Richard Thomas — Two decades of hands-on irrigation testing, so your garden gets exactly the water it needs.
Background
I have spent over 18 years working directly with irrigation and watering equipment, from small backyard drip systems to full-scale sprinkler installations. My background started in landscape contracting before I moved into product evaluation full time, focusing on hose reels, timers, sprinklers, and drip components. I know which fittings hold up under real pressure and which fail within a season.
How I Test
Every product I recommend gets installed and run through at least one full watering season before it earns a spot on this site. I check flow consistency, connection durability under repeated use, and how materials hold up against UV exposure and freeze-thaw cycles. I also compare manufacturer claims against actual pressure readings and timer accuracy, noting where marketing overstates real performance.
My Promise
My focus covers drip irrigation, sprinkler systems, hose equipment, and smart watering controllers. I evaluate build quality, water efficiency, and long-term reliability before anything gets my recommendation. I will not endorse a product I have not tested myself, and I update my picks when newer, better-performing equipment comes along.
Get in Touch
Have a question about irrigation equipment or need advice on your setup? Feel free to reach out. contact@hosepipeshop.co.uk
