Even if you have the best expandable hose and the manufacturer claims the hose is kink-free, it can still kink up if you don’t take care of it properly. Learning how to stop a hose from kinking will take all the hassle out of watering your lawn, especially if you have a large backyard or garden.
A hose will get kinked up because it has been coiled too tightly and tossed in the corner of your yard. Thicker, more expensive hoses aren’t as likely to kink up because they’re more durable. However, you can reduce the odds of dealing with this problem by storing your hose wound up loosely and not overly tight. I’ll go over the common reasons a hose kinks up, how you can prevent it, and what type of hose to buy that truly features a kink-free design.
Keep it StraightAs I mentioned above, a hose will kink because it’s been coiled up repeatedly, which can disrupt its shape, making it bend and tighten up, which will lead to kinks. Below, you’ll find a few options you can try that will prevent kinks in the future.
Keep the hose straight when you’re not using it. While this may not seem like a smart idea because it can actually create a tripping hazard, many gardening enthusiasts swear that they never have to deal with kinks if the hose is stored straight.
To store your hose correctly, stretch is out around the perimeter of your patio or walkway. If you have a driveway that stretches into your backyard, then stretch out the hose in the grass, running it off the edge of the driveway. Be sure that the hose is not on the path itself in order to prevent it from getting stepped on, then move it when you mow.
L-Hook MethodIf you want to store it on L hooks, then start by drilling a pilot hole at eye-level on an open corner of your garage. Drill another hole on the other end of your garage at eye level. Install the hooks by screwing each one into the holes. Next, you’ll twist the hooks, making them as tight as possible. The hose should be wrapped around the hooks by draping each end over the hook. Bring the hose over to the second hook and wrap it around it. Then bring the hose back to the first hook, repeating the process. You’ll coil the hose with most of its body remaining kink-free and straight.
Draining the Hose Before StorageIf you’re planning on installing L-hooks, then make sure you drain it before storing it. To drain, stretch it out on a downhill slope in order to drain water. The hose should be wrapped around the base of a garbage can in order to make the coils as loose as possible. Next, wrap a soft cloth around the loops in order to prevent them from uncoiling. Looped hoses can then be hung from the hooks. When a hose is hung from a single hook it will end up concentrating all of the weight of the hose in one spot, which will compress the material, which can lead to kinks eventually.
Use a Hose ReelYou can install L hooks in your garage to store it, or you can buy a good garden hose reel to loosely wind the hose up and keep it neatly out of the way. Using a reel allows you to keep your hose stored somewhere safe, out of the way. Make sure you use a reel that features a large loop. A reel with a larger loop will prevent you from accidentally overtightening the hose, which will help it to retain its shape. These reels are often priced affordably and are compatible with a wide range of hose lengths and widths.
If you don’t want to use a reel, you can also screw a couple of holders into the ground ten to twelve feet apart, wrapping the hose around it.
Other Tips to Prevent Kinks in Your HoseRegardless of how much care you put into storing your hose or how much money you spent on it, a kink can still happen. If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to get rid of kinks, then check out the tips below.
The first spot is identifying the kinks and unbending it. Then, you’ll straighten out the kinks and watch for the water to begin flowing out again.
If you have a kinked-up hose, then you can use splints. Doing so can minimize the drag on specific areas of pressure. Place a splint over the area that’s constantly kinking up. Once you have the splint in place, the hose should bend and release the pressure.
Final ThoughtsA hose that constantly kinks can be a serious problem, especially if it’s having a big impact on how much water is getting to your plant life and lawn. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions you can try.
So, how do you prevent a garden hose from kinking? You can try storing your hose straight, use a hose reel, install L hooks in your garage, hooks in the ground, or even bury your hose. Investing in an expandable hose is also a great option and probably your best bet when it comes to significantly minimizing issues with your hosing becoming tangled and difficult to roll up. The tips in this article will help prevent kinks in the future, but they may not prevent the problem entirely. Once you reduce your kinking problem it will lead to proper water flow, better gardening, and a well-maintained lawn.