Fixing garden hoses and soaker hoses

[puglogic]

I hate to throw away a good garden hose just because my husband ran over it with the mower :)

Has anyone fixed a hose using those kits/connectors they sell at The Home Despot? Does it actually work?

On a similar note, has anyone had any luck re-using sections of soaker hoses by cutting out the bad bits and reconnecting them somehow?

Any helpful tips here most welcome. I hate wasting things that might still be useful.

[CathyA]

We've used some of those connector kits on hoses in the past and they worked.
Can't advise you on the soaker hoses, but if you can get anything to somehow connect to the fabric/material they are made out of, I don't see why you couldn't fix them.
Actually, what would probably work better for the soaker hoses is some sort of plastic connector. They are usually made to fit several different sized lumens of things, just by pushing them in a little or alot.
Let us know how it goes.

[CathyA]

Actually, here's an article on how to repair them.

Dang, I can't turn it into a link. but you can just type this in.....
http://www.veggiegardener.com/how-to-repair-a-hole-in-a-soaker-hose/

Also, here's a pic of a connector I was talking about, although its not exactly what you might need, if you didn't want to go with the first suggestion.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/green-leaf-reg-nylon-straight-adapter-1-1-2-in-mpt-x-1-1-2-in-barb-2108901

[Gardenarian]

The hose repair connectors work very well; I've had no problem with leaking. I have also used them on hoses that have a persistent kink - I cut out the bad part and then connect the hose. Never tried them on soaker hoses.

[CathyA]

That's a good idea about replacing a habitual kinker. haha
We bought alot of the lighter weight ones, thinking they'd be easier to lug around the property.........but those things kink so easily. Good idea Gardenarian!

[puglogic]

Thank you so much!

[bae]

I have had super good luck with this product for expedient repairs:

http://www.rescuetape.com/

There are similar products that are likely lower-priced, that may require a heat gun or something similar to set.

[goldensmom]

The replacement connectors work and should work with soaker hoses as well. We always use brass connectors because the plastics ones leak/crack. FYI, a leaky connector can be fixed by putting teflon tape on the threads and using rubber washers not the cheap, junk plastic washers.

[ToomuchStuff]

I've had better luck with the metal ones, then the plastic. But when your lugging a long section of hose, it is going to get dropped, etc. Even then dragging something that long, the connections, will sometimes start to work themselves loose.

[fidgiegirl]

We fixed the ends of some old ones, but I had to buy clamps to hold down the end pieces we bought. Once that was done, all set. We have plenty of hose now. I picked up the kinky ones free from CL. I held on to them in our move and good thing because we need to put in some plants at the rental and if I set up the hoses, I will feel ok asking tenants to water via soaker hose. Otherwise it's too far away to count on it getting done. They are super conscientious and will do it if it's as easy as turning on the tap for sure.