Which irrigation hose is better to choose: popular types + what to look for when choosing

Which garden hose is best

The choice of this device is difficult, since a person must focus on a large number of parameters:

• Material Type: Nylon, Plastic, Rubber, Silicone;
• shape: round, flat.
• Diameter: The longer the length, the larger the cross section should be.
• Service life: excellent option - 15-30 years.
• Water pressure resistance: you should find out the value specifically for your area and take a model that can withstand a few units more.
• Cold tolerance: at frosts of -20 ° C, it is better to take a frost-resistant sample for watering.

Rubber hose for watering

The most common country model. It has good strength and stretches well.The average service life is 15-20 years, the inventory is able to withstand water pressure of 53 bar. The product is moderately soft and elastic, which prevents the formation of cracks and twisting. This hose is best for medium sized areas as it is heavy and you will not be able to easily carry it over long distances. Although in this case, you can purchase a special coil that will facilitate the process of watering.

The device withstands extreme temperature values ​​​​and their differences. It exhibits high resistance to ultraviolet radiation. When choosing, first of all, look at the quality of the material. Often, toxic rubber is used in the production process, which can be harmful to plants and humans. The wall thickness should be at least 4-6 mm, and it is better that the product is soft - this will ensure long-term operation.

PVC watering hose

When researching which hoses are best for irrigation, you need to consider all the options available. Products made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) have long appeared on sale. They attract with their low price, but are significantly inferior to rubber samples. General characteristics, pros and cons:

• Lightweight, transparent, plastic.
• It has a single layer structure, so it quickly cracks. Cheap products sometimes do not withstand even one season.
• The PVC irrigation model does not withstand high pressure.
• Twisted easily, does not like too active sun. This often results in distortion.
• In the irrigation system, it is worth using a reinforced hose with a woven mesh (not a cross-shaped one). This option will last longer (about 5 years) without loss of functionality.

Types of hoses for irrigation: how to choose the material

Modern gardeners and gardeners are increasingly resorting to irrigation hoses, and the question of which one is better is becoming more and more relevant. For the manufacture of garden hoses for irrigation, all available materials are used. About how and which one is better to choose, we will talk in more detail later.

Rubber hose

When thinking about what is the best watering hose, they often think about hoses made of rubber. This is due to the fact that the rubber tool has more advantages than negative features, among them:

• high strength;
• elasticity of the material;
• UV resistance;
• resistance to temperature extremes;
• "firmly" endure pressure from 1 to 10 atmospheres;
• available.

Did you know? The softer the rubber the hose is made of, the longer it will last.

PVC hose

Watering in the country can be done from a hose made of PVC, which is quite a budget and convenient material.

The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a PVC hose is the number of layers. This question is fundamental, because single-layer hoses will last no more than a year, their shape and structure are deformed. In conversations about hoses made of PVC, one often comes across the question of what is a reinforced hose.

The answer is banal: this is the same PVC hose, only multilayered, with a special insert that reinforces the structure. Such hoses have even more advantages simply because they last longer and are more resistant to temperature and pressure changes.

In conversations about hoses made of PVC, one often comes across the question of what a reinforced hose is.The answer is banal: this is the same PVC hose, only multilayered, with a special insert that reinforces the structure. Such hoses have even more advantages simply because they last longer and are more resistant to temperature and pressure changes.

Important! If you have already chosen a reinforced hose for irrigation, then it is better to buy hoses with a mesh weave, because the cross-shaped reinforcement can swell and crack.

Nylon hose

If you had to choose which watering hose is best, look also at hoses made of nylon. Nylon itself is a very light material, which means that the hose made of this material will not be massive, and it will be easy to move. Also, the advantage of nylon hose is flexibility and strength: it is easy to twist

As for the shortcomings, one of the main ones is instability to temperatures and pressure, which is why they can be actively exploited for only two seasons.

