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are expandable hose pipes any good

by Prof. Mark Heaney Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Are Expandable Hoses the Best Choice?

  • Flexibility No more struggling to water your sunflowers on the east end while your pipe is located on the west end. Expandable hoses go up to twenty-five feet long and allows you the flexibility to cover a vast distance while using them. ...
  • Lightweight With an expandable hose, lifting does not have to be your strong area. ...
  • Long-Lasting ...
  • Self Drains ...
  • Adjustable Water Pressure ...
  • Storage ...

The short answer is yes. Expandable garden hoses do work. Due to the nature of the materials used to manufacture expandable hoses, they can expand up to three times their length when pressurized. When not in use, these hoses are super light and take up a fraction of the space of a regular garden hose.Sep 17, 2021

Full Answer

What is an expandable hose?

Why are expandable hoses useful?

What connectors hold up better?

What is a hose fitting?

How does a hose shell work?

How long can a 50 foot hose be?

How much pressure does a garden hose need?

See 4 more

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Are expandable hoses reliable?

Generally, expandable hoses are not as durable as standard garden hoses and won't withstand as much internal water pressure. If your spigot's water pressure is over 50 psi, consider attaching a flow reducer to keep the water from exerting too much pressure in the hose.

Is there an expandable hose that doesn't leak?

The FitLife Flexible Hose Like the Joey's Garden hose, The FitLife has solid, premium brass fittings that easily attached to the spigot, and the connection proved to be leak-free.

Do flexible hoses really work?

Expandable garden hoses work as long as they are made with high-quality materials. The expandable garden hose should have an inner tube thickness of around 2 or 3 layers of latex. It is also important that it has brass fittings and a durable outer layer.

Are expandable hoses better than rubber?

It's way better now. But first, here's why people like them better than regular garden hoses: they're easy. They weigh almost nothing, so no more hauling around heavy lengths of hose. They don't kink or twist, so no more annoying knots and no more fights with hoses that want to twist the wrong way.

Do expandable hoses break easily?

Because of the materials that hoses are made from, they may be susceptible to tears and punctures. They also shouldn't be used around sharp objects. With a bit of extra care, your expandable hose will last many years.

Why does my expandable hose leak?

If your expandable / pocket hose is leaking in the middle it's likely the inner flexible tube has a hole in it. But unlike a regular rubber hose, pocket hose cannot be patched up with a waterproof tape. You will need to do a little bit to work to get it fixed.

Do expandable garden hose lose pressure?

If any part is damaged or the hose leaks, expandable hoses can't be repaired like conventional ones. Their manufacturers warn you to keep them out of the sun when you aren't using them. They may also shrink under reduced pressure.

How long do flexible hoses last?

between five and ten yearsIAG has even labelled flexible connectors a 'ticking time bomb' and put notices on its website advising home owners that flexible hoses have a lifespan of between five and ten years, and should be checked by a licensed plumber every two years.

Why do flexi hoses burst?

If your flexi hose is kinked, stretched too much or twisted, it can weaken the inner rubber hose. Imagine a kink in a garden hose – where it kinks once, it's likely to kink in the same place again. That will weaken its integrity of the hose at that point and cause a tear. The same thing happens in your flexi hose.

Can expandable hoses be left in the sun?

First of all, never leave the hose in direct sunlight unless you're actively using it to water the garden. If that's not an option, then opt for products with UV coating. The second important rule is to always drain the hose after use, especially in colder temperatures.

How do you drain an expandable hose?

Turn the water off at the source when the hose is not in use. 7. Squeeze the nozzle to drain the hose completely and allow the hose to contract to its original length.

How do you fix a leaking expandable hose?

How to Repair an Expandable HoseWhat You Need.2-Pack of E6000 Craft Adhesive.Step One: Identify the Source of the Leak and Mark It.Step Two: Expose the Area Needing Repair.Step Three: Apply the Adhesive in Two Coats.Step Four: Cover with Self-Adhesive Tape and Repair the Outer Layer.More items...•

How do you fix a leaking expandable hose?

1:524:32How to DIY repair the expandable garden hose? Don't throw your ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInside oh i forgot you need to buy two steel clamps. They are about a dollar. Each. Now use yourMoreInside oh i forgot you need to buy two steel clamps. They are about a dollar. Each. Now use your finger skills to enlarge the rubber tubing and slide into the packs coupling.

