A: Thinking that commercial hoses would probably be better than what is sold to consumers, I called an irrigation supply company out of the Yellow Pages. Although they sell commercial hoses, they recommended that to get the very best hose available, ask if you can call a company that specializes in rubber products, order a hose, custom made to the length you wanted, complete with brass fittings. I remember that hoses used to be made of rubber when I was a kid, so I am sure he is right.

I recommend you go through the same exercise in your town. Look up Irrigation Suppliers in your Yellow Pages and see if they sell rubber hoses or can refer you to a specialty supplier. If not, look up Rubber Suppliers in the Yellow Pages. You'll pay more in the beginning, but it should give you many years of reliable service.

Next time you need to locate a reliable gardener, landscaper or other type of home improvement or maintenance specialist, visit us at Home Advisor, join as a member (it's free) and be matched with service professionals in your area.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com