Another advantage of nylon hose is flexibility and strength: it is easy to twist. As for the shortcomings, one of the main ones is instability to temperatures and pressure, which is why they can be actively exploited for only two seasons.

plastic hose

Plastic water hoses are not very popular because of their impracticality: they are very quickly and easily deformed - they break at the slightest bend. Also, the disadvantage of such hoses is intolerance to temperature extremes. Limescale is a faithful "companion" of a plastic hose. The water pressure for such a hose must not exceed 5 bar. Plastic hoses can still “boast” a few pluses: they are light and have a more decorative appearance than the rest.

miracle hose

A miracle hose is a great helper in a summer cottage or garden. It is easy and pleasant to use. This hose is very compact, but when connected, it increases in size up to 3 times.

Did you know? On average, such a hose has 7 modes of water supply.

silicone hose

Silicone irrigation hoses are widely used in horticulture due to their affordability and elasticity. An interesting quality of silicone hoses for watering horticultural crops is the ability of the hose walls to expand in the sun. Silicone hoses can be used at temperatures from -20 to +40 °C. A silicone hose can burst at high water pressure, so it is better to use it for watering beds by gravity.

Important! Before choosing a hose for watering a vegetable garden or a garden, you need to know how to distinguish silicone hose from PVC. There is a fundamental difference between them: the silicone hose does not bend.

Material

Both the convenience and durability of its operation, as well as disadvantages, will depend on the material of the hose. As a rule, irrigation hoses are made of rubber, plastic and silicone.

Rubber

Rubber is a popular hose material. It perfectly tolerates temperature changes, does not deform from excessive pressure (up to 8 atmospheres), and has sufficient tensile and puncture strength. In addition, the rubber has a long service life (over 15 years) and is UV resistant, so the hose can be left in the sun all summer long.

However, the rubber hose has a large mass, and its cost is higher than the cost of similar products from other materials.For watering plants, it is better to purchase two-layer products with a smooth inner cavity to prevent the formation of sediment and algae.

PVC

A more economical option for an irrigation system in the country is plastic products that are less durable and can withstand pressure up to three atmospheres. Even reinforced PVC hoses do not withstand temperature changes and last about three years.

At the same time, this material is much lighter and cheaper than rubber, is able to provide a higher head with a smaller outer diameter, and a smooth cavity prevents the formation of algae.

The PVC irrigation hose is recommended for watering plants during the warm season, when it is not possible to work with a heavy rubber hose.

Silicone

The softest varieties of hose are made from silicone, which allows you to water areas with complex geometry. However, due to external stretching or under water pressure, the manufacturer recommends using soft and light single-layer silicone hoses exclusively for gravity or drip irrigation. Silicone does not promote the formation of algae.

Soft hoses are sometimes produced with internal inserts to increase their durability. Such products are made thicker and less flexible, and therefore the products are not convenient.

Reinforced hoses

To give the hose strength for storage without the formation of creases and operation at higher pressures, temperature changes and exposure to aggressive environments, the material is reinforced. To do this, a light but strong braid of metal, textile or plastic fiber is placed between the layers of the hose, which serves as a frame and contributes to greater rigidity.

Among the disadvantages of hose reinforcement, one can single out an increase in the thickness and mass of the hose, and an increase in the cost of the final product for watering plants.

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.

Expandable hose for irrigation has a two-layer design "hose in a hose". 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.

Installation of a drip irrigation system with hoses

Here are two installation instructions drip irrigation systems. One - for the simplest option, with a direct connection to the water supply, the second - for a more complex stationary system.

So, the easiest drip irrigation in arrangement, designed for one or two beds or flower beds, is mounted as follows.

Step 1: Unpack your drip hose. In this case, a weeping or "weeping" type PVC model is used.

Unpacking the hose

Step 2. Unwind the hose and lay it along the plants in the garden bed or flower bed, as in the image below.

The hose is laid along the flower bed
Layed hose

Step 3. Connect the hose to a special fitting, and that, in turn, to the water supply in a summer cottage or personal plot.

