Guide to Garden Hoses and Accessories

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