Summer garden hose maintenance hacks

Gardeners have been given tips on how to care for their garden hose during the sunny months.

The gardening experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have revealed five tips to care for and maintain a garden hose as temperatures rise.

Water is a precious resource, and having a ready supply to nourish flowers and keep plants healthy is vital for garden upkeep.

Hoses are essential for gardeners, making caring for outdoor space and regularly watering much easier.

Unfortunately, hosepipes are prone to getting kinked, leaking and suffering splits, especially as the weather warms up.

Advice to avoid wear and tear and extend the lifespan of a hosepipe includes preventing kinks and storing it in the shade.

Laura Juniper, a spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct, said: “It is important to properly look after a garden hosepipe to extend its lifespan and protect it from damage.

“Unfortunately hosepipes are prone to damage in the summer months, and direct exposure to sunlight can lead to a range of issues including cracks, splits and bursts.

“Tips to avoid this include storing hosepipes in the shade and away from hot surfaces and preventing kinks that make them more susceptible to breaking in warmer weather.

“Our guide covers many different aspects of looking after a hosepipe to keep plants healthy this summer, including keeping water pressure at a safe level for the hose and advice on proper storage.”

Five tips for hosepipe maintenance this summer:

Prevent kinks:

Kinks in a hosepipe can lead to cracks, splits, and leaks, as well as restricting water flow. Hot weather and higher temperatures make the kinks more susceptible to damage because materials become more brittle and weaken. Avoid dragging it around corners and use a hose guide to avoid this problem.

Avoid direct sunlight:

If a hose is left in the sunshine, it can cause damage because the water in the hose heats up and evaporates, ruining the rubber tubing. This means it should always be shielded from the sun and kept in the shade, and it may also be worth investing in a hose cover.

Garden hose reel:

An uneven water flow, usually created from kinks, can cause pressure within a hose and increase the chances of it breaking. A garden hose reel will stop tangling and kinks and keep it properly stored and organised.

Water Pressure:

The summer heat degrades and weakens the hose material and in combination with sweltering temperatures, a high water pressure creates increased internal stress and leads to breaks and bursts. Signs water pressure is too high include leaks, overly forceful spraying and strange noises

Drain the hose:

Clearing the hose of excess water after each use is important in the summer months. If water is left inside the tube it will heat up and damage the inner lining, and could also lead to mould and bacteria growth. Draining a hose is easy, simply disconnect it, straighten it out, and lift one end to let the water flow out. For thorough drainage, shake the hose gently.