How to Care for Your Garden Hose

Like any other garden tool, hoses need to be cared for to maintain their lifespan and functionality. By following these simple tips, you can ensure every hose has a long and productive life in the garden.

Nylex hoses are manufactured from premium grade PVC and can develop a memory which means they will try to reform the coil they have been shaped into during the packaging process. If this memory is not removed, it can cause knots and kinks to develop.

New Hose Care 

To remove the memory from your new hose, follow these steps:

1. Connect one end of the hose to the tap
2. Stretch the other end out from the tap preferably in a straight line
3. Close off the nozzle or gun on the end of the hose so water cannot escape
4. Turn on the tap and fill the hose with water then turn off the tap
5. Leave the hose for up to 2 days (depending on weather conditions) in the sun filled with water This should remove any memory from the hose and make it easier to handle. We recommend you store the hose either on a hose reel or in large loops on a hook.

Coiling a Hose

Coiling a hose properly will prolong its life and it’s simple to do:

1. Turn off the tap
2. Take hold of the hose a few metres from the tap connector
3. Bend a large loop, using about 1 metre of hose
4. Moving 30 – 40cm further away from the tap, form another loop and stack it on top of the first loop
5. Repeat until the entire hose is coiled

We recommend the use of a Nylex hose reel or cart for proper storage of your hose and fittings.

Caring for Hoses and Fittings

Taking time to properly coil and uncoil a hose will extend its life and performance.

There are a few other steps that can also be taken to ensure you get the best from the hose:

• Store hose out of direct sunlight when not in use to prevent sun damage and unnecessary wear
• Hoses should be stored indoors during freezing conditions for the same reason
• Never leave a hose under pressure when not in use (connected to a trigger gun or stop valve) and turn off the tap after each use to preserve the hose and conserve water
• Avoid running heavy objects over a hose, such as full wheelbarrows or cars, as this could cause unnecessary damage
• Where possible pick up a hose and carry it rather than dragging it across concrete or around brickwork as this can create unnecessary wear and tear to the hose and its fittings
• Avoid contact with harsh chemicals and caustic substances as this could also damage the hose
• Do not drop the hose end with a trigger gun or fittings attached, onto concrete or other hard surfaces, as the impact could damage the fitting

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your garden hose enjoys a long and productive life. Proper care, such as avoiding exposure to harsh weather conditions, reducing pressure when not in use, and handling with care, will maintain the hose’s original performance and durability.

Invest a little bit of time in hose maintenance and you’ll not only preserve the functionality of your hose, you’ll also enhance your gardening experience by making watering relaxing and hassle-free.