Everyone, be it a garden lover or a homeowner, needs the best water hose for their daily use. The right water hose pipe, whether it would be a normal garden hose pipe or a heavy-duty quality rubber water hose, is indeed a blessing for gardening or cleaning outside the house. However, to make your water hoses last for many years in offering you the services, it is very important to take good care of it. Below are top 10 tips that will assist in increasing the shelf life of your water hose.
1. Choose the Right Hose
It is important to understand that there are differences between the different types of water hoses. Every hose, for example, comes in a different size and made of different material, durability should also be considered. A rubber water hose is called the best water hose for several reasons such as it is flexible, it rarely forms kinks and is very durable. As for hoses, one should always remember that a good hose is a one-time investment while a bad one will require constant replacing.
2. Proper Storage
One of the key things you ought to always consider is the storage method you are going to use for your water hose. It advised to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for long periods as this actually affects the material used. Tie up your hose or place it in a shaded area or use a hose reel or a hanger, and ensure that the hose is properly coiled, when not in use. This reduces the chances of entanglement and thus leads to longer periods between the need for replacement of the accessories.
3. Avoid Kinks and Twists
Using the water hose with many kinks and twists can result into its degradation. To avoid these problems, one is supposed to rewind the hose fully before laying it and should not drag it round corners. A hose reel will assist in handling and managing the hose while in operation as it will not kink when winding or unwinding.
4. Drain After Use
Any water that is left in the hose can damage its innards due to freezing during periods of cold weather. Unlike other tools, make sure that you always wash all the water that has been used in the hose after use. This could help eliminate interior wear and extend overall hose life with this basic precaution.
5. Protect from Extreme Temperatures
Cold weather can freeze your hose while hot weather can heat up your hose to the point of damage. During the winter season, it is recommended to store your hose inside your garage or any other heated structure to avoid freezing and cracking. However, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long durations especially during summer because it results in the material getting deformed.
6. Use Hose Attachments Carefully
Hose attachments such as spray nozzles and sprinklers should be attached and detached in the right manner. Do not use too much force when tightening the hose attaches since this can cause more harm to the hose ends. Quick connect valves can help you make the process of connecting and disconnecting less stressful and more secure for your hose.
7. Inspect Regularly
By conducting frequent checks, you may realize that some problems may not be significant in the beginning but can worsen if not addressed on time. Look for any kind of damage like any crack, leakage or any kind of bulge which could be a sign of any wear on the hoses. In the event of any damage on the hose, please ensure you repair the same with the available hose repair kits at any hardware store.
8. Clean Properly
To ensure that you diminish the instances whereby you realize the water hose is worn, it is wise that you give it a clean time again so that it does not accumulate dirt and mud that can harm it in the long run. Occasionally, the hose should also be rinsed with clear water to help clear any particles that may have settled at the inner part of the hose. Do not expose the hose to strong chemicals which can result in the deterioration of hose material.
9. Avoid Overstretching
Stretching your hose too far is not advised since it will compromise the strength of the hose and may even result in permanent stretching. Make sure the length of the hose is enough to cater for your needs, so that you do not need to stretch it to the limits while working on the hard to reach areas. However, if necessary, it may be necessary to invest in an extension – do not overstretch yourself.
10. Handle with Care
The manner in which you manage or use your water hose directly impacts on its lifespan. It is advisable not to pull it across rough terrains, step on it, or take carts or other vehicles across it. If a hose lasts just long enough to where it is no longer useful and then becomes damaged from negligence, it was all for naught.
If you manage to consider the aforementioned tips for the use of water hose, especially the durable rubber water hose of garden hose, then you can certainly make it last long and provide you efficient service. In addition to costs, the correct treatment contributes to a smooth and less tiresome gardening and outside activities as well.