Prevent Spray Hose Problems

Power spray Hose Problems & Prevention:

Wear:

When the pest control hose is showing significant wear (cuts, scrapes, gouges, etc.), fix it.  Do not wait for it to leak.  It will cost a lot more in lost productivity to fix it in the middle of a job.  The first 30 feet of the hose is the area that will break down first.  When significant wear occurs, cut out the bad portion. 

Temperature:

Significant temperature extremes can reduce hose life.  Whenever possible, protect landscape spray hose from extreme heat and cold.  In Arizona, we have an issue with sunburned hose.  If the hose reel and hose if left in the same position for extended periods, the hose can become blackened, which reduces hose life.

Pressure Problems:

Occasionally power sprayer hose can degrade pest sprayer performance.  If everything appears to be working properly but you are not getting any pressure, it could be a hose problem. 

If your spray hose is wound too tightly on the reel, the hose could flatten out and provide sufficient resistance so that you don't get the output you require.  This condition may occur on low pressure 12 volt electric pumps.  Unwind the hose.  Turn on the pump, and rewind the hose onto the reel less tightly.

Another situation occurs when old hose gets spongy.   The hose expands, significantly reducing the pressure that can be achieved at the hose end.  Replace the hose.

When winding your power sprayer hose back on the reel, run it through a rag to remove debris and extend hose life.

Don’t wait for hose problems to cause chemical leaks and downtime. If the hose is damaged at the end, cut off the bad piece.  If the hose had more extensive wear or damage, replace it before you have serious problems.