How do I connect two garden hoses together?

Understanding the Problem: Connecting Two Garden Hoses Together

At some point, garden hoses may need to be connected to extend the reach of an outdoor irrigation system, or to allow access to water from a garden spigot that is not within reach of a single hose. Connecting two garden hoses is a common outdoor maintenance activity, but requires a little bit of knowledge in order to get it right. Here’s what you need to know:

Consider the Hose Material and Size

Before selecting a connector to join your garden hoses, it’s important to consider their diameter. Garden hoses come in different sizes, including ½ inch (intended for light use), 5/8 inch (industry standard size), and ¾ inch (heavy-duty use). It’s also important to consider the material your hoses are made from: rubber, vinyl, and reinforced hose materials may all require different connector fittings.

Selecting the Right Connector

Connector fittings come in a variety of styles, such as brass, plastic, and aluminum. The right connector will depend on the hose diameter, material, and intended use.

Some common connector fittings include:

• Hose menders
• Male to male adapters
• Female to female adapters
• Y-connectors
• T-connectors

Connecting the Hoses

Before connecting the hoses, the materials and connectors should be placed out on a flat surface. This will help verify compatibility and ensure that you have the appropriate fittings.

After confirming the size compatibility and selecting the appropriate connectors, connect the hoses by attaching the connectors at the end of each hose. Depending on the connectors you have, you may need to use a wrench or pliers to securely tighten them.

Troubleshooting Tips

If the hoses are leaking at the connection point after making it tight, try the following:

• Ensure the connector-fitting screwed in as tightly as possible
• Use PTFE tape (teflon tape) to improve the water-tight seal
• If using a Y-connector, make sure the water is not spilling out from one of the arms