Most are made out of stainless steel. Should last a very long time.

Clamps that are used in contact with water or weathering should be inspected frequently especially if there is vibration. Another very important factor is what the material it is made of. Cheap clamps rust quickly. I check clamps that are submerged monthly, more if they seem to be discoloring. That includes checking to see if they appear to be loose by actually using a screwdriver to try to tighten them. Clamps are pretty cheap. Replace them if there is any doubt. Sandy

My stainless steel will far outlast the screw that is used to apply pressure to the clamp. The screw usually starts to rust in a year or so.

I picked up two plastic clamps last year and they seem to work fine (so far). I'm using them with a tight fitting barb connector, so they just provide a little added pressure to the connection. I fully expect the plastic connectors to age and eventually crack. At least I don't have to worry about rust in the pond.

Here is a link that might be useful: Plastic Clamps

Thanks for the replies. The settling pond is 4' deep with the pipe coming in at 3' deep. So inspecting it means emptying it and jumping inside. It is the filter pond(think gross!!!!) so even when it is clean it is not clean. lol

No leaks so the clamp is holding thus far. I guess I should check this year. Gulp.

Regards,
Lisa

Lisa, you can buy hose clamps that have stainless screews, but they cost more than the regular type and you would have to buy them from a plumbing suppliers.
I have never seen them in any of the box stores, but they may have them in some?

If you have smeared silicone seal well over the head of the clamp and put a EPDM "do-nut" covering over it, you should be okay for many years.
"Horton"

Horton,

Thanks for the advice. I did put the donut and silicone, so maybe I have more time. Good to know. I will also buy some stainless steel screws as you suggested for when I replace the clamps. :)

Lisa

Bless you Horton. I read Lisa's response and my jaw dropped. I had not imagined such a situation. It is good to know you are there with the experience to answer uncommon questions.
When I have a hose clamp that is going to be totally out of reach I use solder in the gear to keep it from getting loose but I don't think regular solder works on stainless steel. Are we thinking arc welding here? Come to think of it, after having a car with a similar problem I will change the design if something like that shows up. Sandy

Ah Bless you too Sandy, you don't even need to make a do-nut out of a piece of EPDM liner, if you want to protect that clamp screw from rusting out.
Buy a roll of self sealing rubber tape from the plumbing or electrical depts, in either Home Depot or Lowes, Etc.
It is sold some places as "Magic Tape", or leak fixing tape.
It is actually self amalgamating tape, which means, when you apply it, stretching it, as you tape it on, it seals to it's self.
Once applied it will seal out any moisture. Or in, in the case of mending a cracked/punctured pipe, it will stop any moisture from leaking out.

Yes you are correct ordinary tin solder will not stick to stainless steel. Silver solder will, but it is much more expensive and you require greater heat to melt it.
That is over kill anyway. If you use a good quality hose clamp it should not loosen off.
Take care, [by the way you have mail] LOL
"Horton"