Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive over the couplings without crushing or bending?

Yes, the couplings are crush proof with strength comparable to that of steel.

Can I leave the Armadillo outside all year long?

The Armadillo hose can be left in inclement weather, however we recommend following common practice by draining the hose and disconnecting it from your outdoor faucet to avoid damage that could occur due to freezing.

Can the Armadillo water hose be used for organic watering purposes?

Yes, The Armadillo is an ideal product for use in any gardening application as the interior hose is constructed of FDA smooth-grade, non-toxic PVC tubing with reinforced polyester braid.

Can you run over the Armadillo with cars and trucks or heavy loads?

Yes and No. We do not recommend bearing heavy weight loads on The Armadillo hose as the shell of the product is subject to “cracking” with significant amounts of pressure. However, The Armadillo will continue to function normally if outer shell is cracked but the dull edges of the interior shell will be exposed and the product will not be as “aesthetically appealing” to some consumers.

Does the Armadillo become hot to the touch after being in direct sun for long durations?

The shell of The Armadillo is constructed of reduced wall steel (RWS) & tempered alloy, which makes the product sun & heat safe up to 130 Fahrenheit (aluminum minimizes heat conduction). The shell becomes warm in extreme temperatures but is not “hot to the touch”, and can be picked up & held in temperatures (up to 130 F). We do not recommend using the Armadillo water hose in tempatures exceeding 130 Fahrenheit or other hot water applications.

Does the Armadillo work with all 5/8” garden applications?

Yes, The Armadillo water hose is compatible with various 5/8" sprinkler components and watering devices – including standard hose reels.

Does your product have a warranty?

The Armadillo water hose comes with a limited manufacturer's defect warranty.

How does the weight of your water hose compare to that of a standard garden hose?

The shell of The Armadillo has a comparable weight to standard industrial rubber or vinyl garden hoses. The Armadillo weighs approximately 26 lbs per 50 ft of hose and heavy industrial rubber hose can weigh up to 12.5 lbs. per 25 ft of hose.

I need multiple 1000 ft units for my construction company’s operations. Can Armadillo provide custom-made hose lengths to accommodate this request?

Yes, an Armadillo sales representative can work with you to provide you with the custom length hose application that works best for your business.

If my dog chews on metal objects, will The Armadillo cause damage to his teeth?

No, the canine enamels are denser than the aluminum based alloy conduit. Chewing of The Armadillo results with teeth indentations of the outer shell opposed to damaging your dog’s teeth or mouth while preserving/protecting the interior rubber hose. Generally speaking, The Armadillo’s exterior alloy shell deters dogs from attempting such destruction.

If the outer shell is snapped, will the hose leak water?

As long as the interior hose is not punctured or cracked, the Armadillo will not leak water.

If the shell is cracked is the exposed metal capable of causing cuts?

For liability purposes, if the shell of the conduit cracks or is shredded, Armadillo recommends that you discontinue use of that particular unit even if the hose continues to function normally. The coil of the cracked conduit has a dull edge (which is more likely to scrape than cut) but if shredded by a heavy blade the unit may expose sharp edges.

Is the Armadillo electrically conductive?

The 1/4" RWS shell covering provides protection for the non-toxic electrically non-conductive PVC interior by preventing UV deterioration, abrasion and over stretching or melting (the effect that takes place when a standard rubber or vinyl garden hose heats up causing the hose to stretch from the inside causing loss of overall water pressure).

Is the Armadillo hose 100% indestructible?

No, The Armadillo is considered extremely durable but not indestructible.

Is the Armadillo water hose capable of rusting?

The Armadillo shell is composed of galvanized high strength steely alloy and hot dipped with a heavy zinc coating which provides superior corrosion resistance.

Is the shell of the Armadillo capable of causing fires or burns after sitting in the sun for long periods of time?

No, the Armadillo hose is not capable of starting fires after sitting in direct sun light up to 130 F. The shell of The Armadillo is constructed of reduced wall steel (RWS) & tempered alloy, which minimizes heat conduction.

