How to Connect a Fire Hose to a Pipe Thread

Couplers are used to connect fire hoses to threaded pipe or other hose lengths.

Due to the weight and bulk of fire hoses, it is not practical to turn the hose ends to connect them to threaded pipes, hydrants or other hoses. Fire hoses are equipped with couplers. These metal rings are threaded on both sides and pivot around the hose and pipe threads, connecting the two pieces together without having to twist and turn the hose. The trick to using the coupler is to not look down and at the hose while turning the mechanism.

Things You'll Need

• Fire hose coupler tool

Instructions

1. Place the end of the fire hose with the coupler up to the threads on the pipe you wish to attach onto. Hand turn the coupler once, going clockwise to set the hose coupler threads onto the pipe so it stays attached.

2. Look straight ahead and place your one hand onto the hose and the other on the coupler. Hold the hose in a static position and turn the coupler clockwise to tighten it into the threaded pipe. Looking at the hose and coupler typically results in turning the hose as it seems to be the intuitive motion to make. Do not. This leads to twists in the hose that are hard to undo.

3. Continue to turn the coupler until the threads are tight and the hose is secured onto the threaded pipe. Use the coupler tightening tool to get the maximum tightness. Place the tool on to the ribbed edges on the outside of the coupler and pull backward on the tool.

References

• David's Fire: Hose Couplings
• Joey Knows Best: Fire Hose Couplers