One of the most essential things you do as a homeowner is buying a garden hose. From watering your lawn to washing your car, this tool will come in handy in countless ways.
You may think that you can go to your local hardware store and just grab the first one you find. If you don't know exactly what you need or what to look for, you could find yourself wasting time and money by having to go back to buy another hose.
These 5 tips will help you select the right hose for your yard the first time.
Hoses can come in lengths from 25 to 100 feet. Some folks simply go out and buy the longest hose they can find, but this isn't necessarily the best idea.
Remember that you will be hauling this hose around your yard while it's full of water, and it could become quite heavy. Take a quick measurement of your yard to see which length will suffice.
Keep in mind garden hose storage as well, and make sure you have the space to store the size hose you choose.
The width measures the diameter of the inside of the hose and will determine how the water flows out. Hoses can come in a variety of widths, including 3/4 inch to a half-inch. A larger diameter hose allows the water to flow more freely, while a smaller one will increase water pressure.
A smaller diameter also means less water will fill the hose, making it a bit lighter. A hose diameter of 5/8 of an inch strikes a nice balance between water pressure and hose weight.
Generally, hoses are manufactured from rubber, plastic, or vinyl. A vinyl hose is the least expensive option but is prone to breakage and leaks. Rubber is a superior quality material and is less likely to kink or leak, but can also be quite expensive.
If you're in a hurry and don't want to spend a ton of money right away, a vinyl hose will work fine. If you're looking to invest in a hose that will last for a long time, rubber is a great option. Keep in mind that a rubber hose, while very sturdy, is also quite heavy.
Most hoses will come with solid brass or stainless steel. A few will have plastic couplings, but these will not last long out in the elements. Consider what accessories you'll want to attach to your hose, and make sure the couplings and garden hose parts can handle the work you intend to do.
Gone are the days when you can only choose a basic hose for your home. Now there are many options for garden hoses.
There are expanding hoses that are designed to save space when not in use, flat hoses, soaker hoses, coil hoses. What you choose will depend on how you plan to use it.
When comparing garden hose prices, a cheaper hose will likely not last very long. Be prepared to spend a little upfront, so you will have fewer headaches later on.
If you live in colder climates, consider whether you will need to store your hose over the winter.
Having the right tools on hand saves you a lot of time. Buying a garden hose doesn't have to be a hassle when you know what to look for.
If you're looking for a garden hose provider, Sprinkler System Store offers everything you need for hoses, sprinklers, accessories, and more! Contact us today for all your lawn irrigation needs!
