All homes should have a good garden hose, as they come in handy frequently. You can water spots on your grass that the sprinklers don't reach, rinse off your patio, and water your plants, flowers and herbs. Regardless of what you plan to use it for, purchasing the right one takes some careful searching and planning. Not all garden hoses are created equal, so follow these tips when it comes to finding the right one.

Choose the Right Materials

There are a few different materials used when making garden hoses. You want to choose a material that is both flexible and lightweight, and hopefully won't give you frequent kinks. Plastic is one of your options, as it is very lightweight and flexible, as well as being easy to store. Another option is rubber, which is commonly used in homes. The rubber hoses are usually very durable, but they might be a little too heavy. Vinyl garden hoses are the least expensive and very lightweight, but might not last as long as some of the other options.

When shopping for garden hose materials, also look at the ply. The ply will tell you about how much strength that hose has. A one-ply hose has the lowest amount of strength, and the more plies that are added, the stronger the hose becomes.

Select Your Size and Fittings

One thing people often forget when purchasing a garden hose is the important of the fitting, also called the coupling. The fitting is the part of the hose that attaches to the water supply. Garden hoses usually have either a plastic fitting or a metal fitting. The best fitting you can get is a metal one, preferably made of brass. This the most durable option and will give you very little water leakage when you turn on the water.

There are also different lengths of garden hoses. Consider what the hose will be used for and how big your backyard is when determining the right size. You don't need to get the longest hose available if your yard is compact and you have limited use for the hose. On the other hand, it can be very frustrating to get a smaller hose and realize it doesn't reach to the back of your backyard to water the edge of your lawn. Get out a measuring tape and measure the distance from your water spout to where you will use the hose and determine what size you need.

Look for Special Features

You will also find garden hoses that come with special features, which can be useful in different scenarios. For example, you can get a hose that uses a reel and hanger for easier storage. It also reduces kinks and keeps your hose in good condition for a longer period of time. There are garden hoses that have an antimicrobial foundation to prevent bacterial growth and some with beveled sides on the coupling to make it easier to loosen and tighten the fitting. For different watering purposes, you can also find nozzles to attach to the end of your hose. For information on brass quick connect hose fittings, click here.