Hoses that don't suck

[Dwellonroof]

Any idea where to get a HP water hose? What led me to hydraulic hoses was first thinking about my pressure washer, and yeah, seems like that type of hose would work, but all the ones near me are too long. I suppose I could get some sort of braided 3/4 hose and use barb fittings, but.. I'm not a huge fan of them, especially not for constant pressure. I also thought about using PEX, but that's so hard to bend/work with, seems like it wouldn't be the best option. I could use PVC, but one end of this is a hose bib, the other end is a hose reel on wheels, so I'm concerned there'd be too much movement and the PVC would break eventually. I also thought about a 1/2in air hose, that would probably work too, those are often charged forever at 175PSI, but I can't find a short enough one (only need about 10 feet) and also, those aren't rated for pressure the way a hydraulic hose is.

The bib is shut down in the winter, no freezing issues. It's for my wife to be able to water her plants on the porch, so no need for it after the fall.

You can use Type A Pex , it takes a lot more mistreatment.

 

[Overtaxed]

You can use Type A Pex , it takes a lot more mistreatment.

Man, you guys are great, I didn't even know there are different types of PEX. Learning something new!

Well, I went with the hydraulic hose. 1/2in hydraulic hose with the right fittings on either end and a ball valve at the reel to stop the pressure into the hose when I'm not using it. Looks good, not too many fittings and Lowes had them all (Tractor Supply for the hose). I'm thinking/hoping that this will be the last lead in hose I ever need for this reel, 100PSI in a hydro hose, I'm hoping "forever" is how long it lasts.

I took some pictures, I'll post them up later. Total cost was about 50 bucks with all the fittings and hose, still under the 60-70 I've seen for very high quality steel hoses, which I suspect would have worked well too.

 

[TractorGuy]

You shouldn't have any trouble with the hydraulic hose going to the reel.

Hope that 100 PSI water doesn't have much in the way of calcium or other solids. It will wear through copper pipes before you can say don't do it.

We had high calcium deposits on 100+ PSI city water at work and it ate through some of our copper pipes every 6 months until we got it filtered and regulated down.

 

[RickB]

Have an auto parts store make a 1/2 or 3/4 hydraulic hose to length with 3/4 npt fittings and use brass adapters to garden hose thread. Done. If you can’t find the female garden hose adapter swap out the hose bib for a gate valve.

 

[kris617]

Not sure if these are long enough to meet your needs but they are very sturdy.

High-Pressure Hose Extension - DripWorks.com

 

[ultrarunner]

About 30 years ago the boss of the auto dealership got tired of buying new hose every month.

I went to a pressure washer supply company and bought an industrial hose they use on the mounted units to supply water.

It is heavy but 20 years later they were still using it...

Also went with solid bronze marine fittings... anything stamped or pressed also did not hold up...

Since your problem is the leader can you adapt a stainless braided line from hose bib to real? A water heater supply would be 3/4"

As for generic hose... my family has always used lifetime Craftsman Black hoses... they last a very long time and replaced over the counter... or they have been for decades.

 

[bigtiller]

About 30 years ago the boss of the auto dealership got tired of buying new hose every month.

I went to a pressure washer supply company and bought an industrial hose they use on the mounted units to supply water.

It is heavy but 20 years later they were still using it...

Also went with solid bronze marine fittings... anything stamped or pressed also did not hold up...

Since your problem is the leader can you adapt a stainless braided line from hose bib to real? A water heater supply would be 3/4"

As for generic hose... my family has always used lifetime Craftsman Black hoses... they last a very long time and replaced over the counter... or they have been for decades.

I bought two of them in 1985, both are 100' long and still being used. It is only a 5/8 ID. I would like to have them in 3/4 ID. for a higher flow.

 

[Buxus]

I bought two of them in 1985, both are 100' long and still being used. It is only a 5/8 ID. I would like to have them in 3/4 ID. for a higher flow.

The Craftsman black rubber hoses, with nickel coated brass fittings, the female end of which accepts a wrench for tightening, is the best out there bar none. I have never had an issue with one in the many years I have used them. I have probably purchased and now use about 30 of them all over my property. The black rubber hoses sold at Lowes (? Gilmour) are not the same, and not as well made.

Unfortunately, last year Sears/Craftsman changed their black hoses to a lower quality rubber, and the fittings are not as well manufactured. I purchased a bunch of the old stock from whatever Sears I was near when I travelled, and have a nice hoard for the future (as my garden expands, not as they wear out since they don't).

FWIW, many ACE hardware stores still have the old quality Sears hoses in their stock. They don't go on sales like they did at Sears so they are pricey, but still worth it.

 

[ultrarunner]

I have 2 never used but would gladly buy a couple more

 

[DMax82]

The Craftsman black rubber hoses, with nickel coated brass fittings, the female end of which accepts a wrench for tightening, is the best out there bar none. I have never had an issue with one in the many years I have used them. I have probably purchased and now use about 30 of them all over my property. The black rubber hoses sold at Lowes (? Gilmour) are not the same, and not as well made.

Unfortunately, last year Sears/Craftsman changed their black hoses to a lower quality rubber, and the fittings are not as well manufactured. I purchased a bunch of the old stock from whatever Sears I was near when I travelled, and have a nice hoard for the future (as my garden expands, not as they wear out since they don't).

FWIW, many ACE hardware stores still have the old quality Sears hoses in their stock. They don't go on sales like they did at Sears so they are pricey, but still worth it.

Thanks so much for sharing this! I will go to my local ACE tomorrow, as I am in need of a quality hose or several.