Rubber and PVC hoses perish with ultraviolet light and with oil contact, and they crack where they are bent tightly. Store them coiled in a wide loop, indoors, off the floor.
Check the length before use, particularly near the fittings where flexing concentrates. A hose that leaks empties a cylinder overnight and, on fuel gas, is a serious hazard rather than an expense.
The questions welders ask
How often should hoses be replaced?
When they show cracking, hardening or damage — inspection rather than a calendar. Fuel gas hoses are subject to stricter rules in professional settings; for shielding gas, a visual check and a soapy-water leak test each time a connection is made is the practical standard.
Last reviewed 2026-08-14