I've got one of those garden hoses with a nozzle that has a trigger, so when I'm not using it, the water doesn't flow. At the beginning of summer, I just turn on the outdoor faucet and leave the hose ready to go whenever I need it. However, my neighbor mentioned that keeping the hose 'charged' might lead to a leaky pipe or damage the faucet. I argued that the pipes leading to the faucet are constantly charged anyway. We couldn't agree on it, so I'm curious—who's right?
3 Answers
In the worst-case scenario, the hose or the nozzle could leak or burst. Your indoor pipes should hold up, but if the hose goes while you're away, your water bill could skyrocket! It's like leaving the stove on, you don’t want to risk burning your house down. So, I’d recommend turning it off when you're done for the day.
Leaving the hose on shouldn't cause any damage, but there's a risk of the hose bursting, especially on a hot day. If it breaks while you're not home, that's going to create a bit of a mess! Just keep an eye on the hose and its fittings, as they aren't designed for constant pressure like your home's plumbing. Always good to turn it off if you plan to be away.
True story! A friend of mine had the same issue and came home to a soaked yard. Definitely better safe than sorry.
You make a good point! The plumbing in your house is fine under pressure, but hoses might stretch and ultimately fail at the fittings. Your neighbor's not completely off base since constant pressure can lead to leaks, mostly if the hose or connections are already weak. Maybe consider adding a quick shut-off valve at the faucet? That way, you can relieve pressure without running back inside!
That's a smart idea! I've seen them at hardware stores—could save you some trouble.
Exactly! And if it happens while you're on vacation? That's a whole different problem you're facing!