Searching for a garden hose expander? You may have to settle for something less. For the time being, at least. Why? Because expanding garden hoses are difficult to roll up and store. If they were on a reel, they wouldn’t shrink to their resting size after removing the water. Instead, the hose will expand as it is coiled around the reel, gradually reducing its useful life.

To prevent this, it’s ideal for storing your expandable garden hose somewhere cold and dry where it’s completely dry. It’s best to keep it indoors if possible. You can also store it in a garden hose container in the shade if that is not practicable.

What is an expandable water hose?

Expandable water hoses differ from regular garden hoses because they have an expandable interior tube. In addition, they contain a fabric webbing on the outside that allows them to expand as well.

Ever since it was invented in 2012 by Michael Berardi has yielded hundreds of millions worth of revenue. Users have loved that they are lightweight and real space savers. But they also complained that they are not as durable as standard garden hoses made from rubber or vinyl.

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What are they made of?

When we know what material expandable water hoses are constructed of, we have a better idea of how we should handle them. The outer material of expandable garden hoses is nylon or polyester, which protects them from the elements.

A conventional garden-made hose from more lasting materials such as vinyl or rubber must be stored differently than the expandable ones. Fabric is not as weather resistant as rubber or vinyl. Choosing a hose composed of 3750D polyester, the highest quality polyester available, will provide you with the most durability. Whatever the material, storing your expandable garden hose in the shade or a container is recommended, regardless of the material used.

How does it work?

  • When applied, water pressure expands three times and contracts to its original length. As a result, it weighs five times less than a standard garden hose.
  • When not in use, it self-drains.
  • There is no twisting or kinking of the cord.
  • Incredibly compact design makes it easy to store in very small spaces.

Expanding hoses have two layers. It consists of a water-flowing inner tube and an outside fabric, often composed of nylon. In addition, a specific elastic rubber called latex or TPC can be used for the inner tube and a custom-designed tube. Inner hoses are made from various materials used by different manufacturers.

As a result, durability differences exist between different types and manufacturers. When water is turned on at one end of the hose, the shutoff valve at the other end is turned off, preventing water from entering the inner tube. As pressure rises inside the inner tube, the inner tube expands to its full length. When shut off, the hose behaves like a regular garden hose.

Benefits of Using Expandable Hoses

When it comes to gardening, why do so many people choose to utilize an expanding hose? Some of the advantages of using this garden hose are as follows. 

Affordability

They may be built of cheap materials, but they’re not inferior in terms of performance and durability. Compare them to ordinary garden hoses; you’ll see they’re far cheaper.

Convenience

Unlike standard hoses that weigh up to 50 pounds, expandable hoses weigh less than 5 pounds when contracted. As a result, a lightweight expandable hose is now possible to transport. 

Self-draining

During contraction, expandable hoses will naturally drain themselves of water. This occurs due to a lack of water pressure, which keeps the material open and expanded. Once the pressure is released, the hose will begin to force water out without further assistance from the user. 

Space saver

The hose is easy to store because of its contact capabilities. It also comes with a carrying bag, making it easier to find a storage space.

Tangle-free

Expandable hoses do not tangle and kink like standard hoses. It’s not completely free of tangles, but it’s better than most standard hoses in this aspect compared to other products.

Safety concerns that you should take note

  • Expandable hoses take very little time to return to their original length. When the hose is contracting, keep people and pets away from it, and make sure the hose won’t grab on sharp edges.
  • When the hose is empty, do not stretch or expand it. Hoses are designed to expand only when filled with water, not when empty. Although this hose can stretch up to three times its “original” length, if it is accidentally released after being stretched with no water, it will snap back and cause serious harm.
  • Do not consume or use potable water from the hose. Even though our hoses are lead-free, they can be subjected to situations that could be dangerous to humans, such as:
    • Mold and bacteria
    • Lawn and garden chemicals
    • Animal waste
    • Insects
    • Stagnant water
    • Other contaminants
  • The hose is not child-friendly. Always make it a point to keep it out of children’s reach and away from animals. Under no circumstances should children be allowed to handle expandable water hoses. Always watch the hose if you have young children or animals around you.
  • Choking hazard! Do not let children or animals come into contact with the packaging material.

Checklist for your hose storage needs

These are the questions you need to ask yourself so you can have an idea about the right kind of hose storage for you.

  1. How long is the hose that you need to store?
  2. What is the strength of your grip?
  3. Using the same hose for multiple outdoor water faucets?
  4. How vital do you think it is for you to have your hose? For example, when using a non-toxic hose, automatic reels come with their own.
  5. How important is aesthetics or utility to you?
  6. Is your time worth anything to you?
  7. Is there a set amount of money you want to spend?

