Air and water hoses are important accessories that send the pressurized air and water flowing out of the compressor to the attached application tools. These hoses convey the air and water flow and act as a connection between the two systems. Many of you are familiar with the air hoses used in garages for inflating tires with air delivered by a compressor and the garden hoses used to carry water to thirsty plants. However, there is a wide variety of air and water hoses according to diameter, length, and material which also determines their price.

While air and water compressors generate high-pressure air and water respectively, some connection is needed to deliver the air and water flow from compressor outlet to the application tool. A hose connects the two systems or dispatches air and water flow to the action site. The compressed air may be used for functioning a nail-gun, sander, paint guns and many other appliances and tools that don’t work on electricity. Water hoses may be used to deliver water for removing loose paint, grime, mold, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces such as vehicles, buildings, and concrete surfaces. The compressor may be stationary and the application tool or site may be distant from it. Sometimes heavy portable compressors are carried by truck to the job site which may be a construction area and the compressor may need to deliver air or water flow to various appliances from a certain spot. Air and water compressor hoses come into play in these cases.

For household and general purpose applications, a 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch diameter hose man be sufficient. Apart from these two common measures, there are other diameter hoses are available for industrial purposes. A reputable air water hose manufacturer can produce good quality hoses that are durable, flexible and can withstand high temperatures. The connectors at the two ends may be turned by a lathe or molded in parts. Lathe-shaped connectors are durable while molded ones tend to crack or leak fast. These air water hoses should be free from leakage and protected from damage during use. A good quality hose at the application tool side will always give a smooth air and water flow supply. Long hoses can come coiled up in a reel which may retract the hose. Good quality reels provide protection to hoses and house them inside a metal casing.

Body material of the hoses is very important. Generally, an air water hose manufacturer can use Polyurethane (PUR or PU), a polymer of organic units linked by urethane or carbamate linkage to manufacture high-pressure hoses. This compound is lightweight, resilient, flexible, and can withstand friction to some extent. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is another material that is composed of thermoplastic polymers and is used to make hoses for special applications. They can withstand a high pressure of up to 145 PSI or more. Rubber, however, is the most preferred for hoses. Rubber is abrasion resistant, can withstand high temperatures and pressure and is highly flexible.

Care and maintenance is very important to greatly extend the life of your air or water hose. Even with the best UV resistant hoses, long-term sun exposure can be the worst threat to the life of your hose. If it’s possible, store your hoses away from the sun when not in use. With the above information in mind, you should be able to find a hose that meets your requirements and will provide you many years of good service.