Fix-It Chick: Repair a leaky hose end

Whether you grow grass, garden or just like to run through the sprinkler every now and then, chances are you will encounter a leaky garden hose end at some point in your life.

A quick trip to your local hardware store can save the leaky hose and your money in one fell swoop.

Step 1: If the garden hose is leaking between the outdoor spigot and the hose end, or between the sprinkler and the hose end, replacing the existing hose washer with a new rubber hose washer should solve the problem. Remove all remnants of the old washer before pressing the new washer into place.

Step 2: If the hose continues to leak or if it is leaking from the underside of the hose end, replace the hose end with a new hose fitting. Use a good pair of kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut off the offending end of the hose. Make sure the hose end is cut flush or you will likely be plagued by leaks even after the repair is completed.

Step 3: Use the severed end as a guide for purchasing a replacement end. Most garden hoses have a 5/8-inch inside diameter, but some are ¾-inch or ½-inch. Select the correct size and choose a style that suits your budget. Choices include plastic or metal barb fittings secured with regular hose clamps or two-piece collars, and most recently, self-sealing push-on hose ends.

Step 4: Soak the end of the cut hose in a bucket of hot soapy water to make it easier to install the barb fitting. Otherwise, use a drop of dish soap to lubricate the hose before installation.

Step 5: When using a barb fitting and hose clamp combination, slip the clamp onto the hose before inserting the barb fitting.

Step 6: Insert the barb fitting into the hose completely. Make sure the hose end butts up against the underside of the fitting end to assure a leak-proof repair. For newer self-sealing push-on hose ends, push the cut hose up into the fitting to complete the repair.

Step 7: Install the hose clamp about ½ inch below the hose end or install the two-piece clamp so it is touching the underside of the fitting end.

Step 8: Tighten the screws, put away your tools and enjoy a new and improved leak-free hose!