Living in the RV is quite an adventurous choice. Nowadays, the developed world is seeing more and more adults choosing this way of living instead of the traditional houses. Along with this trend, the need for garden hoses that can deliver drinking water safely is also increasing.
Having a drinking water safe garden hose can ensure you a reliable medium of providing water regularly without the fear of contamination. It is undeniably a necessity for everyone living in the RV including kids and pets. So let us show you how to choose the best drinking water safe garden hose for your family.
Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose Buying Guide
You can only buy a good drinking water safe garden hose, when you know the details about this. Things to keep in mind before buying this type of hose:
Length
Even though the length is not something one usually thinks about too much before purchasing products, it happens to be one of the most important factors of buying a drinking safe garden hose.
If you are going to be using it to water your plants, measure the longest distance between your plant and the water supply. This way, your chosen hose will never be too short to reach the furthest plants.
These tubes can be anywhere between only 3 feet and a whopping 100 feet. Other most common options include 4, 5, 10, 25, 35, 50 and 75 feet. We recommend not investing in a hose longer than necessary since that can reduce the water pressure.
Diameter
By diameter, garden hose enthusiasts basically refer to the inner diameter of the tubes. The standard measurement for this is ⅝ inch because it can ensure an ideal balance between water flow and water pressure.
Other common diameter sizes include ½ inch and ¾ inch which are better suited for lighter tasks like watering small gardens and hanging baskets at home. It can be as large as 1 inch but that is more suitable for industrial applications.
No Kink
In the world of hoses, the term kink means how the tube can get bent at right angles causing it to get wrapped at its weakest points. This in turn affects the water flow and almost stops it altogether.
So, naturally, you would want to get your hands on a hose that is free from kinking to ensure an unhindered flow of water to your target area.
Weather Resistance
If you plan to use the hose outdoors, make sure that it is constructed to handle the weather conditions of your area. Be it summer or winter, the drinking water safe hose should be able to withstand it without affecting its water flow and pressure.
Water Pressure
Understandably, the amount of water pressure your garden hose can take will play a major role in your ultimate decision. The ones with a lower quality can only handle about 200 PSI whereas the better ones can withstand as much as 650 PSI. For residential applications, it should be 350 PSI or higher.
Toxin-Free
Since the hose you are looking for is supposed to be safe for drinking water, it should definitely be free of toxins that can later contaminate the water. This means, the hose should not have lead, phthalate or BPA.
It is better to go for a non-toxic garden hose that has been certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).
The 7 Best Drinking Water Safe Garden Hose
Make your drinking safe garden hose user experience better, here we have represented the best 7 products:
Flexzilla HFZG550YW Garden Lead-In Hose
Portraying a distinct shade of green, this garden hose from Flexzilla comes in a wide variety of sizes. Among their seven available sizes, you can get it in the length of 3 feet, 5 feet, 10 feet, 25 feet, 50 feet, 75 feet or 100 feet. Therefore, no matter how big or small your garden is, you can find a match from this range.
It is made from a special hybrid polymer that boosts flexibility. You will find it easy to bend around common obstacles like trees and bushes. Because of its zero memory, the sprinkler can stay stable without the need to be twisted and will not kink under pressure. So packing it up will be a lot easier than usual.
Along with being flexible with positions, it can also stay put in any weather. You can use it without worries in all temperatures including sub-zero. The hose has been built to withstand extreme weather conditions where the temperature can be anywhere from -40°F to 140°F.
Moreover, it can last a long time because of the crush-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum fittings and the abrasion-resistant outer cover. It prevents leaks with superior O-rings and the lead-free materials keep the running water safe for drinking. This lightweight garden hose is also quite affordable.
Pros:
- Comes in seven sizes between 3 feet and 100 feet
- Made from a special polymer that boosts flexibility
- Works equally well in all temperatures including sub-zero
- The outer cover is abrasion-resistant for higher durability
- Anodized aircraft aluminum fittings are crush resistant
Cons:
- Can grow black mold after use of a few months
Camco TastePURE Premium Drinking Water Hose
The shiny and vibrant hose from Camco has several noteworthy features which set it apart from other choices. For instance, compared to the standard garden hoses used for drinking water, the Camco TastePURE hose is 20% thicker.
Because of its heavy-duty construction, you can rest assured that it will not break so easily. Such thick hoses are less prone to cracking or breaking down compared to the thinner designs.
Unfortunately, this thickness also means that it will not be as flexible as the slimmer hoses. But if you opt for the longer options, this will not be an issue since you will get enough room to move them.
All things considered, TastePURE premium drinking water safe garden hose measuring 50 feet or longer can get you the best of both durability and convenience.
Another reason for its long lifespan is being made from UV stabilized PVC which means it can sustain degradation from ultraviolet rays.
Having a ⅝ inch inner diameter, it can balance the flow and pressure of water without being too heavy on your hands.
Moreover, its anti-kink design adds to the durability by incorporating strain relief and machined fittings. Since this NSF-certified hose is free from BPA, lead and phthalate, you will not taste any plastic while drinking the water and be safe from potential health hazards.
