Expandable hoses are among the newest addition to the garden hose industry. What’s unique about them is they expand three times their original size when subjected to water pressure, and the reverse is true. They contract to their standard size when the water supply is cut off. This feature makes them self-draining and non-kinking. Unlike other hoses that require a water hose reel for organizations and protection, expandable hoses can do without it as they are light and easy to store. In this extract, we discuss the basics of an expandable water hose.
Basics of an Expandable Water Hose
Expandable garden water hoses have made work easier for many people worldwide in plant watering, washing cars, and other practices that need water. We expound on how it works, the advantages and disadvantages, and what to look for when buying one.
How Does it Work?
An expandable hose is made up of two layers, i.e., the stretchy inner tube where the water goes through and the outer protective shell that protects the core from abrasions or punctures. Different materials are used for the inner layer, but the most common are TPC or latex. One end of the hose has a shut-off valve that is turned off when water is entering from the other end.
The water is confined in the hose, causing pressure to build up, and the inner tube is forced to expand to its maximum length to accommodate the water volume. When the water flow is stopped, the shut-off valve is turned on, and the hose assumes its standard size and functions like any other garden hose.
What are its Advantages?
Its primary benefit is how much they weigh, which is almost nothing compared to the others. The hose is about five times less the weight of a traditional garden hose. Carrying it from one place to the other is easy, convenient, and quick. This saves time and increases the level of productivity. It’s easy to store due to the weight factor, length, and size, which shrinks to about a third of its maximum length.
Expandable hoses can drain themselves. The need to straighten it out to drain water is not necessary.
Another advantage is they don’t twist, tangle, or form knots like conventional hoses. Untangling a twisted hose is time-consuming and requires so much energy. Their expanding characteristic ensures they never kink and used immediately from storage.
Disadvantages
These hoses have gained recognition based on their features, but some customers have reported few drawbacks. Some manufacturers use low-quality materials that are not durable and burst during expansion. Other problems are failure to follow the user instructions and inferior technology.
What Should You Look for When Buying?
The qualities to consider in an expandable hose are similar to other garden hoses, but the three most important are material, number of cores, and length. The material used for the outer covering should be tough to resist damages. The center should be resilient and pliable to expand and shrink under pressure. Having extra layers means more resistance; however, they don’t necessarily become the best expandable hose. The size of the hose after the expansion is usually indicated on the packaging. A 50-foot expandable hose may be 17 feet only with no water.
Conclusion
A variety of expandable hoses are available in the market with different colors to choose from. Despite the few cons, consumers still prefer them to traditional garden water hoses. Identify the distance you want to be covered from your water source and buy accordingly. They are easy to use and very convenient equipment.
