Expandable garden hoses have been developed as a welcome improvement in the garden hose world. But what are they? They are a modification of the conventional garden hose that can stretch up to thrice the initial length once water pressure has been applied. After use, it retracts back into its original length. This feature makes them adverse to irritating kinking and tangling while also being self-draining.

 

Understanding its structure 

An expandable garden hose or a flexible garden hose, as many may call it, has two layers to it. There is the inner tube that allows water to flow through. It is usually made from latex, and it expands once pressure has been applied. The outer fabric is tough, and its work is to protect the fragile inner layer from mechanical damage.

In addition to the tubes, there is also a shut-off valve. It works by blocks water once it has been turned on from its entry side. This resistance builds up pressure in the inner tube. Water pressure in the inner tube leads it to expand into its full length. After this, the valve is turned on, and it works then normally.

 

Troubleshooting the leak 

The answer to whether you can repair an expandable garden hose is a resounding yes. However, you will first need to identify where the leak or a loose connection is located. This will give you an idea of how severe the problem is and how much you will need to apply yourself to rectify the anomaly. Furthermore, it will likely dictate the kind of tools you will require in carrying out repairs.

For example, you could know you have a problem with a hose fitting or your spigot is your expandable hose leaks water from where it joins up to the water tap. To rule this condition out, you will need to unfasten the hose and turn on the water. In the situation where the leak happens when you link the faucet to your house, you will need to confirm whether the misconnection is below the fitting or around the connection.

When splashing happens around the handle, the packing nut could be lost or the washer of the hose could be worn out. The situation becomes a bit daunting when the leak is from a crack or a pinhole on the expandable garden hose. If the crack isn’t too wide or the problem areas numerous, then things are easy to mend.

 

Carrying out the repairs 

Most leaks and breakages happen on the inner layer, so you will need to remove the nylon outer layer first for easy access.

 

Removing the outer layer

 

First, you will need to remove connectors at either end. Next, roll down the outer sheath to access the breakage site. But for this to happen, there needs to be enough slack in the nylon cover. If this is not the case, slice up the nylon and sew it back together when repairs are complete.

 

Removing the inner layer

 

This is the damaged lining. You will need several tools to make smooth incisions. To get rid of the damaged part, you will use a sharp knife, box cutters, or a pair of garden shears.  

 

Creating a new connection

 

You don’t need to spend money on new connectors if you already have existing ones that are in good condition. In addition to being structurally sound, they and the hose itself need to be clean. You will do this by removing old tubing and wiping down the connector, removing residue.

The next step here is using barbed connectors to facilitate expansion within the connector’s locale once pressure has been applied. Use expandable tape, such as silicon plumber’s tape or Teflon tape, to create an air-tight seal. Push the barb into the tubing after doing this. Make sure to use only the amount of tape you need for it to expand accordingly, creating a good seal.

 

Maintaining your expandable garden hose

 

While mechanical failure can be attributed to user mishandling or carelessness, it can also be due to poor manufacturing practices. The use of substandard materials will also result in problems. To know the difference between the good, the bad, and the ugly, ensure that you read expandable garden hose reviews to know what the very best looks like.  

Some things you can do to extend your hose’s life are:

·         Don’t leave the expandable garden hose in the sun for too long

·         Also, don’t leave out in extreme cold weather conditions as well

·         When using it for the first time, ensure the shut-off valve is off before filling with water

·         Turn off the water when the hose isn’t in use

·         Take special care when moving around sharp edges and rough concrete

·         Use the nozzle to get rid of any remaining water for it to contract to its initial length

 

Conclusion

 

Not only do these garden hoses expand only when in use, but they are also significantly lighter than normal garden hoses. They experience breaks and leakages like other garden hoses, and they are not that easy to fix. This is why we have dedicated this guide to give you an in-depth outlook on how to go about repairing your expandable garden hose.