How to Properly Store and Care for Your DE Marine Hoses and Accessories
DE Marine washdown hoses, crafted with durable polyurethane, are designed for marine environments. They're lightweight, chemical and UV resistant, kink resistant, and non-marring, ideal for boats and docks. But to maximize their lifespan, these hoses and their connection pieces require proper care and storage. Here's how to keep them in top shape season after season.
1. Rinse & Clean After Every Use
Marine hoses often pick up salt, chemicals, fuel, and organic matter. After each outing:
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Flush thoroughly with fresh water
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If exposed to oils or fuels, clean with a mild marine soap
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Let hoses fully drain and dry before coiling
Proper cleaning prevents material degradation and fungal growth.
2. Inspect Frequently
Before and after each use, check for:
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Abrasions, cuts, or blisters in the hose cover
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Sharp bends, kinks, or flattened sections
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Loose or corroded fittings and damaged gaskets
Visual checks should be performed regularly with full inspection every 6 months.
3. Pressure-Test Periodically
Every six months, perform a hydrostatic test at about 1.5 times the hose’s rated working pressure. Look for leaks, bulges, or internal damage after depressurizing.
4. Store Properly
Heat, ozone, sunlight, and pests can degrade hoses. Store them by:
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Coiling loosely with no sharp bends
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Keeping indoors or in shaded spaces, ideally between 50–100 °F (10–38 °C)
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Avoiding piles that crush hoses
Rotate hoses periodically if unused to avoid deformation.
5. Care for Connection Pieces
Caring for couplers, inserts, and nozzles is just as important:
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Rinse fittings after use to remove salt and debris
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Inspect threads, seals, and shut-off valves for wear or corrosion
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Replace worn gaskets
- Ensure all components disconnect and reconnect smoothly
These steps help maintain reliable, leak-free connections.
6. Use Them Right
To avoid premature wear:
- Avoid excessive bending or pulling by the fittings
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Stay within rated temperature and pressure limits
Exceeding limits can compromise resilience.
Caring for your DE Marine hoses and accessories isn’t just good maintenance, it’s a safety imperative. A well-kept hose stays reliable and leak-free, saving you time and money over the seasons. Your DE Marine hoses are built to last, but they rely on your care. Clean, inspect, test, store smart, and educate your crew. With a little proactive attention, your gear will be seaworthy and ready when you are.
About DE Marine:
Their washdown hoses feature lightweight polyurethane construction. They’re kink and abrasion resistant, chemical and UV resistant, and non-marring. Ideal for tight spaces aboard, with lengths ranging from 15 to 75 ft and a durable spray nozzle that shuts off fully when disconnected.