1/11
Choosing a Garden Hose
Kinks, leaks, cracks, punctures, rusted couplings and burst tubes — garden hoses can be a source of frustration for many homeowners. Though they may all look alike, there are some important differences that can make a big impact on how easy your garden hose is to use and how long it lasts.
When choosing a new garden hose, look for these features and consider spending a bit more for a quality hose that can last five to ten years. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when garden hose shopping.
Material: Opt for the more durable rubber (latex) over vinyl, and spring for a model that’s reinforced with a mesh lining between rubber or vinyl layers if your home has high water pressure.
Strength: Choose a burst pressure (the maximum water pressure the hose can handle without bursting) of at least 350 psi and/or 10 bar.
Flexibility: Kinking is a hassle and can cause damage to your hose, so opt for a hose that’s flexible enough to store and maneuver with ease, but not so floppy that it kinks at every turn. Reinforced rubber hoses are less likely to kink.
Couplings: These end pieces that connect your hose to spigots, sprinklers and nozzles have to be tough to withstand high water pressure without leaking, cracking or breaking. Cast brass is the most durable type (cast brass is thicker than stamped brass and octagonal to fit a wrench), followed by stamped metal. Avoid plastic couplings, which can’t be tightened properly and are most likely to break.
Length: Buy the shortest hose that will do the job (25 feet for a deck or patio and 50 feet for the average yard) to make it easier to maneuver and drain when it’s time to store the hose for the winter. If you need a longer hose, buy two shorter hoses and join them together for more ease of use.
Diameter: Most garden hoses have an internal diameter of 3/4 inch, 5/8 inch or 1/2 inch. For the best water flow, pressure and maneuverability, opt for a 5/8 inch as wider hoses tend to be heavy. For a lightweight option for watering potted plants and flowers, a half-inch hose is best.
2/11
Flexi Hose with 8 Function Nozzle
The Flexi Hose garden hose expands to three times its length when you turn the water on. It’s available in seven colors and three lengths. Four layers of latex protect it from punctures. The included nozzle has eight versatile functions, so you can use it to clean off your patio floor or to wash your car.
Sarah, an Amazon verified purchaser says, “I bought a couple of these in different lengths. The hoses are so lightweight that I can drag them around to do whatever I need. So can my 4- and 2-year-old grandchildren. They love helping me and the adjustable spray head means they don’t kill my plants.”