Pros:
- 20% thicker than usual hoses for drinking water
- The heavy-duty structure is free from lead and BPA
- Higher durability because of machined fittings
- Has a longer lifespan due to UV stabilized material
- The NSF-certified hose also has an anti-kink design
Cons:
- Not as flexible as the thinner hoses
Aqua Joe Hybrid Polymer Garden Hose Drinking Water Safe
Similar to the previous product, this hose from Aqua Joe also comes with an inner diameter of ⅝ inch. Even though bigger diameters would enable the hose to carry more water, this particular dimension actually helps to balance the water flow and pressure without jeopardizing its maneuverability due to being too heavy.
It can be found in a total of four sizes where the length varies from 3 feet to 100 feet. The 3-ft and 5-ft hoses are categorized as Professional, whereas the 50-ft and 100-ft ones fall under the label of Premium.
Regardless of the size, they are all made from a rugged, flexible and high-density hybrid polymer material that can combine all the finest features you may need from a drinking safe garden hose.
You will get the maximum durability from it since the hose has been designed to keep abrasion and kink at bay. Its lightweight structure is easy to maneuver around obstacles such as corners, plants and trees. So you will be able to use it in your garden without too much struggle.
Because of the heavy-duty end grips, the water flow remains unrestricted and safe from getting twisted at the tap. This sturdy high-pressure weather-resistant premium drinking water safe garden hose is also free from BPA, phthalate and lead.
Pros:
- Available in four sizes ranging from 3 ft to 100 ft
- Made from rugged high-density hybrid polymer
- ⅝ inch inner diameter for balanced water flow
- High-pressure, kink-free and abrasion-resistant
- Safe to use as it’s free from BPA, lead and phthalate
Cons:
- Aluminum connectors tend to corrode faster than brass
Camco EvoFlex RV Drinking Water Hose
After the TastePURE hose, we will be shedding some light on another drinking water hose of Camco which belongs to the EvoFlex series. Products of this particular collection are specifically aimed towards RV and marine use. So you can adapt it to other setups in addition to your home.
It comes in five sizes to accommodate all kinds of areas. The hose can be 4 feet, 10 feet, 25 feet, 35 feet or 50 feet in length. Their inner diameter stays ⅝ inch regardless of their size. As we explained earlier, this is the preferred measurement for inner diameters when it comes to a garden hose used for supplying water.
The construction of this drinking water safe hose is quite flexible, which means you don’t have to put in too much effort while packing it up after use. It holds no memory and has been UV stabilized to sustain for a long time.
It also comes with strain reliefs made of stainless steel on each end and features nickel-plated machined fittings. The hose is safe for drinking water since it is free from BPA, phthalate and lead.
Pros:
- Comes in five sizes between 4 feet and 50 feet
- Flexible construction with ⅝ inch inner diameter
- Stainless steel strain reliefs and nickel-plated fittings
- Safe formulation is free from lead, BPA and phthalate
- UV stabilized hose is Ideal for RV and marine use too
Cons:
- May start leaking around the male fittings
- Prone to kinking but that can be offset with pressure
Valterra AquaFresh High Pressure Drinking Water Hose
Among many RV products provided by Valterra, one of their most popular brands is the line of freshwater hoses called AquaFresh. Like the majority of options on this list, this one too is designed to be safe for drinking water. However, the one feature that stands out for this hose is how well it can withstand high pressure.
It has been engineered to work with RV hookups of 160 psi. There are many design variations available for it.
You can find it in two colors of white and blue, as well as two inner diameter sizes of ½ inch and ⅝ inch. For both the diameters, the lengths of 25 feet and 50 feet are applicable. However, the ½ inch pipes are additionally available in 4 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet, whereas the ⅝ inch ones can be found as a 35-inch long tube.
To take your stress off the installation process, it comes with a hose gripper or clamp. You can easily use it to attach the tube to your desired fitting. In addition to RV, this versatile and non-toxic garden hose made from NSF-listed materials can also be used with campers and trailers.
Pros:
- Many design varieties based on size and color
- High-pressure hose for RV hookups with 160 psi
- Available in both ½ and ⅝ inch inner diameters
- Hose gripper included for easy installation
- Can be used with campers and trailers as well
Cons:
- White outer cover might get sticky in the sun
- Prone to kinking and the female end can leak
SmartFlex Hybrid RV/Marine Hose
This hybrid hose from the brand SmartFlex is primarily designed for RV and marine use. It can work well in any weather condition. Even in cold temperatures, the drinking water safe hose remains flexible.
Because of its lightweight structure, you will find it very easy to roll up and put away after being done with the hose. When coiled up, it doesn’t take up much space and stays free from kink even under pressure. With zero memory, the compact tube can lay flat easily.
It comes in two inner diameters of ½ inch and ⅝ inch. Moreover, you can choose between two lengths of 25 feet and 50 feet. Made from the sturdy hybrid polymer, the outer cover is highly durable being abrasion resistant and crush resistant.
Since this is a drinking water safe hose, it is NSF/ANSI 61 certified and free from lead. Its ergonomic grip helps you to prevent leaks and ensure tight connections. Unfortunately, the end with a plastic handle often does not swivel and its shallow threading may not work with some RV models.
