5 Maintenance Tips to Make Your Industrial or Hydraulic Hose Last and Reduce Downtime

Each hose has an expected lifespan, but there are many factors that can either shorten or maintain the longevity of your hoses. You rely on hydraulic and industrial hoses for operation. That’s why it’s crucial that they work efficiently and keep things running smoothly. To catch hose issues before they turn into big inconveniences, here are 5 tips to help maintain your hydraulic and industrial hose.  

1. Track Your Industrial Hose’s Lifecycle 

One of the first things to ask your manufacturer or supplier about upon your purchase is the expected lifespan and frequency of inspections. Each hose will be different, so it is important to tailor tune-ups to them individually to make sure they work efficiently as possible. Having an idea of when you will need to be scheduling inspections is the best way to avoid severe damage and maintain a properly running hydraulic or industrial hose. These regular inspections will help to note any changes, increase in damage, and to analyze performance. This will give you better insight on hose longevity. 

2. Regular Visual Inspection of Hoses & Assemblies

As mentioned above, regularly inspecting industrial and hydraulic hoses  for damage or signs of unusual performance will be a major part in preserving your hose’s lifespan. Before inspecting, it is important to have a list of signs of deterioration to look for. Some of these signs may include:

• Leaks 
• Fitting displacements
• Signs of cracks and corrosion in fittings
• Signs of cracks, charred surfaces, or unusual stiffness
• Crushed or twisted parts of the hose
• Cuts, abrasions, blisters, or cracks to covers
• Soft or degraded covers 

3. Hose Functionality Tests

It is important to test each hose system by operating at its maximum rated working pressure. This will be the best way to check for leaks or other potential problems. When testing, be sure to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid injury due high-pressure contact. 

4. Prevent Contamination

Proper sanitation before assembling equipment, or when disassembling, is a crucial part of maintaining the lifespan of the hose. Unwanted debris that is carried through the tube can wear away its interior and lead to failure. While dirt does not harm the hose, it can create problems within the valves , cylinders or pumps. 

5. Keep Spare Hoses and Assemblies

Don’t let malfunctions slow down your production process. Taking the time to know what parts are necessary to keep on hand will save time and money in the long run. Refer to the lifespan tracking of your hoses to know what may need replacing and be ready in case something goes wrong.  

Work With an Industry Professional for your Industrial Hose Needs

Taking the simple yet necessary steps above will prevent downtime and keep your equipment at optimal performance. Whether it’s tracking the lifecycle and scheduling inspections or maintaining proper sanitation, all of these steps will help with the efficiency you need for your best operation. Our industrial hose experts at GT Southwest Hose can help you get the right hoses for your operation. We’re your go-to source for all your industrial hose needs. From kitting, hose testing, hose repairs and replacements, custom hose fabrication, and more GT makes it EZ! If you have questions or need an expert opinion on hydraulic or industrial hose maintenance, contact our certified hoes experts today by phone or by filling out our contact form.