How to Repair a Garden Hose

To mend a small hole or leak in your hose, try using electrical tape, duct tape or specially designed hose repair tape. Clean and dry the hose section before applying. Overlap the tape as you wrap it around the hose. Take care to not wrap too tight as the hose may wrinkle and the tape won't seal.

Leaky faucets are usually caused by one of two reasons. First, washers in the hose connectors can dry out or deteriorate with age. A washer replacement is the simplest of all repairs and is often all that's needed. Simply remove the old one, and pop in a new washer. If it still leaks, you may need to replace the coupling.

The second problem can come from the faucet itself. With time and use, the handle or dial may become loose and cause leaks to occur. Simply take a screwdriver or pliers and tighten the screw or nut on the top. This should solve the leak.

Replacing a hose end or repairing a center section is a little more involved but still a simple task. The repair requires cutting the damaged section out and replacing with a mender or coupling. When cutting away damaged parts, make straight edge cuts with a sharp blade. 

To be certain you get the proper repair part, take the portion you removed with you when purchasing the replacement. This will help you get the correct hose diameter repair parts. Repair part designs may differ by manufacturer. Also make sure that the part you select will work for your hose material, whether it's rubber or vinyl.

To make replacing fittings easier:

• Make sure the hose is clean and dry.
• Rub a little soap or petroleum jelly on the area you're repairing to make it more pliable and easier to work with.

A good garden hose is a smart investment. If you take care of your hose, it will serve you well through many seasons of lawn and garden projects. Follow the steps below to prolong the life of your hose:

• When you shut off your hose, make sure you drain the water all the way out. Hoist it over your shoulder to remove any excess water, which could damage your hose if it's left sitting.
• Keep it out of the sun. Hot water expands in the hose, and UV rays can weaken the material.
• Coil your hose after each use, either by hand or with a hose reel. If the hose kinks, reroll it immediately to prevent splitting.
• Drain the hose and remove any attachments and store it out of the elements during winter.
• Replace washers when they show signs of leaking or dripping. It's a good idea to replace the washers every spring.