How to Select the Right Hose for the Job
More in Outdoors
Step 1: Select Strength
Hoses come in light, medium, heavy and commercial strengths. Heavy-duty hoses have thick walls and are very sturdy. These hoses can be left outside a lot without risk of damage. A light-weight hose is much easier to store and work with than a heavy-duty one. But it is more likely to get damaged by the elements or things like weed trimmers.
Step 2: Select Flexibility
Stiffer hoses are designed not to kink while in use, but they can be cumbersome. Flexible hoses are very easy to move around the garden, but they are more likely to kink. When dealing with higher water pressures, a thinner hose is more likely to burst over time. In cases like these the heavier the hose the better.
Step 3: Select Length
Before going to the hardware store measure the distance from the water spigot to the farthest point of the garden. Allow some extra length so that the hose can be maneuvered around flower beds and other garden obstacles.
Step 4: Purchase Rubber Washers
The most common source of hose leaks is at the spigot. The problem almost always is a missing rubber washer. Buy replacement washers at the hardware store along with the hose. These washers slip into the female end of the hose before attaching the hose to the spigot. The washer makes a tight seal so the water can't run out.
Step 5: Purchase Hose Repair Kit
It is easy to repair a hose that has a split. A clamp-style repair kit is comprised of three parts: a tube and two clamps. First, the damaged portion of the hose is cut away. Next, the two clamps are placed loosely onto the hose ends. The repair tube slides inside each hose end, forming the connection. Finally, the clamps are tightened to secure everything in place.
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