It’s no secret that hose clamps are great for DIY projects and small plumbing issues. But just because hose clamps can be used to stop a leaky pipe while you wait to call the plumber doesn’t mean they can be used for every project.
To save you time, effort, and frustration, here are a few things you should never use hose clamps for.
Never pair silicone and steel
Hose clamps are great for leaky pipes and hoses, but not all hoses are created equal. Soft-material hoses like silicone hoses can be sensitive to materials like stainless steel.
If you try to wrap a stainless steel hose clamp on a silicone hose to stop a leak, you’ll end up causing an even bigger problem. Steel clamps can damage the material of the hose and may tear the hose more or may even completely destroy it.
Hose clamps can’t seal off broken pipes
Sure, hose clamps can be used to fix a leak under your sink. But there’s a big difference between a leaky pipe and a broken pipe. That’s like trying to cover a gash with a bandaid.
As winter settles in for the long haul, frozen pipes become a bigger and more likely problem. Be sure your pipes are well insulated. And, if your pipes do burst this winter, call a plumber ASAP.
Remember that the right size is important
You can use hose clamps for crafting, but they’re hardware tools first and foremost. That means that you still need to be sure that you’re using the correct size when you’re using them to stop leaks or to connect a hose and a barb.
When you use the wrong size hose clamp, you can end up causing a lot of damage to the hose. There’s also the risk that the hose clamp won’t hold correctly and your efforts to fix the problem end up coming back to bite you.
Looking for stainless hose clamps?
Stainless hose clamps may not be the right choice for every project, but they can come in handy for certain emergencies. They come in a wide range of sizes. You just need to know which emergencies and which projects are compatible.
If you’re looking for hose clamps for plumbing problems or hose clamps for crafting, Hose Clamp Kings have what you need to get the job done. To learn more about our stainless hose clamps and other types of hose clamps, contact Hose Clamp Kings today.
