A garden hose is a vital piece of lawn and garden equipment. When you choose the right garden hose, you can water your grass, irrigate your flowerbeds, wash the car, and even give the kids a way to cool off in the hot summer sun.
But what is the best garden hose on the market? How do you choose the right hose for your home and yard? Do some garden hoses last longer than others? In this guide, we'll share how to choose the best garden hose for your outdoor spaces.
Buying a Garden Hose
When spring rolls around, the first step is to pull out your lawn and garden equipment and take stock of your supplies. Test items to ensure they're in good condition after winter slumber—including your garden hose.
If garden hoses aren't stored properly, they can freeze and crack. Winter weather will eventually damage and degrade your garden hose, so it's essential to remove it from the spigot and bring it into a garage or storage shed when the weather gets cold.
Of course, there are other ways to damage a garden hose too. They can get chewed by pets and other animals; you might accidentally run over your hose with a lawn mower or drive over it with the car too many times. Garden hoses can get bent, kinked, and otherwise unusable. They can also develop leaks.
After a few years, most hoses will wear out. Because they’re made from rubber, plastic, and other soft, flexible material, they will typically degrade over time. If you test out your garden hose this spring and decide it’s time to update, you might be wondering how to choose the best garden hose.
Below, we’ll explore the different types of garden hoses and help you find the best garden hose for your home.
Types of Garden Hoses
First of all, there’s no universally “best” garden hose. The right hose for your yard might be a little different than the best garden hose for your neighbor. It depends upon the application, yard size, and watering requirements.
Choosing a Light or Medium Duty Garden Hose
Light and medium-duty garden hoses are often less expensive than their heavy-duty counterparts. These hoses are typically made from affordable vinyl or reinforced vinyl and may feature plastic fittings. These hoses are often sold in smaller diameters.
If you're seeking the best garden hose for occasional use or a small space, a light or medium-duty hose can be a great choice. Although these hoses can kink a little easier and have a shorter lifespan, they can be an excellent choice for apartment and condo dwellers. These are the best garden hoses for people on a budget who don't plan to use the hose daily.
It's important to store your light or medium-duty hose in a protected spot in the winter. These hoses can harden over time, and shifting temperatures can shorten their life.
Choosing a Heavy-Duty Garden Hose
If you want to invest in a reliable hose that will last for many years, the best garden hose is a heavy-duty type. Heavy-duty garden hoses feature metal couplings, and many include a manufacturer's warranty (sometimes for life).
Heavy-duty hoses are still flexible and easy to use. They're often made of polyester or another durable material that helps ensure they can hold up to long-term wear and tear. Look for a hose with anti-kink technology, often weaving, that helps keep the hose from getting stuck in a tight bend.
While heavy-duty garden hoses can withstand regular use, it’s still important to store them safely away during the winter months. Like most types of hoses, heavy-duty hoses are available in a variety of lengths, making it easy to find the proper size hose for your yard.
Choosing a Sprinkler or Soaker Garden Hose
Are you looking for a garden hose that makes watering your lawn, garden, or flower beds easier? Buying a sprinkler or soaker type of garden hose can make watering the different spots throughout your yard easier.
While you can choose from an array of hose attachments to increase the functionality of your hose, sprinkler and soaker garden hoses are often designed with a sprinkler attachment built right into the end of the hose. Some are made with UV protective coatings, helping them withstand the elements during outdoor use. Some styles of soaker hoses can be placed slightly beneath the dirt’s surface, making them helpful for slow and even garden watering.
Selecting a Commercial, Professional, or Contractor Garden Hose
If you have a large property or need a garden hose that can withstand rugged terrain and abuse, a commercial, professional, or contractor hose is a good choice. These hoses are often available in very long lengths. They're designed to be kink-resistant and can hold up to harsh environments.
With increased PSI ratings and crush-resistant construction, commercial garden hoses may be more of an investment, but they're incredibly durable. These hoses often feature metal couplings and extra reinforcement at the ends, where hoses tend to run out. Many commercial hose manufacturers offer extended warranties as well.
Choosing Garden Hose Lengths
We’ve all struggled with a garden hose that’s too short to reach a plant in the far corner of the yard. Prevent the frustration of a too-short garden hose by measuring your yard before you buy. Get a tape measure and walk from the water supply or spigot to the furthest point on your property.
Once you’ve determined the minimum length of garden hose you need, it’s best practice to get at least 10 feet longer than necessary. The extra length helps ensure that the hose will still be useable, even if you have to maneuver around objects in the yard. However, it’s important only to purchase as much hose as you need, as water pressure decreases with length.
Most garden hoses are available up to 100 feet in length, in increments of 25 feet. If necessary, you can attach two hoses together, but you may get leaks if they don’t form a tight seal. Manage your garden hose with a hose storage container or hose hanger.
Choosing a Garden Hose Diameter
When considering what size garden hose to purchase, you will also need to look at the diameter. The diameter of a garden hose will impact the amount of water that the hose can deliver. The larger the diameter, the greater the water volume the hose can deliver.
Garden hose diameters range from 3/8” to 1”. Most homeowners choose a standard ⅝” hose, but larger diameter garden hoses are available too. These larger hoses are especially suited for industrial and commercial applications.
What is a PSI Rating?
When buying a garden hose, you'll probably read a number of things on the packaging and garden hose description. PSI (or pounds per square inch) ratings describe the pressure a hose can safely handle.
Light-duty hoses may have a rating of around 200 PSI. Heavier-duty garden hoses can feature ratings up to 600 PSI. A lower rating is suitable for most use around the home and yard. Typical residential water pressure is around 45 to 80 PSI. So 350 PSI is often more than enough. However, if you’re using your hose with a pressure washer, check the washer’s manual to ensure that your hose will work.
Using a Garden Hose for Drinking
If you plan to use a garden hose for drinking water or for transporting hot water (such as connecting to a water heater or utility sink), you’ll need to buy a hose that's rated for your application. Unfortunately, not all hoses are made to withstand hot water, and many garden hoses are not safe for running drinking water.
If you plan to use a garden hose for drinking, cooking, or other domestic purposes, it’s important to purchase a hose that is rated for this type of use.
Do I need a drinking water safe garden hose?
There are many different garden hoses on the market. Select the type of garden hose that best suits the needs of you and your family. The best garden hoses are ones that will last for years and years, holding up to many different uses.
If you’re shopping for the best garden hoses and accessories out there or online or pick it up at your local Do It Best. We have everything you need to keep your lawn healthy and hydrated this summer!
