How to choose the best irrigation hose

What are there?

In specialized stores you can see several types of hoses for drip irrigation.

• PVC hoses are a classic type of rubber main watering equipment. Before connecting to the system in these products, it is necessary to drill holes of the required diameter into which droppers are mounted. There are two types of droppers - uncompensated (depending on the pressure in the hose), compensated (evenly distribute the supplied liquid). Further, tubes with special racks are attached to the droppers. These racks are a source of moisture for nearby plants.The disadvantage is poor quality, fragility, handicraft production.
• Labyrinth tape is a specialized capillary hose, on the basis of which new drip systems were invented. The main feature is the presence of a labyrinthine channel near the walls of the hose. The principle of operation is the intake of water into the labyrinth channel and its gradual return through external openings.

• Slotted tape is a new type of device, the principle of which is the flow of water into the soil through water outlets. The peculiarity is the laying of the labyrinth channel inside the hose along its entire length. Advantages - reliability, durability. Disadvantages - clogging the system with debris.
• The emitter tape is an improved type of watering hose, which consists of special emitter drippers. The peculiarity of droppers is a flat shape, the presence of a tortuous structure of the conduit and turbulent flows. Advantages - self-cleaning, high level of reliability, durability.

• The oozing hose (porous) is an innovative product that is made of polyvinyl chloride. A feature is the presence on the surface of the product of a huge number of pores through which water easily passes. Advantages - ease of installation and operation, long period of operation, versatility.
• Sprinkler - a special hollow spray hose, on the entire surface of which there are small holes and sprayers. The incoming water, under the influence of high pressure in the system, irrigates the earth with the help of thin jets. Advantages - watering a large area. The disadvantage is the ingress of water on the stems and leaves, high fluid consumption.
• Corrugated - a special product, the surface of which is made in the form of a perforated corrugation.Advantages - durability, lack of twisting, resistance to mechanical damage.

Hose breaks plants

To eliminate this problem, there are several options that differ in cost and complexity of execution. The easiest "folk" way is to drive a few reinforcing bars around the perimeter of the flower garden or beds, which will securely hold the hose if it accidentally rushes towards valuable plantings.

Sometimes in garden shops you can find special hose guides, which not only fulfill the function assigned to them, but often have a decorative shape and serve as an additional decoration of the site.

The use of special configuration hoses helps to completely forget about this problem. For example, a spiral hose shaped like a children's toy "rainbow", which, if necessary, is easily stretched and twisted back into a spiral on its own.

Thanks to these properties, the hose does not drag uncontrollably on the ground and does not break plants, and, importantly, does not dirty the gardener. However, convenience comes at a price, and such models are expensive compared to traditional hoses.

Another unusual modification is the self-stretching nylon hose, which is also sometimes called the "wonder hose". This product significantly increases in size under water pressure, after which it again becomes short and weightless.

When choosing this option, it should be borne in mind that with a low pressure in the system, such an option will not be able to work properly, and if it is too high, according to summer residents, it literally starts to “jump in the hands”.

In addition, gardeners note the unreliability of such models, since the self-stretching hose breaks very often and cannot be restored, while its cost is also very high. For the convenience of using a classic hose, there are special coils in which most of the hose is coiled and does not stretch through the entire area.

Such a compact hose is also less dangerous in terms of plant breakage and, in addition, does not spoil the design of the site by its constant presence in prominent places. There are mechanical and automatic hose reels, and some are designed as trolleys with wheels for ease of movement.

Also, on the issue of plants breaking when moving the hose, the above described plastic pipe wiring device can be useful, to which in different parts of the garden, if necessary, hoses of small length are easily connected, which are much easier to control, preventing them from entering flower beds and beds.

Special hose reels help solve the problem of plant breakage during watering.

How to care?

It is important to constantly inspect the irrigation system, which will help to eliminate breakdowns. The owner of the device must often clean the nozzles from dirt. Filters need to be checked regularly.

