One of the ongoing chores of gardening is the watering of the garden. Whether we are worried about how much to water the tomatoes, whether to use sprinklers or soaker hoses, or where to hide the garden hose storage, it seems to add to the burden of gardening. And then we get the hose breaks, which always seem like it’s just a small problem area on a hose 50 or 75 feet long. Here’s a few ideas on how to repair that garden hose and save a few dollars in the process.

Title: How To Effectively Repair A Garden Hose

Author: Darren Lintern

Article: The nature of the hose repair necessary will depend on the kind of leak you discover. There are two different possible reasons for a leak – standard garden hoses seem to leak at one of two areas, either at a kink or at the fitting.

Kinks are often a result of attempting to make use of low cost hoses. They usually have ineffective or non existent inner linings. Having a mesh inner layer is important to prevent the hose from twisting over on itself, therefore forcing a soft curve. Having any sharp bends is what causes tension on the tube, resulting in splits. Buying a quality hose is the simply answer to preventing this problem.

If a break occurs along the length of the hose, you have two options. If the break is not very big, you may get by (for a time, at least) just taping. A particular tape for repairing hoses is obtainable, but often using any electricians insulating tape will work just as well. Be certain that the section near the leak has been dried out. The adhesive on tape will often dissolve rapidly when wet. Basically wrap a tight curl well below and above the leak.

If you’re unfortunate to have a larger crack, cut the hose with the garden shears or a sharp knife on each side of the spilt. Make sure the edges are dry, clean and trimmed perpendicular to the axis of the hose.

Now purchase a garden hose repair toolkit available in two styles – for interior or end fitting repairs. Some will simply plug into the hose, or some will have threads. These threads are not expected simply to fasten into the hose, however, they can aid in creating an improved seal. Bind the second type with numerous winds of electrical tape to provide the ideal seal.

Heat up the hose in warm soapy water in order to expand and soften the hose. This will allow the repair fitting to be easily introduced to the hose. When inserted, allow the hose to cool for a tight fit.

For an end-hose repair (the section a faucet or water nozzle attaches to), the course of action is typically the same. A similar process is necessary if splits emerge where the (often brass, occasionally plastic) fitting fixes to the hose, or it the attachment has become damaged.

Cut off the fitting, make sure that the end is clean and that the hose shell is perpendicular to the hose axis. Heat the hose to allow the repair fitting to easily slip in. Prior to inserting or pressing on the fitting, check it on the nozzle of faucet to certify a tight fit. Clamp or insert into position as above.

About the author: Darren Lintern writes extensively for www.andallgardening.comLawn Sprinkler Repair