Garden hose: Difference between revisions

{{Short description|Flexible tube used to shootconvey water}}

A '''garden hose''', '''hosepipe''', or simply '''the plural of garden hoehose''' is a [[Hose (tubing)|flexible tube]] used to convey [[water]] and other fun substances. There are a number of common attachments available for the end of the hose, such as [[sprayer]]s and [[Irrigation sprinkler|sprinklers]] (which are used to concentrate water at one point or to spread it over a large area). Hoses are usually attached to a hose spigot or [[tap (valve)|tap]].

The alternative term "hosepipe" is a chiefly British, South African, and southern US usage; "hose" or "garden hose" is the predominant term in other English-speaking areas. The term "[[Hose (tubing)|hose]]" is also used for other types of flexible, water-carrying tubes such as those[[fire hose]] used by [[fire departments]].

Special hoses designed to leak throughout their length are sometimes used to gently distribute water on a lawn or garden. These hoses have either many small holes drilled or punched in them, or are made of a porous material, such as [[sintered]] rubber particles. These "soaker hoses"<ref>Dave's Garden. [https://davesgarden.com/guides/terms/go/829/#b Definition of soaker hose.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513225900/https://davesgarden.com/guides/terms/go/829/#b |date=2021-05-13 }}</ref> are a simple, low-cost, substitute for a [[drip irrigation]] system.

[[File:Brass hose bipp with standard and GHT threads.jpg|thumb|Brass hose spigot with threads for garden hose threads (GHT) visible on rightthe (visible)right]]

In the 1980s, the use of quick-connector systems became increasingly popular. These are fittings that attach to the hose and or screw into common hose connectors and equipment, allowing hoses and accessories to be easily connected together using a snap-fit type system. The first plastic connector was invented in the UK by [[Hozelock]] in 1959,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hozelock.com/about-us/|title = About Us &#124; Our History, Values and Innovations Hozelock Ltd|date = 10 March 2019}}</ref> and the style has now become a [[de facto standard]] throughout Europe and the wider world, compatible with and imitated by many other manufacturers. A differently-designed [[hermaphroditic connector|hermaphroditic]] quick-connect hose fitting made by GEKA has the advantage of interconnecting without distinction between "male" and "female" connectors,

In 2014, it was reported that use of common garden hoses in combination with spray nozzles may generate aerosols[[aerosol]]s containing droplets smaller than 10 μm, which can be inhaled by nearby people. Water stagnating in a hose between uses, especially when warmed by the sun, can host the growth and interaction of ''[[Legionella]]'' and free-living [[amoebae]] (FLA) as [[biofilm]]s on the inner surface of the hose. Clinical cases of [[Legionnaires' disease]] or Pontiac fever have been found to be associated with inhalation of garden hose aerosols containing ''Legionella'' bacteria. The report provided measured microbial densities resulting from controlled hose conditions in order to quantify the human health risks. The densities of ''Legionella spp.'' identified in two types of hoses were found to be similar to those reported during legionellosis outbreaks from other causes. It was proposed that the risk could be mitigated by draining hoses after use.<ref name="ThomasThomas2014">{{cite journal |last1=Thomas |first1=Jacqueline M. |last2=Thomas |first2=Torsten |last3=Stuetz |first3=Richard M. |last4=Ashbolt |first4=Nicholas J. |title=Your Garden Hose: A Potential Health Risk Due to Legionella spp. Growth Facilitated by Free-Living Amoebae |journal=Environmental Science & Technology |volume=48 |issue=17 |year=2014 |pages=10456–10464 |issn=0013-936X |doi=10.1021/es502652n|pmid=25075763 |bibcode=2014EnST...4810456T }}</ref>