Symptoms
- Water sprays out where the hose connects to the spigot or nozzle
- Small stream of water shoots from a spot along the hose
- Reduced water pressure at the nozzle end
Likely causes
- CommonWorn or missing rubber washer at the connection pointThis small washer seals the connection and degrades with age and sun exposure.
- CommonPuncture or crack in the hose materialKinking, dragging over sharp edges, or UV exposure can weaken and puncture hose walls.
- PossibleStripped or damaged threads at the fittingCross-threading or dropping the hose can damage the connector threads.
What to do
- Identify exactly where the leak occurs: at a connection point or along the hose body.
- For connection leaks, check for and replace the small rubber washer inside the female end of the hose.
- For a punctured section, cut out the damaged portion with a utility knife.
- Install a hose repair connector kit on both cut ends to rejoin the hose, following the kit's clamp or crimp instructions.
- For damaged end threads, cut off that end and attach a new male or female hose end fitting with a repair kit.
- Test the repaired hose at low pressure first to confirm the fix holds before full use.
Tools and parts
- Utility knife
- Hose repair kit
- Screwdriver or pliers (for clamps)
Garden hose repair kitSearch: “garden hose repair connector kit”
Hose washerSearch: “garden hose rubber washer”
When to call a pro
Not typically needed; hose repair is a simple and inexpensive DIY fix in nearly all cases.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.