Connecting the hose to the water supply using a special fitting

Step 4Install a plug on the other end of the hose.

Stub

Step 5. Turn on the water tap and start the system. Choose the watering time based on the moisture needs of the plants and the capacity of the hose. At the end of the process, remove the plug, drain the rest of the water and move the hose to the next bed or flower bed.

The following instructions for installing a drip irrigation system are more complicated than the previous one, but at the same time it will give you the opportunity to irrigate the entire garden at once and eliminate the need to constantly move the hose from place to place.

The device of a stationary drip irrigation system

Step 1 Install the water tank. It should be roomy enough and located at some elevation to create natural pressure in the line.

Water tank

Step 2. Connect a water pipe to the tank and a tap to the main. The outlet should be located at the bottom of the tank, but 5-10 cm above its bottom, so that the accumulated particles of dirt do not get into the hoses and drippers.

Connecting the tap to the tank

Step 3. Install a ball valve to turn the system on and off. Also install filters, a pump (or a pressure reducing valve, depending on the available and desired pressure in the system), a fertilizer container.

Step 4. Lay the main highway. Make holes in it in advance for hose fittings for drip irrigation. The interval between them should be equal to the distance between the beds. At the end of the line, install a tap to drain excess water before dismantling or repairing the system.

Each individual drip hose or tape must have a slide fitting for ease of repair and maintenance of the entire system.

Step 5. Divide the hoses into the desired lengths, provide them with plugs and fittings.

Step 6. Connect the drip irrigation hoses to the line using fittings.

Connecting hoses to the line

Step 7. Install the hoses in the beds. If tapes are used, make sure that the droppers are at the top. In some cases, the hoses are mounted on small props to protect them from contamination.

Assembled drip irrigation system

Step 8. Start the system to check its performance.

Proper selection and proper installation of drip irrigation hoses will save you from many problems associated with irrigating flowers, vegetables and other plants. To them, in turn, the system will provide optimal conditions for the growth and maturation of an abundant quality crop.

Pros and cons

Advantages

At the moment, sprinklers are in demand by users. They are chosen due to the economical consumption of water. If you install them, you can significantly reduce water costs, which will save money. Devices that are produced by world manufacturers correspond to the highest indicators of reliability and durability. When using this equipment uniform watering of a site is provided. Everyone can connect the device, as this does not require special knowledge. This is very easy to do.

Flaws

The equipment also has disadvantages, among them a high level of sensitivity to water clogging. Manufacturers advise users to carefully ensure that watering is carried out with purified water. For this purpose, it is necessary to periodically change the filters. It is more correct to do this in a timely manner, while they have not yet had time to completely clog.

Garden hose type

In the previous paragraph, we mentioned that the garden hose can be made in different ways and have different wall thicknesses. Let's consider in more detail the possible options:

