How to Repair a Garden Hose

How to Repair the Faucet End of a Garden Hose

Repair a leak at the faucet end of a garden hose by replacing the rubber washer or by replacing the female-threaded coupler (attaches to the faucet) with a new female hose repair mender/coupler.

1. Replace the Washer

   Add a new rubber washer to the inside of the female coupler if the old washer is missing or damaged. Test the hose by stopping the end (turning off the spray nozzle at the end) and turning on the water. If there is still a leak, replace the metal female coupler.

2. Cut Off the Coupler

   Cut the female-threaded metal coupler from the end of the hose with sharp garden shears or a utility knife. Cut about 2 inches up. Cut the hose as cleanly as possible.

3. Add the Hose Clamp

   Slip the hose clamp onto the end of the hose.

4. Add the Female Mender

   Push the female metal hose mender (coupler) into the end of the hose. Soaking the hose end in warm water makes it more pliable if it's difficult to push in the mender.

5. Tighten the Hose Clamp

   Slip the hose clamp to 1/4-inch away from the end of the hose. Tighten the screw on the hose clamp.

Repair the Nozzle End of a Garden Hose

Repair a leak at the nozzle end of a garden hose by replacing the male-threaded coupler (which attaches to a spray nozzle, sprinkler, or another watering tool) with a new male hose repair mender/coupler.

1. Check the Watering Tool's Washer

   Look at the inside of the sprayer nozzle, sprinkler, or other watering tool's female-threaded inlet. If there is no rubber washer or if the washer is damaged, replace it. Often, this is enough to stop a leak at the nozzle end of a hose. If there is still a leak, replace the metal male coupler.

2. Cut Off the Coupler

   Cut the male-threaded metal coupler from the end of the hose with sharp garden shears or a utility knife.

3. Add the Hose Clamp

   Slip the hose clamp onto the end of the hose. Do not tighten it yet.

4. Add the Male Mender

   Push the male mender firmly into the end of the hose.

5. Tighten the Hose Clamp

   Slide the hose clamp almost to the end of the hose (about 1/4-inch away), then turn the screw with a flat-head screwdriver to tighten the hose clamp.

Repair the Middle of a Garden Hose

Repair leaks in the middle of a garden hose by cutting out the damaged section of the hose and reconnecting the hose either with a barbed repair mender and hose clamps or a clamp coupler.

1. Cut Out the Damaged Section

   Cut the hose two inches away from both sides of the damaged area. Use sharp garden shears or large scissors.

2. Add the Hose Clamps

   Slip one hose clamp on one side of the hose. Slip the other hose clamp on the other side of the hose. Slide the clamps about a foot down the hose for now to prevent them from interfering with the hose coupler.

3. Fit the Hose on the Coupler

   Fit the hose over the barbed ends of the hose coupler. Slide the two sides as close to the center of the coupler as possible.

   Tip

   Ease the connection by softening the ends of the hose. Soak the ends in hot water for a few minutes. Add a dot of dish soap for extra lubrication.

4. Screw the Hose Clamps in Place

   Slide the two hose clamps inward to about 1/4-inch of the cut ends of the hose. Turn the screws on the hose clamps as tight as you can.

5. Test the Hose

   Add the hose nozzle to the end of the hose. Make sure that the nozzle is turned off. Turn on the faucet slowly and observe the repair for leaks.

Tips for Keeping a Garden Hose in Good Condition

There are a few things you can do to keep your garden hose in good condition and prevent damage:

• Add a spring hose saver to the faucet end to relieve strain.
• Avoid dragging the male threaded end to prevent abrading the threads.
• Coil and properly store the garden hose on a hose reel when it is not in use.
• Drain the hose of water.
• Store the hose in a shed or garage during the off-season.