Spring
may seem a long way off, but the winter months will fly by more quickly
than you know. Before long, you’ll be getting ready to roll out the
garden hose for spring cleaning and gardening chores. Will your garden hose
be strong enough to stand up to the daily use you’ll give it or will
you find that it gets increasingly leaky and annoying to use with each
passing day?
If
your garden hose needs replacing, you’ll find hoses in a wide variety
of materials, lengths, diameters and fittings, as well as hoses with
specific features that suit them for particular uses. Choosing the right
garden hose is a fairly simple matter, but it does take a little time
and consideration.
Construction, Size and Maintenance
When
deciding which garden hose to buy, consider your climate and the way
you intend to use it. Most hoses for home use are made from vinyl or
rubber, or a combination of the two, but you’ll find many that are
reinforced with nylon or fabric to add to their strength and
flexibility. You can buy a garden hose as short as 10 feet long and
longer than 100 feet. A 1/2 inch garden hose is a good choice for small
gardening chores, though most experts recommend at 5/8 inch garden hose
for typical household use – it carries more water and can deliver higher
water pressure. If you’re planning to use your garden hose with a
pressure washer or you need stronger water flow, a 1 inch water hose can
deliver.
Climate Considerations
You’ll
want a garden hose that can survive both the drying heat of the sun’s
UV rays and, depending on the climate, the cold of winter. Vinyl garden
hoses are fine for milder climates and light use. If you live in a
harsher climate and will use the garden hose during the winter, consider
a rubber garden hose, which is more expensive but will last longer and
can carry hot water as well as cold. If your garden hose will be used
through freezing temperatures, consider a heated garden hose, designed
to keep ice jams from forming in the hose.
Size and Garden Hose Fittings
When
you choose a garden hose, you should consider both length and diameter.
Choose a garden hose that’s long enough to reach everywhere you need to
water
without tugging and pulling on it. At the same time, keep in mind that
longer hoses are heavier, harder to maneuver and have a greater chance
of being accidentally snagged or punctured. Look for garden hose
fittings made of brass rather than plastic – they’re easier to replace
if need be and are less likely to be crushed or broken. Octagonal
fittings are easier to screw and unscrew on the spigot than standard
round garden hose fittings.
Keep
in mind that there are many different types of specialty garden hoses,
including coil garden hose for use in small spaces and drinking safe garden hose
for carrying potable water. When choosing a garden hose, consider all
the important factors to make sure you get a hose that will do the job
you need efficiently and effectively.
