Fixing Garden Hoses with Everyday Items

To Fix a Small Leak

Have you ever heard the phrase "Duct tape fixes everything?" Well in this case, it is almost true. If you have a small hole or tear in your garden hose that is causing a leak, the easiest way to repair it is to patch the hole with electrical tape. The hardest part of this repair is finding the leak in the first place. Once you have located the source of the problem, simply wrap several layers of electrical tape around your hose. Keep in mind that the hose should be turned off during this procedure. It also helps if the hose has been cleaned and dried. Another great tip is to make sure not to wrap the electrical tape too tightly, or the hose will bend and the tape will not work.

Fixing a Leak in the Spigot

Another common problem associated with garden hoses is leaking at the spigot to which they are connected. This problem results in wasted water and low water pressure when using the garden hose. Fixing this problem only requires the purchase of a small part and a simple installation. The most common cause of leakage is a broken or rusted washer. The washer is the piece found at the very end of the spigot, where the water comes out. To replace the washer, simply unscrew the old or broken washer, and then screw in the new one! This should fix the leak and end the waste of water.

Fixing a Large Leak

When people see a gushing leak in their water hose, their first thought and course of action is to usually throw the hose away and purchase a new one. This isn't always the best route to take. You can save time and money by simply purchasing an implement known as a crimp, or a clamp. The clamp resembles a small spigot that attaches to one end of a cut garden hose. The repair is a fairly easy procedure, beginning with the drying and cleaning of the hose. You will then cut away the section of the hose where the hole resides. When cutting, make sure that your cuts are straight and not ragged. This will make attaching the crimp much easier. The final steps are to simply attach the crimp and fit both ends of the cut hose to it. There you have it, a newly repaired hose for a fraction of the cost of a new one!