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May 17, 2016 4:19 PM CST
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Garden Ideas: Level 1
If you have purchased any garden hose with ALUMINUM end fittings/couplers, you should be aware there is a warning (small print) on the BACK of the package label that cautions users to remove the hose from the faucet and any attachments a minimum of 3 times a year! You should remove the couplings from ANY Brass connections as often as you can think of it (even if every time you use it). If you do not, the aluminum WILL FUSE to any brass connection!

This is a result of Galvanic Corrosion, a condition that occurs between two dissimilar metals pressed together (aluminum coupler (hose) to brass fitting (faucet). Aluminum and brass are far apart on the ‘dissimilar metals’ chart and will corrode/fuse quickly. The more water there is present, the faster the corrosion/fusing.

For instance, if connected to a brass ‘ball’ valve (a one-into-four splitter, for instance), and you let it connected too long, when you eventually use some channel lock pliers to get it off, the male end of the faucet will unscrew from the ball housing and the whole thing will pop off and the male faucet end will be stuck in the aluminum female coupler.

Even worse, if connected to a house hose bib, this fusing will cause a costly repair as the entire faucet body will have to be removed and a new one installed.

I discovered this problem myself by leaving an aluminum hose attached to a hose bib that had a one-into-four splitter for a couple of months. When I went to remove the hose, I had to use channel-lock pliers to get it off. As it came off, I didn't notice it was turning the brass male faucet end, not the aluminum female coupler. Suddenly, the whole thing popped off and water was shooting everywhere. Fortunately, turning off the main faucet saved the day. I shudder to think of what I would have had to do if it had been on the main valve (running to the house supply, turning off the water main, unsoldering the faucet body, getting a new one, soldering the new one in place, turning on the main again). Think about all that water going everywhere, digging a big hole in the ground!!!!

I would recommend wrapping 2-4 turns of Teflon tape around the male ends of any connection to help reduce fusing of the connection. Even better, remove the connection to both faucet and whatever you have at the other end after each use.

If you have recently purchased one of these hoses, return it (if you can) and get one with BRASS fittings. If you haven't purchased one, DON'T. If you have one beyond the return period, just keep it removed after use.

I'm trying to post to as many sources/forums as I can but, please, forward this everywhere you can to spread the word about these dangerous hoses.
Last edited by silvercbx May 17, 2016 4:20 PM Icon for preview
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May 18, 2016 10:06 AM CST
Name: Reine
Cleveland, Texas (Zone 9a)
On the 3rd day God created plants.
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Welcome! to NGA, silvercbx

Thank You! for the information Smiling
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May 22, 2016 10:48 AM CST
Name: Critter (Jill)
Frederick, MD (Zone 6b)
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Thanks! It's nice to learn from somebody else's mistake rather than my own, for a change!

Welcome!
We're all learners, doers, teachers.
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May 25, 2016 3:03 AM CST
Name: Bonnie Sojourner
Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a)
Magnolia zone
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Good to know! I do not have any aluminum connectors on my hoses but I would never have thought this would be a problem. I do leave my hoses hooked up until fall when I have to store them. This may have saved me from a huge mess in the future. Thanks for posting this information.
Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
Avatar for DeborahCady
Jun 25, 2016 10:15 AM CST

The hose's aluminum coupling appears to have fused to the spicket. A TeknorApex 75ft. hose not safe to drink water from (small print)!!! Really would like to remove!! According to TecknorApex, this hose is composed of recycled materials according to U.S. regulations for garden hoses.
Further observations before spicket and hose were removed: the hose is lined with industrial detergent to remove accumulated particles within the hose. This info from the Manufacturer by phone. Suds spew out when first turned on. Hose also is composed of oil based materials which leave oil slicks on all birdbaths, and I assume, on all vegetable plants. Sad
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