I did not know this and I bet you didn’t either. The first manufactured garden hose was invented in the 17th century when Dutch inventor Jan van der Heyden used leather stitched together to make the very 1st manufactured flexible hose [source: Hoselink.com].
These days most yards have at least one hose and in many cases two or more. We have a hose in both the front and backyard. But, the thing with hoses is you need to replace them every so often. Same with nozzles (especially when your kids get their hands on them and destroy the nozzle). That’s where this article comes in… we set out all the different types of garden hose and nozzle options you can choose from. Enjoy!
Related: Types of Garden Hose Storage | Freestanding Garden Hose Hanger | Garden Hose Pot | Types of Hose Clamp | Backyard Greenhouses
Garden Hoses
Standard
Source: Houzz
These traditional garden hoses come in a wide variety of lengths but generally range from 25 to around 100 feet. They are made of molded vinyl or rubber that is formed into a tube around .5 inches wide. Vinyl hoses easily bend even when it is very hot or cold outside but do tend to wear a lot faster than other kinds of hoses. While industrial-strength hoses can stand up to a lot of force from the water flowing through them, regular hoses can not withstand that much water. They have a brass coupling that is on one end of the hose that allows the hose to easily attach to the spigot outside of a home and the other end has a coupling. This coupling is used to attach different nozzles to the hose. While vinyl hoses will wear out rather quickly, rubber hoses last for a lot longer and won’t kink or get damaged by the sun. There are some standard garden hoses available that are a combination of both vinyl and rubber and are ideal because they will last for such a long period of time.
Flat
Source: Hayneedle
Flat hoses are a great option if you want to be able to easily store the hose without having to worry about winding it up. They work by expanding due to the water flowing through the hose and will compress on their own when the water is gone. This means that they will flatten out on their own and you don’t have to worry about flattening the hose yourself. They are very easy to roll up and tend to be lighter than traditional round garden hoses. They have both the male and female ends that make it easy to attach the hose to different sprayers as well as to the spigot without any problems.
Soaker
Source: Wayfair
Soaker hoses are a great investment if you want to be able to water your garden without having to do all of the work by yourself. They are very flexible, which makes it incredibly easy to wind them through the garden and around the beds without squishing or damaging any plants. They require very little water pressure to work and the water going through the hose causes them to expand a little. The water will then be released into the garden through tiny holes all along the hose. This allows the water to slowly drain onto the ground and water the plants without letting out too much water all at once and ensures that it is able to soak deep into the ground. While these hoses can be stored in the garage or shed after each use, it is very common for homeowners to leave them in the garden beds all summer long and bury them under a light layer of mulch. Excessive heat and soil will damage the soaker hose; over time and with a lot of use, the holes will behind to expand and to let out more water at a time.
Soak and Spray
Source: Wayfair
Perfect for the homeowner who wants to be able to both easily water the garden as well as control the direction and the flow of the water from the hose, these are combination hoses that allow the hose to be used as a traditional garden hose but also have numerous little holes on the top of the hose to allow the water to gently spray out. Any excess water in the hose can easily drain through holes on the bottom, which ensures plenty of absorption into the ground for the plants.
Soaker Hose Net
Source: Etsy
Perfect for the gardener who wants to be able to cover a lot of land with very little effort, a water soaker hose net makes it easy to quickly and reliably water your garden without having to run multiple hoses. They are generally made to order and can’t be bought in big box stores but will make it easy for any gardener to ensure that his or her plants are cared for. They generally will displace one inch of water per each square foot in just ten minutes, making them a quick way to water. Landscape pins are usually used to hold the net in place so that it won’t shift around after being installed. It’s a good idea to empty this hose and bring it indoors when it’s going to freeze outside so that the hose isn’t damaged.
Features
Expandable
Source: Home Depot
Expandable hoses have become really popular in recent years, thanks to how easily they can be stored and the small amount of space that they take up. When there isn’t any water in these hoses, they can easily be stored anywhere but as soon as the water starts to flow through them, they will quickly expand to the same length as most normal hoses. They are very lightweight and easy to move around, unlike traditional garden hoses that tend to be so heavy that they can be difficult to handle even when empty. Expandable hoses won’t ever get twisted or kink and because of their accordion design, they are easy for everyone to use.
