Rigid bilge hose refusing to go back in place...

[Captain Crisp]

I had to move my bilge hose to get at my fuel tank. I've got the fuel tank back in place but the rigid hose is not playing ball. Can't seem to get to bend at all... Would it be easier if I bought some new hose - is it more flexible when new? Thanks!

This stuff:

 

[Alicatt]

It's not that flexible even when new, I used the same hose for connecting up the switch over valves on my swimming pool, it goes easier if it is warm

 

[Mike Bryon]

Have you tried using a hot air blower on it?

 

[RivalRedwing]

or, if feasible, block one end and fill it full of hot water for a couple of minutes

 

[Refueler]

That's the crux of it - the pipe is cold ..... and needs raising its temperature till it allows flex.

 

[fisherman]

Beating with a hammer works.

 

[Poignard]

,,,

 

[srm]

I use a domestic steam cleaner to soften hoses, just take care not to scald your hands. keeps the hose workable for as long as needed without risk of burning or melting.

 

[Refueler]

I use a domestic steam cleaner to soften hoses, just take care not to scald your hands. keeps the hose workable for as long as needed without risk of burning or melting.

I bought a small Steam Cleaner in Lidl while back ... about 25 euros ..... never expected it to be much good ... but it far exceeded expectations.

I'm wondering if it can clean a sail I have ...... on my small river boat -

 

[SlowlyButSurely]

That's the same hose as on my bilge pump. Use a hot air gun (or a hairdryer) and it will bend with ease.

 

[LittleSister]

. . . Would it be easier if I bought some new hose - is it more flexible when new?

Yes, on both counts. Old hose that type definitely gets much stiffer with age.

You might manage to get the old hose on with heat, as others have suggested. You might even (though unlikely) have to use heat on a new hose in cold weather, but it will certainly be easier to do - with or without heat - with new hose.

 

[PetiteFleur]

I also used a hot air gun to fit new 38mm hose for my toilet outlet to get it over the seacock hose tail. Also made the holes larger when going through bulkheads.

 

[fisherman]

Not expensive to replace. There are other more flexible hoses, that variety is about the most rigid after a time.