The gardening season is upon us and homeowners everywhere are tending to flower beds, vegetable gardens and of course lawns. In today’s environment with an emphasis on water conservation, the last thing you want is water leaking from a broken hose. If you have leaks in an existing hose, it’s better for the planet to repair before you replace it.

Hose Repair 101

Hoses leak for all kinds of reasons. They could freeze and expand too far if left out over the winter, or decay if left in the hot sun for an extended period of time.  Fortunately, no matter why the hose gets broken, it’s a simple process to repair it. All you need is a hose repair kit and a few simple tools.

First, identify where the hose is leaking and mark it with a sharpie. Then, turn off the hose and drain it by lifting it in the air from one end to the other, allowing all the water in the hose to escape. Then cut off the piece of the hose where it was leaking, making sure your cuts are clean and perfectly straight.

Then slide the replacement end part from your hose repair kit into the end of the hose and make sure it’s snug and inserted in as far as it will go. The next step is to screw on the clamps from the repair kit, and then you’re ready to go. Make sure you give it a test to make the repair is all set. If the seal is not holding, you may need to push the ends further into the hose or tighten the screws.

Also if your hose is leaking or spraying at the outdoor spigot, this means the rubber gasket inside has failed and is simply be replaced by purchasing a new gasket found at your local hardware store. It’s also a good idea to replace these gaskets on an annual basis to prevent leaking.

Remember to Call Order A Plumber

When plumbing problems are too big to handle on your own call us (631) 234-0687 to get a free estimate.