DIY Network

Hoses: Selection, Repair and Leak Prevention Hoses: Selection, Repair and Leak Prevention From "Fresh from the Garden" episode DFFG-117

In this final segment, learn how to select the right hose for your garden needs and discover easy ways to repair a split hose and prevent leaks....

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	A hose is not just a hose! Check out Joe Lamp'l's hose facts, at left.
	Before you go to the store, measure the distance from the water spigot to the far side of the garden or bed.
	Hose split? No worries! It's easy to repair...
	...with an inexpensive hose-repair kit.

• We all uses hoses in the garden to keep everything growing, they're one of the most widely used garden accessories. When you go to the hardware store you can find a whole row of hoses to choose from.

• When you're choosing water hoses there are several factors to consider: flexibility, length and strength. Some of the things to consider are the thickness of the hose or the number of ply's listed on the packaging. Hoses come in light, medium, heavy and commercial strengths.

• Heavy-duty hoses have really thick walls and are very sturdy. It would be a good choice for a hose that's left outside a lot. Another upside to a heavy hose is that it is designed not to kink. A light-weight hose shouldn't be left outside for long periods of time exposed to the elements it is more likely to kink. The plus side to using a light hose it's easier to handle and store.

• Once you decide what type of hose you want you'll need to decide the length you need. Before you go to the store measure the distance from your water spigot to the far side of the garden or bed you need to water. Allow enough length so that you can maneuver the hose in and around your beds.

• The strength of a hose is very important. You want your hose to able to with stand being hit say by the grass trimmer. In some cases you want it strong enough to handle the neighborhood dog chewing on it. Another consideration is water pressure, with higher water pressures a thinner hose is likely to burst under the high pressure over time. In cases like these the heavier the hose the better.

• It is easy to repair a hose that has a split. The first thing to do is to cut the hose off clean and straight near both sides of the break. Use a clamp style repair kit, it has 3 parts. The tube that goes inside the hose and the two clamps that go on the outside of the hose.

• To repair the hose, you'll need a screwdriver to loosen the clamps. Slide one clamp over each end of the cut hose. Push the tube in one end of the hose until the cut reaches the center mark on the repair tube. Now do the same for the other side. The hose ends should almost touch in the middle. Position the clamps over the new repair, following the instructions provided. Use the screwdriver to tighten the clamps until very firmly secure. Now you're ready to check the repair for leaks.

• One of the most common sources of hose leaks is at the spigot. The problem is almost always the small rubber washer. You can buy replacement washers by the sheet at any home improvement store. You just slip the washer into the end of the hose, and attach the hose to the spigot. The washer makes a tight seal so the water can't run out.
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Varieties and Planting Guidelines
  	Collard Greens
  	Seedlings, Pest Damage, Harvesting
  	Hoses: Selection, Repair and Leak Prevention