Maybe a friend just gave you an expandable hose. You started using it but noticed a problem with the water pressure. Then you wonder if the expandable hose might be reducing the water pressure—but do expandable hoses do that?
Expandable hoses don’t reduce water pressure. At worst, they have the same pressure as a regular hose, and at best, they increase water pressure—especially when used with a nozzle.
In this article, I’ll discuss how to increase an expandable hose’s pressure, why you might use one, its drawbacks, how to repair one, and what to look for when purchasing one. I’ll also explore popular expandable hose brands and when you should replace your hose. Read more.
How To Increase Water Pressure With an Expandable Hose
Expandable hoses can increase water pressure because their flexible sides exert pressure on the flowing water. With a nozzle, the water pressure rises even more. But how exactly do you do this?
Here’s how to increase the water pressure with an expandable hose:
- Turn off the water.
- Screw a nozzle onto the end of your expandable hose.
- Turn the nozzle to its off position to prevent water from flowing out.
- Turn the water on.
- Wait until the hose swells with water.
- Use the hose once it has reached its total available length.
To get more pressure during your task, repeat the process from step 2 onward—this doesn’t put excess strain on the hose and won’t damage it. That said, you can repeat the steps as many times as necessary.
Reasons To Use Expandable Hoses
What are the pros of using expandable hoses? What sets them apart from regular hoses?
Expandable Hoses Are Lighter Than Regular Hoses
Expandable hoses are made of two thin layers of latex and an outer layer of fabric or plastic, making them incredibly lightweight.
In addition, choosing an expandable hose means having an easier time moving your hose reel inside for the winter. Moving an expandable hose to another location is easy, which can be useful for those with mobility issues or a taste for convenience.
Expandable Hoses Are More Compact Than Regular Hoses
Expandable hoses contract down when drained and can be pressed or rolled up quite tightly, making them easier to store. They can help you save space or operate more effectively in a small space such as a condo, making them preferable for people living in smaller domiciles.
You Can Use Expandable Hoses To Increase Water Pressure
As detailed earlier, expandable hoses can increase water pressure. This feature is useful if you need more force to get stubborn grime off concretes—or assist with heavy-duty cleaning tasks—without needing a pressure washer.
You Can Use Expandable Hoses With Boats or Compact RVs
Boats and RVs can be small spaces. They’re often packed with furniture and storage and sometimes crowded. Using a flexible, expandable hose might make tasks done in such spaces less tedious.
In addition, an expandable hose might make a valuable addition to your toolkit if you enjoy traveling.
Drawbacks of Expandable Hoses
What are the drawbacks of expandable hoses? What could happen if they aren’t cared for or used correctly? If they break, can you repair them?
Expandable Hoses Can Be Fragile
The outer layer of an expandable hose is a thin fabric, and its two internal layers are made of latex. It means that something as benign as dragging it over a sharp rock can cause it to spring a leak.
So if you’re using an expandable hose, you must handle it more carefully than a regular hose. Such tends to make tasks more tedious.
Some Expandable Hoses Are Difficult To Repair
Because expandable hoses are made of latex and fabric, it can be difficult to repair them. Some repair materials may damage the hose even further, or they may not hold. So, choosing the right repair method for expandable hoses is important, which may require special materials.
How To Repair an Expandable Hose
So, how do you repair an expandable hose? What types of materials do you need, and what types of tools?
Here’s how to repair an expandable hose:
- Cut the hose with a pair of scissors and find the leak.
- Remove the tear and connect the hose’s innards again with a half-inch barbed connector.
You can find instructions on how to do so in My Busy Retired Life’s article.
Tips for Buying an Expandable Hose
Buying the right hose is important because you want something that will last. But what should you look for? Should you look for certain materials or certain thicknesses of materials? Are there extra parts you need to buy?
Keep the following tips in mind when buying an expandable hose:
Make Sure the Hose Is Thick But Flexible Enough
Expandable hoses are more fragile than regular ones, so you need to pay attention to the thickness of their materials when buying. You want your hose’s outer cover thick enough to resist sharp debris. However, you want it to be thin enough that the hose is still flexible.
Choose a Hose Made of Strong, Expandable Plastic
When buying a new expandable hose, choose hoses with an outer fabric that are synthetic and strong. Better yet, choose an expandable hose whose outside is made of ribbed, expandable plastic. These materials are relatively easy to spot, and choosing them will ensure your hose is durable enough to withstand wear or tear.
Get a Nozzle or Head for Your Hose
Nozzles or hose heads are an essential add-on for any hose you buy. They allow you to control your hose’s flow better and even stop it if necessary. They also allow you to direct the spray from your hose better. Not to mention, they can be used to increase water pressure.
How Long Do Expandable Hoses Last?
Expandable hoses can last for up to five to ten years. While they’re more fragile than regular hoses, good usage and care can extend their life significantly.
You can find out more on the topic in my article: How Long Do Expandable Hoses Last?
When Should You Replace Your Expandable Hose?
You may wonder when’s the best time to replace your expandable hose. At what point does trying to maintain it becomes more trouble than it’s worth?
You should replace your expandable hose when you can no longer repair tears in its outer or inner layers. Some tears are too complicated or big to mend.
A garden hose leaking all its water into a miniature lake on your lawn is worse than no garden hose. So if you can’t repair your hose, it’s time for a new one.
Using an Expandable Hose on an RV or Boat
There are many ways you can use an expandable hose on an RV or Boat, the first of which is flushing the sewage or “black” tanks. Just like with a regular hose, you can run your expandable hose through a window or door and run it down a sink or toilet.
Another way of using an expandable hose on an RV or boat is to fill your clean or “fresh” water tanks. You do it the same way you would if you were using a regular hose: hook it up to the water, then to the intake valve on your vehicle.
You can also use your expandable hose to wash the outside of your RV or boat, removing any dirt or mud and troublesome marine buildup. In addition, you can use it to fill steam cleaners you can use to clean or shampoo your upholstery.
These are only some of the ways you can use an expandable hose on an RV or boat. In general, they are a great tool to have on board for any task in which you would use a regular hose.
Conclusion
Expandable hoses increase water pressure when used with nozzles. They’re lighter and more compact than regular hoses. However, they can be fragile and difficult to repair. Look for thick, strong materials and a good nozzle. Replace your hose when you can no longer repair its tears.
