How Do I Choose the Best Lead-Free Garden Hose?

There are a variety of garden hoses available, but not all of them are lead-free. Many of the features of a lead-free garden hose are similar to other hoses but provide water that is safe to drink. In certain situations, the standard green garden hose might be the best choice, while a coil hose could be the best choice in some gardens. Considerations about which lead-free garden hose is the best should include the water pressure of the faucet to be used, the required length of the hose and the way in which the hose will be stored. All of these factors can combine to help choose the best hose.

One of the first important elements to ensure about a lead-free garden hose is that it is, in fact, free of lead. Lead is used as a stabilizer in some hoses constructed from certain types of plastic. Some areas require that the hoses be clearly labeled as containing lead, but this is not always the case. A garden hose should be labeled as being drinking-water safe, although the only way to be certain in some instances is to contact the manufacturer.

Another important factor when choosing the best lead-free garden hose is the length. A longer hose will require more water pressure to get the water through to the end. On the other hand, a hose that is too short could have difficulty reaching distant areas of a yard. There are several types of garden hoses that are able to be attached in segments, allowing it to become longer or shorter as needed.

A coil hose is a useful alternative to a standard garden hose. These hoses are thinner in diameter than their counterparts but, at the same time, are able to be stored in a very small area and are not prone to tangling. Many coil hoses are lead-free but remain durable.

An additional consideration when choosing the best lead-free garden hose is exactly how the hose will be stored. Some hoses are able to be attached to special carts that allow them to be rolled up and stored neatly. Other hoses are able to be compacted and stored on a holder, keeping them off the ground.

One final element to consider when looking for the best lead-free garden hose is the weight. A heavy hose can be unwieldy and difficult to move around a garden. Additionally, a heavy and inflexible hose could actually cause damage to the plants in a garden as it is moved around. Lightweight garden hoses are manufactured so they can be easily picked up and moved around, even when filled with water.