Tips for the Household Plumber

Heavy duty hose clamps stainless steel

Though many plumbing issues in your home may require the skill of a professional emergency plumber, some minor issues can be handled by a weekend warrior with the right tools and a little bit of knowledge. If there is a plumbing issue in your home that you want to tackle on your own, you will need some basic knowledge about different types of plumbing equipment. This article will help to make sure you know everything you need to about hose clamps, hop over to here for further information about plumbing.
1) What is a hose clamp? Hose clamps are used to attach and create a seal between a hose and a fitting, such as a barb or nipple. Hose clamps make sure that there is no leakage from hose connections and help the whole plumbing unit work.
2) What types of hose clamps are there? Hose clamps can be made in a variety of fashions, including spring clamps, wire hose clamps, and worm gear clamps. Different clamps fulfill different purposes. In addition to the different types, you can also find a variety of sizes and materials in hose clamps. Depending on the need of your project, you may need a wire hose clamp, a stainless steel hose clamp, or even a heavy duty hose clamp. You will want to make sure you do your research about which hose clamp you need because the wrong size or quality hose clamp can lead to leaking issues and cause things like gas or liquid to escape into your home. No one wants that.
3) How do hose clamps work? Each type of hose clamp works a bit differently, but in general, a hose clamp works by being screwed onto whatever it is fastening. A wire hose clamp is made into a U shape from a heavy piece of wire.
4) How do I know what size I need? Measure the outside of the item you are fitting. Use this measurement to make sure that the clamp you need accommodates this size and it falls within the minimum to maximum range listed on the clamp.
5) Are there other uses for clamps? Yes! In addition to being used in more traditional plumbing settings, hose clamps can make excellent zip ties or replace duct tape. These little clamps can definitely help with big jobs around your home.

Understanding the world of hose clamps is an important first step in becoming a proficient home plumber. The next time you visit the hardware store and stare at the clamp section a bit confused, just remember the facts above and you will have no problem finding the clamp that is right for your job.

3 Questions You Probably Have About Hose Clamps, Answered

Automotive hose clamps

If you’re just starting to get into doing your own work on a house or car, there are probably a lot of unfamiliar pieces of equipment you’ll be getting acquainted with. One that you probably have never heard of before — but are almost sure to come across — is a hose clamp.

What Are Hose Clamps?

Hose clamps are simply devices used to attach a hose onto a fitting and ensure a proper seal. Your typical garden hose has a metal head threaded such that it can be screwed onto a spigot. But in most situations, hoses are attached with clamps (also called jubilee clips).

Common applications for hose clamps fall into both plumbing and automotive fields, and can be used to secure hoses that direct the flow of either water or air. For example, a hose clamp might be used on a radiator, or on a hose used to temporarily replace a broken pipe.

What Types of Hose Clamps Are Available?

There’s a hose clamp for basically any job. They come in many sizes, all the way from extra large to mini hose clamps, and can be made of plastic, stainless steel or silicone. Normally, you’ll find the rough size based on the hose or pipe diameter (measured in millimeters) and then tighten it in place.

Certain kinds provide a heavier-duty seal than others, but hose clamps should generally be used for projects with moderate pressure. If you have any doubts, you should always ask a professional for help, since you don’t want water pressure to overcome the clamp and then make a mess in your home or under the hood of your car.

How Can Hose Clamps Be Removed?

If you’re trying to repair something on which a hose is stuck, you should always use a hose clamp removal tool, since cutting a slit in the hose (thinking that you’ll need to replace it anyway) can scratch the barb on which it’s fitted and cause a leak — even once you’ve replaced the hose and secured it with a new clamp.

Do you have any specific suggestions on when to use large vs. mini hose clamps, standard vs. high pressure hose clamps, and so forth? Share your expertise in the comments!