There is no doubt that rubber hose pipes are durable and resilient towards many environmental factors. Be it extreme heat, freezing cold, or high pressure situations, rubber hose pipes always come through for all your industrial and domestic needs. And this will be true as long as you are maintaining them right.
In today’s blog, we will be exploring different ways to maintain a rubber hose pipe for long-lasting performance.
7 Ways to Maintain Rubber Hose Pipe
1. Visual Inspection for Wear and Tear
The easiest way to identify whether your rubber hose pipes are in great shape or not is to visually inspect them every now and then. While visually inspecting them, look for signs of wear and tear like:
- Cracks
- Abrasions
- Bulging
Additionally, pay special attention to areas that are under constant pressure or movement.
2. Testing for Pressure
Every component in the system, including a rubber hose pipe, has its unique limitations in terms of the optimal pressure, heat, or expansion it can handle. Thus it is important to conduct a pressure test using a pressure gauge to check the internal pressure of the hose. As a user of the hose, you have to ensure that the pressure is within the limit defined by the rubber hose manufacturer. Exceeding the limit can cause the hose to fail to perform at its best.
3. Cleaning the Hose
Over the months, dirt, debris, and chemicals can cause blockages or weakening of the hose material. Consequently, regular cleaning is important to keep the hose at its best condition. Based on the application of the rubber hose, find a suitable cleaning solution.
For instance, in the food processing industry, rubber hoses will require food-grade solvents, while water or air hoses may be cleaned with a simple rinse. Make sure you let the rubber hose dry completely before you use it again to stop the growth of mold or mildew, which will further damage the hose. Ensure that the cleaning solution is compatible with the grade of rubber used in the hose pipe.
The following important question is how frequently you should clean the hose. The answer depends on two factors:
- What is being transported in the rubber hose pipes
- The environment in which the pipe is being used
As a general rule, you should clean the rubber hose pipes once every 6 months. Pro tip? Avoid using bleach at all costs.
Also Read: What Is a Rubber Hose? Types, Applications, and Benefits
4. Proper Storage
Improper storage can lead to cracks, kinks, and deformation in the rubber hose. Thereby reducing the durability of the hose. In order to improve the longevity, you should:
- Store the hose pipe in a cool, dry area.
- Keep it out of sunlight, chemicals, and extremely high temperatures.
- Coil the rubber hose properly. Do not coil it too tightly because it may lead to kinks and twists, which may cause internal damage. Always coil them in a smooth, circular fashion.
5. Rubber Hose Fittings and Accessories
There are several kinds of fittings available for a rubber hose pipe. For instance, threaded, quick-connect, and barbed fittings. A proper match between the rubber hose pipe and the fitting is essential for creating a leak-proof system.
Moreover, a mismatch can create stress on the hose and lead to failures, which may be dangerous, especially if you are dealing with chemicals and hazardous gases.
6. Don’t Pull or Bend Too Hard
If you frequently bend or stretch the rubber hose pipe too hard, it is bound to cause internal damage. This may result in premature failure of the rubber hose pipe. To avoid this,
- Avoid abruptly bending the hose pipe.
- Pulling it too tightly from the fitting
Rather, make sure to follow its natural curves while folding the pipe. Additionally, you can invest in hose reels or support to preserve the hose’s form and structure.
7. Timely Replacement
Don’t wait until the rubber hose pipe completely gives up. That is, it bursts or cracks open. Regardless of the quality of the rubber hose pipes you invest in, each one will come with a limited lifetime. Consequently, if you see that a rubber hose pipe has notable wear and tear, bulges, or cracks, replace them right away.
Conclusion
Rubber hose pipes are truly irreplaceable when it comes to industrial or domestic use for the kind of benefits it offers. And the best way to enjoy these benefits for long is to use these rubber hose pipes in the right manner and invest in taking care of them.
We at Shree Rubber Works create heavy-duty industrial rubber hoses for demanding environments like yours. Our rubber hose pipes stand the test of extreme temperatures, high pressure, and abrasion. So, if you are looking for the best manufacturers of rubber hoses in India, look no further. Let’s connect and discuss how we can help