Suction and Delivery Hoses: What You Need to Know

Think you might be in need of a suction or delivery hose, but not quite sure? Then you’re in the right place. The Hosemaster team has created the following guide to suction and delivery hoses. 

Contents

In this guide, we’ll answer the following questions and points: 

• What are suction and delivery hoses?
• Are suction hoses and delivery hoses different in any way?
• What do suction hoses and delivery hoses do?
• The different types of suction and delivery hoses.
• Are suction hoses the same as discharge hoses?
• The key differences between a suction hose and a discharge hose.
• Important things to know when using suction hoses and delivery hoses.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about suction hoses and delivery hoses, so you can find the perfect product for you. 

What are suction and delivery hoses?

A suction hose and a delivery hose are both flexible hoses used in a whole host of different industries for similar functions. Both tend to have a signature spiral design but vary in terms of how flexible or rigid they are according to use and pressure requirements.

The suction and delivery hoses we stock here at The Hosemaster are either made from PVC or EPDM rubber, both of which are abrasion and ozone resistant. 

This type of speciality hose is reinforced with an internal helix, designed to help the hose maintain its cylindrical shape. This helix is typically made from steel or durable PVC and prevents the hose from collapsing, kinking, or bursting when in use.

However, it is important to note here that, despite being significantly reinforced, these hoses will still be damaged if exposed to extreme pressure and forces, like being driven over by a vehicle, for example.

Suction hoses and delivery hoses can be some of the largest hoses on the market, specifically in terms of diameter. This is because they tend to be used in industrial applications where it’s necessary to convey large volumes of liquids or materials. The types of industries in which suction and discharge hoses tend to be used include:

• Manufacturing. 
• FMCG.
• Oil and gas.
• Agriculture.
• Pharmaceuticals.

Are suction hoses and delivery hoses different in any way?

Suction hoses and delivery hoses are the same things in terms of functionality—they both transport substances from one place to another. 

The main difference, however, is that suction hoses create a vacuum, whereas delivery hoses perform under pressure from a pump.

Due to this, suction hoses are normally larger in diameter and thicker than delivery hoses to withstand the negative pressure required for suction. Delivery hoses will sometimes have less heavy-duty internal reinforcement for the same reason.

What do suction hoses and delivery hoses do?

Both suction hoses and delivery hoses are designed to draw liquid, gases, and other matter from (typically static) sources, such as a tank, reservoir, or pool using negative pressure. 

They are most commonly used to transport substances, including:

• Water.
• Salt.
• Mild chemicals.
• Slurries.
• Sewerage. 
• Sludge.
• Waste matter.
• Gravel.
• Sand.
• Dust.
• Debris.

Other uses for delivery and suction hoses include:

• Transporting fuels between tankers, aircraft, boats, etc, as well as to and from storage.
• Transportation of things like seeds, beer, granules, beer, and other food substances and beverages.
• Removing water when flooding occurs to bring the water levels down.
• For firefighters to transport water from a source, such as a reservoir, to a fire.

The different types of suction and delivery hoses

There are a number of different types of suction and delivery hoses, and it’s important to select the right one for your needs. Below are some of the variable factors you’ll need to consider when it comes to choosing the type of hose you buy.

Type of substance being transferred 

If you’re hoping to use the hose with a specific substance, do your research to find out if you need to buy a particular type. 

We sell FDA-approved, food-grade rubber suction and delivery hoses that are designed for use with things that are meant to be consumed.

Shop now - Liquid Food / Milk Suction & Delivery Hose

Level of pressure and desired performance

Consider what you’re going to be doing with the hose and how this will impact the pressure you require it to withstand. We have light, medium, and heavy-duty hoses so there’s something to suit every requirement.

Shop now - Medusa Super Elastic Medium Duty Suction & Delivery Hose

Temperature level

You’ll notice that all delivery and suction hoses available at The Hosemaster have a temperature range displayed on the product page.

It’s crucial to take note of this to ensure that you’re not subjecting the host to temperatures that are too high or low for the material, as this could damage the hose and cause it to malfunction. It also leaves the user open to the risk of serious injury.

Shop now - High Temperature EPDM Water Suction & Delivery Hose

Chemical resistance

If you’re going to be conveying aggressive chemicals or acids, then it’s vital that the suction and discharge hoses you choose are able to withstand them. 

You will usually find that suction and delivery hoses that are designed to convey aggressive liquids are explicitly advertised as such. Some hoses will also be advertised alongside a chemical resistance chart which shows which chemicals/fluids they can be safely used with.

Shop Now - General Purpose EPDM Rubber Suction & Delivery Hose

Are suction hoses the same as discharge hoses?

When doing your research around suction hoses and delivery hoses, it’s important not to get these confused with delivery hoses. While both types of hose are used to draw substances and transport them from one place to another, they actually function in very different ways. 

The key differences between a suction hose and a discharge hose:

• While delivery and suction hoses use negative pressure to draw and suck matter up and away, discharge hoses are used only for the drainage of water and mild chemicals. 

 

• Discharge hoses are often referred to as ‘lay-flat hoses’ because they aren’t reinforced with an internal helix in the same way suction hoses are. This makes them far easier to store, but it also means they aren’t as robust and therefore can’t be used for the removal of more heavy-duty substances.

 

• While suction and delivery hoses can often perform both functions of pulling and discharging, discharge pumps are only designed to drain/pump. 

 

• It’s important to note that discharge pumps are not designed to pump liquid against gravity and should therefore only ever be used with the flow of gravity.

Important things to know when using suction hoses and delivery hoses

Here are some essential things to keep in mind when it comes to using suction hoses and delivery hoses: 

• Ensure the hose is always submerged in whatever is being pumped to help maintain a continuous flow and stop air from being pulled into the hose.

 

• Check the pressure and temperature rating of the hose before purchasing to be sure it’s suitable for your requirements. If not, you run the risk of damaging the equipment, the hose, or worst of all, hurting yourself.

 

• Ensure the hose is compatible with the substance(s) you are transporting. Some substances might require specific materials to prevent damage or contamination, for instance.

 

• Triple-check your measurements to make sure you’re buying a hose that is going to be suitable in terms of length and diameter. A poorly fitted hose runs the risk of becoming damaged and/or not working properly.

Top tip: Don’t drag your hoses across rough or sharp surfaces, as this could tear or damage the outer layer of the hose. Always store hoses carefully to prevent knots and unnecessary damage.

Time for a new suction hose or delivery hose?

Hopefully this guide has helped you to decide what kind of hose you need, the key differences between suction hoses and discharge hoses, and how they all work. 

Ready to start shopping? Say no more! You’re in safe hands here at The Hosemaster where you’ll find one of the widest selections of hoses on the web, with speedy delivery and custom length options available on many hoses.

Shop suction hoses and delivery hoses at the Hosemaster today

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