Author: Katie Fowler

Using a metal hose is the best option for indoor washing machines, outdoor gardening equipment, and more. They’re incredibly durable and can last for about 8.7 years, according to Saginaw Bay Underwriters. Metal hoses have quite a lifespan compared to rubber ones, which is one reason why many homeowners are making the switch. Unfortunately, not all metal hoses are foolproof. Below are three of the most common signs that indicate your metal hose is damaged and needs to be replaced immediately.

1. Leaks Near Drain Openings

A metal hose is commonly used to connect indoor washing machines to a water supply. They’re designed to prevent leaks and flooding. However, if your hose leaks at a connection site, it’s best to replace it. Leaks might indicate that the entire hose is compromised, which can be disastrous and lead to flooding. It’s better to replace the hose than take a chance if you find a leak.

2. Kinks and Deformities

Unlike rubber, metal hoses are designed to withstand stress and can be used in all kinds of industries. If you notice any deformities in your product, it’s time to consider replacing them with newer ones. Deformities include kinks, bubbles, and frayed metal braids. These deformities usually occur with age but can also signify a manufacturer defect. In either case, replace the hose with a new one to ensure all water reaches your laundry machine and prevent flooding.

3. Damaged Attachments

The attachments on your metal hose should fit snugly onto the water delivery system or another pipe fitting. Replace a metal hose if these attachments are loose or damaged. One sign that an attachment is damaged is if water leaks out when you shut the hose on or off. Large spurts usually occur due to increased pressure near the attachment. Fortunately, you can fix most attachment issues by using a simple washer. All you have to do is replace the cracked washer within the attachment. However, if this doesn’t solve the issue, consider purchasing a new metal hose with different attachments.

A metal hose is one of the most durable products on the market. However, they can still be prone to damage, wear and tear, and manufacturer defects. Remember the above tips and conduct regular inspections on your metal hoses. Contact Universal Metal Hose for all your metal hose needs!

If you’ve ever had a hose burst in your hand or kink up when trying to water your garden, you know how frustrating it can be. Hoses are an essential part of keeping your lawn and garden healthy, but they can also be a real pain to deal with. That’s where braided hoses come in. Braided hoses are made with an inner layer of reinforced yarn and an outer layer of flexible PVC. This construction makes them significantly more durable than traditional hoses and less likely to kink or burst. Apart from that, here are five other benefits of using braided hoses.

1. They’re More Flexible Than Other Hoses

One of the biggest advantages of braided hoses is that they’re much more flexible than traditional hoses. This means that you can more easily maneuver them into tight spaces and around obstacles. They’re also less likely to kink, which can cause damage to the hose and blockages in your water line.

2. They’re More Durable

Braided hoses are also more durable than other types of hoses. The tightly woven outer layer helps to protect the inner hose from damage and wear. This means that braided hoses can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. According to Franklin Mutual Insurance, braided metal hoses should be changed every five to eight years, though you may only need to change them when replacing an appliance.

3. They’re Available in a Wide Range of Sizes

Another advantage of braided hoses is that they’re available in a wide range of sizes. This means that you can find one that’s just the right size for your needs, whether you’re using it for a small garden or a large farm. Remember, size is not only measured in length but also in diameter. You can find hoses with diameters ranging from 3/8 inches to 3/4 inches if you look around online.

4. They Can Handle Higher Pressures

Braided hoses are also designed to handle higher pressures than other types of hoses. This is due to the construction of the hose, which includes multiple layers of reinforcement. The added durability means that braided hoses can be used for high-pressure washing and irrigation applications. To make corrugated hoses more pressure-resistant, stainless steel wire is braided over them. Note that they can either be single or double braided depending on the intended working pressure.

5. They Have a Wide Variety of Uses

Braided hoses can be used for various tasks, including watering plants, washing cars, and even cleaning gutters. This versatility makes them a great option for those who need a hose that can do it all.

If you’re in the market for a new hose, be sure to consider a braided option. Thanks to their flexibility, durability, and versatility, braided hoses offer a lot of advantages over traditional hoses. Need a durable braided hose? Call us today.

If you’re starting a small business, your impulse may be to have your products manufactured within the confines of your company. However, you may not be completely prepared for all of the processes that go into product manufacturing. There is much that manufacturing requires, and you are not obligated to make your products in-house. You could alternately choose a contract manufacturer, which would allow you to have your product manufacturing completed by a third party. With that being said, let’s look into some of the benefits of working with a third party when manufacturing products.

1. Safety

Product manufacturing involves the usage of complex pieces of equipment, as well as a good deal of training. If your employees are not well trained or experienced, there is a risk of injury during the manufacturing process. For example, according to OmegaFlex, their materials’ maximum working pressure should not exceed 25% of the nominal rated burst pressure after correcting is done for the application temperature. Generally, the safety factor is 4:1. These are issues that can go unnoticed unless you work with an experienced manufacturer.

