An expandable garden hose expands when under pressure. When there is no water pressure, the hose retracts.
How it works: The hose expands under the hydraulic force of water, so this hose must be under the right pressure for it to expand,
An expandable garden hose functions like a regular hose, but it can collapse and has a light weight transportable structure for easy storage.
Because of its weight, it can expand under moderate hydraulic pressure, empty itself, and withstand wear and tear.
Benefits: The expandable garden hose has a very high elasticity allowing it to empty itself, and helps avoid kinks, twists, and many of the other tangling problems associated with regular garden hoses.
Expandable Hoses Pros & Cons
| Advantages of an expandable hose | Drawbacks of an expandable hose |
|---|---|
| It is designed to be both efficient and functional. | The weather might cause them to deteriorate. |
| It is quite long-lasting. | They only work under extreme pressure. |
| It is simple to use and portable. | They are more expensive than standard hoses. |
| They’re incredibly light. | |
| There’s no need to be concerned about kinks or twists. | |
| They are tiny and convenient to store. | |
| They deplete themselves. |
How Expandable Hose Works?
Expandable hoses are a new way to save on the common rubber or vinyl garden hose.
They have two basic parts instead of just one:
- An internal hose of flexible latex that expands from two to three times its length when filled with water.
- The outer cover which protects the thin inner hose and expands and collapses with the hose and is commonly made of an abrasion resistant material.
When filled with water, the strong outer cover protects the thin inner hose which expands like a balloon once it is filled to three times it is size when it was not filled.
The outer cover of expandable garden hoses is typically nylon or polyester.
As a Result – they will need to be stored differently from a normal garden hose made of rubber or vinyl which is a stronger material.
Expandable hoses have high pressure connectors at both ends.
This means they fit tightly and will leak less than traditional hoses.
When using an expanding hose for the first time, care should be taken to read the instructions and best use methods in order to maximize the hose:
- New hoses need to be filled with water and drained multiple times and the hoses will be more durable if you keep them out of the sun and cold.
- For this reason, you should consider hanging the hose on a hose hanger and keeping it off the ground during use.
- Lastly, always choose the highest quality material.
For example, buying a hose with a material density of 5000D and brass fittings will last you a lifetime.
Tips for Choosing the Best Expandable Hose
Nozzle
Some expandable hoses come with a nozzle that allows you to fiddle around with the spray shape.
A lot of nozzles offer sprays other than a mist, and a jet; such as:
- Cone: Covering an area, watering the lawn before applying fertilizer.
- Flat: Designed for flowering plants, and baby seedlings.
- Shower: It is intended as when you are watering the garden and individual planters.
Temperature Tolerance
Some hoses can handle hot and cold temperatures.
This can be a valuable feature especially when we get the hot summer and the frosty winters. All expandable hoses will come with different tolerances to temperature changes.
From experience a good hose will work fine with temperatures from -10°C to 75°C, but do not use the hoses in extreme weather for long-term.
Weight
The also has to do with the nozzles and fixtures.
Brass fixtures and nozzles will be heavier and more durable than plastic fixtures and nozzles.
In some cases, the low-cost pipes are made really light, which reduces the cost of the hose per roll.
But being very lightweight will limit kink resistance and can result in poor hose curling.
So it is important to resist the temptation to go with the lightest option too quickly. More on this in Material Quality.
Diameter
Fittings can come in different diameters, but the 34 inch is the most common.
It’s common because it allows for high water pressure to pass through it.
More importantly, many expandable hoses can actually hold water pressure to 12 bar, and that is much more than is needed.
Water Pressure
Pounds per square inch, otherwise known as psi, is the unit of measurement to describe how much water is moving through a hose.
Most home faucets function on a psi of 40-60. But expandable hoses need significantly greater and more forceful water pressure than that.
Consequently, you will need to buy a pump to increase your water pressure.
Most expandable hoses can resist being pressurized to 175 psi (12 bar), but it is assumed that as long as it does not exceed 115 psi (8 bar), you are adequate for your needs.
Length
There’s a difference in the length of hoses from 25′ to 100′.
If you have a small yard, a 25′ hose is the best choice while you will want a 50′ or 75′ hose for the average garden.
If you’re putting the Expandable hose to commercial use or on a larger property, you’ll probably want a 100′ Expandable hose.
Flexibility
Pick an expandable hose made of rubber with a reinforced mesh lining to minimize the potential for kinking.
These are flexible and yet strong enough to handle high water pressure.
This allows it to easily bend around corners when you’re watering your lawn.
Moreover, a flexible hose is also much easier to store as it can be folded and rolled.
Exterior/Core Material
The outside of the hose is supposed to protect the core but it needs to be strong enough to resist punctures and abrasions.
The core needs to be very strong and flexible under pressure to allow it to expand to its full length and allow it to retract back to its original size.
Expandable hoses have many different core materials, including:
- Latex: Hoses with latex cores usually have 2, 3, or 4 different layers. More layers mean more protection and less flexibility of the hose.
- Thermoplastic copolyester: This material is heat-resistant and not as flexible and, therefore, more durable than latex. But it is more expensive to use.
