How to Replace the End of a Garden Hose

A leaky garden hose end is no disaster, but it’s not ideal, either. Leaving it leaky causes you to lose pressure during the spray, if it can still spray at all that way. Plus, the wasted water is just a downright shame.

Before you go out and buy a brand new hose, try our simple fixes for replacing the end of a garden hose. It’s an easy, inexpensive fix that will indefinitely prolong the life of an otherwise good hose.

What is the end of a garden hose called?

The end of the garden hose goes by many different names, so you’ll want to know the lingo before heading to the store for your parts.

Some names include:

• Hose end
• End fitting
• Metal fitting
• Coupling

In addition, there are male and female versions of each hose fitting, depending on where you find the threading. When in doubt, take a picture of your hose end or remove the damaged portion before shopping to ensure you’re picking up the right one.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing the End

You can easily replace the end fitting of a garden hose following some simple steps

Once you know how to identify each component properly, you’ll want to diagnose the issue and, if necessary, replace that garden hose end. Here’s how.

Step 1:

Inspect the Hose Completely

Before heading to the store to grab parts, triple-check to ensure that it is the hose end that needs replacement — damage along the hose itself or a leak at the hose bib could also explain pressure drops or performance issues with your garden hose.

Turning the water on for this process makes it easier to identify small punctures or tears since water will come trickling or gushing out once you turn the nozzle, but it can be done with the water off if you’re eagle-eyed.

Once you know where the repair is needed, measure the diameter of the inside of the hose so you know what size fitting you need. They can range from 1/2” to 3/4” or 5/8”. When in doubt, take the old piece to the store with you to match it.  You can also do this using a rolled up index card.

Step 2:

Grab Your Parts and Tools

You will need some of or all of the following:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife
• Replacement end
• Hose clamp
• Phillips head screwdriver

Step 3:

Cut Off the Damaged Hose End

Using a sharp utility knife, cut approximately 2 to 4 inches from the end of the hose. 

You want a straight, clean cut so the new end will fit precisely. We recommend placing the hose down on a flat workbench to ensure it’s a smooth cut.

Step 4:

Clamp the Hose and Attach New Fitting

Slide a clamp on the hose and attach the new metal fitting to the end. 

We recommend soaking the hose in warm water or letting it sit in the sun for a short duration before attempting to fit the new hose end. Doing so makes the rubber more malleable.

Step 5:

Tighten the Clamp and Test

Once you’ve got a snug fit on the new hose end, tighten the hose clamp with your screwdriver and give it a go. Putting some water pressure into the hose should help firm things up and show you if you were successful or if further repairs are needed.

Troubleshooting Fixing the End of a Garden Hose

Repairing a broken garden hose end is a pretty low-stakes project, but there are some problems to keep an eye out for.

The replacement fitting leaks

Double-check the size you purchased and ensure it’s the right one. If your hose has a 5/8” diameter, you’ll need a 5/8” replacement end to guarantee a snug fit.

Assuming all your parts are correct, try tightening your hose clamp to see if that solves the issue.

The new hose end looks crooked

If you have a slanted hose end, you may not have cut the hose straight in Step 3. Remove the hose clamp and replacement end, create a new cut 1 or 2 inches from the crooked one, and take extra care to get it right.

There’s only so much hose you can cut before you’re better off buying a new one! If you decide that’s the position you’re in, do yourself a favor and buy the best garden hose on the market so you don’t go through this again.

There’s no water pressure

Double-check the spray nozzle to ensure it’s secure to the new hose end. If the connections are tight and there are no visible leaks, the problem may be the nozzle, not the replacement hose end.

This might indicate it’s time to buy a new spray nozzle.

The hose still leaks

Identify where the hose is leaking from. If it’s the length of the hose or the hose bib, further repairs may be warranted, or it may be time to part ways with your old hose and replace it outright.

The Female vs. The Male End of a Garden Hose

Whenever installing a new hose end or coupling, you’ll want to be sure you’re purchasing a female or male end, depending on your needs. It’s easy to tell them apart.

A female end features threading on the inside of the end, allowing you to insert male ends of male spray nozzles.

A male end features threading on the outside of the end, allowing you to fasten it to another length of hose or a female spray nozzle.

The repair process is identical, but, of course, you cannot thread a female hose end onto a female spray nozzle. Instead, you must match a male end piece to a female one and vice versa.

To guarantee you have the right parts, taking a picture of the piece before heading to the store or carting along the old piece with you is never a bad idea.

How to Cut a Garden Hose

The cut must be smooth and clean. You cannot leave jagged edges, or it will compromise the fit of the replacement end piece.

In addition, it must be straight. A crooked cut will leave you with a slanted or crooked hose end, making the hose an absolute pain to use, if it even works that way without leaking.

Try laying your hose across a flat workbench and using a sharp utility knife to ensure you get a good, straight cut with minimal effort. Attempting to slice it while holding it in midair will not only make it hard to get a good cut, but you risk injuring yourself too.

Where Can I Buy Replacement Garden Hose Ends?

Most local hardware stores have replacement ends available, which is often your best bet if you’re unsure about what sizes to buy or need to look things over a few times before you’re confident in your pick.

For those who know exactly what they need, shopping online is also a viable option. Double-check the return policy if you have any doubt in your mind whatsoever.

Do I need a Crimping Tool?

Many gardeners find it hard to justify buying a tool to help them replace a garden hose fitting. How often does the need arise after-all? But if you have a large property that requires having several hoses around, or you have a shop with air hoses, etc, you might consider buying a hose crimping tool. It could save you some money in the long run

Check out that article for some suggestions and learn how a specific tool can help.

How to Fix the Middle of a Garden Hose

Sometimes your garden hose needs a repair in the middle instead of the end. However, that still doesn’t mean you have to buy a new one! There are several ways to repair the middle of a garden hose as well. Learn how to shorten a garden hose for more instruction on that process.