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Preventative Maintenance of Hydraulic Hoses is Vital

Jan 14, 2022

One of the most vitally essential components of any hydraulic system is the hydraulic hoses. Hoses impact how well your equipment works and require preventative maintenance to catch problems before they have a chance to develop. If hoses are not inspected regularly, you risk equipment failure and potential shutdowns. Inspections involve searching components for possible leaks and wear, and the more thorough the inspection, the better chance of avoiding issues that could jeopardize production.

Preventative Maintenance vs. Reactionary Response

When we rely on equipment to perform correctly, it makes sense to conduct preventative maintenance to keep the equipment working efficiently. Waiting until things start to go wrong is a reactionary response that may ultimately result in more extensive repairs, the need for additional parts replacement, job hours, and longer deadline delays, negatively impacting the entire production system.


Preventative maintenance equals less downtime overall and keeps equipment in its best possible condition, leading to a longer lifespan, which equals a better economic return. Just think of your car - it's the same principle. When a repair is necessary, using a professional company like Action Supply to repair hydraulic hoses and machinery will save time and money due to their experience and expertise.


Warning Signs and Timely Inspections

Several early warning signs indicate that hydraulic hoses may be in danger of impending failure. An experienced technician knows what to look for and what is required to get things running again.


Technicians recommend inspecting hydraulic hoses and components on stationary equipment at least four times per year. Mobile equipment differs in that inspection occurs after four to six hundred hours of use or every three months, whichever comes first. Exceptions are made for equipment used in extreme environments and critical machinery, which should frequently receive preventative maintenance inspections.


Inspecting Hydraulic Hose Components

Hose inspections examine covers, connectors, routing, and possible leaks as an essential part of a regular preventative maintenance schedule.


Hose Covers - Damage to hose covers requires an immediate replacement of the hose assembly. Technicians search for possible cracks, cuts, splits, blisters, color changes, hard spots or abrasions, and repair the source of the damage to avoid repeat occurrences.


Hose Connectors - Connectors require close examination for signs of cracks, corrosion, and separation at the fittings from being stretched too tight, which can all lead to eventual leaks.


Hose Leaks - All hose surfaces are inspected against leaks, which can cause bursting. Indicators are:


  • Puddles.
  • Dirt on the hose and equipment.
  • Depleted fluid or bubbles on hose covers.



Leaking hoses may be a sign of more significant problems.


Hose Routing - Improper routing causes serious issues, including twisting, kinks, contact with metal parts, not enough slack, and proximity to high temperatures, the consequences of which can lead to complete system failure.


Preventative maintenance of hydraulic hoses is essential to equipment's longevity and optimal operation. Hire experienced technicians to provide regular inspections of hydraulic hoses, thus avoiding potential shutdowns and unnecessary machinery damage. Action Supply offers timely and professional hydraulic hose inspection, maintenance, and repair service.

How to Extend the Life-Expectancy of Your Hydraulic Hoses in The Texas Gulf Coast Area

07 May, 2024
Learn how to maximize hydraulic hose lifespan in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Factors like extreme temperatures, contamination, and fitting compatibility affect longevity. Follow manufacturer guidelines and spot signs of wear for timely replacements. Action Supply offers expert advice and quality parts for optimal performance.

