Your garden hose probably doesn’t get much attention out in your yard on a daily basis, but just take a moment to consider what it would be like if you didn’t have one. What if there weren’t any such thing as a garden hose? Imagine how difficult some of your everyday outdoor tasks would be. Not to mention the safety risks of not being able to efficiently get water to areas of your yard should a fire break out. The water hose is an important piece of home equipment. Let’s take a quick look at the history and facts you might not know about the common water hose.
The History of the Hose
There are early records of water hoses dating back centuries. In Ancient Greece, bags filled with water were put through an ox gut. The bags were then stomped onto to force the water out in the event of a fire. This is quite possibly the first record of firehoses in history.
During the 17th century, leather tubes were sewn together and a gooseneck nozzle was placed on it to create an accurate stream of water from these early hoses. It wasn’t until the 1800s that pressurized water was added to increase not only the accuracy but also the force of the water coming from the hoses.
The first rubber hose was patented in 1821, according to Intellectual Ventures, along with a process for utilizing the reinforced rubber. Hose construction and innovation continued to improve through the 19th century until modern hoses were created in a variety of materials, styles, and applications. A common garden hose today can shoot about 17 gallons of water per minute, according to Hunker, and hoses are still being improved upon even further.
The Future of Hoses
As with many things today, the future of water hoses is all about sustainability. New water hoses are being created out of recyclable materials. Technology is also being applied to help control how much water is used during a session. Of course, even the most advanced hoses will only work properly when cared for correctly. If you want your water hose to last, here are a few tips for proper care.
First and foremost, don’t leave your hose out in the sun. Exposure to sun will start to deteriorate the materials the hose is made from. The hose will become brittle and start to crack. Keep your hose stored in a shady place. You should also keep your hose reeled up. Allowing the hose to stay strung out will lead to kinks and increase the chances of it getting damaged.
These are just a few handy hose facts you might not have known. If you’re looking for gardening supplies and hoses, please check out our inventory at Apex Hose today. We look forward to providing you with the high-quality products you deserve!
