All About Irrigation Hoses

Irrigation Hose Selection Criteria

take into account a number of parameters with reinforced thread

Despite the fact that they surpass many types of similar products in cost and have significant weight, they are distinguished by such a significant advantage as a long service life. When choosing plastic hoses, keep in mind that the price of a product is an indicator of their quality. Such products are prone to bending, can quickly deform and lose their performance. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase such hoses, otherwise at the right time you will have to urgently look for a replacement.

Water pressure

When choosing hoses, you must not forget about the water pressure. To avoid hose rupture, you should choose a product that can withstand a pressure of 5 atmospheres. By purchasing a flexible hose, it will be easier for you to water in the country, since there will necessarily be many hard-to-reach places that are difficult to reach without harming the flower beds or beds. To ensure that the hose is resistant to kinks, it is recommended to select products that have an inner braid.

Plastic products generally fail to cope with critical temperatures of any range. The best option in this regard is a PVC-based hose. He is not afraid of temperatures in the range from - 20 to + 60 degrees

When choosing a hose, you need to pay attention to the material that is used to make it. He must have the following qualities:

• be environmentally friendly;
• thin out a pungent unpleasant odor.

While watering, it will not hurt you to have a reel: winding a hose around it, you thereby make it easier for yourself to use it and can avoid kinks and deformation. Usually such coils are made of high quality plastic or metal, supplemented with an anti-corrosion coating.

Coils are manufactured in two versions:

• portable;
• stationary.

Most often they are mounted on the wall. Before installing the coil, you must choose the right place for it - if you are wrong, then rearranging it will take a lot of time and effort on your part.

Types of watering hoses

First of all, hoses for irrigation can be divided according to the composition of the materials from which they are made:

• rubber
• plastic
• PVC hoses
• silicone
• nylon
• thermoplastic elastomer hoses

According to the manufacturing technology, hoses can be classified as follows:

• single layer
• multilayer
• reinforced
• spiral
• self-stretching
• corrugated

In terms of functionality, hoses are generally:

• standard for conventional irrigation
• for drip irrigation

Rubber hose

Multilayer reinforced rubber hoses are distinguished by large service lines, the ability to withstand significant pressure, they are less susceptible to deformation, kinks and twisting, and they withstand low temperatures well.

When using a rubber hose for drinking water or showers, make sure that the material of the product is suitable for the purpose.

The main disadvantage of rubber hoses is their heavy weight and, as a consequence, the danger of damaging plants when moving it.

Plastic hose

Plastic hoses are lightweight, transparent, smooth or corrugated. Corrugated hoses are not very suitable for irrigation; they serve as connectors. Disadvantages of plastic hoses:

• low wear resistance
• increased brittleness at low temperatures
• kinking
• internal plaque formation

PVC hose

Colored PVC irrigation hoses have the largest selection of models.Several layers of different materials are used in their manufacture, including reinforcement, which is visible under the transparent outer layer. PVC hoses are lightweight, withstand the required pressure, and are resistant to kinks and twists. This does not mean that they do not form kinks, but according to this indicator, they show themselves better than unreinforced rubber or plastic ones.

Of the shortcomings of PVC hoses, we note the loss of elasticity and further destruction during prolonged exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), as well as under the influence of low temperatures. Some cheap PVC hoses lose their elasticity "dubbing" even after prolonged pumping of cold water from the well.

Silicone hose

Lightweight and flexible hose with good kink resistance. This is where all the benefits end. Silicone hoses do not withstand even an average water pressure of more than 3 atmospheres. They are also sensitive to frequent changes in water pressure. They are inflated near the connecting elements, which leads to frequent rupture.

Thermoplastic elastomer hose

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) hoses offer attractive performance. They are lightweight and durable and resist twisting and kinking. They are resistant to chemically active substances. Thermoplastic elastomer hoses are resistant to sunlight (UV) rays and low temperatures. In addition, the TPE polymer used in the manufacture of the inner layer complies with environmental standards, which allows pumping drinking water through it.

For drip irrigation

The drip irrigation system is a popular method of irrigation, with the help of which it is possible to simplify the work of caring for plants several times over. For the maximum functioning of drip irrigation, it is necessary that all elements of the system are of high quality and reliable.

