1. Store under the Shade

It is important to store your garden hoses in a way that they are not exposed to the sun. Prolonged exposure to UV lighting will destroy the materials used like the PVC becomes brittle and cracks easily. Rubber, which is the primary material used softens under the sun's heat, leaving behind residue on the floor or when you hold the hose.

2. Accessories

To use your garden hose effectively, connect a water wand or an adjustable nozzle to the open end. By doing so, you can control the pressure and flow of water better. With such gadgets, you won't have to regulate the flow with your hand relentlessly. Besides, you will have a continuous amount of force, whether you're blasting dirt off the floor, or gently quenching your flower garden. See here for more broad ideas.

3. Wind It Up

More often than not, garden hoses are run over by people, and sometimes fatally by lawn mowers or vehicles. To avoid such unfortunate incidents, reel the pipe to a smaller size. In addition, you will have saved on space used. You will also reduce the chances of people falling, by being tripped with a pipe that's spread out.

4. Drain after Use

Ensure your garden hose is dry when storing it. When water is left inside, it contracts and expands with changes in temperature. In turn, the materials become weaker due to the constant changes at night and day. Pipes with ends like nozzles are especially susceptible to this problem, so you have to be more vigilant in such a case.

5. New Technologies

One way of combating some of the would-be problems mentioned here like heat damage is purchasing a metal garden hose. Sure, it's not the be-all, end-all solution to such problems, but it goes a long way at lessening any potential damages. Metal can take more wear and tear, compared to plastic alternatives. However, they cost much more than their counterparts do.

Conclusion

A garden hose is a worthwhile tool to have, more so if you have a small garden. Water is crucial for plants, and this tool makes watering easy and more enjoyable. However, the process can be infuriating if you find your hose is past its prime. This inconvenience happens due to wear and tear, but this is usually accelerated by people's faults. By following these five principles, you now know what is required of you to get the most out of your garden hose.