How do I make my hose connection not leak?

It's fairly easy to fix. First, clean the area around the leak with some soap and water to remove any dirt and grime and allow it to dry. Apply bicycle tube glue or rubber cement over the leak. After the glue or cement dries, wrap the area with plumber's tape and your hose should be good to use for a few more seasons.

How do I connect a garden hose so it doesn't leak?

0:542:53How To Prevent Garden Hose Ends From Leaking - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo put some teflon tape on the threads. Let's go around it. Once or twice. Pull it and now you canMoreSo put some teflon tape on the threads. Let's go around it. Once or twice. Pull it and now you can secure.

How do I stop my hose connectors from leaking?

0:052:56How to Fix Leaking Hoselink Hose Fittings - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWater spurting out from between the connectors like this is usually caused by a missing o-ring whichMoreWater spurting out from between the connectors like this is usually caused by a missing o-ring which is one of these small black rubberings to fix this turn the tap off release the water.

The 4 Best Expandable Garden Hoses (2022 Review)

Expandable garden hoses do all of the work of a traditional hose, but they shrink down into lightweight, portable tubes for easy storage. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best expandable garden hoses on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement ...

The 10 Best Expandable Garden Hoses in 2022 (Including ... - Thomasnet

A guide to the best expandable garden hoses, including models with a shutoff valve, excellent water pressure, and drinking water safe options. Kat Naoum (Consultant)

What are the problems with expandable hoses?

And that was the problem for lots of early (and some current) expandable hoses, which suffer from the most expected shortcomings: too-thin latex tubes prone to rupturing, low-quality fittings (some are plastic!) that leaked under pressure, and cheap outer covers that snagged, tore or wore out too easily on rough surfaces like concrete.

What is the best fitting for a hose?

Brass fittings are a must. Slight differences in the ways they are attached to hoses make a difference in preventing leaks.

What is the inner hose made of?

They have 2 basic parts instead of one: a thin inner hose made of expandable latex that stretches 2 to 3 times its length when filled with water, and an outer protective cover that expands and shrinks with the hose, typically made of wear-resistant fabrics.

Do hoses kink or twist?

They weigh almost nothing, so no more hauling around heavy lengths of hose. They don’t kink or twist, so no more annoying knots and no more fights with hoses that want to twist the wrong way. They self-shrink to about a third of their expanded length, so they’re easy to store and don’t need to be rolled up.

Can you store garden hoses in the sun?

You probably won’t, either. A couple of notes on differences in care you should know: most expandable garden hoses shouldn’t be stored in direct sunlight and shouldn’t be exposed to extreme cold. Other than that, for my money, they really ‘hose’ the old way.

What is an expandable hose?

Expandable hoses make lawn and garden care a whole lot easier. When the water’s on, they stretch up to three times their original size and shrink back down when the water goes off.

Why are expandable hoses useful?

Final Thoughts. Expandable garden hoses are a useful addition to any home gardener’s arsenal because they’re lightweight, easy to use, and won’t kink or tangle. When choosing an expandable garden hose, consider your budget, the size of your yard, and your home’s water pressure.

What connectors hold up better?

Solid brass connectors hold up much better through repeated threading and unthreading to the water supply and nozzle. Some expandable hoses also come with a quick-connect fitting, which allows the user to attach the hose to the water supply without threading. Quick-connect couplers are also available separately.

What is a hose fitting?

Hose fittings, which connect the hose to the water supply and to the spray nozzle, may come in brass or plastic. Plastic fittings are inexpensive and often durable, but they tend to become cross-threaded after repeated use on metal water outlets. This type of damage may lead to leaks at the water outlet.

How does a hose shell work?

The shell creates a rigid wall around the hose when the water is on and protects the core from punctures and abrasion. The inner core operates much like a balloon by stretching up to three times its resting length. Turn the water off, and the hose returns to its original size and shape, emptying itself as it deflates.

How long can a 50 foot hose be?

A 50-foot expandable hose, for example, may only extend 17 feet without water pressure. A longer hose allows for increased mobility around the yard or garden. Keep in mind that multi-layered cores and weak water pressure can shorten the actual operational length of the hose, so it doesn’t hurt to buy the next size up.

