Whether you’re researching a new garden hose or adding to your collection of hose accessories, you may have noticed the world of watering hoses is quite technical.
There’s a surprising amount of engineering involved in hose design and manufacturing from material selection to construction. On top of this, users have a diverse set of watering needs which has led to the development of a vast selection of hose attachments and accessories, with names ranging from the obvious to the obscure.
In designing the Everlasting Garden Hose and developing it with our Canadian hose manufacturer, our team gained extensive knowledge on garden hoses and accessories. We've organized some of the fundamental terms into three groups to help simplify the subject.
Garden Hose Glossary
Below are the more basic terms which may be helpful to know. In addition we recommend reviewing How to Choose a Garden Hose for an expanded glossary of hose types, materials, and functionality.
Bend restrictor - a feature designed to prevent severe bending of the hose directly below the ferrule
Burst strength - measures the hose's durability and resistance to high water pressure before failing; typically measured in pounds per square inch (PSI—see below) or in bars
Diameter - refers to the internal hose diameter (not external), playing a crucial role in determining the flow rate and water pressure of the hose
Ferrule - a small metal or plastic cylinder crimped or compressed onto a hose and fitting in order to create a tight and secure seal
Fitting - the connector at each end of the hose used to join hoses together or to attach a hose to faucets, spigots, and watering tools
Flow rate - refers to the volume of water passing through the hose per unit of time—typically is measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM) and is influenced by hose diameter, water pressure, and any restrictions in the hose or attachments
Hose thread - also known as “GST”, the grooves cut onto garden hose fittings that allow the hose to perfectly connect with a tap or attachments without leaking; in North America we typically use the standardized thread size of ¾” GHT
PSI - "Pounds per Square Inch" is a unit of pressure measurement indicating the water pressure that the hose can withstand—a “maximum PSI rating” displays the highest pressure a garden hose can handle without bursting or leaking
Image: Everlasting Garden Hose in Warm Grey with brass fittings
Hose Fittings
The broader term of ‘fittings’ typically refers to the various connectors, adapters, valves, or other components used to join different parts of a hose system together. Garden hose fittings all too often are cheaply constructed, easily damaged, and substandard performers. When possible, opt for durable brass for the longest life and better performance—less susceptible to cross-threading damage like aluminum and plastic. By choosing brass you’ll keep plastic alternatives out of the landfill, and if the brass attachment becomes damaged it can simply be recycled.
Coupling - a type of fitting used to join two sections of hose together, providing a secure and leak-proof connection
- Female coupling - has threads on the inside
- Male coupling - has threads on the outside, and is meant to be inserted into the female to interlock securely & create a leak-proof connection
Connector - also known as a coupling - a device used to join two hoses together or to connect a hose to a faucet, spigot, sprinkler, or other watering tool
Cross threading - occurs when the threads of the male and female couplings don’t align properly during connection, leading to a misalignment of the threads (it can also damage the threads)
Nozzle adapter - used to connect different types of nozzles, sprayers, or watering tools to a garden hose, and typically features a threaded fitting to ensure a secure, leak-proof connection
Quick-connect - a type of fitting that allows for easy & quick connections of a hose, watering tools, and/or other accessories without the need to thread or twist
Shut-off valve - used to easily control the flow of water through a garden hose; choose a valve with a large opening for enhanced water flow
Y or twin connector - allows for simultaneous use of two hoses connecting to one faucet
Image: Everlasting Garden Hose in Patina Green with Brass Nozzle on Aluminum Hose Hanger
Garden Hose Accessories
Also known as ‘attachments’, garden hose accessories are practical tools used to enhance the functionality, convenience, and versatility of garden hoses. Some of the more common accessories include:
Adjustable nozzle - allows users to control the spray pattern and intensity of water by twisting the nozzle
Caddy - a hose storage device that can be moved about the yard space
Filter - an attachment installed on the hose to remove impurities from the water in areas with poor water quality
Fixed sprinkler - a stationary sprinkler with a single or rotating water pattern
Fog nozzle - a type of misting nozzle which produces ultra-fine droplets
Hanger - a storage device mounted on a wall or other structure for organizing garden hoses when not in use
Impact sprinkler - an irrigation device that emits a powerful jet of water in a circular pattern through a rotating head, which is triggered by strong water pressure (also known as a pulsating or impulse sprinkler)
Oscillating sprinkler - an old-school sprinkler style with a side-to-side swing
Reel - a hose storage device with a handle or crank to help wind/unwind garden hoses when not in use
Regulator - used to regulate water pressure for optimal performance
Soaker hose - a type of garden hose designed to slowly release water along its length for the watering of garden beds
Splitter - divides a water source into multiple streams to allow simultaneous connection of hoses or watering tools
Spray gun or pistol - a hose nozzle with a hand trigger to control water flow
Timer - used to control water usage when on vacation or to comply with watering restrictions
Watering wand - a watering tool with an extended reach
Kendra Nickerson
Kendra is a writer, editor, and strategist who is driven by a love for finding better ways to do things. She covers the Resources articles for GOODLAND—the how-tos and whys. Kendra loves to garden, cook, and go on vacations that combine nature with bathing. In her past life, she worked in art and design.