If you already have answers to all of those, read on further. 

Indoor storage for expandable garden hose

Expandable garden hoses should be stored indoors to maximize their lifespan. As a result, your garden hose will be kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool and dry environment.

For the simplest indoor storage solution, simply hang it up in your garage or storage shed after you’ve drained it of water. Your extendable hose can also be equipped with quick connect fittings, making it much easier to disconnect. The rack with your expanding garden hose is often included; if not, you can purchase a high-quality rack separately or make your own.

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Outdoor storage for expandable garden hose

Expandable garden hoses should be stored indoors to maximize their lifespan. As a result, your garden hose will be kept out of direct sunlight and in a cool and dry environment.

For the simplest indoor storage solution, simply hang it up in your garage or storage shed after you’ve drained it of water. Your extendable hose can also be equipped with quick connect fittings, making it much easier to disconnect. The rack with your expanding garden hose is often included; if not, you can purchase a high-quality rack separately or make your own.

Here are some ways of storing expandable water hoses. 

Hose pot 

Your expandable hose can be kept in a hose pot. A hose pot is a decorative container or basket intended to protect the hose. The hose is kept from kinking since it is neatly coiled inside the pot. An opening towards the bottom of Hose Pots allows hoses to enter the containment device from their fixtures. In addition, there are drainage holes in the vessel to extend its lifespan.

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Hose reels 

The most typical way of storing hoses is in a hose reel. This device allows you to coil up the hose in a circular fashion. For those who prefer to use their hoses, the hose reel allows you to unwind the hose. It comes in two varieties: the wall-mounted hose reel and the portable one.

Unlike its name, a wall-mounted hose reel normally hangs at the end of a fixture. However, wall-mounted reels can be a great option for those who don’t use the hose frequently or have little area to work in.

In contrast, the reel cart is likely to be the best alternative to consider if you plan to use your expanding hose across a large region. So you can move your extendable hose around easily since it has wheels on it.

hose reel

Wooden textile spools 

Wooden textile spools are a unique method to store your hoses and hoses. These hose spools are a unique way to keep your hose neat and organized. It is possible to store your hose by rolling it around three spools and placing them near your faucet. Storage for your extendable hose has never been easier or more cost-effective.

Hose butler 

Using the hose butler is a classy method to store hoses. In addition to storing your hose, Hose Butler can be used as a decorative part of your landscape. When it comes to spicing up your environment, this is one of the many innovative solutions available! 200 feet of the hose can be stored.

Galvanized wash tub 

To store your expanding hose, you can use a galvanized wash tub. It’s also really easy to do it. If you drill a hole on the bottom, you can attach it to a nail or anything similar. It is a reliable and cheaper alternative. 

Garden storage pallet 

A benefit of the garden storage pallet is that it may be used to store various garden tools in addition to your expanding hose. Wooden pallets are frequently created outdoors. As a DIY project, you can build it the way you want. 

Table cabinet

Keep small gardening tools like trowels, cabinets, and table tops can also be used to store your hose. So it’s a two-for-one tool and table.

Modern hose hook 

For storage, modern hose hooks come with brackets and screws. So here is an alternative if you’re after a clean, modern look. Using screws, you mount the bracket and then roll up your hose on the bracket.

Garden storage bench 

However, even though it’s old-fashioned, this technique of keeping a hose is still an excellent solution. It’s a gorgeous wooden bench that’s positioned outside. If you want to store your hose, drill a hole on the rear of the container and feed it through.

Tire hose spot 

This is an excellent method to recycle used tires. Saves money, is long-lived, and allows you to personalize it to your tastes and needs. In addition, it’s easy to store your hose in an old tire. Isn’t it simple?

Tire hose spot 

Antler hose holder storage 

It’s the perfect solution for keeping your hose in style without making it look like you’re storing it. You can hang the antlers on the wall as they look like a crest or a molded branch. It’s as simple as wrapping your hose around the crest’s lower section. Depending on the color of the hose, they can be made in various colors. 

Tire rim

You can recycle your old rims like you recycle your old tires. In addition to saving money, depending on the color of the rim, it can offer some beauty to your landscape. This is sustainable and creative if you’re on a budget and do not want to purchase conventional storage systems. 

the garden hose on alloy car wheel

Mailbox storage 

Envision rolling your hose up on an old mailbox with your hands. Isn’t it funny? As far as storing your expandable hoses goes, this is a good, low-cost solution. Simple. Hassle-free. 