Pros:
- Available in two inner diameters of ½ inch and ⅝ inch
- Zero memory anti-kink construction from hybrid polymer
- 25-ft or 50-ft long tubes can be used in any weather
- Highly sturdy and durable outer cover is abrasion resistant
- Ergonomic grip for tight and leak-free connections
Cons:
- The end with plastic handle does not swivel
- Shallow threading might not hook up to the RV
Water Right Drinking Water Safe Hose
If you are not a fan of the usual thick garden hoses, you can settle for this one which comes with a much smaller diameter and much lighter weight. While most garden hoses have a diameter of either ½ inch or ⅝ inch, this one is designed with only a 7/16 inch inner diameter.
This feature comes with both benefits and drawbacks. It will be easier to handle and maneuver than the standard options, but its diameter might be too small to handle water pressure. That is why, it would be better not to use it with spray wands or oscillating sprinklers meant for the standard size.
Even though it has pressure limitations, this drinking safe garden hose has been built from polyurethane which contributes to its durability.
The 400 series in particular manages to prevent breaks and cracks no matter what weather condition it is. This UV stabilized hose can withstand extreme temperatures within the range of -10 and 85 degrees.
You can find it in three colors of eggplant, olive and olive green. When it comes to sizes, the hose is available in four sizes of 25 feet, 50 feet, 75 feet and 100 feet.
Pros:
- Available in three colors and four sizes up to 100 feet
- Made from toxin-free Polyurethane for durability
- Lead-free industrial grade brass fittings included
- UV stabilized and weather-resistant to last long
- Lightweight and flexible design is easy to handle
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other options
- Diameter too small to handle water pressure
Top Drinking Water Hose Brands
TastePURE
The brand of TastePURE belongs to Camco – a company that has been here since 1966. With more than 10 manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Indiana, China, Thailand and Vietnam, this particular brand focuses on making drinking water hoses available at competitive prices and on providing superior service.
Aqua Joe
Aqua Joe is the complementary brand of the digitally native company Snow Joe which designs, develops and distributes affordable yet high-quality products.
In addition to garden hoses, this brand focuses on manufacturing hose nozzles and lawn sprinklers as well. Then they directly provide them to consumers without any middlemen meddling with the process.
Water Right
The brand of Water Right is based in Oregon and offers a wide variety of drinking water garden hoses. These products are made to be thin and lightweight so that the customers can handle them easily. They can be used at home, garden, boat, marine, RV, workshop and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Put Hot Water Through Any Garden Hose?
A: It depends on the construction and features of your garden hose whether you can put hot water through it. Usually, the manufacturer will let you know the water temperatures it can handle through the information available on packaging. In general, the water should be less than 120°F or 49°C hot to go through a hose.
Q: What Is NSF Certification?
A: The non-profit organization National Sanitation Foundation or NSF is responsible for checking if a product is meeting the standards necessary for maintaining food safety and sanitation. Being NSF certified means that the respective product will not create health hazards.
Q: Is It Safe To Drink Out Of A Garden Hose?
A: Even though there are some types of garden hoses that can be used to deliver water for drinking, it is never safe to drink out of a garden hose directly. This is because the hose can still carry bacteria which can be detrimental for your health. Moreover, its’ material can contaminate the water by coming in contact.
A: Is Hose Water The Same As Tap Water?
A: Since the hose and the tap both deliver water from the same source of your house, there isn’t much difference between them. They only vary in the way they carry that water – the hose brings it through its tubular body while the tap has a shower-like output.
Q: Are Rubber Hoses Safe To Drink From?
A: Unlike traditional hoses, the hoses made of natural rubber are free from toxins. As a result, theoretically, they should be safe to drink from. However, it is still safer to take the water in a container like glasses or bottles first. This way, any possible dirt clinging to the hose will not get into your system.
Conclusion
As you can see, finding the best drinking water safe garden hose is not only about choosing a non-toxic material. Many other factors go into making that decision. You have to take into account the hose’s length, inner diameter, pressure and compatibility with the weather conditions of your area.
Additionally, its convenience also matters since you don’t want to be dealing with kinks every time you need to use it.
Making this choice carefully is crucial for maintaining the good health of all your loved ones living under the same roof as you.
Comparison Chart
| Brand | Sizes/Length (ft) | Material | Diameter (inch) | |
| 1 | Flexzilla | 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100 | hybrid polymer | ⅝ |
| 2 | Camco | 50 | PVC | ⅝ |
| 3 | Aqua Joe | 3, 5, 50, 100 | Hybrid Polymer Flex | ⅝ |
| 4 | Camco | 4, 10, 25, 35, 50 | PVC | ⅝ |
| 5 | Valterra | 4, 10, 15, 25, 50 | NSF-listed materials | ½ |
| 25, 35, 50 | ⅝ | |||
| 6 | SmartFlex | 25, 50 | Hybrid Polymer | ½, ⅝ |
| 7 | Water Right | 25, 50, 75, 100 | Polyurethane | 7/16 |