When do you need to replace the hose or nozzle of the fire hose reel

Fire hoses are essential components of a building's fire protection system. The hose and nozzle are key components that directly determine firefighting efficiency. Long-term use or environmental factors can cause hose aging and nozzle damage, impacting firefighting effectiveness. Scientifically determining replacement timing is crucial for ensuring fire safety and equipment reliability.

Replacement Needs Due to Hose Aging
Hose materials degrade over time due to water pressure, UV rays, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical friction. Common problems with rubber hoses include surface cracking, hardening, and decreased elasticity, while cloth-based hoses may experience delamination, fiber shedding, or breakage. Aged hoses are prone to bursting or leaking during high-pressure water spraying, seriously impacting firefighting efficiency and operational safety.

Hose aging can be determined through visual inspection and hand-feel testing. Visual inspection can reveal visible cracks, bulges, signs of wear, and water penetration. Hand-feel testing can assess hose flexibility; hoses with insufficient elasticity typically require replacement. Regularly replacing aged hoses ensures stable water flow and safe firefighting operations.

Replacement Conditions Induced by Physical Damage
Fire hoses can be subject to mechanical damage during use and handling. Common damage includes crushing, punctures, breaks, and loose connections. Prolonged improper reeling and unwinding can also cause permanent creases at the hose folds, impairing smooth water flow.

Hose damage or severe deformation requires immediate replacement to prevent firefighting failure at the scene due to insufficient pressure or breakage. Especially in high-rise buildings and complex corridors, damaged hoses can pose operational risks and delay rescue efforts.

Replacement criteria for nozzle performance degradation
Nozzles, as the water outlet, directly affect the range and spray angle of the water flow. During use, nozzles often become clogged, leak, or experience uneven spray due to scale deposits, aging seals, or mechanical impact. Leaks, rotational jams, or abnormal spray angles can reduce firefighting efficiency.
Nozzle inspection methods include visual inspection and water testing. Visual inspection can detect cracks, corrosion, and seal damage. Water testing verifies the proper flow rate, range, and spray pattern. Significant nozzle performance degradation should be promptly replaced to ensure stable and reliable firefighting operations.

Frequency of Use and Environmental Factors
The replacement of fire hose and nozzles depends not only on physical damage but also on frequency of use and the environment. Frequently used reels wear out faster, shortening the lifespan of hoses and nozzles. High temperatures, high humidity, and corrosive atmospheres accelerate hose aging and nozzle corrosion, increasing the frequency of replacement.

For reels in specialized building environments, such as industrial plants, chemical storage tank areas, or outdoor areas, a regular replacement schedule should be established based on environmental conditions to prevent equipment failure due to environmental influences.

Regular Maintenance and Replacement Strategy
A regular inspection and maintenance program should be established for fire hoses and nozzles. Each inspection should assess hose flexibility, surface condition, joint security, and nozzle spray performance. Any cracks, water seepage, deformation, or nozzle blockage should be replaced immediately.

A regular replacement strategy helps reduce operational risks at the fire scene and ensure effective firefighting. For older buildings or reels that have not been used for a long time, it is recommended that hoses and nozzles be thoroughly inspected during fire inspections and replaced according to their lifespan.