How much pressure does a garden hose need?

The standard water pressure in American homes runs between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Longer hoses have lower flow rates, while a wide diameter increases that rate.

What is expandable hose?

Expandable garden hoses do all of the work of a traditional hose, but they shrink down into lightweight, portable tubes for easy storage. In this review, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the four best expandable garden hoses on Amazon to help you find the product that’s right for you and your home. The products included in this article are available at various home improvement stores, local home centers, and online retailers like Amazon.

How many bars does a Flexi Hose withstand?

Like the other Flexi Hose model in this review, it can withstand water pressures up to 12 bars and temperatures up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit for long-lasting use.

What is the temperature of Flexi Hose?

The hose can also withstand water pressures up to 12 bars and water temperatures between 41 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the material of a 3750D hose?

A four-layer latex core, a 3750D fabric exterior, and solid brass connectors keep this lightweight hose leak-free for longer.

How many stars does Flexi Hose have?

Over 20,000 Amazon customers have reviewed the Flexi Hose, awarding it an average rating of 4.4 stars. Approximately 84% gave it 4 or 5 stars, while 11% gave it 1 or 2 stars.

How long should a hose be for a deck?

Common hose lengths are 25, 50, 75, and 100 feet. However, keep in mind that a hose may not expand to its advertised length if your water pressure is low. For example, a 75-foot hose may only expand to 65 feet when hooked up to your spigot.

Do expandable hoses grow?

Expandable garden hoses grow to their full length when they’re filled with water and shrink when they’re no longer in use, making them easy to store and maneuver around your yard. To help you find the right hose for your home, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best expandable garden hoses on the market. In this review, we break down our top picks as well as give advice on how to choose the model that’s right for your needs.

How long is an expandable hose?

Most of these hoses expand to about three times their length, to 25, 50, 75, or 100 feet.

How much does an expandable hose weigh?

Expandable hoses weigh much less than regular hoses, about four pounds for a 50-foot hose.

How much does a 25 foot hose cost?

Expect to pay at least $30 for a good-quality 25-foot expandable hose to at least $50 for a durable 100-foot expandable hose.

What are the accessories on an expandable hose?

Some expandable hoses come with accessories like sprayer nozzles and storage hooks.

What is the material of a hose?

Most expandable hoses have a fabric covering made of polyester, but the core material may be one of two types of material: latex or TPC.

Why open sprayer nozzle?

Open the nozzle sprayer’s shutoff valve to prevent leaks.

What surface does a hose grab on?

The outer covering on the hose may grab on certain surfaces, such as concrete.

What is an expandable hose?

Expandable hoses make lawn and garden care a whole lot easier. When the water’s on, they stretch up to three times their original size and shrink back down when the water goes off.

Why are expandable hoses useful?

Final Thoughts. Expandable garden hoses are a useful addition to any home gardener’s arsenal because they’re lightweight, easy to use, and won’t kink or tangle. When choosing an expandable garden hose, consider your budget, the size of your yard, and your home’s water pressure.

What connectors hold up better?

Solid brass connectors hold up much better through repeated threading and unthreading to the water supply and nozzle. Some expandable hoses also come with a quick-connect fitting, which allows the user to attach the hose to the water supply without threading. Quick-connect couplers are also available separately.

What is a hose fitting?

Hose fittings, which connect the hose to the water supply and to the spray nozzle, may come in brass or plastic. Plastic fittings are inexpensive and often durable, but they tend to become cross-threaded after repeated use on metal water outlets. This type of damage may lead to leaks at the water outlet.

How does a hose shell work?

The shell creates a rigid wall around the hose when the water is on and protects the core from punctures and abrasion. The inner core operates much like a balloon by stretching up to three times its resting length. Turn the water off, and the hose returns to its original size and shape, emptying itself as it deflates.

How long can a 50 foot hose be?

A 50-foot expandable hose, for example, may only extend 17 feet without water pressure. A longer hose allows for increased mobility around the yard or garden. Keep in mind that multi-layered cores and weak water pressure can shorten the actual operational length of the hose, so it doesn’t hurt to buy the next size up.

How much pressure does a garden hose need?

The standard water pressure in American homes runs between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). Longer hoses have lower flow rates, while a wide diameter increases that rate.

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