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Repair a Garden Hose

It's usually not too difficult to spot a leak in a garden hose. They always seem to spray you in the face, but don't get mad and throw away the hose. A simple, inexpensive repair may be all that's needed to put it back in working order.

Garden Hose

Tools & Materials


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Small Leaks

Use common electrical tape in a pinch or specially designed hose repair tape to mend a small leak. Clean and dry the hose before applying. Overlap the tape as you wrap it around the hose. If you wrap it too tightly, the hose will crease and the tape won't seal.

Leaking Spigot

A washer replacement is the simplest of all repairs and is often all that's needed. Washers dry or deteriorate with age. Simply remove the old one, and pop in a new washer. If it still leaks, replace the coupling.

Large Leaks

Large Leaks

Replacing a hose end or repairing a center section is a little more involved but still a simple job. The repair requires cutting the damaged section out and replacing with a mender. When cutting away damaged parts, make straight cuts with a sharp blade. To be certain you get the proper repair part, take the removed portion with you when purchasing the replacement. Repair part designs differ by manufacturer. Also make sure that the part you select is the correct one for your hose material, whether rubber or vinyl.

To make replacing fittings easier:

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


Step 1

Carefully cut out the damaged portion of the hose leaving the ends as square as possible.

Step 2

Loosen the screws on both sides of the replacement coupler.

Step 3

Insert the cut end of each section of hose into one side of the clamp mender. (Be sure they are fully inserted).

Step 4

Tighten the screws evenly until the clamp is tight enough to prevent the hose from being pulled out.

Step 5

Attach the hose to a sprinkler or nozzle, and turn on the water to test the connection. If water leaks out, tighten the connection until water no longer leaks out.

Protecting Your Garden Hose

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Keep it out of the sun. Hot water expands in the hose, and UV rays can weaken the material.
  3. Coil your hose after each use, either by hand or with a hose reel. If the hose kinks, reroll it immediately to prevent splitting.
  4. Drain the hose and remove any attachments, and store it out of the elements during winter.
  5. Replace washers when they show signs of leaking or dripping. It's a good idea to replace the washers every spring.