Straightening a new garden hose primarily involves uncoiling it and allowing the material to relax. While new hoses aren't usually sold with permanent kinks, they can be stiff and prone to kinking until they have been used a few times.
One effective way to help straighten a new garden hose, particularly if it develops kinks or feels very stiff, is to use a method that combines heat and pressure. According to gardening advice, if you encounter a kinked hose (which can happen easily with a new, stiff one), you can leave it under full sunlight for hours under water pressure.
Why Sunlight and Water Pressure Works
Applying full water pressure while the hose is stretched out in the sun leverages two forces:
- Heat: Sunlight warms the hose material (typically PVC or rubber). Warm materials are more pliable and less rigid than cold ones.
- Pressure: The internal water pressure pushes outwards against the hose walls, helping to iron out any bends or stiffness.
This combination allows the hose material to expand slightly and smooth out, making it lie flatter and reducing its tendency to kink.
Steps to Straighten Your New Hose
Follow these steps to help straighten your new garden hose:
- Uncoil Completely: Lay the entire length of the hose out in your yard or driveway, trying to remove as many coils and twists as possible manually.
- Connect to Water Source: Attach the hose to your outdoor faucet.
- Apply Pressure: Turn the water on to full pressure. Walk the length of the hose, gently pulling it taut and guiding it into a straight line as the water pressure fills it.
- Utilize Sunlight (If Needed): If the hose is particularly stiff or prone to kinking, lay the hose out in a sunny spot while it's under pressure. Leave it under full sunlight for hours under water pressure, as this heat and pressure combination helps the hose expand and smooth out.
- Drain and Coil (Properly): After the hose has relaxed and straightened (this might take several hours in the sun, depending on stiffness), turn off the water and disconnect the hose. Drain all the water before storing it. Always put the hose away after use to avoid any unnecessary damage and avoid re-kinking.
Tips for Maintaining a Straight Hose
- Store Properly: Avoid just dropping the hose in a pile. Use a hose reel, hanger, or coil it loosely to prevent new kinks from forming.
- Uncoil Before Use: Always uncoil the entire length you need before turning on the water to prevent twists and kinks.
- Walk it Out: As you use the hose, walk back towards the faucet to pull out any twists that might develop behind you.
By using the method of leaving a new hose under full sunlight for hours under water pressure, combined with good storage practices, you can significantly reduce stiffness and the likelihood of frustrating kinks.