What is Armadillo’s product return policy?

If your Armadillo water hose experiences a manufacturing defect or does not function normally under normal wear and tear, we will provide you with a replacement unit free of charge (within one year of your original purchase). If ordering online we would instruct you to contact our customer service department directly by phone or by clicking on the "Contact Us" tab above. If purchasing from local retail outlet you would return your Armadillo unit directly to the store of purchase with receipt or proof of purchase.

What is the difference between the drink-safe FDA hose and the garden hose I have now?

Industry standard water hoses have been known to cause brain damage and growth defects in children who drink from hoses that have been heated in the sun, which can cause dangerous amounts of lead to leach into the water. This is a potential hazard especially for children who drink from hoses or play in hose spray (Reference: California Environmental Health/CEH. Under California's toxic law Proposition 65, CEH sued the producers for hoses that leach lead into water.) The Armadillo’s unique construction provides a drink-safe, play-safe product. Dogs will no longer be able to chew and swallow dangerous rubber or vinyl fragments of standard water hoses. In addition, nickel plated crush proof couplings are used to eliminate the leaching of lead traces commonly found in industry standard hoses.

What is the difference between the Dura Hose & the Chew-Proof Hose?

The Dura Hose product is exactly the same product as our Chew-Proof product. Armadillo Hose Products opted to select two types of packaging for the Armadillo Water Hose in order to cross-market our product into the pet industry while at the same time offer a recognizable brand to the home, garden, agriculture, construction, RV, service, and marine industries.

What makes the Armadillo hose 100% kink-free?

The outer shell of the Armadillo hose has a similar flexibility & bend ratio that industry standard rubber hoses and commercial hoses have, but at the same time does not allow the hose to kink, twist, or tangle. The RWS shell is constructed with built-in flexibility for simplified positioning which provides an innovative kink-free alternative to standard rubber or vinyl hoses that otherwise compress or kink when pulled around sharp corners, or knot when pulled back or looped over.

Why are the couplings nickel-plated?

Nickel coating prevents leaching of dangerous lead traces commonly found within industry standard brass couplings.

Is my FreezeFreeHose drinking water safe?

The FreezeFreeHose is made of premium polyurethane with nickel plated ends ensuring no harmful substances transfer to this no freeze hose. Drink away! Meets new lead law requirements, along with NSF-61 Annex G. (hose must be connected to a potable water source to be 'drinking safe')

Is my FreezeFreeHose environmentally friendly?

The FreezeFreeHose is an environmentally friendly heated hose made from 50% pre-consumer recycled polyurethane and is considered "green".

How much energy will my FreezeFreeHose use?

The 25' Freeze Free Hose draws 200 watts (equivalent to two 100-watt light bulbs), and the 50' Freeze Free Hose draws 400 watts. Keep in mind, the FreezeFreeHose is a specialty hose that only draws power when the ambient temperature is near freezing (example: when the ambient temperature reaches 35˚F the heat element turns on and turns off when the temperature reaches a safe range). Its primary purpose is to prevent frozen hoses.

What are the electrical requirements for the FreezeFreeHose?

A properly grounded GFCI 120 volt outlet and a UL approved electrical cord.

Will my FreezeFreeHose heat the water?

The FreezeFreeHose is designed only to keep the water from freezing.

Can I modify my FreezeFreeHose?

No, do not cut or alter the water hose assembly. This could result in injury, and will void the warranty.

Does the FreezeFreeHose have an electrical cord?

No, you provide your own extension cord (extension cord should be rated for outdoor use). We believe it is best not to have a cord dangling on the hose like some of the competitive heated hoses on the market. The FreezeFreeHose was designed with a cuff to protect an extension cord from the weather.

Can I connect two FreezeFreeHoses together to extend my reach?

Though technically it can be done, we do not support nor recommend connecting 2 FreezeFreeHoses together.

Will my FreezeFreeHose keep the faucet from freezing?

No. The FreezeFreeHose will transfer some resilient heat to the faucet. There is no guarantee that it's enough to prevent the faucet and riser pipe from freezing.

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