Do Any Of The Flexible Garden Hoses Actually Last?

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When you're cleaning your vehicle or watering your garden, convenience is key. It's best to use a flexible and dependable hose that isn't awkward to carry around and that won't twist or knot. Our expandable hose guide will help you find the best expandable hoses on the market without spending a lot of money.

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Benefits of Expandable Hoses

They're lightweight. Old-fashioned rubber garden hoses can be difficult to maneuver. The longer they are, the heavier they are. Expandable hoses are about five times lighter than conventional ones.
They extend (a lot). When not in use, a garden hose that shrinks and expands takes up very little space. When you turn the water on, the best expandable water hose can grow up to three times its length. For example, a 25-foot expandable hose can become 75 feet long.
They're easy to store. Thebest expanding garden hose will return to its original length once you turn off the water, making it easier to store than a conventional rubber hose.
They're less likely to kink. If you've ever used a rubber hose, you've probably had problems with it kinking, knotting, or tangling. Expandable hoses kink far less than their rubber hose counterparts because the latex inside them is much more flexible than hard rubber. Expandable hoses, however, can still get tangled when you fill them with water.
They automatically drain water. With a conventional hose, you have to hold it at several angles to ensure that all the water drains out. When you turn off the water pressure to a collapsible hose, the water automatically releases. This occurs because the latex contracts and forces the water out.

Types of Expandable Hoses

Latex Core

Some expandable hoses are made of two and sometimes three or four layers of latex. You would think the strongest expandable garden hose would have at least a triple layer latex core, but that's not necessarily true. Sometimes, additional layers can adversely affect flexibility. However, triple-layer latex can handle higher water pressure. In general, a double latex core includes a thick polymer that covers a latex inner tube; one layer is durable latex, and the other is a PVC coating.

TPC Core

The other type of material used in the core of expandable hoses is thermoplastic copolyester (TPC). This material is common in industrial tubing, and it's very resistant to heat. It's also very durable even when used as a single layer. One downside is that TPC tends to be more expensive.

Natural Vs. Synthetic Latex

Natural latex comes from the rubber tree sap. It's extracted similarly to maple syrup. Synthetic latex is made in a laboratory and is very similar to natural latex, but it's made of petrochemicals and petroleum byproducts. Synthetic latex tubing is much cheaper than it's the natural counterpart. Most hoses are made of synthetic materials and are covered in a nylon shell.

Expandable Hose Pricing

$30-$50:The best expandable hose isn't cheap, but it will last for a while as long as you take care of it. Most good-quality, collapsible hoses fall in this price range.

Key Features

Length

Do you need a 75-foot expandable hose or a 100-foot expandable hose? Perhaps a smaller one is better? You don't need a really long hose if your water spigot is close to where you wash your vehicle. Choose one that is just the right length to maneuver around your vehicle comfortably and that isn't too long that it gets in the way.

Other Considerations

Fittings: Anexpandable hose with brass fittings is intended to reduce corrosion and is quite durable. Hose fittings may also be aluminum or plastic. A collapsible hose with brass fittings is best because it holds up better when exposed to water. It can oxidize over time, but it resists rust, is more heat resistant than plastic and is stronger than aluminum.
Purpose: Pocket hoses have a variety of uses. First, you need to decide what your needs are. If you want one that is practical for both the garden and car washing, be sure to check out the spray head. Some brands have nozzles with options such as mist, shower, jet, and angle.
Storage: Before purchasing an expandable hose, figure out where you want to store it. Make sure it will fit in the space you have in mind. Expandable hoses come in a variety of sizes, and some brands even have storage bags included. Bigger pocket hoses will take up more space, so make sure to account for that.
Nozzle: Thebest expandable water hose will include a free hose nozzle and sometimes a free storage bag and storage hook. If your pocket hose comes with a nozzle, be aware that it may not be very high quality. Free nozzles aren't usually as good as nozzles that you purchase separately. The free nozzle may also have limited spray options.
Water Pressure: If you don't have very strong water flow, an expandable hose may not work very well. If you have very high water pressure, you need to be careful or the hose can burst. One option is putting a pressure regulator on the faucet before you use the hose.

