Complete Guide to Hosepipe Fittings

Garden hose fittings come in many styles, materials, and sizes to suit different watering and irrigation needs. With this complete guide, you can confidently choose the right type of hosepipe connector to match your gardening setup and ensure reliable, leak-free performance.

What Are Hose Fittings?

A hose fitting, also known as a hose coupling, hosepipe fitting, or hose pipe connector, is a device used to connect hoses to taps, adaptors, sprinklers, and other watering equipment. They come in a range of designs and materials to suit different systems and preferences.

What Are Hosepipe Fittings Made Of?

The two most common materials for garden hose fittings in the UK are plastic and brass. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, depending on your budget, durability needs, and how frequently you use your garden hose.

Plastic Hose Fittings

Plastic hose fittings are lightweight, affordable, and easy to use. Modern ABS plastic connectors are designed to be durable and long-lasting, capable of withstanding everyday watering tasks and moderate weather conditions. Cheaper models made from lower-grade plastics may not perform as well over time, especially with heavy use or extreme temperatures.

Brass Hose Fittings

Brass hose fittings are a premium choice. They are strong, corrosion-resistant, and built to last for years. Brass connectors are often nickel or chrome-plated for additional protection. While more expensive than plastic fittings, they provide a tighter, longer-lasting seal and are ideal for frequent gardeners or professionals who require a robust solution.

What’s the Best Material for Hose Attachments?

Your ideal material will depend on your budget and how you plan to use your garden hose. Brass is the most durable and corrosion-resistant, while plastic fittings are lighter, easier to handle, and offer great value for money. For long-term use and professional applications, brass is the preferred choice.

Do Brass Hose Fittings Corrode?

No, brass fittings do not rust. Brass is a corrosion-resistant material with low iron content, making it perfect for outdoor use in all weather conditions. It’s especially useful for gardeners living in wetter climates where exposure to moisture is common.

Common Types of Hose Pipe Connectors

Garden hose fittings are typically either male or female. Female connectors are fitted to the hose ends, while male connectors are used on taps and watering accessories. Each type serves a specific function within your irrigation system.

Common Uses of Hose Fittings

• Connecting a hose to an indoor or outdoor tap
• Attaching a hose to garden accessories like sprinklers or spray guns
• Joining multiple hoses together
• Repairing damaged hose sections
• Controlling water flow between different hoses or devices
• Connecting irrigation systems directly to an outdoor tap

Different Types of Hose Fittings Explained

Hose Tap Connector

A hose tap connector connects your hosepipe to an outdoor tap, forming a watertight seal to prevent leaks. Most models are compatible with standard UK taps (usually 1/2" BSP, 3/4" BSP, or 1" BSP thread sizes).

Tap connectors are typically made from brass or durable plastic and are designed to screw easily onto your tap for quick connection and disconnection.

Hose Couplings

Hose couplings connect your garden hose to another hose or watering device, such as a spray gun or sprinkler. Available in both brass and plastic, these connectors are engineered for secure, leak-free performance and high water pressure resistance. Ergonomic “easy grip” designs make them simple to handle, even when wet.

Hose Joiner or Repair Connector

A hose joiner is used to connect two hoses together, extending the reach of your system. Hose repair connectors serve a similar purpose — they allow you to remove a damaged section of hose and reconnect the two good ends. This saves you from having to replace the entire hose.

Available in both brass and high-quality plastic, hose joiners and repair connectors provide a reliable, long-term solution for extending or fixing hoses.

Accessory Adaptor

An accessory adaptor converts a female-threaded irrigation accessory (like a sprinkler) into a male quick-click connection. This allows you to easily attach the accessory to your garden hose. Most accessory adaptors have a 3/4" BSP male thread and are made from brass or ABS plastic.

Two-Way Tap Adaptor

A two-way tap adaptor (also known as a tap splitter) allows you to connect multiple hoses or irrigation devices to one outdoor tap. Each outlet usually includes its