Commercial-Grade
Source: Home Depot
While commercial-grade garden hoses tend to cost more than regular garden hoses do, they are much more sturdy and able to stand up to a lot of use and abuse. They can be dragged along the ground without any worry that they will be damaged and won’t kink or bend even if they are tossed in the back of a truck.
Kink-Free
Source: Hayneedle
Kinks in the garden hose are incredibly frustrating and can cause a lot of problems. Not only will they eventually create a sport that is more prone to wearing out but while using the hose, it is frustrating to keep having to un-kink it to ensure even water flow. Some hoses are especially prone to kinking at the faucet and this can cause a number of problems if it is not addressed. If you are going to be moving your hose a lot and don’t want to have to deal with the frustration that comes from bends and kinks, then one that is kink-free is your best choice. They have advanced technology to limit the chance that they will kink and often have strong sleeves right at the end of the hose to keep them from kinking at the faucet.
Heavy-Duty
Source: Houzz
Similar to commercial hoses, heavy-duty choices are great for homeowners or businesses who rely on being able to move their hoses around without experiencing any problems. They often combine the strength of PVC hoses with the features of rubber, making for a hose that can stand up to a lot of use and abuse without any problems. They generally have some sort of built-in armor that will help them to withstand any kind of abuse that you throw at them and won’t tear or break with normal use.
Lightweight
Source: Houzz
Most kinds of hoses are fairly heavy, especially when they have water in them. If you want to be able to move your hose around without much effort, then you will need to find one that is lightweight. These hoses offer all of the same benefits that regular hoses do but they are much lighter, making them ideal for doing a lot of chores around the home. From watering the garden to washing the roof, all jobs will be much easier when you choose a lightweight hose to do the work. Additionally, since they are so much lighter, they can more easily be used by children or the elderly. This ensures that everyone is able to complete the necessary yard work without problems.
Lead-Free
Source: Houzz
If you are going to ever be drinking the water from your hose, then you will want to make sure that the hose is safe for drinking from. Some hoses are not safe but if you know that your children or other family members will be using the hose to drink, then you will want to make sure that the hose is lead-free. This ensures that nobody will get sick when drinking from the hose.
Hot Water Use
Source: Home Depot
Not all hoses have been designed to work well when they have hot water running through them so if you know that you are going to be using your hose to run hot water from one location to another then, you will want to make sure that you choose a hose that is rated for hot water use. Otherwise, you risk damaging the hose or causing it to break down on the inside because it was not created to withstand high temperatures.
RV/Marine
Source: Home Depot
While some RV owners think that they can easily use their home garden hoses on the boat, there are actually hoses that are specifically designed for this use. They are safe to drink from and provide tasteless and odorless water no matter how long the hose has been in out in the air or the hot sun. Users never have to worry about the hose breaking down and contaminating the water and they are generally very well constructed so that there aren’t any worries about them kinking or breaking on the boat.
Material
Rubber
Source: Home Depot
Rubber hoses cost more than vinyl hoses do and they weigh more as well but many people prefer them in spite of this because they are so long-lasting. It is very rare that you will have to worry about your hose falling apart, splitting, or cracking when you opt for a rubber hose because they are so strong.
Steel
Source: Hayneedle
For the ultimate home garden hose that can stand up to any kind of abuse without cracking or being crushed, stainless steel is the best option. These are industrial-grade hoses that usually come with a bright silver finish and are designed to allow water to flow freely without any worries of the hose either leaking or rusting. They do not have any BPA in them and are rather light due to the material used and the type of construction.
Vinyl
Source: Hayneedle
Vinyl hoses are a lot less expensive, making them a great choice for the homeowner who is on a tight budget and can’t afford to pay a lot for a hose. They don’t stand up to a lot of use the way that rubber hoses will but are great for light jobs around the home as long as they are taken care of.
Nozzles
Adjustable
Source: Home Depot
These nozzles are great for a lot of different outdoor uses. Users can easily switch between having enough water power to wash off the siding of the home or the car or ensure that the flow of water is gentle enough that it doesn’t damage flowers when watering the garden. It’s important to look for a nozzle that allows for smooth movement so that you get all of the water pressure that you need, no matter how much water you have coming out of the hose. Look for a nozzle that has a handle that is easy to grip and won’t leak.
