How can I check my garden hose for blockage? (bug, snake, spring)
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I have this long hose (30 ft?). It is a nice, quality hose not one of those thin kinky ones or those gimmicky ones that shrink up. I can't get any good water pressure when I hook up my sprinkler to it. I'm thinking there is some sort of dead bug in there that's preventing water from flowing efficiently. Last year, I got a really good stream when I used this hose/sprinkler. Also, there are no leaks in the hose.
I have this long hose (30 ft?). It is a nice, quality hose not one of those thin kinky ones or those gimmicky ones that shrink up. I can't get any good water pressure when I hook up my sprinkler to it. I'm thinking there is some sort of dead bug in there that's preventing water from flowing efficiently. Last year, I got a really good stream when I used this hose/sprinkler. Also, there are no leaks in the hose.
Any tips? Google didn't help.
If you can drop something small through it, perhaps a ball bearing and see if it comes out the other end that might work. I know when my central vac (which is long, but not as long as your hose) is plugged, I drop a nickel in it to see if it comes out. If it does, no obstruction. If it doesn't, I hook another vac (my shop vac) up to it and suck whatever is in there out (usually pet hair). I suggested a ball bearing because I can't think of anything (except maybe a dime) that would go through without getting stuck itself! Maybe a metal 'nut' would work also. Something small, but heavy/metal.
Also, it may be the actual sprinkler. Found this (read toward the end):
My hose was blocked the first time I used it this spring but it was actually the sprinkler - it has a little screen on it that was getting blocked by debris coming from the hose. Obviously the hose worked fine when the sprinkler wasn't attached and all was good when I cleaned out the sprinkler screen. But you've probably already checked that out....
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by reneeh63
My hose was blocked the first time I used it this spring but it was actually the sprinkler - it has a little screen on it that was getting blocked by debris coming from the hose. Obviously the hose worked fine when the sprinkler wasn't attached and all was good when I cleaned out the sprinkler screen. But you've probably already checked that out....
Yes, if the hose is fine without the sprinkler, it's the sprinkler that has some blockage in it. Either the screen or even a buildup of minerals on the inside, reducing the size of the holes.
I have this long hose (30 ft?). It is a nice, quality hose not one of those thin kinky ones or those gimmicky ones that shrink up. I can't get any good water pressure when I hook up my sprinkler to it. I'm thinking there is some sort of dead bug in there that's preventing water from flowing efficiently. Last year, I got a really good stream when I used this hose/sprinkler. Also, there are no leaks in the hose.
Any tips? Google didn't help.
Plumbers snake. Might cost you a little bit but nice to have around to unblock some drains as well..
If you can get good pressure without the sprinkler but you can't get good pressure when you hook up the sprinkler then it's the sprinkler that has a problem, not the hose.
Well a fish tape could help test for clogs. Good idea is ...anytime you've left an end of your hose open for an extended time hook your hose up to water supply and turn it on before installing a sprinkler or nozzle on the other end.
Maybe try a air compressor. Blast some air in on one end. Hopefully whatever is blocking will come out, hopefully not get lodged in tighter. Maybe whatever is blocking needs a good soak. Pour some Dawn dish soap in add a little water and let sit... Lately Dawn for some reason has been my go to if all else fails.
Just buy a new hunk of hose. They don't cost so much that you want to waste a day trying to diagnose. But first, as others have said, see if the blockage is the sprinkler. Some have a screen at the hose connection, but many don't. The nozzles just get clogged.
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