When choosing a drip tape, you should take into account the following parameters:

• view;
• diameter;
• thickness;
• emitter pitch.

Drip irrigation hoses can be divided into 3 types:

1. Maze tape. Such a tape has a zigzag channel, due to which the speed of fluid movement is much lower. The advantage of such products is that water is thoroughly warmed up in them. The disadvantages of the tape include the uniformity of irrigation, which is not sufficient. This option belongs to the most budgetary, but only a little outdated. It will also be helpful to learn how to use a silicone irrigation hose.

2. Slit tape. This type of hose is more modern. It features easy installation and even irrigation. In order for the slot tape to function fully, it is necessary to carefully monitor the quality of the liquid. most often, gardeners have to use several filters in addition to the supplement. The advantage of such a tape is its low price. But how to organize watering with such a tape and how often to water eggplants is indicated here.

3. Emitter tape. This type of hose is considered one of the highest quality and most reliable. This hose is able to resist dirt and has a long service life. The holes between the drippers are focused at a specific distance. The smaller it is, the higher the price of the product. Still, such a tape can be produced in two types - compensated and uncompensated. If we talk about the first type of tape, then its length does not affect the liquid consumption, which cannot be said about uncompensated products.

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

As for the diameter of the drip hoses, they can be 22 mm and 16 mm. The first option should be used for beds, the length of which is 750 m, and the second is more than 300 m, you can consider the option of beds made of metal with a polymer coating. You may also find it helpful to learn about watering cucumbers with chicken droppings.

Drip irrigation tape is of the following thickness:

1. 15 mm - it has thick walls, so it can be used on rocky surfaces.
2. 10 mm - can also be used for rocky terrain.
3. 8 mm - is characterized by resistance to damage and has a long service life.
4. 6 mm - it is worth using such a tape for irrigating an area with a conventional type of soil.
5. 5 mm - such a tape requires careful maintenance and handling, it can be used for no more than 1 year.

On the video - a hose for drip irrigation:

Another important parameter for a drip tape is the step

In this case, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of garden plants.

You may also find it helpful to learn about how often you can water your tomatoes with chicken droppings.

3. Classification by type of appointment

Garden hoses can be used in a variety of ways, while still providing different types of watering for the plants. Depending on the peculiarities of caring for the plants growing in your area and the required degree of soil moisture, there are five types of irrigation hoses:

• Traditional - that is, the most common hose without any design changes. A reliable, versatile product that can be used both for watering plants simply under the root, and using a pistol or spray. Optimal for use in a small garden area with unpretentious plants.
• Drip hose. Accordingly, it provides a drip irrigation system for plants at the root due to its special design. It is a flat tape with small holes along its entire length, located at a given distance. Such a hose is laid along the entire length of the bed and can be used for several seasons.
• A drip hose is not the same thing as a drip hose. It is made of rubber or polypropylene. Its structure has several layers. A special labyrinth is located in the cavity of the inner layer, which serves for the passage of water. And the outer layer has many micro-holes, which are located at a very small distance from each other. Thus, water seems to ooze through the surface of the hose. This system provides very economical watering. It is used locally, laying a hose along the entire length of the bed, but not at the roots, but preferably at a short distance from the ground. This is to ensure that the bottom holes are not blocked from contact with wet soil. This is the best option to provide constant moisture for drought-sensitive plants. To use the oozing hose, simply connect it to a container of water. The disadvantage of the product is that when using untreated irrigation water, the micro-holes are quickly clogged with mechanical impurities that it contains. Against this background, over time, the internal cavity can become overgrown with algae. Therefore, if you plan to water for a long time using such a hose, take care of installing cleaning filters and periodically clean the system.
• The porous hose is made of rubber and has small holes all over the surface for a slow, continuous flow of water. It is convenient to use for watering plants that are located on sloping areas or loamy soils that are prone to erosion due to slow moisture saturation. In other words, so that the top layer of the soil, which is a steep slope, is not blown away by gusts of wind.
• Sprinkler hose or fog hose - capable of spraying water through special holes at a distance of several meters, where it turns into fog and forms a continuous wet cloud. This hose is used for gentle watering of plants with shallow root systems. Its advantage is the absence of a crust on the soil, it is not able to wash delicate seedlings with a high pressure of water, but it provides a sufficient level of moisture.By adjusting the flow of the supplied water, you can increase or decrease the coverage area and fog height. If the water pressure is insufficient, irrigation will be superficial, and the radius of action will be in strips along the system of a small width.