Pattern
Source: Home Depot
Instead of worrying about whether or not you are letting out too much water for your garden, pattern nozzles make it very easy to choose from pre-programmed watering patterns. This makes it very simple to ensure that you get all of the water that you need, no matter what watering season you’re currently in. Instead of having to hold down the handle to make the nozzle work, consider one that is thumb-controlled as they are easier to use for long periods of time.
Extended
Source: Home Depot
Trying to reach over your head with a garden hose to water hanging baskets is a sure way to get wet quickly, which is why so many homeowners opt for extended nozzles. These make it very easy to direct the water exactly where you want it to go without worrying about getting wet in the process.
Pistol
Source: Home Depot
These are very basic nozzles that you can use with your garden hose and provide a strong, steady stream of water. While they can be adjusted a little to decrease the amount of water coming through the nozzle, they do not have patterns and will only vary from a light drip to a strong stream. These nozzles are great for washing a car or sidewalk but aren’t ideal for watering as they tend to be much too strong for most flowers and plants. A stream of water that is too strong will easily damage the plants that you are watering and can quickly disturb the dirt around the plant.
Shower
Source: Home Depot
Ideal for creating a gentle shower of water instead of a strong stream, shower nozzles are perfect for watering plants. They aren’t ever going to have the power that you need to clean off dirt or mud from the front steps but won’t damage hanging baskets or other plants when they need water. The amount of water can be increased or decreased but even when you allow a lot of water to flow through the nozzle, it’s not going to be a very hard stream.
Air Hoses
Rubber
Source: Home Depot
These are the most common and traditional kind of air hose that’s available and they are well liked because they easily lay flat, are easy to coil, and don’t tend to kink. Even when it’s freezing out, they are very flexible but they aren’t the best performers in these environments. The major problem with rubber air hoses is that they weigh so much more than other available types. If you only use the hose on occasion, then this may not be a big deal but for people who need to move their hoses a lot, then the additional weight can make it difficult. They are easy to find at most stores.
PVC
Source: Home Depot
These are the least expensive types of air hoses that you can buy and while they do tend to kink and coil in on themselves, they do not do this as often or as badly as other hoses do. They do not perform well in cold weather but if you only use your hose on occasion, then you can overlook this problem. They work well enough for the average homeowner who needs a hose from time to time but someone using his or her hose all day long will do better with a higher-quality option.
Nylon
Source: Home Depot
Air hoses that are made of nylon are beneficial because they can be coiled up into a spring, which makes them take up less space when they are not being used. They aren’t nearly as durable as other hose choices and tend to kink if you are not careful but they are so light that they make it easy to hang them from the ceiling if necessary. They maintain their tension well, making them a great choice for use in factories as well as on assembly lines, but not the best choice on the job site as they tend to leak.
Polyurethane
Source: Home Depot
Polyurethane hoses are the newest kinds of compressed air hoses and are great for working in cold weather. They are usually very long and can span very long distances. Unfortunately, they aren’t nearly as flexible as other hoses can be and tend to coil and kink. Additionally, they will stick to themselves if you are not careful. They are lighter than rubber air hoses but since they are so much more expensive, this can keep people from choosing them over other available options.
Kitchen and Laundry Hoses
Pull-Down Faucet Hose
Source: Home Depot
Some kitchen sinks have faucets with a pull-down head that makes it easy to spray around inside the sink and to rinse off dishes. The hoses for these faucets have to be specially made to stand up to very hot water so that the water running through them remains clean and they also need to be flexible enough to extend out of the faucet and the retract without any problems. They are often made of nylon and designed so that they will not be damaged with use and won’t kink or bend.
Washing Machine Hoses
Source: Home Depot
The right hoses have to be used to make sure that your washing machine works properly. A hot hose as well as a cold hose is necessary and they are usually very easy to tell apart due to their color. Because use hot water will be running through these hoses, they are strong enough to withstand the high temperatures without allowing any chemicals to leach out into the water. These hoses come in different lengths and the ones that you choose will depend on how close your machine is to your water hookups. It’s important to weigh the differences between reinforced rubber hoses and stainless-steel reinforced hoses so you get the best one for your needs.
