Why Does Hose Failure Matter?
Hose failures can lead to safety hazards, operational downtime, and expensive repairs. Understanding the most common causes—and how to prevent them—can help reduce risks and extend the life of your hoses.
Top Causes of Hose Failure & How to Avoid Them
1️⃣ Abrasion & External Damage
- Cause: Hoses rubbing against rough surfaces or sharp edges wear down quickly.
- Prevention:
✔ Use protective hose sleeves to prevent surface wear.
✔ Properly route hoses away from high-friction areas.
2️⃣ Improper Bend Radius
- Cause: Bending a hose too tightly restricts flow and weakens its structure.
- Prevention:
✔ Follow manufacturer bend radius guidelines to avoid kinks.
✔ Use hose supports and clamps to maintain proper curvature.
3️⃣ Extreme Temperatures
- Cause: High heat degrades materials, while extreme cold causes stiffness and cracking.
- Prevention:
✔ Use hoses designed for high or low temperature applications.
✔ Store hoses in controlled environments when not in use.
4️⃣ Pressure Surges & Overloading
- Cause: Spikes beyond rated pressure can cause sudden failure.
- Prevention:
✔ Install pressure regulators and choose hoses with proper pressure ratings.
✔ Gradually open and close valves to prevent shock surges.
5️⃣ Chemical Incompatibility
- Cause: Using the wrong hose for a chemical application leads to material degradation.
- Prevention:
✔ Always verify chemical compatibility before installation.
✔ Use specialized hoses for high-corrosion applications.
6️⃣ Poor Installation Practices
- Cause: Twisting, stretching, or incorrect fitting attachment leads to leaks and failure.
- Prevention:
✔ Train staff on proper hose installation techniques.
✔ Secure hoses correctly to prevent unnecessary strain.
Prevent Hose Failures with Proactive Maintenance
✔ Perform Routine Visual Inspections – Look for cracks, kinks, and leaks.
✔ Pressure Test Hoses Regularly – Identify weaknesses before failures occur.
✔ Replace Worn Hoses Before They Fail – Proactive replacement saves time and money.
Need a Hose Failure Analysis? Contact Capital Rubber today to improve the safety and reliability of your industrial hoses.