Fittings
Brass or plastic hose fittings keep the hose attached to the spray nozzle and your water supply.
Plastic fittings aren’t costly and a lot of times will last a long time, but they can cross-threaded if used and reused and can cause leaks.
Solid brass connectors will be a lot better than repetitive threading and unthreading to the nozzle and water supply.
Many expandable hoses come with a quick-connect fitting, so they can attach the hose to the water supply without threading and unthreading.
There are also quick-connect couplers that can be bought separately.
Warranty
Be sure to get one with a warranty!
This will allow you to get a replacement hose, if it gets damaged while under warranty.
The warranty period should be usually 6 to 12 months.
5 Best Expandable Garden Hoses
1. Flexi Hose Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose
Key Features
- Weight: 2.83 pounds
- Sprayer included
- Anti-slip sprayer grip
- Disconnect able shut-off valve
- Brass connectors
- Length: 50′, 75′, 100′
- Diameter: 3/4″
- Material: double latex core
If you don’t mind paying a little more money and want all the features that go with it, then this hose is for you! This hose has many amazing features.
First of all, it has a 4-layer latex core, which protects the inner tube from punctures, thorns, and sharp corners. The outer layer is a 3750D elastic outer material.
This hose is very versatile, and one of its cool features is it comes in three sizes, 50 feet, 75 feet, and 100 feet. And even though it is a pretty big size hose, it weighs 1/3 less than a standard rubber hose.
This hose has an 8-pattern nozzle and heavy-duty on/off valve. It has a textured rubber handle on the nozzle, giving you a more secure grip.
It will withstand water pressures as high as 12 bar and will equally withstand temperatures as low as 41 degrees and as high as 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- 8-Pattern Sprinkler
- Super light
- Available in color combos of black, blue and black, green, green and black, orange and black and red and black
- Lifetime Warranty
- Includes an ergonomic rubber handle that makes it user-friendly and comfortable.
Cons
- Fabric isn’t quite dense
- Small-size sprayer
- It is relatively expensive
Every end has a 34-inch brass copper connector that won’t leak. This expandable hose will give you ease of connection and a plug and play function.
Moreover, it is very easy to use and collect to convert into a small size for use later.
2. Gardguard Expandable Garden Hose
Key Features
- Length: 50′, 100′
- Weight: 3.2 lbs.
- Brass fittings
- Diameter: 3/4″
- Material: 3-layer latex core, 3300D polyester
If you’re looking for the easiest to use hose, the Gardguard garden hose is your best option. The hose offers multiple nozzle functions besides being and made of quality material, making it practical and easy to use.
This hose can endure water pressures of up to 12 bar and a temperature range of 41 to 113C. However, this product can also spray 9- pattern nozzles from the safety of connected water tap.
You can rinse off your car, water your plants, make sure your gardens looked after, or keep your grass noted green and fresh, just in case you have any guests!
The hose also comes with hose clamp and standard on/off valve. There are two lengths available, 50-feet, and 100-feet, to increase its versatility.
This expandable garden hose is !dry by an rubber outer coating. The rubber outer coating has a non-slip coating to keep comfortable.. Underneath this rubber plastic, you get a Polyester Fabric coating.
Pros
- Can withstand high water pressure and temperature
- Comes with a storage bag
- 9-pattern spray with a rotating bezel to switch between patterns.
Cons
- The hose can leak after some use
Plus, the hose is constructed with a 3-layer latex core and an polyester material cover, and a 3300D Polyester Fabric cover to prevent damage and breakage.
The diameter of the hose is ¾”, which allows for a tremendous amount of water pressure and flow. As such, no matter how you chose to use this hose, it will certainly work well for you.
3. Delxo Expandable Garden Hose
Key Features
- Nine function nozzles
- Two-way metal splitter
- 100-Feet hose
- Material: 3700D fabric constructed
- Weight 3.2 lbs.
There are 6 important factors to look out for when buying an expandable hose (Size, value for money, easy to install, quality, convenience, and utility).
I can safely say this hose from Delxo makes all these factors come true and more.
It has a 9-pattern nozzle with no leak which has the ability to withstand 4 to 12 bars of pressures. And 4. You can easily expand and contract the hose before reverting to its original size.
Because of the different nozzle patterns, the hose spray range is roughly 50-1200cm. When empty, it is 100 feet long, but fills out to 104 feet when water pressure is added.
In terms of quality, the tough 3700D fabric for the outer shell makes it leek and break free. Furthermore, the exterior fabric casing is a smooth, to avoid tangling when in use.
The brass connectors add to the longevity by preventing rust on the object nozzles.
To add to practicality and versatility, the hose includes an ON and OFF valve for controlling the water flow, and save water by utilizing it only when it is necessary.
Pros
- Durable outer casing to prevent leaks
- Simpler to use
- The shut-off valve works without leaking or tangling.
- Spray nozzles with nine different patterns
Cons
- The hose can leak after some use
- Does not include a thumb-operated sprayer
Also, because of the smooth hose, there is no risk of it snagging when dragging over gravel or when turning a really rough corner.
