The most common garden tool is the water hose. Generally, these hoses come in 25-, 50- and 75-foot lengths. Hose diameters, which determine the available water flow, are 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch and one inch. The most popular hoses for residential use are 25 or 50 feet long, have a 5/8-inch diameter and are constructed from reinforced vinyl and rubber.

Prices vary from hose to hose, but expect to pay at least $20 for a top-quality, 50-foot, reinforced vinyl-rubber hose. The cheaper, plastic hoses are not reinforced and are not intended to have a nozzle attached to the end. If this is done, the hose will crack open and explode.

The first thing to remember about water-hose care is to never leave it with a bend, which will turn into a kink that will never come undone. Storing a hose on a reel is the best way to prevent kinks, and the water automatically drains out as you roll it up. If the hose does obtain a kink, cut out the section and reconnect the two halves with a special hose-repair fitting. With a sharp knife or scissors, cut off the damaged section of the hose. Make sure that the cut is straight across. Next, measure the inside diameter of the hose, so you know what size fitting to purchase.

If you discover a pinhole or small crack, it can be wrapped with vinyl tape or ordinary black electrical tape for a temporary fix. Make sure that the outside of the hose is clean and dry. Cover the damaged area, plus at least an inch past the damage on both sides. Major cuts or long cracks can’t be repaired with tape. Instead, use a repair fitting.

If the hose leaks from the connection to the faucet when the water is turned on, it is probably due to a worn-out washer. These washers are one-size-fits-all and available at hardware stores, such as City Mill.

Good luck on your next do-it-yourself project. For Hawaii Home + Remodeling, this is Frank Suster saying, “You can do it yourself.”