Can a Garden Hose Handle Hot Water?
The material used to make most garden hoses is synthetic fiber or soft plastic which is often reinforced with internal fibers. These materials make the garden hose flexible and easier to pull past obstacles. It has a tough exterior that allows it to withstand rough handling, being dragged across the ground, and being stepped on.
Can a garden hose handle hot water? Yes, there are specially designed garden hoses that can withstand hot water. You can easily find them on Amazon at a great price.
Whenever you are using the hot water garden hose to heat up the pool, make sure to check the temperature of the water to eliminate any danger that can arise due to the hot water.
However, most garden hoses aren’t designed to be used with hot or warm water. Ask your local supplier if your gardening hose can withstand hot water.
Running hot water in a hose meant for cold water will only deteriorate it. You will also notice that the water from the garden hose will have additional contaminants if you run hot water through it. This is because those hoses are not rated for hot water use.
Table of Contents
Uses of a garden hose
A garden hose has many uses in the home. The most common one is watering the garden. Well-manicured lawns and gardens are a sight to behold. The gardening hose plays a major role in watering the lawn to keep it aesthetically green and beautiful.
Plants can be easily watered with a garden hose in just a few minutes when compared to watering plants using the traditional watering cans.
However, the water that remains in the hose after you turn it off can be heated by the sun. Remember to flush the hot water out for a few seconds before watering your plants. Otherwise, you run the risk of ‘scalding’ your plants with the super-heated water.
You can quickly grab a hose and clean your vehicle, your outdoor equipment, and building exteriors. The garden hose provides convenience since you won’t have to clean your equipment or water your garden by hauling water in buckets.
The garden hose lightens work that would be tedious and time-consuming.
A garden hose can also be used to wash your precious pet. Don’t forget about the heated water in the hose, though, as we mentioned with watering plants.
Turn on the tap to let the cold water run in the hose as it replaces the hot water before washing your pet with it. This will minimize the risk of scalding your pet.
How to warm water from a garden hose
You may have a kiddie pool that your children want to splash in to cool off on hot summer days. The cold water in the pool may not be ideal for your kids to be in.
You may have thought of ways to quickly warm the water without using much effort. It is possible to warm the water using a garden hose. You will need to get a long hose and fill it with water.
The longer the hose, the more warm water you will get. Turn the water off when the hose pipe has filled and let it sit in the sun for a while.
The sun will heat the water as it sits in the hose. When the desired temperature is reached, slowly turn the water on and empty the warm water into the pool until you feel cold water come out. Then you can repeat the process if you want.
Another way to get hot water is by installing a laundry faucet. This makes it easier to connect and get both hot and cold water in your swimming pool.
The mixing valve will enable you to vary the water temperature. Always monitor your kids when they are playing outside so that they don’t burn themselves.
If warm water is needed regularly, you could look into getting a small size electric water heater like this, depending on the output needed.
- Provides smooth flowing drinking water in sub-zero temperatures
- Freeze protection down to -5°F
- Self-regulating heat source supplies additional heat as the temperature drops
- Hoses operate at 120 VAC
- Drinking water safe
Word of caution
Most garden hoses are not meant to be used with hot water. Some hoses will burst under pressure when left in the sun. It is advised to store away the hose when you are done watering.
It is dangerous to leave water in your garden hose lying in the sun for too long. As the water heats up very fast in the hose, this can cause serious burns to the next one who uses the hose.
Always check the water temperature in the hose especially if it was lying in the sun before you let the children play with it. Children are vulnerable to burns from the hot water in the hose. They can suffer second and third-degree burns easily from the water in the garden hose.
When you are done with your outdoor watering activity, make sure to drain all the water in the hose. Then unscrew the hose from the tap or faucet when you are done. This way you will eliminate any risk of garden hose burns.
Taking care of a garden hose
In the case of a fold in your garden hose, go and unfold the kink instead of yanking your hose to straighten it. This measure will protect your hose from cracking.
To stop water flow go to the source and turn the water off. Folding or kinking the hose to stop the water flow will only spoil your hose. When done watering, coil up your hose to keep it neat.
When you want to store it away, make sure you run off all the water from the hose. This will prevent the hose from expanding and bursting in cold winter temperatures.
To prevent your hoses from having kinks, hang them on a wide-rounded reel or hanger. Thin hooks or nails are not ideal for hanging hoses as they cause kinks and creases. You can also buy an all-in-one wrangler and storage unit here.
- GREAT SOLUTION FOR STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION – Use Easy-Carry Wrap-It Storage Straps for extension cord storage and organization in the house, yard, storage shed, workshop, car, boat or RV. Inside the garage, or outside in the shed, use as a carrier, keeper, and hanger for power tool accessories, your vacuum hose, or other campsite gear.
- QUALITY MATERIAL – Made with super durable and weather resistant polypropylene material and heavy-duty nylon hook and loop. Makes that run-down airstream camper look like a 5-star glamper. Management of sewer hoses can be icky business, so let these be your camping caddy. Holds up to 100 lbs/45.3 kgs!
When purchasing a garden hose for home use, choose the shortest length that meets your needs. This will be easier to store and to move around. Hoses that are about 25 to 50 feet long are recommended for home gardening needs.
Instead of buying one long hose, buy two shorter hoses that you can connect together when the need arises. Shorter hoses also hold better water pressure as compared to longer ones.
Hoses that are 50 to 100 feet long are typically used for commercial purposes or large projects.
There are several types of garden hoses you can choose from. Some are made from metal coils between layers of rubber or vinyl. These coils make them kink-free.
It should be noted that black hoses heat up in the sun quickly because black colors absorb heat fast. Any water not drained from the hose might be too hot for the plants. If you don’t want the risk of accidental scalding then a green hose is the best as they stay cooler.
Conclusion
As discussed above, some garden hoses can withstand hot water. You have to ask your local dealer for a hose that can handle hot water.
Practice caution as you use your garden hose. If you let your hose sit in the sun for some time, the water in the hose will heat up and can cause second to third-degree burns.
Always check the water temperature in the hose before spraying your children, pets, or plants, or letting your children play with the hose.
Drain off water from the hose after using it and then coil your hose before you safely store it. This will ensure your garden hose doesn’t get kinks and creases that can shorten its lifespan.
Resources
- https://www.apexhose.com/articles/-5-tricks-to-extend-the-lifespan-of-your-garden-hose
- https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/how-to/water-feed/different-types-of-garden-hoses/
- https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/health/hose-water-can-heat-up-to-140-degrees-scalding-children/289-562381313
- https://lifehacks.stackexchange.com/questions/18602/how-can-i-easily-get-warm-water-in-a-kiddie-pool
