What are the common causes of fire hose leakage and their prevention measures

Fire hoses are important equipment for firefighting and rescue, and their integrity directly affects the firefighting effect and rescue safety. Leakage of fire hoses will not only cause a drop in water pressure, affect the spraying distance and firefighting efficiency, but may also cause waste of resources on site and even cause secondary accidents.

Main causes of fire hose leakage
Fire hose leakage is usually caused by mechanical damage, material aging, interface failure and improper operation. Mechanical damage is a common cause of leakage. The hose may be scratched by sharp objects during use, or cracks may be caused by friction and extrusion. Material aging causes the elasticity of the hose to decrease, the rubber lining to crack or the fabric layer to detach, resulting in minor damage. Wear of the sealing ring at the interface, damage to the thread or loose connection are also prone to water leakage. Improper operation, such as excessive pressure, violent pulling, irregular winding, etc., will increase the risk of hose damage and cause leakage.

Detailed analysis of leakage caused by mechanical damage
When working on site, fire hoses often come into contact with rough ground, building debris and various obstacles. High-intensity friction can wear the outer layer of the hose, and sharp fragments or tools may puncture the hose. Frequent bending and folding can also cause fatigue cracks in the hose. Especially when laying and dragging in complex environments, mechanical damage is very likely to occur if no protective measures are taken. The lack of necessary protection awareness and auxiliary equipment by on-site personnel often causes the hose to be scratched or pulled apart, forming a leak point.

Influence of material aging and environmental factors
The material of the fire hose is mostly a composite structure of rubber and high-strength fiber. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet rays, humidity, high temperature or chemical corrosion environment will gradually degrade the material properties. The rubber lining loses its elasticity due to aging, and is prone to cracks and cracks, which reduces the sealing performance of the hose. The aging of the fiber fabric layer weakens the bonding force between the layers, resulting in delamination or shedding. Sudden temperature changes cause the material to shrink and expand, which may also cause structural fatigue. Poor storage environment accelerates the aging of the hose and is an invisible killer of material damage.

Interface failure is a high-incidence site for leakage
As pressure points, the fire hose connectors and interface seals bear the high pressure of the water flow. Wear or aging of the sealing ring will lead to poor sealing and water leakage. Wear and deformation of the threaded connection due to long-term use, loose installation or damage, and gaps at the connection are important sources of leakage hazards. Improper selection of interface materials, poor installation technology, and lack of daily maintenance will increase the risk of leakage of interface components.

Manifestations of hose damage caused by improper operation
When the fire hose is in use, if the pressure exceeds the design standard, the hose material is overloaded, prone to expansion and deformation, or even bursting. Forcible pulling, folding and twisting during laying will damage the hose structure and form invisible cracks. When stored, the coil is tightly wound to produce permanent creases, affecting the sealing performance of the hose. Neglecting cleaning and drying after use will lead to residual impurities and moisture erosion, accelerating the damage of the hose. Lack of standardized operating procedures and insufficient training of on-site personnel are common causes of leakage caused by operation.

Preventive measures for fire hose leakage
To prevent fire hose leakage, it is necessary to start from material selection, use, maintenance and management. Select fire hoses that meet national standards and are of reliable quality, and give priority to materials with excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and anti-aging properties. Standardize on-site laying operations, avoid excessive pulling and folding, and ensure that the hoses are unfolded along the natural winding direction. Establish a strict daily maintenance system, regularly clean and inspect the surface and interface components of the hoses, and repair damaged parts in a timely manner. Strengthen storage management, avoid direct sunlight, high temperature and humid environment, and use special reels to maintain appropriate tension. Periodically replace interface seals and connectors to ensure good sealing performance. Train firefighters to master correct use and maintenance skills to reduce human operating errors.