When confronted by a stubborn fire, your nozzle is arguably the most important weapon in your arsenal, which is why proper care and maintenance is of upmost importance. If you neglect adequate care, you risk being caught unprepared and unable to put out the fire. The following blog post will teach you the basics of maintaining your nozzle in good shape.
What is a nozzle?
Before we even teach you Cleaning your Nozzle 101, it’s probably best if we explain what a nozzle is. After all, most people are unaware and confuse it for part of the hose, which is not exactly right.
A nozzle is the device that controls the direction and intensity of the water flow. It is located at the tip of the water hose and it is basically the apparatus that dictates how water is released. You probably now understand why it is such an important component of a fire fighter’s toolbox. Without a strong nozzle, any hose is practically useless.
How to care for your nozzle
Like pretty much anything, nozzles should be cleaned regularly. However, you need to wash your nozzle carefully, otherwise you risk damaging it to the point of no return.
The best way to clean a nozzle is by using a soft, plastic brush. If you can’t find any, wooden and plastic probes will do the trick, too. One thing you absolutely don’t want to do is use wire brushes or any other kind of rough instruments, otherwise you risk damaging the nozzle orifice shape, which will seriously affect the outer flow of water.
Another important tip to keep in mind is that you should avoid dropping your nozzle on the ground. People often just throw hoses on hard surfaces without thinking about the side effects, which can result in dents on your nozzle. As you can imagine, these dents can disfigure the instrument and lead to poor performance.
How often should nozzles be replaced?
Much like all equipment, the replacement question depends on how often you are using the nozzle, though they typically last quite the number of years. In fact, as long as they are taken care of, a nozzle can be likely to outlast a water hose. After all, it is made of sturdy metals that can withstand the passage of time.
Where can I find quality nozzles?
You are going to have to purchase a nozzle sooner or later. Once you find yourself looking for one, we recommend you check out ASJ Industrial Hose & Fitting. Their staff is extremely helpful and ready to answer all your questions –– and they offer more than just nozzles. If you are in the Los Angeles area, feel free to give them a call today: (951) 735-1351
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