
Garden hoses are used to water plants and for outdoor cleaning. They are typically made of synthetic rubber or soft plastic and are flexible enough to be pulled past trees, posts and other obstacles. Garden hoses have male and female ends that can be connected to each other or to a water source or accessory, such as a nozzle, sprinkler or another hose. The male end of a garden hose has external threads that screw into female connectors. The standard thread size for most garden hoses is 3/4-inch GHT (Garden Hose Thread) or NHR (National Hose), but there are also 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, and 1-inch options available.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Thread standard | Garden Hose Thread (GHT) or National Hose (NH) |
Thread size | 3/4-11.5NH or 5/8-11.5NH |
Thread pitch | 11.5 threads per inch |
Male thread outer diameter | 1.0625 inches |
Male thread inner diameter | 125 mm or 15 mm |
Female thread inner diameter | 0.875 inches |
Female thread outer diameter | 1.04 inches |
What You'll Learn
Male and female hose connectors
Male Hose Connectors:
Male hose connectors are typically found at the end of a garden hose that connects to a water source, such as a spigot or tap. The male connector has threads on the outside of the pipe, allowing it to be screwed into a female connector. The standard size for male hose threads in the United States and Canada is 3/4-11.5NH or 5/8-11.5NH, with 11.5 threads per inch. This ensures a tight and secure connection.
Female Hose Connectors:
Female hose connectors are found on the water source, such as an outdoor faucet or tap, and are designed to receive the male connector of the garden hose. The female connector has threads on the inside of the pipe. It is important to ensure that the female connector is of the correct size to accommodate the male connector of your hose. As with male connectors, the standard size for female hose threads is typically 3/4-11.5NH or 5/8-11.5NH.
Adapter Options:
In cases where your hose and faucet have different thread sizes, adapters are available to make your hose and faucet compatible. These adapters come in various materials, such as brass, metal, or plastic, and can connect different types of fittings, including GHT, BSP, NPT, and quick-connect fittings. It is important to choose an adapter that matches the specific thread sizes of your hose and faucet.
Quick-Connect Systems:
Quick-connect systems have gained popularity as they offer a snap-fit type connection without the need for screwing or twisting. These systems typically attach to the hose and screw into common hose connectors, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of hoses and accessories. Quick-connect systems are convenient and efficient, especially when working with multiple attachments.
Hose Connector Materials:
Hose connectors are commonly made from brass, plastic, or nylon and polymer. Brass connectors are known for their durability, corrosion resistance, and ability to handle high pressures, but they are more expensive. Plastic connectors are more economical but may not last as long. Nylon and polymer connectors offer a balance between durability and cost.
In conclusion, understanding the basics of male and female hose connectors is essential for setting up and maintaining your garden hose system. By choosing the correct connectors and adapters, you can ensure a secure and leak-free connection, making your gardening and watering tasks much easier and more enjoyable.
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Hose diameter
The diameter of a garden hose refers to the width of its opening and is measured in inches. The standard garden hose sizes are 3/4”, 5/8”, 1/2”, and 3/8”. The 3/4-inch size is the standard for most garden hoses, while 5/8-inch is the most common in household garden hoses. The larger the diameter, the greater the flow of water, but this may result in lower water pressure.
The 3/4-inch size is typically used for commercial applications, while the 1/2-inch size is common for home use. The 5/8-inch size is considered a medium-sized hose, and the 3/8-inch size is used for smaller hoses.
It's important to note that the hose diameter is different from the thread size or pitch. The thread size refers to the number of threads or peaks along a one-inch length, while the pitch refers to the distance between these peaks. The standard thread pitch for garden hoses is 11.5 threads per inch (TPI).
When choosing a garden hose, it's essential to consider the application and the desired water flow and pressure. For example, if you need to spray water over a large area, a larger hose with a higher flow rate may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you're primarily watering plants around the house, a smaller hose with lower flow rates may be more appropriate.
Additionally, the diameter of the hose should match the size of the fittings or connectors. Most garden hose connectors come in 3/4 or 5/8-inch sizes, which correspond to the inside diameter of the hose. It's crucial to ensure compatibility between the hose and the fittings to prevent leaks and ensure optimal water flow.
To measure the diameter of your garden hose, simply use a tape measure to find the distance across the internal opening. This measurement will help you determine the correct size for your specific needs.
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Hose thread size
Garden hoses are typically attached to a tap or hose spigot using a male/female thread connection, often referred to as a "hose union". The male end of a garden hose can connect to the female connector of another hose, allowing multiple hoses to be linked together.
The standard thread size for garden hoses in the US, its territories, and Canada is 3/4-11.5 NH or NHR, also known as "garden hose thread" (GHT). This size is used for both the male and female hose connectors. The 11.5 refers to the number of threads per inch (TPI) or the thread pitch, which is the distance from one thread peak to another. The thread pitch is important for ensuring a tight fit that prevents leaks.
The male connector on a garden hose is threaded on the outside and fits into the female connector, which has internal threads. The male connector is designed to connect to a water source, such as a faucet or tap. The female connector, on the other hand, is usually equipped with a rubber gasket to create a tight seal when attached to the male connector.
In addition to the standard GHT size, garden hose connectors also come in other sizes, including:
- 1/2-inch: Commonly used for home applications and smaller hoses.
- 5/8-inch: Used for medium-sized hoses and some larger residential hoses.
- 1-inch: Designed for industrial applications and larger hoses with high water flow.