Bronze hose wheel 

An elegant way to store your expanding garden hose. It is useful for storing your hose and adds a decorative touch to your yard. At the top of the bronze, the reel is a tray for storing various equipment such as screwdrivers or hand trowels. A rotating reel swings from a swivel right below this tray. It is possible to lock the reel so that it does not spin. To protect it from the elements, the reel is coated in bronze.

Copper drum 

Expandable hoses can also be stored in a copper drum, a low-cost solution. It’s not a big deal if it’s not a very visually appealing or aesthetically pleasing design. That’s not a priority here. 

Under deck storage 

In your garden, you can build hose storage under the deck. As a result, you can maximize the space you have in your house and avoid clutter. 

Outdoor planter 

This wooden box can store an expanding hose and other garden items. All you have to do is build it out of wood and place it wherever you want in the garden.

Birch branch 

This is a simple and easy-to-do creative technique to store a hose. Only a tree branch must be cut, attached to a holder, and the hose coiled around it. This inexpensive strategy will give your garden a more natural look than any other.

Bronze hose wheel with a basket 

This is the same as the decorative bronze wheel but with a huge basket to store your equipment. One of the swivels on the rotating reel keeps it in place. To move it, you can pull the knob in all directions at once. The hose is coated with steel to protect the reel from the elements.

Hose butler with a star 

Compared to the previous hose butler, this one is slightly different in design. This one has a steel star fixed on the wall. It cannot be moved, which is why it is hung on the wall.

In any case, your extendable tube cannot be wound onto it. Instead, you can wrap it and hang it on the belt loop. The star-shaped steel is both water-resistant and visually appealing.

Wall-mounted hose wheel

Also installed on the wall is the wall-mounted hose wheel. If you’re familiar with other garden hose wheels, you’ll see that this one has an entrance that you can connect to another hose so that you can have water immediately available. Either way, you may install it parallel to the wall or any other way you wish, and it will work just fine. 

Plastic wall-mounted hose reel

Hose wheel with a shelf 

In this case, the reel comes with a shelf on top of it. On the wall, there is a bracket that is attached to the wall in four different places. Aluminum is used for the wheel’s construction, which makes it resistant to rain. The shelf can store your small gardening equipment if you have any. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a decorative solution to minimize their outdoor space.

Tips to maximize the lifespan

If you follow these steps, you can extend the life of your expandable garden hose.

  • Pour the water into the hose with the shut-off valve and let it stretch and expand before using it for the first time. Releasing the water when it has expanded, then repeating the process above once more before using it
  • On the opposite end of the hose, attach the spray nozzle with 9 settings.
  • It is ready to use once it its fully expanded
  • When the hose is not in use, turn off the water at the source.
  • When finished, squeeze the nozzle to completely drain the hose, enabling the length of the hose to shrink back to its original size.
  • Drinking water should not be obtained through the hose.
  • Do not expose the hose to the sun for an extended period.
  • In harsh cold conditions, do not leave the hose out.
  • Exercise caution when using hoses on rough surfaces or sharp corners.
  • To extend the life of the hose, keep it indoors and in a shady area.

Criteria for the garden hose that works for you

Your knowledge of what to look for when buying an inflatable garden hose should have improved. The following list will assist you:

  • Type of material used in the manufacture of the inner tube, e.g., TPU, Later
  • TPU is a generally low-cost material and may not have as long of a lifespan as other kinds. 
  • With dual latex, you might expect a few months of life expectancy.
  • Brass or plastic connectors should be checked.
  • You should avoid using latex inner tubes with brass connectors since they will cause a chemical reaction that will cause your hose to rupture after only a few uses.
  • You should also examine whether or not plastic connectors were used.
  • Refer to the sizing chart for accurate hose size. 
  • A metal clip or interlocking mechanism should be used when connecting inner tubing to brass fittings, as hoses that do not have one are liable to leak from connectors after a few uses.
  • Verify the outside fabric’s quality. For example, there is no comparison between 300D*600d and 420D*800d nylon fabric, which is substantially stronger.
  • It is better if the manufacturer offers a product or service warranty of at least 3 months. 
  • The pricing should be competitive, as well as any extras such as hose nozzles and hangers. 

Final thoughts

Maintaining and storing a garden hose properly can improve its lifespan. The quality of the hose itself is the other factor to consider. Owners of expandable hoses typically complain that they leak virtually instantly and burst after minimal use.

Always choose an expanding hose manufactured from 3750D polyester and at least a double-lined latex inner tube when shopping for one. The inner fittings should also be built from aluminum or steel. As a result of a chemical reaction with latex, brass can create leaks.