If the soil sags in the area of ​​​​the sprinkler, then it must be added

Filters need to be checked regularly. If the soil sags in the area of ​​​​the sprinkler, then it must be added.

The user must take the time to charge the controller battery. In winter, the system must be mothballed. To do this, drain the water, purge the valves. Also, the sensors must be removed into the room.

Tips from experienced owners

If the task is to grow a thick carpet of green grass, then it is necessary to constantly irrigate the site. When watering the lawn, specialists recommend observing the following rate, which is 10-20 l / m2. Adhering to this norm, you can saturate the soil with water fifteen centimeters deep.

Also, when watering, you need to take care of the temperature of the water. This indicator should be at least +10 degrees. It is better to water the lawn in the evening, in the morning, while it is still not hot.

Hose types

The main and, probably, the main criterion when choosing a hose is its material, since no one needs a cheap and low-quality hose for the season.

Rubber

Probably the most popular hose ever sold. It can be found in almost any garden of a self-respecting summer resident. It gained such popularity because of its inexpensive price and good quality.

Such a hose is not afraid of friction, temperature changes, twisting and other problems. There can be up to 4 layers in such a hose. Its only drawback is its heavy weight. Handles pressures up to 40 bar. Service life up to twenty years.

Nylon

Such a hose is distinguished by its good strength and flexibility, in addition, it has a very low weight. But he has a number of shortcomings. It must not be subjected to a pressure of more than 5 bar, in addition, the hose does not withstand temperature changes. The warranty on such a hose is valid for no more than a year.

Plastic

It is based on polyvinyl chlorides. This hose consists of only one layer. It has a number of positive aspects, not heavy weight, flexibility and transparency.But there is a big drawback, because of the material it is very fragile.

If it is affected by high or low temperatures, the appearance of deformation is not excluded. Plaque often appears in the hose. The maximum pressure does not exceed 5 bar. Service life does not exceed two years.

Plastic with fabric lining

Probably the best of all presented. Thanks to the material from which it is made, the hose is not afraid of deformation in hot weather and twisting from cold temperatures.

Due to the fabric lining, the hose is not afraid of creases. Also a plus is the pressure that it can withstand, it reaches 50 bar. Such a hose can last you up to 15 years with proper care.

Reinforced

This hose contains three layers. The first or inner layer consists of a PVC pipe, this helps it protect itself from ultraviolet radiation. In addition, PVC pipes protect the hose from algae.

The second or middle layer consists of nylon mesh. The outer or third layer is made of soft PVC material. Due to its structure, the water in the hose spreads evenly.

In cold temperatures, the hose hardens, but no deformation occurs. It is the most wear-resistant hose in existence. Holds a pressure of 35 bar. The main disadvantage is the high price.

Drip Hoses

There are also drip hoses, they are adapted specifically for watering the garden.

Porous. The walls of this hose have pores through which water in turn oozes along the entire length of the hose. Great for watering plants that don't like water touching their leaves. Often such a hose is attached to the main one.

A porous hose is dug into the ground at a short distance in the garden.The main thing is to control that the hose is not in close proximity to the roots of the plant. Otherwise, the plant may be flooded with water and die.

Sprinkler. There are three rows with small holes in the hose, through which small streams of water come out. Each row is spaced the same distance from each other. Most often, such hoses are installed on a support above the beds. Thanks to this design, watering can be carried out without human control.

Hose types

Which country hoses for irrigation are better can be found out only after a detailed study of the characteristics of all samples. Choose the right product for your needs. Facilitate the work in the country various nozzles, couplings and fittings for irrigation. These devices are designed to connect parts of watering equipment. It is better to buy products made of brass, they are more durable, but also more expensive than plastic ones. Octagonal nozzles are more convenient than round nozzles, but they also need to be selected for specific types of irrigation hoses.