Best Expandable Hose Reviews & Recommendations 2021

Best Overall

TBI Pro Garden Hose Expandable

This hose features four layers of latex and expands from 17 feet to 50 feet in just seconds. The hose is designed with top-quality brass connectors, a shut-off valve, and advanced connector protectors to prevent leaking.

It comes with a storage bag and holder. The hose is flexible, lightweight, easy to store, and produces good pressure. It retracts well when you turn the water off, and it expands quickly when you turn the water on. It doesn't get caught under your car tires when you move around it. It's also very supple yet feels rugged compared to other expandable water hoses. The hose is convenient to pick up and move due to its weight, and it doesn't tangle or kink. In addition, it comes with a multi-functional nozzle that can be set to nine different spray positions. Finally, it shrinks up to almost nothing after use.

One problem is the rubber stopper above the handle may pop off during use. There have also been some complaints that the splitter leaks and that the connection to the faucet can easily break, blowing the hose out of the fitting. Also, the hose doesn't work very well if you have low water pressure.

Best Value

Zalotte Expandable Garden Hose with 9 Function Nozzle

This garden hose expands almost three times its length—from 9 to 25 feet—when the water pressure is on. It automatically contracts when the pressure is turned off and will not twist or kink.

It comes with a hose holder and a nine-function spray nozzle with the following patterns: full, flat, shower, cone, jet, soaker, angle, mist, and center. The hose features a three-layer latex core and has brass connectors and shut-off valves to prevent rust and corrosion. It is lightweight and can work in temperatures up to 113-degrees Fahrenheit. The hose is very durable, has a nice texture, and expands and contracts very quickly when you turn on or shut off the water.

One of the problems with this hose is that the spray nozzle may leak; there have also been some complaints that it doesn't expand to 25 feet as promised. Also, if you snag it on something, it will tear easily and leak.

Most Adjustable

GrowGreen Expandable Garden Hose

The GrowGreen hose is available in 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-foot lengths. It expands three times its size under water pressure and is designed not to twist, tangle, or kink.

The hose features brass connectors for durability and to resist corrosion and can operate safely under 145 PSI/10 Bar. The hose is well built and has solid metal fittings. It's lightweight, flexible, easy to handle, and simple to store. It also comes with an eight-pattern spray nozzle. You can adjust the water pressure on the nozzle's trigger, and it only takes a few seconds for the hose to expand to its full length.

Unfortunately, the exterior is not smooth and may snag on rocks and other objects, which may damage it. It may also not expand as far as it advertises. In addition, the nozzle is not the best quality.

Most Ergonomic

Flexi Hose Lightweight Expandable Garden Hose

The lightweight FlexiHose expands three times its size, up to 50 feet. It features 3/4-inch brass connectors, double latex, and a sturdy on/off valve.

The hose contracts in just minutes after you're done using it, and it comes with an eight-pattern rotating nozzle so you can find the perfect option to perform tasks such as washing your car or watering your plants. The nozzle is made of zinc alloy, and the ergonomic handle is rubberized for comfort and a non-slip grip. It does not tangle, is easy to maneuver, and is simple to roll up and store. The company will issue a replacement or refund if there are any issues with the hose.

The biggest complaint about this hose is that the nozzle is cheap plastic and can easily break or leak after a short period of use. It is also really small in diameter and not particularly durable.

Honorable Mention

Nifty Grower 100ft Garden Hose

The 100-foot Nifty Grower water hose features 3/4-inch brass connectors, two layers of latex, a rubber washer, an on/off valve, and a flexible 3750D polyester fabric cover. It can operate in temperatures from 41 to 113-degrees Fahrenheit.

It functions optimally under 40-81 PSI, which is the typical water pressure for residential areas. This hose is lightweight and portable and comes with a storage bag. It's a long hose, but it doesn't tangle. It's also very flexible, and it extends nicely and shrinks down to a small size when not in use, making it easy to roll up and store. The valve works well and doesn't leak, and it's extremely easy to move around the yard.

Unfortunately, the brass fittings aren't the best quality and may break over a short period of use. There have also been complaints that the diameter is too small and that the hose does not have a strong enough flow rate to do certain tasks, such as run a sprinkler.