Washing Machine Discharge Hose
Source: Home Depot
All of the water from the washing machine has to be discharged in order to ensure that it leaves the home without causing any leaks or puddles. These hoses are incredibly flexible and long-lasting and can easily connect the washing machine to the utility sink where the water can exit the home. They are relatively easy to install, thanks to how flexible they are, and have no other use other than their intended purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about garden hoses.
When Were Garden Hoses Invented?
The hose has technically been around since over 2000 years ago when the ancient Greeks found that they could use ox intestines connected to bladders to pump water onto fires. Various types of hoses of similar designs would be used over the years, but it wouldn’t be until around 1673 when the first garden hose would be invented.
The hoses were first made in stitched leather, but in 1870 the rubber hoses that are most commonly used in gardens today were invented and made the norm.
Who Invented the Garden Hose?
The original leather hose from 1673 was first invented by Jan van der Heiden and his son, Nicolaas. The first rubber hose that was the most likely direct predecessor to modern day garden hoses, however, was first invented by James Boyd in 1821.
Are Garden Hoses Recyclable?
Many people believe the best course of action when disposing of an old unusable garden hose is to recycle it. However, it’s a very bad idea to recycle your garden hose. Not only are there many other materials in your hose that can make it difficult to break down and reuse, but they’re very dangerous when placed in recycling processing machines.
Garden hoses are long and wiry. They easily get caught up in the machines at recycling plants. These tangles not only create a massive issue in the machine that can take upwards of a full day to fix, but it may also create a safety risk for the workers.
There are many craft projects you can do on your own to reuse old hoses, like stabilizing tall plants or making a cheap sprinkler, but it’s best to keep garden hoses out of the recycling bin.
What Are Garden Hoses Made Of?
The most common material used in garden hoses is rubber. However, it’s also popular to use vinyl or polyurethane when making hoses. Vinyl tends to be cheaper than rubber and is more lightweight, but it’s also less durable. Polyurethane is lightweight and durable but tends to be very expensive. Rubber is seen as a nice middle ground between the other two options.
How Are Garden Hoses Measured?
Even though the diameter of the hose is commonly printed on the product, the text could be worn off or not printed at all. The diameter of garden hoses is measured quite easily. Don’t take a measuring tape the end of the hose. The opposite ends of a hose are actually slightly different diameters, so measuring the end itself won’t work.
Take dowels of varying sizes and insert them into the hose. Whichever dowel fits the best is the one to base your measurement on. For easy reference, there are only three hose diameters available, which are one-half, five-eights and three-quarters.
What Are The Standard Garden Hose Lengths?
Garden hoses are produced in 25, 50, 75 and 100 foot lengths. When it comes to length preference, you need to take both the size of the area in which it will be used and the flow rate you’ll usually need into consideration. The longer a garden hose is, the lower the flow rate will be.
Can Garden Hoses Be Left Outside In Winter?
Many people don’t have the space to store a hose inside the house during winter, and others simply don’t want to have to deal with the headache of disconnecting it and bringing it in. The good news is that garden hoses can be left outside for the entirety of winter.
The only thing you need to remember is to drain all of the water out of the line and ensure that the spigot is off. If you leave water in the lines, it will freeze and expand. This expansion may cause damage to the lining of the hose or cause leaks.
What Are Expandable Garden Hoses?
Expandable garden hoses have exploded in popularity in recent years due to their convenience. When the water is off, the hose is rather small, extremely light and easy to store. When there is water flowing through the line, it expands to three times its original size. They don’t kink or twist, and they drain on their own. Expandable garden hoses are made from latex with a PVC lining on the inside.
Can Expandable Garden Hoses Be Repaired?
One of the downsides to expandable garden hoses is that they’re not as durable as rubber, vinyl and polyurethane hoses. They’re susceptible to little holes and dings, and the ends frequently get damaged. However, they can be repaired fairly easily with a new connector and some clamps. In fact, expandable hose repair kits are available for purchase online and at some garden supply stores.