• Single-layer hose - rare, but still found on sale. It does not have any additional coatings of internal or external walls. In this regard, its resistance to external environmental influences or various reagents practically tends to zero. Because of this, its service life is very limited. It is possible to store such a product only in rooms with a positive temperature inside, but not exceeding + 40 ° C. Only its low cost can attract. It will be convenient to use such a hose when pouring water from one container into smaller ones.
• Multi-layered hose provides consistent UV and chemical resistance. Increased wall thickness ensures its wear resistance and longer service life. Thanks to their good flexibility, multi-layer hoses are resistant to twisting. They have a high throughput and are able to provide a stable pressure of water even under high pressure. These hoses are optimal for daily watering jobs. They can be stored at a wider temperature range, both in a form rolled into a special bay, and left on the beds for the whole season.
• Reinforced hose usually has a multilayer structure. Between the layers there is a special gasket made of reinforced fiber. This makes it possible to use such hoses under more severe conditions under heavy loads. This is true in large areas that need regular watering. Many summer residents claim that reinforced PVC or rubber hoses are the most durable and strong, and recommend using them. Due to the thickened structure, the weight of the product also increases, which must also be taken into account if it is used by older people.
• The expandable hose is a hose-in-hose design. Now the popular name for this type of product has become "Xhose". The inner element is made of rubber rubber, which has tremendous stretching abilities. To make it convenient to use, the outer layer is made of nylon threads, which limit the degree of stretching of the rubber hose at the right time. Thanks to the nylon coating, the hose is virtually impervious to contamination, easy to maintain and has increased wear resistance. It is most suitable for watering decorative flowerbeds with flowers and delicate plants or for cleaning the area with a constant pressure of water. This is true for well-equipped country cottages. In the absence of good pressure, which is often found in suburban areas, you may not get the expected effect. Another obstacle can be an uneven ground surface, which will complicate the stretching and subsequent assembly of the hose. The self-expanding hose is very light and folds quickly to a compact size, making it easy to store.
• The spiral hose is very light and compact and is becoming increasingly popular with experienced gardeners. It is made from polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate. Able to withstand operating pressure up to 5 atm. Its feature is a high degree of stretching due to the spiral manufacturing method. So, a meter-long folded hose can be stretched to a length of 20-25 meters, while maintaining all its positive qualities. Such a hose does not break and does not drag along the ground, crushing plants in its path. With its help it is very convenient to carry out spot manual watering in small areas.The spiral hose can be operated at temperatures from -5°С to +60°С.
• Corrugated hose has a distinctive feature - its top layer is made in the form of corrugations, which helps prevent the formation of creases and kinks. Corrugated products also have increased rigidity, which increases its service life. At the same time, the product retains a small weight and a sufficient indicator of flexibility. Its scope is universal, such a design is suitable for the implementation of watering work of any kind.

In store: green, black, yellow

Among them, light, seemingly weightless models stand out. There are strong heavy ones. You can immediately determine the durability of the product at a glance, which will last for several years, and which will fit for a couple of seasons. To care for plants, you need a pump that can withstand the pressure.

All technical parameters are indicated on the hose label. Managers often duplicate information on the price tag, the buyer immediately sees the main parameters. Not all hoses come in a package; sellers unwind the required amount from special equipment.

What should be on the label:

• diameter, measured in inches;
• working pressure, the higher the watering sleeve withstands pressure, the more powerful the injection technique is used;
• Wall thickness;
• material of manufacture;
• the presence of reinforcement;
• temperature mode of operation, not everyone can work in sub-zero temperatures;
• lifetime.

We will dwell on some parameters in detail and find out whether the inner or outer diameter size is indicated on the label and what reinforcement is.

Table: characteristics comparison

Model	Parameters /Price
XHOSE Magic Hose 22.5 meters	• Maximum pressure, bar: 16 • Number of layers/feature: 2/extending • Price, rub: 400
BELAMOS Garden Luxe 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 24 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 445
GRINDA COMFORT 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 30 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 508
Sibrtech watering kit	• Maximum pressure, bar: 6 • Number of layers/feature: 1/extending • Price, rub: 591
Frut garden 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 12 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 709
GARDENA Basic 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 20 • Number of layers/feature: reinforced • Price, rub: 800
PALISAD watering kit	• Maximum pressure, bar: 8 • Number of layers/feature: 3/extending • Price, rub: 895
KARCHER PrimoFlex 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 24 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 979
RACO Premium 1/2″ 2	• Maximum pressure, bar: 40 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 1017
REHAU PRO LINE 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 30 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 1080
GARDENA FLEX 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: Arched • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 1260
HOZELOCK Jardin 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 30 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 1460
Green Apple reinforced with 1/2″ tread	• Maximum pressure, bar: 30 • Number of layers/feature: 3/reinforced • Price, rub: 1800
GARDENA SuperFLEX 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 35 • Number of layers/feature: reinforced • Price, rub: 2535
REHAU QUATTROFLEX PLUS 1/2″	• Maximum pressure, bar: 50 • Number of layers/feature: reinforced • Price, rub: 2810

The watering sleeve must be lightweight, durable and wear-resistant

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