A hose pipe is an artificial equipment used to transport water or any other liquid such as oil. Some pipes are meant for domestic uses like watering plants, washing utensils, bathing, and many more, while others are for industrial use, such as the transportation of oil and other fluids that are harmful to the environment and humans.
In this article, we will focus on plastic and metallic pipes, their components, and factors to consider when purchasing hose pipes.
Below are the components and functions of a metal hose pipe:
- Fittings
Fittings aremetallic that are anchoredto the ends of a hose pipe. It is crucial to select the appropriate fitting intended for the utilization.
- Braid Collars
The designated components facilitate the connection of the corrugated inner metal hose with its corresponding brand during the cap welding process. It’s imperative to align the braid collars precisely during welding. One must also safeguard the grooves to prevent any unintentional rotation.
- Braid
Braids are constructed from stainless steel wires and are fastened onto the hose. This gives the corrugated hose the ability to withstand high pressures.
- Tube
This corrugated hose contains the media being transported and provides flexibility as required by the application.
Factors to consider when buying a hose pipe
The following factors have an impact on hose pipes prices in Kenya. They include;
- Length
Pipes are of different foot lengths; some are 25, 50, 70, or 100-foot lengths. It is advisable not to buy a longer hose for domestic use. Longer hoses not only cost more but are also heavier to carry around and require more space to keep and store. Longer hoses are difficult to drain before storing them after use and have lower water pressure.
It is recommended to use a 50-foot pipe for domestic purposes. If you want to water it a longer length, it is advisable to connect two pipes instead of buying a longer pipe to avoid low water pressure.
- Hose Diameter
There are three hose diameters, five-eighths inch, and half an inch. The big the diameter, the more water is transported by the pipe. Half-an-inch pipes are commonly referred to for domestic use since they are lighter and carry less water.
The disadvantage of half an inch pipe is that it cannot be used with sprinklers or anything requiring higher pressure. A five-eighth inch is a good combination of water flow and pressure without being too heavy; hence it is most useful with sprinklers.
- Strength
The strength of the pipe is measured in terms of burst pressure. If you intend to use a hose nozzle and sprinkler, go for a pipe with a burst pressure above 350 psi.
- Flexibility
Pipe flexibility is considered in terms of storage and reaching the furthest corners intended without causing kinks which can lead to splitting hence shortening the life of the pipe. When buying a pipe, it is recommended to bend it into U-shape, and if it kinks, go for another pipe.
- Material
Hose pipes can be either made of rubber, vinyl, or sometimes a combination. Vinyl pipes are of lower cost and weigh less, but on another hand, they are less durable than rubber pipes. Rubber hoses are expensive, heavier, and have a long life span since they do not kink. A pipe made of two materials is more expensive than a vinyl pipe and is more certain than a vinyl pipe.
Tips for maintenance of Hose Pipe:
There are several ways of maintaining and keeping your hose pipe in good condition;
- Wind the pipe up
It is recommended that you coil your pipe neatly after every use to avoid kinks.
- Stow it in winter
After gardening, drain the water in the pipe and store it for future use.
- Store the pipe under the shed where sun rays cannot reach it to avoid damage.
- Wash the pipe after use.
Conclusion
This article is useful for every person when purchasing pipes. It gives details and all factors to consider and can be used reference. It is valuable when deciding on the best pipe that suits your demands. However, we recommend you research the pipe you intend to buy.
