It's just a garden hose, right, what could be so difficult about buying one? Most people do not even think these words before they head off to buy one at a local store or buy one online but there are significant differences between hoses and learning just a wee bit can help you save money in the long run and get a hose that is far more functional and appropriate for their uses. It turns out there really are significant differences and which hose is right for you is not always obvious.
My grandmother's hoses always seemed to last a decade plus, regardless of whether they were expensive or less so, and she knew hoses. My friend Sue however seems to buy hoses willy nilly every few years and often has hoses that wear out quickly, develop leaks, or are in some way inappropriate for what she needs them for. Here are a few gotchas to avoid.
1) Do not buy the cheapest hose available as you usually get what you pay for. Now buying hoses on sale, sometimes available in the fall, is a great idea but cheap hoses are not as ruggedly constructed and do not last as long. You can get away with cheap hoses in some cases such as when longevity is not critical and the hoses are lightly used. If you will be moving hoses regularly, dragging them over uneven, rocky, or rough terrain, buy a more expensive heavy duty hose. A cheap one may not last a season here. Now if your hose will be relatively stationary and lightly used, a cheaper hose may be just perfect for you.
2) Buy a hose that is long enough. You may need to measure to get this right. You will also need to buy a hose longer than you need to reach as needing your hose to be perfectly straight is unrealistic or at least inconvenient. For example, if you need to reach 75 feet, I suggest a 100 foot hose and if you need to reach 50 feet I recommend a 75 foot hose.
3) Do not buy a hose that is way too long. If you only water the plants on the side of the house and a reach of only 15 feet is required, a 100 foot hose will simply be too long. Not only will the extra hose be in the way of feet and possibly equipment like lawnmowers and more, but it will just be inconvenient to handle.
4) Only buy narrow hoses for shorter runs and when water pressure is not important. For example, a half inch hose will simply carry less water and have less water pressure at the end. If it's 25 feet long and only used for light watering duties, that may be fine, but for running a lawn sprinkler 100 feet away it will not work well.
5) Take care of your hoses! Do not run over them with cars, trucks or equipment. Out them away when not in use for longer periods of time, like in the winter in many places.
