Industrial Hose: Which Material is Best for Water?

Industrial hose attached to machinery
Choose the right industrial hose for your application.

Industrial hose helps transfer a variety of media in many different types of processes. Hose, also sometimes known as tubing, can transport liquids and solids for many industrial purposes. One common type of media that hoses transfer is water. Obviously water is used in many different applications. It’s often used for cooling, cleaning, and mixing with various substances like pharmaceuticals or cosmetics. Industrial water hoses are not your average garden hose – they must withstand harsh environments and processes. As such, it’s critical to choose the correct hose for your needs. In this article, we’ll discuss two really popular options: rubber and PVC hose. 

If you need industrial hose or accessories, contact our team now for assistance. 

What is the Best Industrial Hose Material for Water?

Choosing the correct industrial hose is critical for any application. When it comes to choosing the right hose, it’s important to consider several things. For instance, one is the environment that the hose will be in. However, potentially the most important thing to consider is the media the hose will transfer. If you need a water hose or tubing, then there are several potential hose materials that may work well (and several that won’t). Keep in mind that water commonly causes rust and corrosion, so it may not be a good choice to use an industrial metal hose. Instead, you  need a hose made of a material that works well with water. 

Once you know which hose materials work well with water, then you can narrow the choices down based on other aspects. For example, the temperature of the water that will flow through the hose and where the hose will be located. 

Two really common options for industrial water hoses are rubber and PVC hoses. Here are some of the differences between the two: 

When to Use Rubber Industrial Hose

Rubber hoses are a popular option for industrial water hoses for a few reasons. One is that rubber is pretty hydrophobic and quite flexible. It also tends to last quite a long time. It’s important to note here that many rubber hoses are actually made of neoprene, rather than natural rubber. There are a few reasons for this. One is that it lasts longer than natural rubber. It also maintains flexibility at a larger range of temperatures. It’s even commonly used in aquatic materials like wetsuits because of this. 

As such, it can be a really good option if you need an industrial hose for transferring water. Rubber hoses are quite flexible and inexpensive. However, they can also stand up to more extreme temperatures than many other options, including PVC. Use these types of hoses when water will be hotter or colder than ambient temperatures. Also, you can use neoprene hoses in outdoor applications, as it is UV resistant. 

When to Use Industrial PVC Hose

An industrial PVC hose can also work well for water transfer applications. PVC is a common material and it’s very economical. Therefore, it’s one of the go-to choices for hoses of all kinds. Of course, it’s not well-suited for all applications. When it comes to water, PVC can work well for transferring water. After all, it’s often used in home plumbing systems and can also be the ideal option for an industrial water hose. This plastic material works well for applications where water is close to ambient temperatures, meaning that it’s not extremely hot or cold. High temperatures can cause the material to degrade, become brittle, and even give off chemicals that can leach into the water. They also need to stay indoors, as UV rays can damage PVC. However, it’s a great option if you want a cost-effective hose so long as your application fits these parameters. 

Hose and Tubing Solutions from J.W. Roberts

If you need hose solutions for your industrial applications, contact our experts at J.W. Roberts. We are a top supplier of trusted industrial hose brands. Since 1973, we’ve been helping you get the right hose for your needs. For expert support, quick delivery, and cost-effective prices, contact us now!