Mixture –hosepipes made from a rubber and plastic combination are becoming increasingly popular. They’re stronger than a vinyl hose, yet more affordable than rubber Finally, there’s the fabric-covered hose, which might be the best option for smaller gardens. These are designed to be used without a reel, and expand when water flows through them and contract when you turn off the tap. What types of hosepipes are there? If a pipe promises to be kink-free, there is still the possibility it will bend, but the chance that this will create a permanent fold and weaken that area of the pipe is reduced. Ply You may think that the longer options are best, especially if you have a larger garden or it has to stretch quite a way, but longer hoses result in weaker water pressure as it has further to travel. But getting one which is too short could result in the material weakening if you put it under too much stretch. Always measure the distance between your water source and target areas and get a length which is near enough to this. Connectors A good garden hose is an essential accessory for the garden. They’re helpful for keeping your plants healthy and your grass a luscious green during the summer, and they’re also an absolute must-have if you use a pressure washer to clean your patio, garden furniture or your car.

This is the number of layers which a pipe is made up of. It can range from one to six generally, and the more layers, the stronger the pipe should be. But you also need to look at other factors such as the materials and storage method. Hoses usually go up in stages of 25m, but many manufacturers are now making models which are in between this. It isn’t recommended, no. Most of the materials which hosepipes are made from aren’t great with high temperatures. Pipes will usually have specs detailing their maximum, or “burst”, water pressure and boasting of their protection against weather, kinking and frost, but the one most worth paying attention to is the guarantee. If a pipe’s guaranteed for 15, 20, or 30 years, then that’s a good sign it’s built to last – as long as you take care of it, of course. What length of hose should I buy?Expandable – Just like an ordinary traditional hosepipe, except it drastically reduces in size when not in use. This is great if you don’t have the space to keep a long hose, or if you don’t want to risk any kinks/breakages Then there are fully steel hoses that are perhaps the strongest of them all. Durable and kink-resistant, these hoses make for a hardy investment, especially since they are generally weatherproof. They won’t freeze, nor will they heat up the water in the hose and damage its internals, like rubber hoses can do; however, this is mainly an issue for people living in more extreme climates.

You can buy a traditional O-shaped hosepipe on its own. These often represent the cheapest option, but you’ll need somewhere to store it or hang it out of the way to avoid it getting trampled and damaged. Bending, twisting and crushing are all issues which have plagued hosepipes over the years. Nowadays, many are being made which reduce the likelihood of these issues.

Reel – They can come as either a freestanding model or wall mounted, so think which will be best for your needs before you buy. You could use a hose for anything which would otherwise require a watering can or pressure washer, such as watering plants and grass, washing the car, rinsing down muddy bikes or even washing water-tight windows and doors. Garden hoses can even become a necessity when you’re filling a paddling pool, or need water to mix concrete for those bigger DIY projects.

Traditional – A standard hosepipe. Often prone to breakages and bends, and can be hard to store, but good if you want something basic and cheap Vinyl – Cheaper, but can be more prone to bending and weakening. Good for occasional use or simple tasks such as watering the plants but won’t last for years Talking of safe storage, there is a compartment on the side of the mount to keep all the bits and bobs together. It comes with the fittings needed to connect it to your tap too, so you’re good to go as soon as it is fitted to the wall.Rubber – Generally the strongest you can buy. They are less susceptible to bends and kinks as the material moves more freely with your demands and with the pressure of the water. Best for high-demand jobs and frequent use You might think that hoses are all the same – and fundamentally they are – because, at their core, they’re simply conduits for water to flow. But it’s not hard to understand how frustrating it can be for your pressure washer to run dry, or if it takes longer than it should to water your flower beds, when a cheap hose kinks or splits. The best hoses will resist kinking, are durable and are easy to hold, even with wet hands. A handy wall mounted design if you are after something fitted, so it is always there when you need it. It could also come in handy if you ever need to wash the dog after a muddy walk, or fill up a paddling pool when the hot weather hits. Should I Get a Garden Hose or Garden Sprinkler?