It is worth noting that the thread standard in the US and Canada is not compatible with the British Standard Pipe (BSP) thread used in other countries. Attempting to connect a GHT hose to a BSP fitting will damage the threads. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are using the correct thread size and type for your specific region and application.
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Hose fittings
Garden hose fittings are available in a variety of sizes and types, and choosing the right one is essential to ensure a proper flow of water without leakage or loss of pressure. The fittings refer to the lines on the garden hose that allow it to perfectly fit the tap or external equipment.
Thread Size
The standard garden hose has two designations. For thin-walled couplers, NHR is cut into full-form threads, while male threads (MHT) and female hose threads (FHT) are typically used in GHT. The most common thread size is 11.5 NH for garden hoses.
In the United States, the outer thread diameter is typically 1.0625 inches, with a thread pitch of 11.5 TPI. However, it's important to note that GHT is not compatible with NPT. The US also has non-tapered parallel threads, which make them unsuitable for sealing with PTFE tape. To prevent leakages, fittings are often combined with O-rings.
Hose Connector Sizes
Garden hose connectors usually come in 3/4 or 5/8-inch sizes, depending on the inside diameter of the hose. The most popular size is 3/4-inch or 11.5NH, which is suitable for both residential and commercial purposes. It's worth mentioning that garden hose fittings will generally fit most hoses.
Measuring Hose Size
To measure the size of your hose, you'll need matching connectors. You can use a tape measure to determine the internal and external diameters of the fittings. The inside diameter refers to female threads, while the outside diameter refers to male threads. Measure the connector's mouth from the inside top to the bottom to get the fittings size.
Types of Fittings
Garden hose fittings can be made of different materials, with brass being a common and popular option. Brass fittings are generally more expensive but tend to last longer and provide a more secure fit. Plastic fittings, on the other hand, are cheaper but more prone to breakage. They are easier to tighten for individuals with limited hand strength.
Quick-Release Fittings
Quick-release hose fittings provide a convenient shortcut for attaching hoses to faucets. These are typically "push-fit," allowing for quick and easy connection to a faucet without the need to twist the hose's fitting. Quick-release fittings also facilitate the addition of nozzles and attachments, such as sprinklers and power washers.
Nozzles and Attachments
Nozzles can enhance the functionality of your garden hose, making it more versatile and efficient for various tasks. They can be used for watering plants at a distance or covering a wide area. Some nozzles also feature special triggers that prevent water from running constantly, only releasing it when the trigger is pulled.
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Hose couplings
Garden hose couplings are used to connect a garden hose to a water source or accessory, or to join two pieces of a garden hose together. They are also referred to as garden hose fittings or connectors. The term "fittings" refers to the individual components that make up a garden hose coupling, while "coupling" refers to the entire assembly.
A typical garden hose has two ferrules, one male coupling and one female coupling. A ferrule is a cylindrical fitting that goes over each end of a garden hose before inserting the male and female fittings into the hose ends. Ferrules can be either ribbed in design, for use with internally expanded male and female fittings, or smooth, for use with barbed fittings.
The male coupling on a garden hose is either a one-piece or two-piece design, with a "tail" or "stem" on one end of the fitting and male threading on the other. The tail is inserted into one end of the garden hose. The threading appears on the outside of the fitting and screws into a female coupling on a watering accessory such as a nozzle, sprinkler, or another garden hose.
The female coupling on a garden hose is typically a multi-part design consisting of a tail similar to those on male couplings. The tail is inserted into the other end of the garden hose. It also has a rotating component that contains female threading on the inside that screws onto a male coupling, such as that on a water source. The female coupling also needs an O-ring or a garden hose washer inserted for sealing purposes.
Garden hose couplings are made of durable materials such as aluminum, brass, plastic, or steel. Garden hoses are generally made with interior diameters of ⅜”, ½”, ⅝”, and ¾”, with the tails of the male and female couplings sized appropriately to fit within these diameters.
The standard thread size for garden hose connectors in the United States, its territories, and Canada is "garden hose thread" (GHT), with an official designation of NH ("National Hose"). The standard thread size is ¾-11.5 NH or 5/8-11.5 NH. The fractional parts (¾ or 5/8) represent the hose's internal dimensions in inches, while 11.5 relates to the thread pitch.
In other countries, a British Standard Pipe (BSP) thread is used, which is 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) and 14 TPI (male part outside diameter is 26.441 mm or 1.04 inches). The GHT and BSP standards are not compatible, and attempting to connect a GHT hose to a BSP fitting, or vice versa, will damage the threads. Various adaptors made of metal or plastic are available to interconnect GHT, BSP, NPT, hose barb, and quick-connect fittings.
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Frequently asked questions
The standard size for a garden hose male end screw is 3/4-11.5NH or 5/8-11.5NH. The fractional part (3/4 or 5/8) represents the hose's internal diameter in inches, while 11.5 refers to the thread pitch.
A male connector is threaded on the outside and is designed to fit into the female connector. It connects the hose to a water source, such as a faucet or tap.
To measure a male hose fitting, use a ruler or tape measure to find the external diameter, or the distance across the threads. This measurement will help identify the correct thread size for your hose.
A garden hose thread refers to the lines on garden hose fittings that allow the hose to connect to a tap or external equipment. The thread size ensures tight and uniform fittings.
The thread standard for garden hose connectors in the United States is "Garden Hose Thread" (GHT), with an official designation of NH ("National Hose"). The standard size is 3/4-11.5NH or 3/4-11.5NHR for thin-walled couplers.