially with regards to how easy the hose is to use and how long it will last. In this article, we will explore some things to look out for before you buy a new garden hose. Keep reading to find out more!

Guide To Choosing the Perfect Garden Hose

Each individual will probably have different needs for a garden hose because they’re such versatile tools. To choose the perfect garden hose, consider your environment and where you will store it, your budget, and what you want to use it for.

Here are some things you should think about before you buy a garden hose.

Hose diameter

The more common hose diameters are five-eighths of an inch, three-quarters of an inch, and half an inch. The measurements depend on the internal diameter of the hose and not the external. The larger the hose diameter, the greater the volume of water it will carry. If you are looking for a more useful hose diameter, five-eighths of an inch is ideal. If the weight of the hose is a concern for you, you may consider a half an inch hose.

Hose length

Garden hoses come in 100, 75, 50, and 25-foot lengths. You may want to buy a longer hose, but you shouldn’t. Aside from costing more, they are heavier and need a lot of space for storage. Before you buy a hose, make sure you measure the farthest distance starting from your spigot and get a hose that measures beyond that.

Hose build

Most hoses are made using vinyl, rubber, or a blend of both. The vinyl option is more affordable and is the less weighty and sturdier option. It has some drawbacks such as the fact that it has more chances of splitting, kinking, and cracking than other materials. You should only go for this option if your budget is tight and you only intend to use the hose for domestic functions.

Rubber hoses last longer and are stronger, making them a great choice for heavy duty work. Be prepared to pay more to get these. One unique benefit of rubber hoses is that they can carry hot water. They are also resistant to deterioration and cracking. They are ideal for intensive use and their durability means they will last longer.

Flexibility and strength

While searching for a garden hose, you need a stronger and more flexible product, but not to the extent that it kinks. Kinking makes the hose split and cuts down the lifespan of your hose. Although every garden hose may kink if they are twisted, some are better than others.

The garden hose strength can be measured based on the burst pressure. If you intend to use a sprinkler, search for a hose that has a burst pressure exceeding 350 PSI.

Tips for Maintaining Your Garden Hose

Here are a few tips to help prolong the life of your garden hose.

Proper storage

If you intend to keep your garden hose for a while without using it, ensure that you run all of the water out of it after the faucet gets shut. By doing this, there will be no water to expand and damage the hose during winter. Hang the tube on a hose reel or a rounded and wide hanger to prevent kinks. Ensure you do not use a single thin hook or a nail because this may lead to the hose creasing. You may also get a storage unit.

To lean how to coil a garden hose perfectly every time, watch this video from Do It Myself TV:

Kink control

Do not yank on the end of the hose to straighten it out if you don’t want to have a kink. All kinds should be unfolded to avoid cracking or creasing the hose and to ensure proper water flow. Make sure you coil up the hose after using it so that it remains neat.

Repair Tips for Garden Hose

It is not hard spotting a leak in your garden hose. Such leaks can sometimes be at spot where they spray your face. The good news is that you can repair it yourself!

Small cracks

There are custom water hose repair tapes available for fixing tiny holes. Make sure the hose is clean and dry before you apply it. Also, ensure you overlap the tape as you wrap it around your hose. Do not wrap it too tight or it will make the hose crease and the tape will not well seal.

Spigot leakage

The simplest method of repair is replacing the washer. The truth is that washers deteriorate or dry as time goes on. All you need to do is to remove the old one and fix in a new one. If there is a leak, you can also replace the coupling.

Large leaks

This repair will require cutting the entire damaged section out and having it replaced with a new part. When cutting the damaged part, ensure to make a straight cut using a sharp blade. Take the removed part with you when you buy a new portion, to make sure you get the perfect replacement. Also, when replacing the fittings, ensure the hose is dry and clean. Apply some soap on the area you want to repair to ensure it is easy to work with.

Types of Garden Hoses

If you are wondering what types of garden hoses are available, take a look at this guide to the types of hoses on the market.

Flat hoses

This type of hose looks almost like a smaller fireman’s hose and it remains flat until the water gets turned on. They are usually not heavy, drain with ease, and can be easily stored. They are made using vinyl, which makes them susceptible to kinking.

Traditional garden hoses

This hose is used for different purposes ranging from watering the patio to watering the lawn. They come in different lengths ranging between 25 and 100 feet.

Soaker hoses

A soaker hose is made using recycled rubber or plastic. These hoses operate by seeping water into the soil where the water is taken in plant roots. The challenge with a soaker hose is that sunlight can damage them. Uncertain water pressure could also affect their performance. They are ideal for straight lines and level landscapes.

Coiled hoses

This type of hose is perfect for small areas where hand-watering is preferred. This hose will shrink back to a spiral shape when it is not being used. The challenge with them is that they are hard to store.

Metal hoses

This is a kink and puncture-proof hose made using industrial stainless steel. It comes in lengths of 25 to 100 feet. This type of heavy duty hose is always cool to touch and is UV and corrosion-resistant.

A quality water hose is not a luxury but an investment for your garden. The first thing you should think about before getting one is the length. Also consider the thickness of the hose. With the information contained here, finding the right hose shouldn’t be too difficult.