Honorable Mention

TheFitLife Flexible and Expandable Garden Hose

Depending on which length you purchase, this hose extends to 25, 50, or 100 feet. It's lightweight, collapsible, and is easy to store. It comes with a brass valve and 3/4-inch brass fittings and is made of three layers of latex covered in elasticated fabric. It's designed to withstand water pressure up to 145 PSI/10 Bar and to last between 1,800 and 2,000 uses.

The hose includes an eight-pattern nozzle, which has a fatigue-free thumb control instead of the traditional squeeze-type trigger. It stretches and shrinks seamlessly and doesn't kink. Overall, it's well-built, has a strong internal core, and is portable and easy to handle.

However, the manufacturer warns users not to step on it because it can easily puncture. You need to keep it out of the sun when empty to prevent bacteria growth. Also, the spray nozzle isn't the best quality, and if you snag it on anything, it is easily damaged.

Honorable Mention

HIYUTOY Garden Hose Expandable Hose

This garden hose expands from 33 to 100 feet and is also available in a 50-foot version. It comes with a nylon storage bag, a plastic holder, and a 10-pattern spray nozzle. The hose has a triple layer latex core and brass shut-off valve. It's backed by a one-year manufacturer's warranty and 30-day risk-free guarantee.

The hose is durable, lightweight, and easy to handle. It is simple to store after it shrinks to its original size. The included nozzle works really well, and the hose grows to the length that it promises. It does not kink, and it is easy to maneuver when rolling it back on the hose stand. Also, the solid metal fittings hold up rather well over time.

However, the water pressure isn't the best. Also, the hose has a tendency to get snagged on rough surfaces. It may also start leaking after a short period of use.

Honorable Mention

Glayko 25-Feet Expandable Garden Hose

Without a good garden hose, you can't do much in your yard or garden. A good expandable hose can water your garden, clean your patio, and tackle other maintenance jobs. If you want an expandable hose that will never tangle, twist, or kink, get this one by Glayko. It is a great choice for any homeowner and comes with an eight-pattern adjustable nozzle.

The expandable hose extends up to 25 feet and is ideal for use with standard water pressure (60-115 PSI). As water passes through it, it expands. Once you turn off the water, it quickly returns to its original compact length. Glayko provides a heavy-duty storage sack for easy storage. This expandable hose comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can contact the manufacturer if you have any problem.

But as much as we like it, it is not perfect. It may start leaking after a short period of use. Compared to a regular hose, it reduces water pressure. You may also notice some cracks after a few months.

Tips

Stretch out an expandable hose before you use it for the first time. Close the shut-off valve, fill the hose with water, and let it expand to its full length. Next, release the water and let the hose drain itself. Repeat the process one time. This will stretch out the hose, allow you to see any defects or leaks, and ensure that the hose is working to the best of its abilities.
When you're not using an expandable hose, avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in frigid temperatures. Sun and inclement weather can reduce the hose's lifespan by damaging the inner tubing.
One way to store your expandable hose is by hanging it on a storage hook. This will keep it out of the way of animals, who may damage it, or people who may accidentally step on it.

FAQs

Q: Do expandable hoses work?

A: Absolutely. Rubber hoses can kink up or knot, and you need to coil them back into shape when you're finished with them. Expandable hoses are self-draining, and they coil up on their own when you turn off the water. They are just as useful as conventional rubber hoses, and they're designed not to tear or tangle.

Q: What is the best expandable garden hose?

A: The best expandable hose is one that fits your budget, does what it claims to do, is easy to store, and is long-lasting.

Q: How long do expandable hoses last?

A: A collapsible hose should last just as long or longer than a traditional rubber hose. If you take care of it and store it properly, you may not need to replace it for 10 years.

Q: Are expandable hoses difficult to repair?

A: While you can't patch them up like you can with rubber hoses, you can repair the best expandable hose. If the leak is next to the fittings, purchase a flexible hose repair kit, which should include an extra connector. Or you can just remove the connection, cut two inches off the hose, and put the existing connection back on. If there's a hole in the middle of the hose, you'll need an extra connector to make a repair.

Final Thoughts

Our top pick for the best expandable hose is TBI Pro Garden Hose Expandable. It's made of four layers of latex, expands to 100 feet, and is flexible and lightweight. It's supple yet rugged and doesn't tangle or kink. It also comes with a nozzle that features nine different spray positions.

If you're on a budget, consider the Zalotte Expandable Garden Hose with 9 Function Nozzle.