Hose Connector Buying Guide
Keeping your garden well-tended during those dry, hot summer months is key for lush greenery and vegetation, and part of your landscaping duties will of course include regular watering. When it comes to setting up or maintaining your hose system, choosing the right hose fittings will ensure a leak-free and secure connection to your water supply.
In this guide we’ll cover the different types of hose fittings to choose from, ranging from hose tap connectors to spray gun attachments and everything in between. You’ll discover the features, benefits and ideal applications of each hose attachment so, whether you're watering your flowers or cleaning your patio, you can make the right choice.
Let’s dive in and explore the wide range of hose fittings designed to help you get the job done right.
Different Types of Hose Connectors
While there are several types of hose connectors these are split down into two distinct categories; male and female, with the main difference being in how they connect.
A female hose fitting tends to have a thread located on the inside of the connector. A male hose fitting, on the other hand, has exposed threads which are found on the outside of the connector.
Hose Tap Connector
A hose tap connector is the most common type of hose fitting and, as its name suggests, is used to attach your garden hose pipe to an outdoor tap or an indoor tap. As with other hose attachments, they’re typically made of durable materials like brass or plastic.
The connector is designed to create a secure and leak-proof seal between the hose and the water supply. It typically consists of a female end that attaches to the hose and a male end that fits onto a tap, along with a rubber washer which helps to prevent leaks.
Commonly used for garden irrigation, the hose tap connector allows you to easily connect your hose to outdoor taps when watering plants, lawns, and gardens. It’s also used with other garden tools like pressure washers, when giving your car a clean or washing patios and driveways.
Hose Joiner Connector
A hose joiner, sometimes referred to as a hose repair connector, is a handy little component and can be used to connect two sections of a garden hose or repair a damaged hose. A rubber washer or O-ring inside the connector ensures a secure, leak-proof seal, providing a useful solution if you need to extend the length or repair your hose pipe.
It’s simple design means it’s easy to use and offers fast installation without the need for any special tools. To repair a hose, simply cut away the damaged part, insert the hose pipe ends into the fitting and secure them tightly. In just a few minutes you can get your hose back to full functionality.
With its durable construction and straightforward design, the hose joiner connector is perfect if you’re looking to extend the life of a hose that’s suffered a little wear and tear while maintaining a reliable water connection.
Hose Multi Tap Connector
A hose multi tap connector is similar to a regular hose tap fitting with the key difference being that you can attach more than one hose pipe to the tap. Sometimes referred to as tap splitters, they allow for independent water control to each outlet, which is handy if you have a very large garden to water, or if you want to carry out more than one job at a time.
They’re quick and easy to install and with their inner threads, simply screw onto your outside tap. Each of the hoses can be turned on and off independently thanks to every outlet having seperate shut off valves. This means you don’t have to have a continual flow of water to all hoses at any one time.
These hose fittings are useful for automatic watering systems, as they enable you to set up hoses in different areas of your garden allowing for a more efficient and even distribution of water. Whether you're watering flower beds or grassy areas, these fittings help optimize the performance of your irrigation system.
Hose Spray Gun Attachment
A spray gun hose attachment is a versatile fitting that can come in handy for watering or cleaning jobs around your garden. Most models feature an adjustable spray nozzle which allows you to alter the water flow depending on the job you’re working on, whether that’s misting delicate flower beds or using a more powerful water stream to clean pathways and garden edging.
Many spray guns also come with a trigger that offers ergonomic control which can be locked into position. This makes it more comfortable to use, while reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
There are many benefits to using a spray gun attachment. When it comes to gardening, it helps deliver water more efficiently, with the adjustable spray patterns allowing you to water different plant types with the appropriate water pressure. In terms of cleaning, a stronger and more powerful water pressure provided by the gun can make jobs like cleaning decking, patios, or windows faster and more effective.
Hose Mixer Tap Connector
If you don’t have an outdoor tap where does that leave you with connecting your hose pipe? That’s where a hose mixer tap connector comes in, as these hose fittings are specifically designed to connect onto an indoor household tap.
They tend to come in two different styles, one which clamps onto the end of your tap and is secured with a clip and another that features a type of housing which needs to be positioned over the tap head and then screwed on. In either case, they securely fasten to ensure a leak-proof connection between your indoor tap and hose pipe.
They offer several benefits and can be particularly useful during times where outdoor taps are not available or are inconveniently located. What’s more, a hose mixer tap fitting is generally more affordable than installing an outdoor water supply, which could require additional plumbing. It allows you to use any existing indoor tap for many different uses.
Key Hose Connector Considerations
Hose Size
Take into account the size of your hose pipe to ensure that it’s compatible with the fittings. Hoses usually come in standard diameters ranging from ½ inch to ¾ inch and the attachment must match for a proper fit, as using the wrong size could result in water leaks and poor water flow. Some fittings offer adjustable fittings to accommodate different hose diameters giving you a little more flexibility.
Hose Connector Material
Most hose pipe attachments come in either plastic or brass and the material choice can impact both durability and performance. Plastic attachments are lightweight and tend to carry a lower price tag. Brass attachments, while a little more expensive, are more durable making them more resistant to wear and tear which can increase their lifespan. Both materials are resistant to corrosion so can be used in wet weather conditions.
Type of Connector
The connections of hose pipe fittings come in two different types; threaded and non-threaded. Non-threaded connectors, sometimes referred to as “quick-connect”, are very easy to use and simply require clipping on to the hose or tap, this makes attaching and detaching a breeze. Conversely, threaded connectors are screwed into place, which does tend to offer a more secure and leak-resistant fit.
Flow Rate
The flow rate of a hose connector determines how much water flows through the hose pipe. Some attachments feature adjustable settings so you can control the water flow and pressure. It can be handy to change water pressure depending on the task. For example, high pressure can be used for cleaning, whereas lower pressure is best when watering delicate flowers and plants.
