How to Choose the Right Garden Hose

Co-authored by Maggie Moran and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: August 21, 2020

A garden hose is an essential piece of outdoor equipment, whether your lawn stretches across several acres or you have a simple patio garden to manage. There are many uses for a garden hose, including watering grass and plants, rinsing off backyard toys, and washing your car. Most hardware and home improvement stores have entire aisles devoted to garden hoses, so there are many options. Take a little time to consider all the options so that you purchase a garden hose that will fit your watering needs.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Matching Hose Types to Your Needs

1
Choose a vinyl hose for easy handling. If you live in a mild climate and plan to use the hose to water your lawn or garden, vinyl is a suitable option. Vinyl hoses are light and easy to handle. They often cost less than rubber or reinforced hoses and are a good choice for basic watering needs.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Pick a rubber hose for more durability. Rubber hoses are heavier and harder to handle than vinyl hoses, and they also cost more money. However, they are better suited for extreme weather conditions and will last longer than a basic vinyl hose.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Opt for a reinforced hose for commercial purposes. If you plan to use the hose commercially, or if your yard has a lot of equipment, furniture, or sharp objects, choose a reinforced hose. One that is made up of several layers with a mesh covering on the outside can help protect against snags and punctures.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Look for an industrial hose if you’ll be using hot water. Industrial hoses are constructed of rubber and include an abrasion-resistant covering. They offer a high burst strength and can be used with extremely hot water.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Choose a sprinkler or soaker hose for regular lawn watering. These hoses will “leak” through evenly spaced holes to provide water to the surrounding garden or lawn. Sprinkler hoses lay on the ground with the perforated side facing up and shoot water into the air. Soaker hoses lay on the ground with the perforated side facing sideways or down and allow water to trickle into the soil.^{[5]
X
Research source}
6
Pick an expandable hose for light watering needs. Expandable (or pocket) hoses stretch out when water is run through them, then shrink to a small size when not in use. They are great for light watering and fit well in small spaces. Be aware, however, that they need to be fully drained after every use.
- They may also be more susceptible to punctures and tears.
7
Select a hose with antimicrobial protection. Many garden hoses provide the right environment for mold, yeast, bacteria, and fungus to grow. If you plan to fill a swimming pool, let your kids run through the sprinkler, or drink from the hose, it’s important to select a hose with antimicrobial protection.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Considering Length, Diameter, and Overall Quality

1
Choose the length based on the size of your property. Garden hoses range from 10 feet (3.0 m) to over 100 feet (30 m) in length. If you have a small lot and simply need to water your grass or flowers, a short hose, such as one that’s 25 feet (7.6 m), should work well. If you have several acres of property, you’ll need to opt for a longer hose, like 100 feet (30 m).^{[6]
X
Research source}
- You can also connect two garden hoses together to reach a farther distance.
2
Let your pressure needs determine the diameter. A hose with a ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) diameter will deliver about 9 gallons (34 L) of water per minute. This is sufficient for basic lawn and garden watering. A hose with a ⁵⁄₈ inch (1.6 cm) diameter will deliver about 17 gallons (64 L) of water per minute. A hose diameter of ³⁄₄ inch (1.9 cm) will deliver about 23 gallons (87 L) of water per minute.
- The wider the diameter, the less pressure is lost over distance.
3
Look for cast brass fittings. Solid, crush-proof fittings are a must for your garden hose. Choose cast brass, rather than stamped brass, to ensure that you won’t need to replace the hose due to damaged fittings. Cast brass fittings also indicate that the hose is high quality.^{[7]
X
Research source}
4
Pick a brass nozzle to reduce leaks. Attaching a nozzle to the end of the hose changes the way that water is delivered. The nozzle can be twisted to produce a fine spray or a strong stream of water. For the most flexibility in your watering, choose an adjustable nozzle. A brass nozzle will fit better and last longer than a plastic one.^{[8]
X
Research source}
5
Bend the hose to see if it kinks before purchasing it. While you’re in the store, unroll about 2 feet (0.61 m) of hose and bend it in half. Though many hoses are advertised as kink-free, most of them are not. Test several hoses to find one that simply bends, rather than kinks.^{[9]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Caring for your Hose

1
Store your hose on a reel to reduce damage. Coil your hose on a reel to prevent bends or kinks from forming. Reels can stand alone on a cart so that you can tote it around your property, or they can be mounted to the wall. Reels are available at the same places you will find garden hoses.
2
Drain the hose before the first frost. If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, it’s important to drain all the water from your hose before the cold weather hits. Allow gravity to empty the hose by placing one end on an elevated surface, like a picnic table, and the other end on the ground.^{[10]
X
Research source}
3
Bring your hose indoors during the winter. Cold temperatures can cause the hose material to shrink, which may produce cracks. To prevent this from happening, store your hose indoors during the winter rather than leaving it outside. A garage or basement is a good place to keep the hose until warm weather returns.^{[11]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How long do garden hoses last?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Due to common wear and tear, most people will buy replacements every 2 years or so. But typically, they should last between 5-10 years if maintained correctly.
Question

What is the pressure of a garden hose?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The water pressure depends on the source of the water. The typical pressure (measured in pounds per square inch or PSI) of a house is 40-60 psi. If your water comes directly from the city water line, it can be 80 psi or higher.
Question

What is a standard size garden hose?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Typical sizes for hoses include 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, and 3/4 inch. The larger the hose diameter, the more water it pushes through.