How to Fix a Garden Hose

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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

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

7. 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.

[AbbyNormal]

on 10/8/2008 Thanks! Mine just got a leak! Going to try this!

[jonen]

on 4/23/2008 Nice Article. I found another source which helped me http://www.askaquery.com/question/How-to-Fix-a-Garden-Hose.html

Thanks