Patching softwash hose. - Certified SoftWash Roof Cleaning

Ryan Harder · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Patching softwash hose.

Troy Layman · Lead Tech

Hey there Ryan,

That pinhole sounds like a pain. Not really sure of a permanent fix without splicing. If you don't get an answer here maybe contact a sales rep or the manufacturer directly and see what they suggest?

I'm sure you can find stronger SH than 10.5. I was told to try Univar (if I spelled that correctly), and you could also check out local farm supply stores or pressure washing dealers. Being in Florida, I'm sure people can probably give you several locations with 12.5 or better so you can use less SH per job and cut down trips to the pool store. Wish I had more to offer myself.

John Aloisio · SoftWash Systems 5-Star Professional

Ryan,

if the hole is within 20-30' from the wand, just cut it and reattach the wand. But if not, you will have an issue. I would not personally splice a chem hose anywhere. You are creating a weak point and a point where it can constantly snag on Things. It already sounds like you know it is causing damage to plants and grass, so you need to replace it ASAP. I would avoid any further headaches and problems and just order new hose and replace it. 300' of poly braided is about 100-150 bucks at most. I just change mine out before a larger issues arises.

You should be okay with the SH not going stale for a couple weeks if it is not mixed into a batch and kept out of the elements inside. The sun will degrade it rapidly. With all the pool companies in Florida you shoukd be able to find some stronger SH as well, just might need to expand your search.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Ryan,

As John said the SH should be OK for a week. Just dont overbuy. Maybe if you are doing smaller levels of production try augmenting with CH or using CH all together.

The pin hole,

1. What kind of hose is it? Clear braid or yellow PCO hose?
2. Where is the pinhole in the line? Feet from wand.

Something we do is rinse our hose out every night with Bleach Wash finishing soap. I also often keep a rag with Armorall in it and wind the hose through it treating it every few days.

Thanks,

AC

Ryan Harder · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

The hole is approximately 50 feet from the wand and it's the clear braided hose. I clean out my hose with Bleach Wash at the end of every days use and hose down my rig with it also.

Here in SW Florida I have multiple places I can buy SH from but I never thought to look for a higher percentage of SH. I've just been going to the closest pool supply to the shop. If I could get a week plus out of it I may have more supply options in bulk purchases.

Thanks again for your help.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Ryan Harder wrote:
The hole is approximately 50 feet from the wand and it's the clear braided hose. I clean out my hose with Bleach Wash at the end of every days use and hose down my rig with it also.
Here in SW Florida I have multiple places I can buy SH from but I never thought to look for a higher percentage of SH. I've just been going to the closest pool supply to the shop. If I could get a week plus out of it I may have more supply options in bulk purchases.
Thanks again for your help.

Check out Golden Gate Supply. They have 12.5% SH.

Your going to have ti just trim it out. Watch rolling up your hose on the pavement. It will cause the pin holes quickly.

AC

Ray Burke · Community Member

Get a double barb hose mender kit for that size hose. Should be able to pick one up at Tractor Supply

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

If you have the SWS rig then there is 300 ft on there. Cut back to the hole and reconnect your wand. That will give you 250 ft still to work with. Or just order another 300 ft of 1/2 clear braid and call it a day. Pretty easy fix.

Jesse Bracken · Junior Member

if you don't want to replace the hose and would rather not chop off 50' do like Ray said. But before you push your chem hose together on the barb run 6" or so of latex hose on one side then slip the latex hose over your repair. That will give you added strength and protect against abrasion. Home Depot has latex hose just figure out what size you need...

Jess

Chad Eneix · SoftWash Systems Authorized Professional

Also, regardless of which fix you do, flip the hose around on the reel. Connect the more worn end to the reel, and use the fresh end. You will get more life out of the fresh end and hopefully not just spring another leak right away. Then, when you wear out the fresh end, you have gotten the most life out of the hose you can.

ron webber · Freshmen Member

where is the place to get 300 ft of braided hose? Just starting out and can only find 100 ft.

Michael Derose · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Call the powerwashstore.com direct and they will get it out to you in 3 days or less.

ron webber · Freshmen Member

thanks.

AC Lockyer · Administrator

Chad Eneix wrote:
Also, regardless of which fix you do, flip the hose around on the reel. Connect the more worn end to the reel, and use the fresh end. You will get more life out of the fresh end and hopefully not just spring another leak right away. Then, when you wear out the fresh end, you have gotten the most life out of the hose you can.

GREAT TIP!

Mark Fermoyle · Lead Tech Certified

Chad Eneix wrote:
Also, regardless of which fix you do, flip the hose around on the reel. Connect the more worn end to the reel, and use the fresh end. You will get more life out of the fresh end and hopefully not just spring another leak right away. Then, when you wear out the fresh end, you have gotten the most life out of the hose you can.

GREAT advice, Chad!!

Brandon Vaughn · SoftWash Systems Pro Staff

Chad Eneix wrote:
Also, regardless of which fix you do, flip the hose around on the reel. Connect the more worn end to the reel, and use the fresh end. You will get more life out of the fresh end and hopefully not just spring another leak right away. Then, when you wear out the fresh end, you have gotten the most life out of the hose you can.

Thanks for the tip Chad! Read that and said "oh yeah, duh" - but never thought of it.

Ryan Harder · SoftWash Systems Certified Applicator

Thank You for all your help everyone. I patched the hose with a barb and wrapped it with some lock-tite tape to help protect it. The hole wasn't as far in as I thought so I spun the hose around on the reel 180 degrees putting the wand on the newer end and I was back in business. The patched part hardly comes of the reel. Thanks again for all your help. This is a great forum.