How to choose a garden hose that doesn't kink or crack

A cheap hose kinks every few feet and cracks after a summer in the sun. A good hose lasts years. The differences are material, length, diameter and fittings.

Materials

Material	Pros	Cons
Rubber	Durable, flexible in cold, handles hot water	Heavy; more expensive
Vinyl	Light and inexpensive	Kinks easily; stiff in cold; shorter life
Hybrid (rubber/polymer blends)	Lighter than rubber, flexible, kink-resistant	Mid-priced; quality varies
Polyurethane	Very light, often kink-resistant	Can be pricier
Expandable	Very light, compact storage	Inner tube can burst; shorter lifespan; flow can be lower

Expandable hoses are convenient to store but are often less durable than traditional hoses. Read long-term owner reviews before buying one.

Length and water flow

Longer hoses reduce water pressure at the end. Buy the shortest length that reaches where you need it, rather than the longest available.

• Measure from the spigot to the farthest point, following paths around beds and corners.
• If you need two lengths for different areas, two shorter hoses can be easier to handle than one long one.

Diameter

• 5/8 inch is the standard for most homes and a good balance of flow and weight.
• 1/2 inch hoses are lighter but carry less water.
• 3/4 inch hoses deliver more water and suit long runs or heavy-duty use, but they're heavier.

Fittings

• Brass fittings are durable and resist crushing; look for thick, crush-resistant couplings.
• Aluminum is lighter but can corrode or bind.
• Plastic fittings crack easily, especially when stepped on or driven over.
• Rotating (swivel) fittings make it easier to connect without twisting the hose.

Burst pressure and kink resistance

Some listings give a burst pressure rating. Higher numbers indicate a stronger hose. Kink-resistance claims are best judged from owner reviews and reinforcement layers in the hose wall.

Drinking water

Some hoses can contain lead or other chemicals in the hose material or brass fittings. If you or your pets drink from the hose, or you fill pools or water vegetables, look for hoses labeled "drinking water safe" or "lead-free". In any case, let water run for a bit before drinking, since water sitting in a hot hose isn't fresh.

Storage

• Coil on a reel or hanger out of direct sun to extend its life.
• Drain and store indoors over winter in freezing climates so water doesn't freeze and split the hose.

Questions people ask

Why does my hose keep kinking?

Thin vinyl hoses kink easily, especially when cold. Rubber or hybrid hoses with reinforcement resist kinking much better.

Is it safe to drink from a garden hose?

Only from hoses labeled drinking water safe, and after letting the water run. Standard hoses aren't designed for drinking water.

How long should a garden hose last?

It depends on material and care. Rubber hoses stored out of the sun can last many years; vinyl hoses left outside often last only a season or two.