A rubber hose, also called rubber tubing, is a hollow tube used to carry fluids and gases from one location to another. Some industries that use rubber hoses are the aerospace, chemical, food processing, medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Rubber hoses are available in materials such as natural rubber (based on polyisoprene) and synthetic rubber (like silicone, polyurethane, polysulfide and polyisobutylene). Different materials suit different applications. Depending on your application need, you can buy rubber hoses with special features such as conductive, explosion-proof, spark-resistant, sterilized, spiraled or corrugated rubber hoses.

Some important parameters you must consider before purchasing rubber hoses are:

1. Fluid pressure
2. Chemical compatibility of the hose material with the fluid
3. Rate of flow
4. Fluid temperature
5. Other operating environment, for example, degree of humidity and alkalinity
6. Dimensions of the rubber hose : inside diameter, outside diameter and length

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy rubber hoses from reputable rubber hose manufacturers

Once you understand your requirements, evaluate standard rubber hoses available on the market.

I recommend: Watteredge is a reputable manufacturer of industrial rubber hose for the food processing, chemicals and marine industry. FlexTechnologies provides a high performance silicone rubber hose for the transportation, automotive, marine and pharmaceutical industries. You can also check out a range of natural rubber hoses for sale at Atlantic Rubber Company.

Buy a rubber hose from distributors or retailers

At retailers' websites, you can compare products from various rubber hose suppliers based on product features and prices. You can ask for a discount when ordering in bulk.

I recommend: Check out rubber hoses for sale at Jason Industrial, a one-stop solution for your rubber hose requirements. Ace Hose & Rubber Company is a distributor of a variety of rubber hoses such as marine rubber exhaust hoses, fire hoses, food hoses, chemical hoses and automotive hoses. General Rubber & Plastics is another reputable rubber hose supplier that offers rubber hoses from Good Year.

Purchase rubber hose fittings and accessories

Use proper fittings and accessories to obtain optimal performance from the system.

I recommend: Green Leaf is a reputable manufacturer of fittings for rubber garden hoses. US Rubber Supply is another manufacturer that sells fittings like hose couplings, air hose fittings and clamps. Abbott Rubber offers suction and discharge hose accessories, air hose couplings and other special purpose accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use proper equipment, such as hose reels, valves, adapters and hose crimpers, for connecting your rubber hoses.
• •  Install leak detectors with your rubber hoses to avoid leakage.
• •  For applications in the pharmaceutical, beverage and food industries, make sure your hose supplier provides FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved hoses.