How to Fix a Leaking Garden Hose
As the weather warms up and you start dragging your gardening tools from your garage or basement to your yard, you may notice that not everyone made it through the winter unscathed. For example, you might connect your trusty garden hose to your outdoor plumbing only to find it leaks (or several).
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to get rid of the hose: there are several ways you can fix small leaks at home. Here’s what you need to know.
Seal small holes in the hose with duct tape.
Most of the tiny holes in the hose, also known as pinholes, are not visible, so start by turning on the hose and marking their location. If you have one hole, you can easily have several, so keep a close eye on the entire length of the hose.
Once you find them, turn off the hose, then dry it thoroughly – first with a towel and then, if possible, leave it in the sun for a few minutes. (Because you’ll be using duct tape, make sure the hose is as dry as possible so that the tape sticks.)
Wrap electrical tape – ideally PVC-based and rubber-based adhesive – around the hole so that it overlaps, but not too tight (to prevent the hose from creasing).
Use rubber adhesive for small tears and punctures
If you notice a few large holes or breaks, thoroughly clean and dry that part of the hose, then apply rubber cement to and around the hole with a light dab – you don’t want to use so much that it gets inside the hose. .
Large tears, holes, and punctures that require more than duct tape or rubber glue can often be repaired with a hose repair kit, which you can find at a hardware store, bulk box store, or online.
Replace the washer on a leaky pipe
Leaks coming directly from the nozzle can often be repaired by replacing the washer. This process will depend on a number of factors, including how much of the tube is leaking and how much effort it takes to unscrew the top. These step-by-step instructions include photos and will guide you through the entire renovation from start to finish.
Fix a leaking clutch with a new gasket
A leak can also come from a coupling, a metal or plastic fitting that connects a hose to a nozzle, sprinkler, nozzle, or other hose. If the leak is from a coupling that is attached to a spigot or other water source, you may need to replace the gasket.
If the leak is from a coupling connected to a nozzle, sprinkler, or other hose, you may need to replace the entire coupling. These instructions will help you complete both jobs.