Stretchable

It has a two-layer structure of the "hose in a hose" type. The internal component is made of rubber rubber, which is able to stretch well. The outer layer is made of nylon threads that prevent excessive stretching of the hose and the formation of mechanical damage. The product is wear-resistant, resistant to dirt, lasts about 10 years, has a small weight, and is also compact, durable, and easily twisted. It is better to use an expandable hose for watering ornamental plants, and on an uneven surface it may be difficult to operate the product.

Silicone watering

This product is lightweight and comes in a variety of colors. Advantages:

• Does not break or crack, tightly fits the connecting elements.
• Maintains the temperature range from -5 °C to +60 °C.
• The standard operating pressure is 3 bar.

Often, users complain that the silicone hose for irrigation bursts very quickly and swells strongly, and even during operation, the diameter of the product can change significantly. If the water pressure jumps a lot, the model may not withstand, so it is better to choose more resistant samples (rubber, reinforced PVC).

Corrugated irrigation hose

The fixture can be made of plastic (the more common option) or polyvinyl chloride. The corrugated water hose has a pleated top layer that provides extra rigidity. The product does not break, has a small weight and good flexibility. Corrugated PVC tubes used to be designed to protect cables or other similar products. Practical summer residents adapt them for watering, but the products do not withstand long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Service life - about 2 years. Over time, mineral salts are deposited on the walls.

Drip irrigation hose

Such irrigation is very convenient if it is necessary to introduce an irrigation system on land plots. Drip hose is divided into three types:

1. Sprinkler. It is best used for watering lawns, flower beds and garden beds. It is installed at a height and evenly irrigates the covered area. It has small maximum dimensions (up to 22 meters), but if necessary, the length of the product is increased with the help of connecting elements - fittings.
2. Leaky hose. It is convenient if the site has a weak set of water. Cannot withstand high pressure. Made of dense rubber, has a microporous structure, which allows water to ooze along the entire length of the product.The irrigation hose does a good job of moistening the soil in the root zone, it is optimal for those plants that do not like water on the leaves. The device is slightly pressed into the ground or laid on the surface.
3. Tape. It looks flat and is very easy to use. Among the presented options for drip irrigation is the most expensive. The length is 10-30 m, it is possible to connect to electrical engineering. Due to the special structure, tight winding on the drum is ensured.

Let's evaluate the weight, operating temperature and opposition to the sun

From the sun, plastic products, that is, PVC hoses, deteriorate the most. Plastic becomes cloudy and rough. When buying, look for an indicator with UV protection on the label. Often the color is chosen by the one that you like best. At the same time, algae grow in transparent products, which impair flow and make it difficult for devices connected to the hose, for example, sprinklers. The most practical ones are bright colors, they are visible on the grass, they are more difficult to step on or damage during lawn mowing or soil aeration.

Hose weight depends on material, diameter, wall thickness and length. The maximum length is the maximum weight. When buying, consider what area you will irrigate and who will carry the hoses around the garden. The most common weight parameters for multilayer PVC are as follows: with a 15m coil - up to 8kg; with a bay of 20m - up to 10kg; 25m - up to 13kg. It turns out that on average, a meter of an inch hose is half a kilogram with a bay. The weight will be less with a smaller section, for example, with a diameter of half an inch - 0.2 kg, with a diameter of 3/4 - 0.3 kg.A meter of high-quality thick rubber hose with an inch diameter, black, from Russian manufacturers, weighs one and a half kilograms.

Most often for watering hoses indicate the operating temperature range of minus 20 to plus 60 degrees Celsius. This is more than enough for their use at any time of the year, except for winter. Keep in mind that if you use the hose in sub-zero cold weather, the rubber and plastic will bend much harder. In order for the inventory not to deteriorate, roll it up before the cold weather and hide it indoors.

Irrigation hoses: which is better to choose according to the type of execution

Depending on the version, the hoses can be:

• single layer;
• multilayer;
• reinforced;
• stretchable;
• corrugated.

Among the variety of hoses on the market, you should choose based on the purpose and conditions of use.

