How to Prevent a Leaky Hose

You may be tempted after using your garden hose to just drop it where you stand and leave it on the ground. Exposure to the sun can dry your hose out, leading to cracks. Extreme cold can lead to bursting or splitting. Left on wet ground, it may grow mold or rot. If you drop the hose in tall grass or weeds, you risk running over it next time you mow the lawn. Designate a spot to store your garden hose and put it away after you use it.

A good washer is one of the most important factors for preventing hose leaks at the spigot. Usually, leaks at the top of the hose are caused by a deteriorating washer. Before using a new hose, locate the washer and make sure it’s properly inserted into the coupling. Inspect the washer when you take your hose out of storage or put it into storage each season. Check the washers on your hose accessories, too.

Tip: Stay on top of washer maintenance by changing them out at the start of the spring season rather than waiting for leaks to develop.

A pinhole leak doesn't have to spell the end for your hose. It’s fairly easy to fix. First, clean the area around the leak with some soap and water to remove any dirt and grime and allow it to dry. Apply bicycle tube glue or rubber cement over the leak. After the glue or cement dries, wrap the area with plumber's tape and your hose should be good to use for a few more seasons.

If you see a leak between the hose and the spigot, your first step should be to check the washer. If the washer is fine and the leak is coming from the hose end itself, there may be a simple fix. First, use shears or a sharp pair of sturdy scissors to cut off the damaged end. Then, pick up a hose repair kit and follow the instructions to attach the new replacement coupler. 

Simply shutting off the hose nozzle when you’re done doesn’t mean the garden hose is empty of water. On the contrary, it’s full of water. Pressure may build up in the hose, which can eventually cause it to stretch and leak. When you’re done using the hose, turn the water off at the spigot, and open the hose spray nozzle to allow any excess water inside to drain out. This is especially important in colder weather since the water may freeze and expand overnight and cause the hose to burst.

Tip: An easy way to drain water out of a hose is to coil it over your shoulder.

Leaving your garden hose in a pile can lead to twisted tangles and kinks. Severe kinking can irreparably damage your hose.

There are many hose storage solutions that make it easy to roll up and store your hose safely. Hose carts, reels and wall-mounted holders come with a crank that you simply turn to wind the hose around it. You can also coil it up inside a hose pot or hang it from an ornamental hose stand.

One of the main reasons why proper garden hose storage is so important is to keep the hose out of direct sunlight. The sun's strong UV rays can cause the outer layers of the hose to deteriorate, leading to cracks and other types of damage. The sun’s heat can also heat any water left inside and damage to the hose’s inner tubing. Always roll up your hose in a coil and store it away in a nicely shaded spot.

If you pull your hose around by the spray nozzle, as most of us do, it can weaken the spot where the nozzle connects to the hose. Eventually, a weakened connector area can lead to a major and irreparable leak. Rather than dragging it by the nozzle, grab onto the hose several inches below the nozzle, and pull it along with you.

Another easy way to keep your garden hose in good shape and prevent leaks is to not overtighten when you attach it to the spigot, another hose or an accessory. Overtightening can crush and damage the washer, resulting in leaks. You shouldn't need to use a wrench to make everything tight enough — hand tightening provides all the force necessary for a tight seal.

To properly winterize your garden hose, detach it, drain out the water and store it away in a space that stays above freezing temperatures. While a shed or an unheated garage will keep the hose out of the elements, freezing temperatures can still reduce its flexibility and kink resistance. Storing your hose at room temperature will help it last much longer.