How to Store Dredging Rubber Hoses？

By Sunhelmmarine

When it comes to dredging or land reclamation, dredging rubber hoses are a big investment. But many companies lose money not because of bad quality — but because they don’t store their hoses the right way. Poor storage can cause cracks, leaks, or shape changes that make hoses unsafe to use. In this guide, Sunhelmmarine will show you how to store dredging rubber hoses properly, step by step, so they stay strong and last longer.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Imagine you’re starting a new dredging project, but half your hoses have cracks from being left under the sun. The job stops, and you need to buy new ones fast. That delay and cost can hurt your business. Good storage helps you avoid this. It keeps hoses flexible, safe, and ready for work anytime.

Know Your Hose

Dredging rubber hoses are built for tough jobs — carrying sand, slurry, and gravel under pressure. They face strong abrasion and heavy loads every day. Because they are made of rubber and fabric layers, they can be damaged by sunlight, heat, oil, and moisture during long storage. Understanding these weak spots helps you protect them better.

Step 1: Clean Before Storing

Before putting hoses away, clean them carefully.

1. Flush out any sand, mud, or leftover slurry.
2. Wash the inside with clean water and let it dry fully.
3. Never use strong chemicals — they may harm the rubber.
4. If possible, blow dry with air instead of using heat.

Make sure the hose is completely dry before storage. Moisture can cause mold and weaken the inner layer.

Step 2: Inspect for Damage

Always check your hoses before storage. Look for cracks, cuts, or worn spots on the surface. Check the flanges or couplings to make sure they are not rusty or loose. If a hose looks damaged, repair or replace it before storing it. It’s cheaper to fix problems now than to lose time on the job later.

Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Place

The storage area matters a lot.

• Keep hoses in a cool, dry, and ventilated space.
• Avoid direct sunlight and UV exposure, which make rubber age faster.
• Keep hoses away from oil, chemicals, or sharp metal objects.
• The ground should be flat, clean, and dry.
• Place hoses on wood blocks or racks instead of the floor.

If you must store hoses outside, cover them with a breathable waterproof cover and lift them off the ground to prevent water buildup.

Step 4: Store the Hoses Correctly

There are two main ways to store dredging hoses — coiled or straight.

For coiled hoses:

• Roll them loosely, not too tight.
• Follow the hose’s natural curve.
• Use soft straps to hold them, not metal wires that can cut the surface.

For straight hoses:

• Lay them flat on supports or racks.
• Don’t hang them from one end — this will stretch and damage them.
• Leave space between hoses so air can flow around them.

Step 5: Label and Record Each Hose

A simple tag can save you a lot of confusion later. Mark each hose with:

• Product name and size
• Purchase or use date
• Cleaning date
• Condition (new, used, repaired)

Sunhelmmarine also suggests using a simple record sheet or QR code system. This makes it easier to track how long each hose has been in storage and when it should be checked again.

Step 6: Check Regularly

Even in storage, hoses need attention. Check them every one to two months for cracks, color fading, or moisture. Rotate the position if they have been lying flat for a long time to prevent permanent flattening. If the surface feels sticky or hard, the rubber may be aging — you should plan for replacement.

Common Storage Mistakes

Let’s look at some mistakes you should avoid:

• Wrapping hoses tightly with plastic — this traps moisture.
• Stacking heavy hoses on top of each other — this can deform them.
• Leaving hoses in direct sunlight — UV rays break down rubber.
• Using metal wire or chains to tie hoses — they leave deep marks.

By avoiding these habits, you can easily double the storage life of your dredging hoses.

Step 7: When You Find Damage

If you find a damaged hose during storage, don’t use it right away.

• Mark it as “under repair.”
• Call your supplier or maintenance team to check if it’s still safe.
• Never patch up a high-pressure hose without testing — it can burst during work.

The Value of Good Storage

Good storage is not just about keeping things tidy — it saves real money. According to Sunhelmmarine’s experience, proper cleaning and storage can extend a dredging rubber hose’s life by 30% to 50%. That means fewer replacements, fewer work delays, and higher safety.

Final Tips from Sunhelmmarine

Here’s what you can do right now:

1. Clean and inspect all hoses before putting them away.
2. Store them off the ground and out of sunlight.
3. Create a simple tag or record sheet for each hose.

A little care today means fewer problems tomorrow. Take the time to store your dredging rubber hoses properly — your next project will thank you for it.

FAQ

1. Can I store dredging hoses outdoors?
Yes, but always cover them with a breathable waterproof sheet and keep them off the ground.

2. How long can hoses stay in storage?
Usually 1–2 years if stored correctly in a cool, dry place.

3. What if I find small cracks?
Small surface cracks can be repaired, but deep cracks mean the hose should be replaced.

4. Should I store hoses vertically or horizontally?
Horizontal is better. Vertical storage can cause bending or shape loss.

5. Do I need to recheck hoses before use?
Yes, always. Even a clean hose can harden or crack over time.