Garden Hose Thread Types and Sizes

Garden hoses are an essential tool for those who enjoy tending to outdoor spaces. While regular maintenance of your garden hose is key to prolonged use, it is also important to be mindful of the thread types and size of the hose. Understanding the different types of thread and sizes available will inform selection and ultimately improve the effectiveness of your workflow.

Thread Types

A garden hose typically consists of two threaded fittings (or connectors): one end attached to a faucet and the other end attached to a sprayer or sprinkler head. The fittings are integral determinants of the hose's compatibility and smooth operation.

Connect

hose fitting

The connect hose fitting is characterized by a male or female threaded end that connects to a faucet adapter. It is designed to fit a variety of standard female threaded fittings found on both indoor and outdoor faucets. The most common thread type for a connect hose fitting is Garden Hose Thread (GHT).

Connector hose fitting

The connector hose fitting is designed to fit into a variety of sprayer and sprinkler heads. These fittings are also typically threaded, with National Pipe Thread (NPT) being the most common thread type.

When selecting a garden hose, it is vital to ensure that the connector and connect hose fittings are compatible. Both fittings must feature the same thread type. Although the most common thread types are SeaTech, Garden Hose Thread (GHT), and National Pipe Thread (NPT), there are several other thread types that are compatible with garden hoses.

Thread Sizes

The size of your garden hose thread requires equal attention. A garden hose's thread size indicates its inside diameter expressed in inches. The most common sizes are 1 and 3/4, though there are other sizes available.

Regardless of the size of the thread, it's important to ensure that the connector and connect hose fittings feature compatible thread sizes. For example, a 3/4 connect hose fitting cannot be used with a 1 connector hose fitting. This would cause the connection to leak and not function properly.

Inspecting Thread Type and Size

When inspecting a garden hose for its thread type and size, you can use a thread gauge. Thread gauges come in a variety of sizes and feature markings that indicate the thread type and size. Once you establish the thread type and size of the garden hose, you can select the compatible fittings for connection.

Insights

Garden hoses are an integral part of outdoor maintenance. Before selecting a garden hose, it is important to understand the different thread types and sizes available. Compatible thread types and sizes must be used behind the connect and connector hose fittings to ensure an effective connection. Additionally, thread gauges can be used to verify the type and size of garden hose fittings. Awareness of thread type and size is key to selecting the right garden hose.

Happy gardening!