Garden hoses are extremely useful tools. Apart from their obvious usefulness in watering lawns and gardens, they can be used to wash vehicles, patios and decks, and other pieces of equipment or outdoor furniture. Considering the array of options available, settling for a particular garden hose may prove to be a difficult task. Even with our review of the best garden hoses, you may still have doubts.
This buyer's guide will clear any concerns you may still have and help you choose the best garden hose. We discuss the critical factors to ponder before purchasing a new garden hose and have included a frequently asked question section where answers are provided to buyers’ most common questions about garden hoses.
What to Consider Before Buying a New Garden Hose?
As stated previously, there are many garden hose varieties to choose from. These hoses have subtle and not-so-subtle differences that differentiate them. This section explains the things you may need to consider before buying a garden hose.
Type of Material
The first factor you need to consider when buying a garden hose is the type of material used to make the hose. The type of material often affects the hose’s durability and flexibility. Rubber hoses are very common, but materials such as steel, polymer, vinyl, polyurethane, or polyester are also used. Rubber hoses are often heavy but very durable. Vinyl hoses are cheaper but highly susceptible to kinking. Garden hoses made of polyurethane materials are usually lightweight, and polymer hoses are flexible and lightweight, too. Steel hoses are typically durable and kink-free.
Expandable garden hoses are a hybrid in terms of materials. They are made up of a rubber tube that is covered by a stretchy fabric. They are ultra-light and very easy to store since they contract once they are no longer in use.
Therefore, you should consider the type of material that suits your needs and budget. If carrying the hose around will be tedious for you, opt for a hose made of lightweight materials. If you need something more heavy-duty, perhaps a rubber hose is your best bet.
Length
Perhaps the most critical thing to consider is the length of the hose. If you buy a hose that is too long, it will be a burden in the long run; on the other hand, a short hose will not adequately serve your needs. Therefore, you need to get the optimal length for your yard space.
Garden hoses are available in various lengths; hence, you should measure the distance between your spigot and the farthest end of the garden to choose the ideal length of the garden hose. It would be best to buy a hose that reaches slightly farther than the farthest end of the garden.
Diameter
A garden hose’s diameter determines the quantity of water the hose can carry, so a larger diameter will yield more water. Common diameters for garden hoses are 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 3/4-inch. There are also smaller diameters like 7/16 inches. You choose the diameter based on the size of the garden and how much water the plants need. Garden hoses with a 5/18-inch diameter are the most common for garden sizes while 7/16-inch hoses are ideal for smaller gardens and lawns.
Flexibility
Your garden hose will be carried and dragged over distances and corners. The hose’s flexibility will determine how well the hose will navigate these corners and bends. Hoses that are not flexible enough kink easily, becoming quite the nuisance. These kinked areas eventually become burst sites. Thus, it would help if you looked out for hoses that are flexible enough to go around corners without kinking.
Couplings
The couplings should also be considered before buying a garden hose. Couplings are the ends through which the hose is attached to nozzles, sprinklers, and spigots. Couplings are either made of plastic or metal. Plastic couplings are not durable; they are usually found on less expensive hoses. Metal couplings are made of materials like brass or nickel and are more durable, therefore making them less likely to leak or break.
Strength
By strength, we are referring to the hose’s burst pressure. Burst pressure refers to the pressure at which the hose will get ruptured; it is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Depending on your gardening needs, a hose with higher burst pressure may get your job done easier. Be sure to check the hose’s strength before choosing one.
Extras
Extra features that make usage and storage easier should also be considered before buying a garden hose. For example, a hose hanger will help you to adequately store the hose after use. Some hoses don't include any extras, not even a nozzle, so pay attention to these details.
How to Take Care of Garden Hoses?
If you do not take proper care of your hose, it will eventually get damaged irrespective of the quality. Below are useful tips to help you take care of your hose and ensure it lasts long.
- Ensure that the hose is adequately drained after each use.
- Keep hose in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
- Never allow your hose to stay tangled – always untangle it.
- Garden hoses are best stored in a hanging position.
How Much do Garden Hoses Cost?
Various factors affect the price of garden hoses. Length, burst pressure, and type of material are some of these factors. On average, low-end garden hoses cost between $10 and $45. The price of high-end hoses is between $50 to $200.
Garden Hose FAQ
Q: Can I leave my garden hose out in winter?
A: Leaving your garden hose outside all winter leaves it susceptible to damage because water expands when it freezes. When the water inside the hose expands, the hose can burst. Some hoses can withstand extreme temperatures, but not all, so be careful.
Q: Is it safe to drink water from a garden hose?
A: You should not drink the water that comes out of a garden hose or give it to your pet to drink because the water could be contaminated by lead and other toxic substances from the material used to make the hose. However, if you are worried, there are select garden hoses (usually lead-free ones) that are certified to be safe for drinking water.
Q: Is hose water the same as sink water?
A: Essentially, they are the same. However, the means of transporting the two is where the difference lies. The pipes that transport sink water are designed to avoid contamination and ensure that the water is safe for drinking. The hoses that transport hose water can contaminate the water and make them unsafe for drinking. Hoses that are specifically lead-free are safest to drink from.