Types of connectors for irrigation hoses, why are they needed

The use and installation of an automatic irrigation system will be convenient if you take care of the hose connectors suitable for connection in advance. These are special mounts that differ in characteristics and are selected in accordance with the characteristics of the purchased watering pipes.

What is a water hose connector?

Experts note that the connecting unit is represented by a fitting - a coupling - which is characterized by a high degree of waterproofing when pressure is created in the hoses. Modern models are convenient, quick-detachable products that easily and quickly join pipes of various diameters together, connect them to sprinklers and water taps.

PVC, metal alloys or brass are used as the material of manufacture. The first option is the cheapest and short-lived, and the strongest is brass, which can withstand pressure from 15 bar.

Plastic connectors are available and take root well in vegetable gardens. They are designed for watering beds and garden plants. The brass version is expensive and of high quality, more often used in industrial production, including food.

Mounting features

The coupling is an element with a cover and a thread. A cap is screwed into the connecting tube, after which the finished product is inserted into the hose. With the help of a thread inside or outside the tube, a connection is made, after which they are hooked to the nipple, providing easy pulling out.

The classic connector consists of:

• a tube holder into which the hose is inserted;
• a snap-off mechanism that provides a quick release of the fastening system;
• threaded cap - with its help, the pipe is attached to the connector.

In the presence of automatic closing, a stop valve is also present in the coupling. It provides complete tightness of the structure.

Standard connectors are available in various sizes, in accordance with the diameters of the rubber hoses approved in the current GOSTs. There are universal models, but their use is irrational, as they have a high cost.

To select a suitable connector, rely on the following characteristics:

• rubber hose diameter;
• nipple size;
• pressure power of the supplied water;
• characteristics of the environment where the structure is used.

There are several types of fittings that are more commonly used in gardening.

Types of hose connectors

All connectors are interchangeable. This is very convenient if you want to revise the automatic irrigation system on the site. There are the following varieties:

1. bayonet connection. Universal and installed in a short time. Fastened by turning one part along the axis relative to the other. An example of a connection mechanism would be attaching a lens to a camera or connecting a fire hose. Fast and reliable system.
2. PVC or brass fitting. A product, on one side of which there is a "herringbone" on which the hose is attached, and on the other - a thread located inside or outside.

In turn, couplings with "herringbones" are divided into welded, without a hexagon and double. This is a convenient, quick-release and strong connection, but not universal. It is required to select the dimensions corresponding to the diameter of the hose.

Experts recommend for mounting a small irrigation system in summer cottages, purchase plastic connectors, which are inexpensive and versatile. You don’t need to carefully choose sizes and spend money on additional connectors.