BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Fix a Garden Hose

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (1 Ratings)

Homeowners can expect the occasional leaking or spraying from a garden hose. Not only do these leaks waste water, but you may also find yourself getting all wet as a result. Before you decide to go out and buy a new hose, look at these easy garden hose repairs.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Vinyl or electrical tape for pin-size leaks
Sharp knife
Hose repair kit
Screwdriver
Replacement washers for spigot leaks

Step1

Fix tiny holes or cracks in a clean, dry hose with vinyl or electrical tape. Overlap the tape so that it goes an inch from the crack or hole in both directions.

Step2

Buy a compatible hose repair kit from a home improvement store for larger leaks. Your kit needs to work with the type of hose you have (vinyl or rubber), in addition to matching the diameter of your hose.

Step3

Cut the damaged section out of the hose with a sharp knife. If needed, take the damaged section with you when buying a hose repair kit to compare the diameter.

Step4

Make the hose more flexible for working with by leaving it in the warm sun first or rubbing some soap on the two hose ends that you plan to join.

Step5

Put the loose clamp on the hose and slide it out of your way for now.

Step6

Attach both ends of the hose firmly in a coupler. Slide the clamp down over the coupler and tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

Step7

Replace dried out washers when you locate a leak at the spigot. Simply trade a new washer for the old one in the hose end that attaches to the spigot. If the hose still leaks, replace the coupling.

Tips & Warnings

Garden hose repair kits differ, but the principle is the same. Instead of the clamp and coupling, some kits might use a screw on locking ring or a repair union with a nipple at each end.