While the Slight Trickle of a Leaking Garden Hose May Be the Last Thing on Your Mind, It Could Actually Be Creating Much Larger Issues for You…
Most Buffalo, New York homeowners are familiar with a garden hose, especially throughout the summer and fall when we are trying to keep things looking as green as possible for as long as we can. Garden hoses are designed to deliver water to areas around the outside of your home where you may not have direct plumbing. If you have a leaking garden hose, while it may not seem like a big problem, should you be concerned?
How Much Water Goes Through a Garden Hose per Minute?
The amount of water that goes through a garden hose per minute, depends on the hose and your home’s water pressure; however, a standard hose releases about 17 gallons of water per minute. To determine the exact flow rate for your garden hose, you need to take into account the diameter of the hose, the level of water pressure, and also the length of the hose.
Should You Be Concerned About a Leaking Garden Hose?
While the slight trickle of a leaking garden hose may be the last thing on your mind, it could actually be creating much larger issues for you. Think about the amount of water that goes through a hose per minute, even at just a drip, you are raising your water expenses by letting a drippy hose go unfixed. You could also be creating water damage issues for you and your home, and causing problems with your foundation and attracting unwanted water seeking pests.
What Causes a Hose to Leak?
There are many things that may cause you to have a leaking garden hose. Below we review a few.
– Valve/Faucet Issues: There is a lot of pressure that goes through the water valve and into the hose. Overtime, that pressure can cause the valve to spring a leak. This happens more frequently when the faucet is left on, but the hose is not in use. That creates pressure to build up while the water is waiting to be released through your hose again.
– Hose Damage: The water pressure referenced above can also put a lot of stress on the garden hose over time. This can lead to your hose developing cracks that create a slow leak. Again, if the hose is left on when not in use, this is much more common. The sun and people stepping on the hose time and time again can also increase the risk of hose damage.
– Frozen Components: Whenever the weather drops below freezing, it can cause the hose, faucets, valves, etc. to freeze and develop an ice buildup. This can not only lead to pipes bursting inside your home, it can create a leaky hose the next time you go to use it, as the frozen components have expanded to accommodate for the ice, and that could have damaged the hose and other components.
– Time: As with all things, this one cannot be avoided. Over time and continued use, your garden hose and the faucets and valves may deteriorate. Garden hoses last 5 to 10 years depending on usage, storage, etc.
How Can I Prevent a Dripping Garden Hose?
To avoid a leaking garden hose you should turn off your hose after each use. Coil your hose up and keep it out of the sun whenever possible. Many homeowners invest in a hose storage box to prolong the life of their hose. Also, as mentioned, prepare for cold weather by taking care of your outside plumbing.
If you notice a leak in your hose, if minor enough, you may be able to patch it; however, if too large, it is recommended to replace the hose all together. If your outdoor plumbing is dripping, you should contact a Buffalo plumbing professional to help you resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Reimer is your locally trusted plumber in Buffalo and Western New York. Our full-service plumbing team is ready to help with whatever your home needs. Contact us today.