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 - the volume of water passing through the hose per unit of time—typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM)
- Hose thread - also known as “GHT” or Garden Hose Thread, threads are 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. 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.
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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 hose connector - a type of hose splitter specifically for two hoses connecting to one spigot; also known as a 2-way hose splitter or twin splitter
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Splitter - allows for simultaneous use of two or more hoses connecting to one spigot, or to divide one hose into additional hose lines
Images: Brass Garden Hose Splitter; 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
- Portable faucet or faucet extender - has a wall mount but is removable so it can be used in other areas of the garden
- 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.