Protecting Your Industrial Hose Assemblies From Flooding

22 Feb, 2024
Spring is rapidly approaching in Houston, Texas. While it brings warmer temperatures, it is also a time for heavy rains and severe weather in this area. Here are practical steps to safeguard your hose assemblies from flooding before the spring storms come into play. Determine Which Areas on Your Sites Are Vulnerable to Flooding If you are working at a new site, you can utilize tools like community records and FEMA’s Flood Map to assess the area’s flood risk. Also, note any low-lying areas on the site where water tends to collect during rain. Also, note which areas are slowest to drain or will require additional equipment to drain in the event of a flood. Elevate Equipment and Parts Inventory Store hose assemblies and related equipment in elevated locations to minimize water exposure. Before the spring storms start, make sure your equipment is positioned out of flash floods and the average flood levels for the area. Utilize elevated platforms, racks, or shelves to keep hoses and fittings above potential flood levels. Designate storage areas away from flood-prone zones Check to ensure all equipment is above areas that collect water, especially any new equipment or assemblies. Keep hoses and pipelines that can not be waterproofed above ground level. Install hangers, clamps, or supports to secure hoses along walls, ceilings, or elevated structures. Make sure they are secured against heavy wind gusts over 35 mph to avoid kinking, scraping, and other wear on suspended parts during heavy weather fronts and other storms. Waterproof Storage Containers Water and humidity can shorten the life of your spare parts and contaminate the hoses with mold, silt, and other materials. Utilize waterproof storage containers or cabinets to protect your inventory. Ensure containers are securely sealed to withstand heavy rainfall and potential flooding.  Invest in Flood Barriers When necessary, install flood barriers, berms, or containment walls to divert water away from critical areas of your sites. You can also store sandbags, concrete blocks, or water-inflated flood barriers to quickly create barriers against rising water levels. Regularly inspect and maintain flood barriers and related equipment to ensure they are ready for severe weather events. Make Sure Drainage Systems are Clear Clear debris, sediment, and vegetation from drains, gutters, and culverts to prevent blockages and facilitate unobstructed water flow. If any drainage areas seem sluggish, prioritize inspections and repairs in those areas. Update Your Emergency Response Planning Develop or update your comprehensive emergency response plan so the entire staff and team know what to do and who to turn to during extreme weather events. Define roles and responsibilities for personnel during a flooding event, including electrical safety, shutdown, and evacuation procedures. Establish communication channels and make sure all contact information is up-to-date. Delays due to outdated numbers can be costly. Conduct regular training exercises and drills to ensure employees are prepared to respond effectively during flooding incidents. Make sure safety and first aid equipment is inspected and ready for use. Action Supply Has Helped Industrial Sites Stay Equipped since 1981 Don’t let a flood get in the way of your site’s processes. Our experts have decades of local experience on the best ways to protect your inventory from flooding incidents, and our inventory management service ensures you have the parts you need when you need them. Contact us today!

Detecting and Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks

31 Jan, 2024
Hydraulic hose leaks can lead to downtime, costly repairs, and safety hazards. Here is how your team can effectively detect and fix hydraulic hose leaks before they become a large issue. Detecting Hydraulic Hose Leaks Detecting a leak early is critical to reducing the overall costs of cleanup, repairs, downtime, and safety hazards. Here are a few ways to actively monitor your systems for the first signs of a leak and ways to pinpoint its location. Auditory Inspection Sometimes, you can detect leaks by listening for unusual sounds. These include: Hissing or whistling sounds near the hoses that indicate something escaping from a small opening. Ticking, rumbles, or high-pitched whining from the machines as air enters or fluid levels fall. If needed, you can use equipment that amplifies sound to help make detection easier. Visual Inspection Look for oil spots, puddles, or damp areas near the hoses, indicating potential leaks. Check for cracked or bulging hoses, as these are common signs of deterioration. Check fittings and joints for signs of corrosion Gently place a piece of paper or cardboard near the hoses while the system is running. If hydraulic fluid drips onto the paper, it will leave a visible stain Use a specialized fluid dye for hydraulic systems. When it passes through the hose, it will escape and make the leak points more visible. Check with our experts to make sure you use a dye compatible with your system. Pressure and Performance Testing If you notice decreased or erratic performance in the system, the most common and repairable source of this issue could be a leak. Live detection and monitoring equipment can help you catch these issues in real-time. If a leak is suspected but not visible, consider pressure testing the hydraulic system to identify the problem area. Fixing Hydraulic Hose Leaks Once you've detected a hydraulic hose leak, prompt action is essential. Here's how to fix the issue. Isolate the System Shut down the equipment or machinery and turn off the power source to prevent accidentally turning it on during repairs. Isolate the affected area and reduce the excess fluid pressure to prevent spills, puddles, and other hazards. Replace or Repair If you choose to patch a small leak with specialized epoxies or stop leak fluids, make sure to treat it as a short-term solution, as the integrity of the hose is already compromised. This should only be done to find a better downtime or to allow time for a replacement part to come in. Larger leaks need to be fully repaired to be fully safe. Replacements and repairs will depend on the location of the leak and the hydraulic system. Typically, this will involve removing the line, installing a matching line, and making sure all seals and fittings are secure.  Use high-quality replacement hoses and fittings to ensure longevity. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for hose replacement and repair. Use the correct tools and techniques to ensure a secure and leak-free connection. Contact the manufacturer or your inventory supply experts for questions, troubleshooting, and best practices. Test the Repairs After fixing the hydraulic hose, conduct a thorough test to ensure the leak is resolved. Perform regular short-term checks to ensure the repairs are successful, then regular maintenance to continue catching future issues early. Action Supply Experts Offer Inventory Management and On-Site Hose Assembly Reduce downtime and costly errors while fixing hydraulic hose leaks with our expert services. We are driven to meet and exceed industry standards with superior equipment that you can trust to perform the way you need it to every time.
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