Braided hoses have great domestic use that have made them a commonplace item in a wide variety of situations, from domestic use to industrial, automotive to aerospace.
In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about braided hoses, and how you use them. Keep reading to learn more…
What is a braided hose?
The design of a braided hose is a simple, yet effective one. It weaves strands of a durable material - commonly stainless steel, PVC, or Teflon - together in a braided pattern to create a flexible, resistant and durable core. This core is then encased in an outer layer of flexible PVC to ensure the hose remains secure and watertight.
This design makes them a more durable alternative to rubber hoses, which are more susceptible to temperature and chemicals.
Most braided hose pipes are rated for use in low to medium pressure situations. Because of this, they are regularly used in areas such as plumbing systems, fuel lines, and hydraulic lifts.
Why should you use a braided hose?
There are a great number of advantages to using braided hoses over other hose types. If you’re on the fence about whether to commit to one, let’s run through some of the positives.
Flexibility
The design of the braided hose grants them a greater degree of flexibility over rubber hose alternatives. The strong braided weave prevents them from easily kinking when in use, preventing blockages and build-ups. Because of this, they are a perfect solution for using in tight or confined spaces.
Durability
With a braid woven of stainless steel or Teflon, braided hoses are capable of withstanding higher pressures and temperatures than other hose types. These materials also make them great for use with corrosive chemicals that would quickly eat through rubber or other materials.
The PVC exterior protects the inner layer from harsh weather conditions or general wear and tear, which would compromise the structural integrity of the inner core if left exposed.
Longevity
With durability comes longevity. So long as proper care and maintenance is upheld, a braided hose can last for years. This is due to the construction of the hose, and the durable materials used.
Versatility
Braided hoses are great for a multitude of various situations. Braided fuel lines have become a mainstay for fuel delivery in automobiles and aeroplanes, and this design has been indispensable for chemical transference in pharmaceutical industries.
Compatibility
This versatility also means that braided hoses are readily available, come available in many standard sizes and lengths, and are quick to deliver. They are designed to be compatible with most common fittings, so that you don’t have to worry about ordering new parts to fit your new hose.
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Selecting the right braided hose
As we have already covered earlier, there are many use cases for braided hoses. So is it a one-size-fits-all approach? Not quite. Let’s look at the different types of braided hose.
- Single braid: created for use in hydraulic systems, fuel delivery, and air conditioning, single braided hoses are designed to provide resistance to chemical breakdowns without compromising on flexibility. They’re typically the most lightweight of braid hoses, and can often be used as an alternative to double braided hoses, as their single layer provides enough pressure tolerance and safety.
Suitable for: low-pressure applications.
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- Double braid: designed with two layers of reinforcement, double-braiding hoses offer incredible performance and pressure capacity. They can handle up to twice the operating pressure of single-braid hoses, which makes them an ideal option for high-pressure hydraulic systems.
Suitable for: high-pressure applications.
- Close-pitch braid: featuring closely arranged standards to provide increased flexibility and pressure performance, close-pitch braided hoses are the perfect option for applications that require frequent or tight bending. They are often used in agricultural machinery and other mobile applications due to their reduced abrasion resistance.
Suitable for: hydraulic systems.
- Open-pitch braid: these hoses are designed for high-pressure applications. Built from advanced synthetic core materials, open-pitch braided hoses offer outstanding chemical resistance and are able to function at high temperatures. Their design allows for minimal bending, which reduces turbulence while operating at maximum pressure.
Suitable for: high-flow rate applications.
- Strip-wound: one of the most commonly used hose types, strip-wound hoses are made of stripped metal wounds in a spiral fashion. This design makes them more resistant to vibration, corrosion, abrasion, and extreme temperatures, which is why they are frequently used in HVAC systems, and ducting.
Suitable for: low-pressure applications.
Top tip: before making your decision, consider the application of your braided hose, and the required pressure and flow rates.
Maintenance and safety guidance
Choosing the right braided hose is only step one; you also need to know how to look after it properly to ensure it lasts as long as possible. To help you out, we've answered some of your most frequently asked questions about braided hose.
How often should I replace my braided hose?
This will vary depending on how frequently the hose is used, but it is recommended that you replace a braided hose at least every ten years. There are a number of factors that may accelerate the need to replace your hose:
- Usage: the more the hose is used, the faster it will start to degrade. Frequent use of any hose will increase the likelihood of cracks or bulges occurring, which will severely impact the integrity of the hose.
- Environmental: depending on where the hose is being used will affect its lifespan. Harsh outdoor weather conditions, such as cold temperatures or strong winds, will chip away at the protective outer layer. Alternatively, hoses used in busy interiors, where the likelihood of excessive scrapes or bends may occur, can damage the hose.
- Manufacturer recommendations: changes to how different manufacturers construct their braided hoses may result in variations in the overall lifespan of the hose. Check the product recommendations of your chosen manufacturer to be aware of the longevity of your hose.
Therefore, you should regularly inspect your hose, and we’ll cover exactly what to look out for next…
What should I look out for when inspecting my braided hose?
Performing regular checks of your braided hose will help to recognise any signs of wear or damage early. This is particularly important in instances where corrosive or combustible liquid is being carried through the hose, as blockages or spillages of these may have dire consequences.
As a rule, these are the checks you can perform to ensure your braided hose is still usable.
- Visible damage: bulges, cracks and fraying may be visible to the eye when carrying out an inspection. However, you should perform a physical inspection by hand, which can also help to identify any damage before it becomes a concern.
- Leakages: disconnect your hose from its source, and flush water through it to identify any leaks. These may be small, so it is advised that you lay something absorbent - such as a towel - underneath the hose to locate leakages before they have chance to grow.
- Softness: if your braided hose has become soft in places, this is likely an issue with the inner layer. Over time, the braided weave may start to pull apart, compromising the durability of the hose. This is especially important to catch when transporting corrosive fluids that can quickly eat through the outer shell and spill out of its container.
- Reduced performance: if your braided hose doesn’t seem as powerful as it used to, this may be a sign of a blockage forming. In some cases, swelling may start to occur where the blockage has formed, which will lead to further damage to the hose.
Can braided hoses be a reservoir for contamination?
Before we get into why this can happen, it’s important to note that this issue spreads across any type of flexible hose, not just braided hoses.
Contamination of bacteria can occur when fluid is left to stagnate in a contained environment. As such, this makes a hose the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria.
Ensuring that your hose is no longer than it needs to be will reduce the available space for bacteria to grow, as will ensuring there are no kinks or blockages.
Flushing out excess water through regular maintenance or use will also ensure water is not left to stagnate for too long.
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Wondering where to buy braided hoses?
Now that we’ve covered all the essentials of braided hoses, you should know everything you need to make an informed decision.
At The Hosemaster, we stock the finest braided hoses designed to suit your every need.
If you have any further questions, you can get in touch with our team online, or by calling us on 01282 604 002.
Shop high-quality braided hoses at The Hosemaster today
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