Retractable garden hoses offer the convenience of being able to wash your car, and clean a deck or hose down walkways without having to uncoil it from its reel. However, like anything else you buy for outdoor use, there are some tips on how best to care for this equipment so that they last longer and work better in between uses!
Know the types of retractable hoses
When you buy a quality retractable garden hose, you’re really buying the hose reel and fittings to attach it to a spigot or faucet. For example, if you’re buying a hose reel to attach to a spigot on a wall, you’re buying the hose that connects to the reel and the spigot. Your hose length will determine which type of hose reel will work for you. Low-pressure hoses are easy to use and typically don’t require an extra pressure nozzle, like high-pressure hoses. Low-pressure hoses generally range between 10 and 50 feet. These are great for washing cars, cleaning your deck and general spraying around the yard. Standard-pressure hoses are a mix of low- and high-pressure hoses. They generally range between 0.5 and 3.0 PSI. They’re a good choice for most jobs around the yard, but are also handy for washing your car. If you have a large, windy property, you may find you have to regularly adjust the water pressure to keep the car clean.
Take care when handling a hose
A loose hose and a dropped valve are common accidents that can quickly damage your hose. When you’re not using your hose, be sure to keep it rolled up and stored away. This will keep it safer and prevent damage. A hose that’s left at the end of a reel will eventually kink and become hard to use. If you can’t find your hose, it’s likely that it’s kinked. Twisted hoses are tough to re-straighten and can be difficult to fix. The best thing to do is to get a new hose.
Keep dirt, debris and moisture out of your hose
If you’re leaving your hose outside, be sure to keep away moist, leafy and dirt-filled surroundings. If you have a hose in your backyard, keep it away from a sprinkler, pool, deck or other water-filled areas. This will prevent dirt and debris from building up in your hose, which can lead to a decrease in water pressure.
Know when it’s time for a hose check-up
If you’re using your hose for long periods, it’s a good idea to have a hose check-up. A hose check-up occurs when a professional (such as a plumber or a water treatment specialist) checks your hose for wear and tear. They will use an air pressure test to check how much air pressure your hose is sending through it. If there’s a lot of wear and tear, they’ll be able to work with you to fix the problem. You’ll also want to have a hose check-up if you’re using a low-pressure hose. Low-pressure hoses are difficult to re-pressurize and are more likely to break down. They’re also more likely to kink, get dirt clogged or corrode. A hose check-up will ensure you’re using your hose to its fullest potential before it breaks down.
Take care when storing your hose
Before you store your hose, make sure you let it completely dry out. If there’s a puddle of water in the hose, it will cause damage to the internal components as well as the exterior of the hose. Make sure your hose is completely dry and rolled up before you store it. Keep in mind that if you store your hose outside, it will eventually mildew if it’s exposed to moisture. If you have to keep your hose outside, make sure to keep it away from moisture and debris. If you have to store your hose indoors, be sure to periodically check it for signs of mildew.
Conclusion
Retractable garden hoses are the perfect addition to your outdoor décor. They’re convenient and easy to use, but it’s important to know how to use a garden hose properly. With a little know-how, you’ll be able to keep your hose in tip-top condition for many years. These tips will help you get the most out of your hose.
