A good-quality garden hose can last for many years. Agricultural Extension Agent Neal Denton offers some suggestions on caring for and repairing hoses to keep them functioning well for as long as possible. When shopping, look for at least a four-ply hose with brass end fittings. A protective sleeve at the female end will prevent kinks at the faucet. Don't waste your time and money repairing cheap hoses -- they'll just develop new leaks and kinks. Don't leave the hose out in the sun, especially when there's water trapped inside. The heat will expand the water and stretch the fabric of the hose, causing it to lose its elasticity. If you use a pressure nozzle, always release the pressure when you're done watering. Hoses that develop leaks or kinks can be repaired with several types of connectors and fittings. Neal's favorite is a brass coupler that allows you to repair a damaged hose using no tools other than garden shears or a knife to cut out the bad section. First, slide the threaded brass coupling over the cut end of the hose. Then place the rubber fitting over the outside of the cut end, slide the coupling back up, and thread it onto the rubber fitting. Repair couplers are sold as male-end fittings, female-end fittings and mid-point fittings. Hose joiners are also easy to install. You'll need a screwdriver and a bowl of hot, soapy water. Soak the cut end of the hose in the water to soften and expand it so the inside joiner fitting slides easily into place. Then fit the coupling around the outside of the hose, and screw it tightly into place. Metal press-on joiners are not as rigid as plastic or brass joiners, and if the hose is twisted or under stress, they may become dislodged and cause leaks. A hose clamp applied over the prongs will keep them securely in place. Hoses last longer if stored properly: up, off the ground and out of the sun. A cut-down plastic garbage can works perfectly for hose storage. Coil the hose, drop it in the can, and replace the lid. If you like, cut a hole in the can so you can leave the hose connected to the bib (faucet). When your hose wears out, turn it into a soaker hose. Use a knife to cut slits every 1" or 2" along its length. Screw on an end cap or plug the end with a piece of wooden dowel to keep the water from running out the end. Tip: - Thread the female end of the hose tightly onto the bib to prevent it from leaking. If the fitting still leaks, you may need to replace the washer.
GUESTS :
Neal Denton
UT Agricultural Extension Service
400 West Main Avenue, Suite 560
Knoxville, TN 37902-2498
Phone: 865-215-2340
Fax: 865-215-2933
Email: knox@utk.edu
Website: www.utextension.utk.edu
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