2. Type of execution of garden hoses

In the previous paragraph, we mentioned that a 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 available on the market. It does not have any additional coatings for the inner or outer walls. In this regard, its resistance to external influences of the environment or various reagents practically tends to zero. Because of this, its service life is very limited. You can 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-layer hose provides stable UV and chemical resistance. The increased wall thickness ensures its wear resistance and a longer service life. Thanks to its good flexibility, multilayer hoses are kink resistant. They have a high flow capacity and are able to provide a stable water pressure even under high pressure. These hoses are ideal for daily watering jobs. They can be stored in a wider temperature range both rolled into a special bay and left on the beds for the whole season.
• Reinforced hose usually has a multi-layer structure. A special reinforced fiber spacer is located between the layers. This makes it possible to use such hoses under more severe conditions under higher 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 they recommend using them. Due to the thickened structure, the weight of the product also increases, which must also be taken into account if older people use it.
• 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 tensile properties. 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 practically free from dirt, easy to clean and has increased wear resistance. It is most suitable for watering decorative flower beds 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 summer cottages, you may not get the expected effect. Uneven ground can be another obstacle, making it difficult to stretch and re-assemble the hose. The self-expanding hose is very light in weight and quickly crumples to a compact size, making storage very convenient.
• The spiral hose is very light and compact and is gaining popularity among experienced gardeners. It is made from polyurethane or ethyl vinyl acetate. Able to withstand working pressure up to 5 atm. Its feature is a high degree of elongation due to the spiral manufacturing method. So, a folded meter-long hose can stretch to a length of 20-25 meters, while retaining all its positive qualities.Such a hose does not kink or drag along the ground, crushing plants in its path. With its help, it is very convenient to carry out manual spot irrigation in small areas. The spiral hose can be operated at temperatures from -5 ° C to + 60 ° C.
• The corrugated hose has a distinctive feature - its top layer is made in the form of corrugation, which helps to prevent the formation of kinks and kinks. Also, corrugated products have increased rigidity, which increases its operational life. At the same time, the product retains its light weight and a sufficient indicator of flexibility. Its scope is universal, such a design is suitable for any kind of irrigation work.

Material

Both the convenience and durability of its operation and the disadvantages will depend on the material of the hose. Typically, 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, which means 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, which are less durable and can withstand pressure up to three atmospheres. Even reinforced PVC hoses do not withstand temperature changes and serve for 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 irrigating plants during a warm period when it is impossible to work with a heavy rubber hose.

Silicone

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

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

Reinforced hoses

To give the hose strength for storage without the formation of kinks and operation at higher pressures, temperature drops and exposure to an aggressive environment, the material is reinforced. To do this, a light but strong braid made 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 weight of the hose, and an increase in the cost of the final product for watering plants.

disadvantages

If we talk about the cons, there are relatively few of them. Rarely enough, gardeners speak negatively about self-expanding hoses. However, for the sake of objectivity, it should be noted that there are such opinions. Among the disadvantages, consumers highlight the fact that not all surfaces are suitable for a uniform increase in the product. The hose spreads most effectively on a flat surface.

In addition, poor tolerance of the low temperature product is noted. Also, additional clamps may not fit the hose size.However, experts note that such moments can occur only in the case of working with low quality products, while trusted manufacturers do not allow such shortcomings.

Classification

Despite the apparent simplicity of garden hoses, the number of varieties is impressive. In many hardware stores, they are assigned whole walls or huge stands. These products are distinguished not only by material, but also depending on their purpose and manufacturing technology.

By material of manufacture

Depending on what material was used for the manufacture of a particular model, their strength, durability and operating conditions can vary significantly.

By type of execution

Depending on the type and manufacturing technology of a garden hose, it can have various additional properties. The more there are, the correspondingly higher the price for the product.

By appointment

Since irrigation can be carried out both under the control of a person using manual force or by gravity, the hoses also differ into several types, depending on their purpose.