Fix the holes in your hose

Repair small cracks and holes in garden hoses with a thick coat of rubber glue and friction or plastic tape. Some manufacturers distribute glue and tape that will match, or come close to matching, almost any color of hose. First, clean the entire damaged area and dry with a clean cloth. Spread a generous amount of glue over the crack. Then bend the crack open to let some of the glue work into the crack.

Set for about 15 minutes. After applying a second coat, wind an overlapping strip of tape around, above, and below the crack. Let the repair set for about 24 hours before using.

To repair larger cracks use a sharp razor to cut out the broken section. Make sure the cuts are square. Then insert and attach a metal coupling. You'll be able to insert it more easily if you expand the ends of the hose in hot water.

To be sure of the right-size coupling diameter, take the cut-out piece of hose with you when you buy the coupling. Also, be sure to get the right coupling for rubber and plastic hoses.

Old hoses usually crack after use and age, but if you keep your hoses on a reel or wound in a bushel basket, you can avoid having to make repairs because of negligence.

Here are some good tips:

When hoses are not in use, don't leave them on the lawn in the hot summer sun.

Don't stretch a hose too taut. This may cause it to kink at the faucet section.

Keep hoses off the driveway so that cars will not run over them.