Fix a Garden Hose

Instead of replacing your garden hose, here are some suggestions on how to mend it.

Steps

 * 1) Locate leaks on garden hose.  Does your hose leak at the faucet? Does it leak where you've joined two hoses? Does it leak at the point where you've attached a sprinkler head or spraying device?
 * 2) Apply petroleum jelly to leaky joints. Detach hose or other devices. Thoroughly lube the threads of each with petroleum jelly. Reattach and you will notice fewer leaks more than likely none. Be careful trying to reattach the items as your hands will be slick.
 * 3) Use rubber cement for tears or punctures.
 * 4) *Using a dry paper towel, dry off the section of hose where there is a hole or cut. If the hole is within a foot (30cm) of the end of the hose, try using a piece of dowel with paper towel wrapped around it to clean the inside of the hose.
 * 5) *Apply some rubber cement to and around the hole. Fill in the hole, but not the inside of the hose.  This could result in clogging up the hose, and increasing the water's pressure, causing more leaks and an incentive for the hose to burst at that weak spot.
 * 6) Obtain a tire puncture repair kit. These are most commonly sold at bicycle repair shops, bodyshops, car-part stores, etc.  Carefully read the directions of use, and apply the repair substance to the hole. After drying, buy a small sheet of solid rubber from a craft store, hardware store or other supplier.  You can also cut a small square out of an old rubber rainboot or any other rubber item you no longer use.  Glue it over the leak and let dry (use a glue able to keep the rubber attached strongly).
 * 7) Get a coupling for more severe tears. They are avalable at a hardware store. Shutoff the water to the hose and cut out the bad portion. Splice in the repair coupling, it will have detailed instructions on the label.

Tips

 * Before trying to fix your hose, see if the store or supplier you bought it from will replace it for you. It always pays to keep your receipt.
 * If you can get one, try using a "heat gun" to melt all of the repairs together on the hose. This will merge any tiny gaps which can expand into more leaks.  Wear a mask to prevent breathing in the fumes if you choose to do this.

Warnings

 * Do not burn yourself with heat gun if you use one.
 * If you use "Super glue" or other strong adhesive, be very careful because it can really stick your fingers together or even your hands.

Things You'll Need

 * Superglue
 * Tire repair kit
 * Rubber cement
 * Rubber square (from rainboot or purchased piece)
 * Heat gun (optional)