How to fix garden hose leak

We previously published a video tutorial about how to repair a garden hose at either end. If that tutorial is more relevant and you’d like to view it, click here.

Índice Show

Check what size garden hose you have
Tools needed:
Small Leaks
Leaking Spigot
Large Leaks

In this video, we show you how to repair a garden hose if the hole or leak is in the middle portion of the hose. Watch the video below, and then keep scrolling for more information and where to buy the parts that we mention.

Check what size garden hose you have

Be sure you buy the right SIZE – most garden hoses are 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch, but some are 1/2 inch. Choose the right kind of hose repair kit for the size of hose that you have. Some heavy-duty hoses are a bit thicker so the plastic type of repair kit might not work.

Tools needed:

Something to cut the hose
- scissors (if the hose is thinner or lighter)
- bypass pruners
- box cutter
Hose repair kit
- plastic: [easyazon_link identifier=”B079K2XSY8″ locale=”US” tag=”gardeprodurev-20″]Gilmour Polymer Hose Mender 01HM (Pack of 1)[/easyazon_link]
- metal (our recommendation): [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XTD86QB” locale=”US” tag=”gardeprodurev-20″]Orbit Brass Water Hose Repair Fix – Garden Hoses Mender w/ Clamp[/easyazon_link]
Electric tape (we used this one from 3m)

Have you ever tried repairing a garden hose, or have you just gone out and bought a new one each time it sprung a leak? Let us know in the comments below!

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You pull your garden hose out of the garage, screw it into the faucet, attach the perfect nozzle, turn on the water and end up getting soaked. It’s the dreaded hose leak. Don’t panic and rush off to replace the damaged hose just yet. With the right tools and these simple methods, you can easily repair your hose and get back to watering the lawn in no time.

Small Leaks

If the water didn’t squirt you in your face, you may have to go on a little hole hunt. When you find the small leak, here are your mending options:

Option 1 – Use common electrical tape or specially designed hose repair tape. First, clean and dry the hose before applying. Overlap the tap as you wrap it around the hose. Don’t wrap it too tightly or the hose will crease and the tape won’t seal.
Option 2 – Use rubber cement for tears and punctures. Dry and clean the area and apply rubber cement to and around the hole. Fill in the hole, but not so much that it gets inside the hose.
Option 3 – Use a tire puncture repair kit. These are usually sold at bicycle repair shops or car part stores. Read the directions and apply the repair materials to the hole.

Leaking Spigot

A leaking spigot is often a sign that the washer is worn out and needs to be replaced. Washers dry out or deteriorate with age. Simply remove the old one and put in a new one. If it still leaks, replace the coupling. The coupling is the part that connects to another hose or to the tap.

Large Leaks

Mending a large leak is a little more involved but still simple. This will require cutting the damaged section out and replacing it with a mender. Be sure to use a sharp blade and make straight cuts when doing this. Take the cut-out portion with you when purchasing the replacement parts to be certain you have the proper pieces. Parts will also depend on whether you have a rubber or vinyl hose.

Step 1 – Carefully cut out the damaged portion of the hose with straight lines.
Step 2 – Loosen the screws on the replacement coupler.
Step 3 – Insert the cut ends of each section of the hose into the side of the clamp mender. If this part is difficult, rub a little soap on the area to make it more pliable.
Step 4 – Tighten the screws until the clamp is tight enough to not pull the hose out.
Step 5 – Attach the hose to a nozzle and turn on the water to test out the connection. Keep tightening the connector until water no longer leaks.

To avoid having to always repair your garden hoses, it’s a good idea to protect them. A well taken care of hose will last for many seasons. Always drain all the water out, keep it out of the sun, coil it after you’re done using it and replace washers when they show signs of dripping.

Resources found on our website are provided as general guidelines, and Reddi Industries does not assume any liability resulting from the provided information.

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It's happened many times before: you pull your garden hose out from the garage, screw it onto the faucet, attach that spiffy nozzle you got from the hardware store, turned on the water, and got soaked as the leaky hose gushed water all over you. Instead of replacing that hose, consider some simple methods to mend it.

1
Locate the leaks. If it didn't squirt you in the face, you may have to go on a hole hunt. Does your hose leak at the faucet? Does it leak where you've joined two hoses? Does it leak at the point where you've attached a sprinkler head or spraying device? Or does it leak somewhere in the middle?[1] X Research source Go to source
2
Fix leaky joints. Detach the hose from other hoses or devices, and thoroughly lube the threads of each with petroleum jelly.
- Reattach and you will notice fewer leaks, or even none at all. Be careful trying to reattach the items as your hands will be slick.
- Another option is to use a rubber washer. These are available at a hardware or garden supply store and can be slipped onto the "female" end of the hose. This should prevent leaking when it is joined to another hose or device.[2] X Research source Go to source
3
Use rubber cement for tears or punctures.[3] X Research source Go to source
- Using a dry paper towel, dry off the section of hose where there is a hole or cut. If the hole is within a foot (30 cm) of the end of the hose, try using a piece of dowel with paper towel wrapped around it to clean the inside of the hose.
- Apply some rubber cement to — and around — the hole. Fill in the hole, but not so much that it gets inside of the hose. This could result in clogging up the hose, and increasing the water's pressure, causing more leaks and an incentive for the hose to burst at that weak spot.
4
Use a tire puncture repair kit. These are most commonly sold at bicycle repair shops, body shops, car-part stores, etc.[4] X Research source Go to source
- Carefully read the directions of use, and apply the repair substance to the hole.
- After drying, buy a small sheet of solid rubber from a craft store, hardware store or other supplier. You can also cut a small square out of an old rubber rain boot, bicycle tire, or any other rubber item you no longer use.
- Glue it over the leak and let dry (use a glue able to keep the rubber attached strongly
5
Get a coupling for more severe tears. They are available at a hardware store. Repair couplings work by allowing you to cut out the leaky portion of hose and re-join it where you made the cuts.[5] X Research source Go to source
- Shutoff the water to the hose and cut out the bad portion.
- Splice in the repair coupling. It will have detailed instructions on the label.
6

Finished. Now go dry yourself off!

Question

How do I clean a black rubber garden hose so the black doesn't come off on my hands?

You can lightly sand the hose to remove the oxidized surface. Or, you can try painting it with an elastomeric paint, if the sanding doesn't work.
Question

Can a garden hose be used like a snake to push a clog down a toilet?

Sort of, yes. You'd actually use a nozzle on the hose to let its water stream break up the clog. If the clog is deeper in the plumbing system, then just keep shoving the hose in while it's set to its strongest stream to flush out and break up anything in its path.
Question

How can I repair an expanding hose pipe when it is in the middle of the hose?

Visit the hardware store and pick up a joiner and some hose clamps. Then, cut out the bad section, loosely put the clamps on the hose, install the joiner into each pipe, and tighten the clamps. Be careful not to over-tighten the clamps though.

See more answers

Superglue
Tire repair kit
Rubber cement
Rubber square (from rain boot or purchased piece)
Hose splice kit
Rubber washers

This article was co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH. Andrew Carberry has been working in food systems since 2008. He has a Masters in Public Health Nutrition and Public Health Planning and Administration from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. This article has been viewed 244,112 times.

Co-authors: 22

Updated: October 21, 2021

Article Rating: 84% - 28 votes

Categories: Gardening Tools | Landscaping

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"I have a squirting water hose but did not know how to solve it. This article had opened my eyes on a lot that I've learnt long ago. You are doing very good job."