The thinnest products with low strength are single-layer hoses. The material does not have additional internal and external coatings, has low resistance to temperature extremes and high pressure, and does not show resistance to aggressive environmental factors. It can be used and stored only at a positive temperature not exceeding 35ºC. It is mainly used when pouring water from a large container into a bucket.

Multilayer products have strength, wear resistance, flexibility, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, chemicals, elevated temperatures and high working pressures. Such a hose is characterized by good throughput, which does not affect its integrity, as a result of which it can be used around the clock for watering horticultural crops.Due to the flexible and elastic structure, it is easily twisted into a bay without deformation.

The expandable irrigation hose has a two-layer hose-in-hose design. The inner layer is made of caoutchouc rubber, which has high tensile strength. The outer hose is made of nylon threads that limit the stretching of the inner layer. The material is characterized by increased wear resistance and resistance to pollution. The hose is used for watering flower beds and ornamental plants with a constant pressure of water. Due to the fact that the product has a light weight and an unusual design, it is possible to quickly and easily prepare it for work and put it away for storage. You can buy an expandable irrigation hose from 1450 rubles. for 15 m.

An expandable hose is used for irrigation with a constant pressure of water.

Spiral garden hose for watering is made of polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate. It is calculated on working pressure no more than 5 atmospheres. Can be used in the temperature range from -5 to 50ºC. When not in use, a one-meter self-extending irrigation hose extends up to 25-30 m. The spiral design prevents the appearance of cracks on the product, which, due to its light weight, moves freely around the garden. It serves for spot manual watering of crops, as a result of which it is often used in small garden plots where plantings need regular irrigation. You can buy a self-extending irrigation hose 30 meters for 2200 rubles.

A universal product that is used for all types of soil moistening is a corrugated water hose. The product is characterized by strength, flexibility and lightness.The top corrugated layer stiffens the hose, making it resistant to frequent bending. You can buy the product for 70 rubles/m.

Reinforced water hose: product features

The reinforced hose is considered the strongest and most durable among all types. During the manufacturing process, a mesh layer of durable polymer thread or steel is laid inside the material. Reinforcement can be one- and two-layer. The hose is designed for high working pressure and can be used in harsh conditions with a large load, which is determined by the size of the site and the characteristics of the garden. The most durable are multilayer reinforced hoses that can withstand pressures up to 40 bar.

Reinforced hoses are considered the most durable and durable

Based on numerous reviews of experienced gardeners, the reinforced rubber water hose, which is equipped with a thread braid, is considered the most practical and convenient. Such a product, with proper operation, can last about 20 years. The cost of the hose is 50 rubles/m.

No less durable, but environmentally friendly are products made of PVC or silicone with a mesh or cross braid. You can buy a silicone reinforced hose for an average of 60 rubles / m.

Hose rating (based on materials of manufacture)

1. TEP hoses (made of thermoplastic elastomer)

The most common type of hose in Europe, which combines the positive aspects of rubber and PVC hoses. In recent years, it has been gaining popularity with us. We decided to put this hose in the first place due to the presence of numerous positive qualities and a minimum number of disadvantages.

TEP hose (from thermoplastic elastomer). dobro38

Advantages of TEP hoses:

• very durable and will last from 15 years and longer;
• does not break and does not twist, easily restores shape;
• environmentally friendly (made from environmentally friendly rubber, melted using a special technology);
• the possibility of pumping drinking water;
• the hose remains flexible even at a temperature of minus 30 degrees and can be used in the off-season, and, if necessary, in winter;
• you can not bring it into the room for the winter;
• resistant to high pressure (8 atmospheres).

Negative sides of TEP hose:

• high price;
• not always on sale.

2. Multilayer PVC hoses

Multilayer PVC hoses are most in demand among summer residents, they have good characteristics and reliably serve when watering the garden. PVC multilayer garden hose can have two to six layers. The greater the number of layers, the longer the service life and resistance to water pressure. Such options, as a rule, also have reinforcement between the layers to prevent creases.

