Repair Kits for Rubber Hoses
What Your Kit Should Contain
Almost all of the supplies in your kit can be purchased at a local hardware store for a very low price. First on your list should be black electrical tape. This tape will allow you to patch small holes and possibly mark a hole if it needs more dramatic repair. Also handy to have is a permanent marker which can also be used to mark the hole. Your kit should contain several washers, which can be used on a spigot if it is leaking. Replacing washers is often the easiest way to fix a leaky hose. Your kit should also contain a coupling or two, to attach to the end of the hose if the current coupling cracks or begins to leak. Installing this coupling is a very simple procedure. You kit should also contain several menders. Menders are what you are probably going to use most often. Along with the menders, your kit should have some thick scissors or garden shears. These are used to cut the sides outside of a hole. Once the sides have been cut, simply attach the end pieces to the mender and your hose will work as good as new! Another handy thing to keep in your kit is a set of plugs. Plugs work great in small holes until they can be properly patched.
Storing Your Kit and Hose
When you are through using your hose, whether it be for the day or the season, it is very important to store it properly. This same rule applies to your repair kit. Coil your hose and preferably hang it on a hook on a wall, keeping it off of the ground. If this is not possible, store your hose in a container. This will keep rodents from getting to your hose and chewing small holes in it. It is also important, especially if you are storing your hose for the winter, to make sure that all of the water has been drained out. Leftover water can freeze, causing cracks in the hose.