Rubber Hose

The type of rubber and reinforcement used determines the hose's application. Here are the most common types: Garden Hoses: Designed for outdoor water use. Typically made from SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) or EPDM rubber for weather and ozone resistance. Air Hoses: Used with air compressors to power pneumatic tools. Often made from oil-resistant rubber (like NBR) to handle oily mist from the compressor. Fuel Hoses: Critical for automotive and small engine use. Must be made from fuel-resistant materials like Nitrile (NBR) to prevent swelling, cracking, and leaks. Always use a hose specifically rated for fuel (e.g., SAE J30R7 or J30R9). Hot Water & Steam Hoses: Built to withstand high temperatures and pressure. EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber is a common choice due to its excellent heat, water, and steam resistance. Used in washing machines, industrial cleaning, and heating systems. Hydraulic Hoses: High-pressure hoses used in machinery like excavators and log splitters. They have multiple layers of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement to handle extreme pressures (thousands of PSI). Chemical Hoses: Specially engineered with materials like UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) liners to safely transfer specific acids, solvents, and chemicals. Food-Grade Hoses: Made from non-toxic, taste-free, and odor-free materials (like white Nitrile) that meet FDA standards for transferring food, beverages, and potable water.

Hose size is primarily defined by its Inner Diameter (ID). Inner Diameter (ID): This determines the flow rate. A larger ID allows more fluid or gas to pass through. Common garden hose IDs are 1/2", 5/8", and 3/4". Outer Diameter (OD): This is less critical for performance but matters for fitting clamps and hose reels. Length: Choose a length that comfortably reaches your work area without being excessively long, which can cause pressure drops and be difficult to manage.

This is a critical safety specification. Working Pressure: The maximum pressure the hose is designed to handle during normal, continuous operation. This is the number you should pay attention to. Burst Pressure: The pressure at which the hose is expected to rupture or fail. It is typically 3 to 4 times the working pressure and serves as a safety margin. Crucial Rule: Never operate a hose above its stated maximum working pressure.

Drain Completely: Always drain all water from the hose after use, especially before freezing temperatures. Coil Loosely: Coil the hose on a hose reel or in large, loose loops on the ground. Avoid sharp bends or hanging it on a single nail, which creates a permanent kink. Store Out of the Sun: UV rays are the primary enemy of rubber. Storing your hose in a garage, shed, or under a cover will dramatically extend its life.

For low-pressure hoses (like garden hoses): Yes. You can buy hose mending kits at any hardware store. Simply cut out the damaged section and clamp the new fitting in place. For high-pressure, fuel, or critical application hoses: NO. Never attempt to repair these hoses. A failure can be catastrophic, leading to equipment damage, fire, or serious injury. Always replace the entire hose assembly.

This is a sign of degradation. It is caused by: UV / Sun Damage: The sun's radiation breaks down the rubber polymers. Ozone Exposure: Ozone in the air can cause microscopic cracks. Age: All rubber has a finite lifespan. Chemical Exposure: Using the wrong hose for a chemical (e.g., oil on a standard water hose) will cause it to swell, soften, or become brittle.