Now that summer is in full swing, gardens are showing off their full potential. In order to make the most of the landscaping at your home or at your place of business, you'll need to prioritize regular watering. Of course, the easiest way to do that is with residential or commercial garden hoses. That said, not all hoses are created equal -- and they won't last forever.
A good garden hose should last five to 10 years with proper care, but you'll need to replace that hose a whole lot sooner if you don't maintain it the right way. Whether you're an experienced gardener or you're trying to cultivate your green thumb, you'll want to pay attention to the following tricks to ensure you can extend the lifespan of your residential or commercial garden hoses.
- Don't Leave It Out: If you become distracted or someone simply gets a little lazy, it might not seem like a big deal to leave your hose out for an extended period. Unfortunately, doing so can jeopardize the integrity of this tool. Sun exposure can eventually degrade the materials of the hose, which can lead to cracks. Likewise, leaving your hose in a tangled heap outside -- rather than utilizing proper storage techniques -- can cause kinks and subsequent cracks. That's especially true if you accidentally run over your hose with your wheelbarrow or with a vehicle. Instead of leaving your garden hose wherever you please, designate a storage spot for it.
- Coil It Up: In addition to storing your hose somewhere safe, you'll also need to wind it properly when you put it away. Hose reels are one of the most popular storage options, as it's simple to recoil the hose when you're done, but there are also brackets and pots you can use for this purpose. Some gardeners will coil their hoses in a figure eight pattern (the same type used for cords) to prevent wear and tear. This can prevent kinks from forming, which can reduce the risk of holes and cracks. Remember that even heavy duty garden hoses should be coiled correctly to reduce damage.
- Drain the Water: When you're done gardening and landscaping for the winter, you should always take care to drain any water trapped inside the hose to prevent freezing and related damages. But draining the water isn't just an end-of-season task; you should also drain the hose at the end of each day you use it. That's because there can still be built-up pressure inside the hose when the water is turned off. If this pressure remains for long period of time, it can actually stretch out the hose and lead to leaks. If you prioritize this simple task after each daily use, you can alleviate potential issues.
- Don't Drag It: When using residential and commercial garden hoses, you'll want to follow the best practices to ensure longevity. One practice you should steer clear of is dragging the hose by its nozzle. While it may seem more convenient, it's often a lot more damaging. Over time, this can weaken the connector area between the nozzle and the hose itself. Leaks often occur in this very spot. You should make it a point to gently pull the hose when you need to move it, rather than relying on the nozzle to do so.
- Buy Shorter When Possible: You may find commercial garden hoses that extend up to 100 feet, which can be enticing for large scale projects. However, most people are inclined to believe that shorter hoses will last a bit longer. Since longer hoses are inherently more difficult to move and to store, they're more likely to be twisted or become kinked. Even if you purchase a hose that specifically will not kink, you'll likely have an easier time using a hose that's 25 feet or 50 feet long instead. Most experts will recommend that you buy two shorter hoses rather than one long one, as this will provide more flexibility and better water pressure overall.
Of course, buying a high-quality hose is one of the most effective ways to ensure you won't have to purchase a replacement any time soon. For more information, please contact us today.
