Over time even a good hose can develop a leak or break.
A garden hose that leaks is both an annoyance and a waste of water. So whether you left your hose out in freezing weather, ran over it with the lawn mower, or your dog used it as a chew toy; the good news is that repairing it can be done in about five minutes for less than $5.
Make sure you buy the correct replacement parts.
Materials Needed
To repair your garden hose, you’ll need:
- Screwdriver: Most hose repair kits have Phillips head screws, but check your kit first to be sure.
- Hose Repair Kit: Available at hardware stores or garden centers, hose repair kits come as male or female threaded hose ends as well as a connector for fixing a leak in the middle of a hose. Kits are available for various diameter hoses in both metal and plastic. I’ve used both kinds with great results. The hose is secured to the end using a two-piece clamp or a hose clamp. If you’re not sure which thread or hose diameter you need, cut off the broken end of the hose, and take it with you to the store.
- Utility Knife: With a new blade, or a really sharp pocket or other knife.
Hose repair kit
Irrigation Tip
Hose repair kits can come in handy when making a homemade irrigation system. Using a few repair kits and an old garden hose, I was able to make an inexpensive, customized hose network for my lawn sprinklers. By cutting the hoses to the right length and concealing them against the house and under mulch, I had a budget-friendly system that rivaled an expensive underground system!
How to Repair a Garden Hose
Step 1: Cut Hose
Using the utility knife, cut cleanly through the hose. The safest way to do this is to lay the hose on the ground, so you can apply pressure without your fingers getting in the way. The cut needs to be smooth and square, not slanted or ragged. You can simply cut off the broken part or cut the hose to any length you want.
Step 2: Insert Replacement End
Push the threaded replacement end of the hose repair kit as far as it will go into the cut end of the garden hose. Since the sleeve in the replacement end will be a tight fit, it might take a bit of effort to work the hose over the sleeve, but it’s important to make sure the sleeve goes all the way into the hose.
Step 3: Attach Clamp
Using a screwdriver, attach the clamp that came with the hose repair kit securely around the end of the garden hose. Make sure the two screws (or one screw if your kit comes with a hose clamp) are very tight, to prevent your garden hose repair from leaking.
Your newly repaired garden hose is now ready to use, and you’re back in business!
Completed garden hose repair.
hey do you know the name of the kit by any chance?
Hi, Sergio!
Availability depends on your local home center.
Here’s one option from The Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Melnor-20-Piece-Hose-Repair-Kit-15107/309634276
Good luck. 🙂
How do I figure out what size to get I see there are 1/2 5/8 and 3/4 sizes..
Hi, Mich. That depends on your garden hose. Your best bet is to take your garden hose to the home center for inspection and the best recommendation. Good luck!
How about repairing a flat hose? Is it possible with out a special repair kit?
Hi, Christy! These directions only apply to standard, round garden hoses.
Always contact the manufacturer before attempting a flat-hose repair as it could be void the warranty.
Good luck! 🙂
I need to put the two pieces of hose back together as this was one 50 foot hose.
Hi Judith,
You can buy a garden hose repair coupling to join two pieces of hose together at home and garden centers.
Thank you so much!
I wasn’t able to cut the hose end off, so I purchased several styles and sizes. Once I had figured the correct size, I followed these easy instructions and had done the repair in no time-and now we have a completely useable hose. I love repairing things instead of throwing them away!
Glad to hear it all worked out, Wendy. Thanks for commenting!
I used the hose repair kit , cut the hose inserted metal into both ends tightened down the clamps and it is still spraying water!!! Should I use silicone also???
Hi, Pattie,
We always defer to the repair kit’s instructions.
In this case, it’s best to call their hotline or email them.
Otherwise, any further action could void the warranty.
Let us know how it goes!
I appreciate your confident instructions for repairing garden hose. But frankly, over my many years of replacing male and female end fittings, and joining two pieces of hose……. no matter how hard I tighten the “clamps”, the fittings still leak. VERY frustrating! Have you found any repair fittings or kits which work easily, reliably, and every time? After all, new hoses have non-leaking fittings…it CAN be done. Thanks much, Ed P.
Thanks much
Hi, Ed!
What a great question! We recommend submitting questions about unique situations like yours to the Today’s Homeowner Radio Show.
Please use this form to contact Danny Lipford, America’s Home Expert, directly: https://todayshomeowner.com/radio/ask-questions/
Take care!
I repaired the same hose over the years with hose clamps and nubs of 3/8, or 1/2 copper. It works, but the hose clamps get snagged on everything when pulling the hose- very annoying. Great article.
Glad to hear you enjoyed this content, Daniel. Please feel free to share it with friends — that’s how we’re able to create similar content. 🙂
I purchased an Ace Hardware plastic hose repair kit to replace a leaking female connector. The clamp is threaded. The opening on one side of the clamp is smaller than the opening on the other end. Which way does the clamp go over the hose, with the smaller end next to the nozzle, or the wider end? There are no instructions with the product, I do not see this question addressed in any of the instruction videos.
Hi, David,
Our video covers general garden hose repair. For specific products, it’s always best to refer to the manufacturer’s directions.
You said the product didn’t come with directions, so it’s best to contact Ace Hardware’s Customer Service Department here: carecenter@acehardware.com
Good luck with the repair!
MY 20′ METEL GARDEN HOSE NEEDS TO HAVE THE INER LINER REPLACED, ONE END HAS SLIPPED ITS CONNECTION. IS THERE ANY WAY TO RECONNECT THE LINER OR WILL A NEW ONE NEED TO BE INSTALLED??
Hi, Jack,
That would depend on the garden hose’s manufacturer and the product’s features.
We recommend checking the instructions that came with the product, or contacting the manufacturer directly for more information.
Good luck!