2. Efficiency

Again, it can take time to ensure that your employees and machines are ready for manufacturing. This is time that could be spent focusing on other aspects of your business, or simply jumping to production. If you work with a third party, you can ensure that your production lines kick into gear much faster than they would otherwise.

3. Affordability

Another major reason why you should consider third-party product manufacturing is that it’s often more cost-efficient in the long term. You won’t have to invest in equipment, or, for that matter, permanent employees who have the training required for manufacturing purposes. Rather, you’ll just need to pay for services, and in some cases, the materials used (depending on the type of agreement you enter into).

4. Professionalism

Simply put, you’ll receive a better product at a faster rate if you work with a professional third-party provider. These providers know what they’re doing, and can achieve perfection faster than you would on your own. They won’t require trial and error, and you won’t have to worry about mistakes.

If you’re looking for materials to include in your processes, consider contacting Universal Hose and Braid. Our product manufacturing efforts are extensive and sure to suit whatever needs you have. Call us today to learn more!

It is critical that the proper metal hose assembly is selected for the required application. Many metal hoses look the same, but they are not. Therefore, it is essential that the right questions are asked, and features are considered when it comes to selecting the proper hose assembly.

Size

The size of the connection in diameter where the assembly is going to be installed is a necessary piece of information to get the proper fit.

Temperature

When the internal and external temperature to which the metal hose assembly is exposed goes up, the strength of the assembly and components decrease. If the temperature of the environment is unknown, a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit is assumed.

Application

The application is the configuration that the metal hose assembly is installed. The application includes the dimensions where the assembly must fit. Any movement that the assembly is going to experience also matters. If you do not know this, the correct hose type or length cannot be chosen.

Media

When discussing media, it refers to any chemicals the inside or outside of the hose may be exposed to. Therefore, knowing the type of media is important to ensure that the hose assembly is compatible with all of these chemicals.

Pressure

According to Precision Hose, a hose should be subjected to maximum pressure during testing because corrugation deformation occurs when the maximum pressure is exceeded. To determine the maximum rated test pressure, the maximum rated working pressure is multiplied by 150%.

End Fittings

It is essential that the fittings that will be needed are identified. This is critical to ensure that the end connections of the metal hose assembly where it fits into will be able to match up.

Dynamics

This refers to the speed at which the media will move through the metal hose assembly. If it has a high flow or abrasive material, it may cause failure.

When determining the appropriate metal hose assembly, it is critical that you know the answers to these questions to select the best assembly for your needs. Because all applications are different, considering type, size, alloy, length, and other factors is critical. These considerations must be for the entire configuration, such as hose and assembly components or expansion joints. If you need any assistance selecting the right metal hose assembly, call us today.

A flexible metal hose, also known as a corrugated metal hose, is available in various grades of industrial steel. It is a general-purpose industrial hose suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. It features a long service life, good corrosion properties, and high physical strength. The flexible metal hose is suitable for the transport of all kinds of liquids and gasses which are in a temperature range from -160°C to +700°C.

Customers looking for a manufacturing supplier need to consider several things before selecting a vendor:

Welding and Inspection Certifications

Many organizations require certification. As a customer, it is important to make sure that the manufacturer has the required certification. One of the most common certifications is ASME Section IX. This informs the customer that the welding process has resulted in an effective weld and that the welder is qualified to make that weld. Keep in mind that this is a requirement set by the customer. There are non-destructive tests such as x-rays and ultrasound that can be used to detect irregularities in the internal weld. The minimum requirement is a visual inspection.

Testing Methods

Customers require that certain tests be performed on the flexible metal hose. NAHAD standards require an air-under-water test. The hose is held underwater for up to one minute. This test is used to determine if there are any leaks that could be due to improper welding.

According to numerous sources, the maximum working pressure, after correction of application temperature, should not exceed 25% of the nominal rated burst pressure. The safety factor is generally given as 4:1. This means that, while testing your metal hose, you should be sure never to exceed this pressure.

The Difference Between Hydroforming and Mechanical Forming

The tube is first made as a flat strip. Then it is rolled and welded into a tube. The omega shape is created by running the tubing through a corrugator. In hydroforming, water is used to press the tubing radially outward. Mechanical forming, on the other hand, uses metal tools that stretch the metal to create the omega shape.

These factors play an important role in the quality of the product produced by the manufacturer and the degree of satisfaction or dissatisfaction that the customer may experience when purchasing the product. Speak to one of the qualified technicians at Universal Metal Hose today to find out if a flexible metal hose meets all industry standards. Having been in the industry for nearly 80 years, we will be able to tell you if a product is right for you.