Garden hose connector leaking

[SonicHedgeHog]

We have very high water pressure. The brass tap in the garage has a hose adaptor on it (I've tried Hoselock, Gardena and brass). This adaptor leaks under modest pressure and the top of the tap where the handle screws in leaks under high pressure. I don't want to reduce the pressure because it makes watering the garden with the sprinkler so much easier, but I do want to stop the leaks. I suspect the problem is the hose connector effectively reduces the pipe diameter which puts more pressure connector and the seal for the handle.

Has anyone had a similar problem? Would a larger diameter hose pipe and therefore a larger diameter connector do the trick or do I have to change the tap for something heavy duty? The copper pipe work is all 15mm. Please remember, when I say we have high water pressure I means HIGH WATER PRESSURE. Cheers

[Dan_M5]

Are you using PFTE tape on the fitting as well?

[Hayek]

Have you tried Geka connectors? I think they're a more pro product, although not particularly expensive.

I haven't used them yet but have thought about making the switch just because they look a better design and potentially allow a higher flow rate.

[Andehh]

Dan_M5 said:

Are you using PFTE tape on the fitting as well?

This, even the plastic Hozelock fittings shouldn't leak. My water butt pump is 3.5bar and that doesn't leak with the plastic ones & their inbuilt seal. Adding PFTE tape should improve things further...

[eybic]

Have you replaced any of the tap components? The "leaking out of the handle" sounds like a dodgy washer to me.

[SonicHedgeHog]

I haven't used ptfe tape. I'll try that. Didn't think it would make much difference if I'm honest, but I'm not a plumber so I'll try.

The tap doesn't leak when turned off. Therefore I figured the tap is ok. Would leaking from the handle when turned on and not leaking when turned off indicate a dodgy washer?

Edited by SonicHedgeHog on Thursday 22 June 09:21

[guindilias]

Or if it's an oldie, it might just need repacked?

[SonicHedgeHog]

Tap is ten years old and this has been a problem for as long as I can remember. The problem is solved by a bucket underneath and so fell under the 'can't be arsed' category.

Geka stuff looks interesting. Never seen it before. Need to look into it.

[eybic]

It could well be a problem with the tap itself, here's a cutaway of a tap:



ETA: for a fiver you can get a new one

Edited by eybic on Thursday 22 June 09:44

[SonicHedgeHog]

Thanks guys. Will do the ptfe tape and get a new tap. Anyone tried these taps:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Double-Outlet-Garden-Outd...

Having two outlets could be useful.

[hyphen]

I would do 2 separate taps and locate them on opposite sides of the garden, would be more useful than both in same place.

Not common but you can buy outdoor mixer taps too.

Edited by hyphen on Thursday 22 June 10:46