Multilayer PVC hose. kotel-prom

Advantages of multilayer PVC hoses:

• has an optimal ratio of price and quality;
• light weight (for models with a diameter of 1/2 inch);
• increased resistance to creases and twisting, the ability to restore shape after compression;
• such hoses are made of environmentally neutral materials;
• resistance to chemical environments (fertilizers, detergents, etc.);
• UV resistant;
• possibility of use under high pressure.

Disadvantages of PVC hoses:

• medium service life compared to more durable rubber and TPE hoses;
• creases and twists still occasionally occur even in multilayer models;
• at low temperatures, the hose hardens strongly (not used at temperatures below zero degrees).

3. Rubber hoses

Rubber hoses also have many advantages and are preferred by many gardeners. However, at the same time, rubber hoses are accompanied by a number of rather significant drawbacks.

Reinforced rubber hose. Ub

Advantages of rubber hoses:

• reinforced rubber hoses have the greatest resistance to creases;
• can be used in cool weather;
• UV resistant;
• wear-resistant and durable (more than 10 years);
• there are inexpensive options.

Disadvantages of rubber hoses:

• very large weight compared to similar products made from other materials;
• difficult to find on sale;
• high-quality rubber hoses of reliable brands have a high cost;
• the material can be toxic, these hoses are not recommended for potable water.

4. Silicone hoses

As a rule, silicone hoses are transparent and look like medical droppers.

Silicone hose for watering. Samostroi

Advantages of silicone hoses:

• very light, almost weightless;
• modifications of small diameter have good resistance to creases;
• most models can be used to supply drinking water;
• the material is environmentally friendly;
• highly resistant to aggressive media (salts, alkalis, etc.).

Disadvantages of silicone hoses:

• usually have transparent walls, which contributes to the reproduction of algae on the inner walls;
• models with a wide cross section constantly form creases;
• cannot be used under pressure, problems can occur even at medium pressure (3 atmospheres);
• react negatively to water pressure drops, therefore they are not recommended when watering from a pump.

5. Single layer PVC hoses

The most budget option, this is where the advantages of these models end. Watering with such hoses causes a lot of problems for the gardener due to the constant appearance of creases and twists that prevent the water supply.

Single layer PVC hose. pp-rbs

Advantages of single-layer PVC hoses:

• increased flexibility;
• a light weight;
• low price;
• easy to find for sale.

Disadvantages of single layer PVC hoses:

• constant formation of creases and twists;
• short service life;
• medium UV resistance;
• not adapted to work under high pressure.

Operating rules

Operation is not difficult. However, in use, the physical properties may change depending on the material of manufacture. For example, if the storage conditions are not observed, there is a possibility of damage to the reinforcing wire. It is recommended to avoid exposure to sunlight, precipitation.

And also to maintain the hose in good condition and maintain the warranty, you must follow all the rules of operation. They guarantee the durability of the product.

How to care for your shower hose

• Do not kink, twist or stretch the hose to avoid damaging the tubing.
• Do not wind the product on the mixer.
• After water procedures, insert the watering can into the holder.
• The hose must be washed to prevent dirt or lime deposits from accumulating. Use non-aggressive detergents for this.
• Temperature contributes to wear - do not run hot water under strong pressure.

Rules of care guarantee the durability of the product.If they are not observed, then even the highest quality hose will quickly become unusable.

Criterias of choice

• Heterogeneous coating, uneven corrugation, thickening indicate a low quality device.
• The connecting elements are made of brass.
• Surface without burrs, sagging or other defects.
• Crooked threads can cause installation problems.
• The threads of the mixer and the watering can correspond to the thread of the hose. Otherwise, you will have to buy an adapter.
• Shell material. Preference should be given to plumbing that has antifungal and antibacterial protection. A coating of quality materials will also provide kink resistance.
• Well-known manufacturers of shower hoses are Aquanet (Russia), Hansgrohe (Germany), Zegor (China), Ravak (Czech Republic), IDDIS (Russia), KorDi (Switzerland), Nobili (Italy).