Look in side as you fill it if it runs down thats your hose. Rubber does not last for ever. 40 years aint bad though. I have always left the tank in there and had no big problem, but iam 5' 9" 125 soking wet so i can get in tight palces. And I have "Worked my fingers to the bone. What do you get? Boney Fingers" Good luck whatever way you do it.