Leaks From a Garden Hose Reel Cart

Garden Hose Reel Construction

• Garden hose reels typically are made of lightweight plastic. They feature a rotating hose reel set on wheels so that it can be relocated easily from one spot to another. An inlet on the outside of the hose reel allows a short length of garden hose to be attached to the outdoor faucet. On the inside of the reel is another attachment for a second, longer garden hose. The longer garden hose then can be extended and retracted by turning the hose reel, without having to be detached.

Exterior Connection

• The exterior connection on the hose reel can be attached to the outside faucet by a shorter bit of hose when using the reel close to the house or by a longer hose to allow longer roaming. The hose connection on the side of the reel is secured by a coupling. This coupling must be tight, otherwise the hose reel could leak. Conversely, a connection that is too tight also might cause leakage. To help seal these connections, use a piece of plumber's tape on the exterior hose reel threads before connecting the coupling.

Interior Assembly

• The exterior connection on a hose reel leads to an interior connection on the inside of the reel, usually in one of the sides or the bottom of the reel. A hose reel leak may occur if the side or bottom of the hose reel is damaged or has been assembled improperly. Remove any hoses from the reel so that the base can be examined. Some leaks on the reel body may be able to be sealed with a weatherproof silicone caulk.

Interior Hose Connection

• The interior hose connection on a garden hose reel works in the same way as the external connection. Plumber's tape can be used on the threads for this connection as well to help seal it properly. As with the exterior connection, the coupling shouldn't be too tight, as this also could cause leaks.

Faulty Hose

• Although the hose reel might be assembled correctly and the connections tightened properly, a faulty hose still might be causing leaks on a hose reel. Bent couplings on the end of a hose could cause it not to be tightened properly, causing leaks. A hole or burst in the hose line, likewise, could be the source of the leak. This type of leak can be fixed easily by replacing the faulty hose with a new one.