Lucky for you, Delxo’s full kit contains a two-way metal splitter, leak-proof tape, hose clamp, storage bag, and three spare rubber gaskets.
4. TBI Pro Expandable Garden Hose -100ft
Key Features
- Expands from 50 to 100 feet.
- It weighs 4.4lbs
- A color scheme with black and orange
- Warranty of five years
I definitely recommend the TBI Pro if you want an expandable garden hose that can reach long lengths that expand and contract to suit your needs. This flexible expandable hose expands from its original 50 ft. to 100 ft. in seconds.
Even though it has that degree of expandable length, the design and materials also ensure that during use, it will not twist, kink, tangle, or burst.
It has a 4-layer latex which is three times stronger than 2 to 3 layers
The TBI Pro Expandable Garden Hose weighs one-quarter of a pound, thus lighter than other options on the market. It has a 4-layer latex which is three times stronger than 2 to 3 layers found in other garden hoses.
But even more astounding is the 3750D fabric that supports this hose to be almost indestructible.
In addition, it is made with a flexible material that also means it is super easy to use and adjust for your needs. Flexibility is important because it allows for faster expansion and making it easy to get around with.
Even the hardware components that come with the hose are impressive. Strong brass connections prevent leaks and corrosion.
Pros
- Strong enough to last for years
- Very durable,apte and enjoy lots of wet and dry conditions
- Light enough to transport
- Can be used for a long period of time regularly.
Cons
- Does not tolerate extreme temperatures
- The water output speed is moderate.
The last thing you will get when you purchase the product is the 9-Way Zink Alloy Sprayer and the 2-Way Splitter.
These two additional items will be useful especially if your yard doesn’t have enough faucets and for when you need to connect at least 2 hoses into one panel when watering with the hose.
You will also receive a storage bag, hose, hanger, extra washers, and user manual in the box.
5. Knoikos Expandable Garden Hose 100ft
Key Features
- Ten watering patterns for a range of uses.
- Hose Nozzle- Ergonomic soft rubber grip- NO SQUEEZE.
- Made from polyester and latex and comes in blue-black color.
- Garden hose set includes one 100ft hose for gardening, one hose hook, three extra sealing rings, one water hose nozzle, and one storage bag.
Our last product, but certainly not least, is the Knoikos expandable hose. This hose does not just check the box in regards to versatility, you can use it for pretty much any type of watering job.
It is 100ft and comes with a heavy-duty nozzle that has a simple thumb control mechanism to control water streams as varied as a light sprinkle to a high-velocity stream.
There is a soft rubber cover on the handle of this sprayer, making it very comfortable to hold and preventing slipping.
It is a flexible garden hose with no kinking and has aluminum ends; therefore, it allows for three times the stretch length when in use – going from 33 feet to 100 feet!
With a thickened latex inner hose pipe and a tightly knitted outer fabric means this hose is excellent in extending and withstanding pressure, leaking or exploding.
Moreover, the hose is also designed with a double-wall latex core of high density and robust 3750D polyester material to eliminate breakage and leaking.
Pros
- When you get the water pressure up sufficiently, it quickly expands to 3 times its original length.
- Once the water has dispersed, it returns to its original length.
- There’s will be no kinks or knots.
- It is compact, lightweight, easy to carry, and easy to store.
Cons
- It is quite heavy and bulky
It can also handle 3-12 Bar of water pressure and temperatures of 41°F – 113°F.
If you choose to purchase this hose then you can be sure there won’t be leaks, tears or cracks because this is built to last a long time.
Care and Maintenance of an Expandable Hose
- Always start by filling the hose with the shut-off valve in the ‘off’ position.
- You might want to squeeze the nozzle to check that the expandable garden hose is all empty.
- When you are done using the hose, turn off the water at the faucet. Do not exert pressure on the hose for long periods of time.
- Never exceed 80 PSI of water pressure in the hose.
- Never pull on the hose unless it is full of water.
- Drain the hose when not in-use, and when temperatures are cold/freezing. In the winter, if you can, keep the hose inside. If the hose is not drained and stored correctly in cold temperatures, it may explode!
- Do not use the hose to dispense hot water, it may damage the hose.
- Do not keep the expandable garden hose in direct sunlight for long periods of time.
Final Thoughts
An expandable hose is a great investment because it’s money well spent. It makes your watering chores easier and more enjoyable.
Expandable hoses have a proven performance record and could turn any watering experience upside down. They are lightweight, very easy to use, portable, and store in very little space.
It’s always advisable to purchase an expandable garden hose that has high-quality durable construction, as not to experience rips and tears that are commonplace with lower-grade hoses.
So, make sure to purchase expandable hoses made with 3750D polyester and a minimum with a double-lined latex inner tube.
Also, make sure the inner fittings are made of aluminum or steel.
Brass will leak because there is a chemical reaction with latex which will cause the rubber to disintegrate.
Finally, ensure any expandable hose you buy is rated to handle at least 10 bar (140 psi) of water pressure.