Quick answer

Replace an 18mm O-ring when it is missing, cut, flattened or no longer sits snugly in the groove of a Hoselink 18mm fitting. Replace a 1 inch tap connector washer when water leaks from the tap connection even after you reseat it. If the leak continues after both parts are replaced, stop and check the fitting body or tap thread instead of buying more washers.

Symptom: water drips at the tap connection

A drip that appears only when the tap is on, or that runs down the tap body rather than from the hose side, usually points to the washer inside the tap connector. Unscrew the connector from the tap and inspect the washer. If it is cracked, compressed flat or covered in grit, replace it. If it looks clean and springy, reseat it and test again before buying a replacement.

Symptom: water escapes at the hose fitting

Leaks at the joint between a hose connector and an 18mm fitting are often caused by a dislodged or damaged O-ring. The black rubber O-ring sits in the groove between the face of the fitting and the connector. It should remain firmly in place, but it can pop out if you disconnect fittings while the water pressure is still on. Turn off the tap, press the trigger on your spray gun to release pressure, then check the groove. If the O-ring is missing, split or no longer round, replace it.

Symptom: the hose connector bursts off under pressure

If a connector detaches or leaks at the collar rather than the face, the white split ring may be the problem. An 18mm white split ring is used with an 18mm Hoselink hose connector and is essential for ensuring the connector does not leak or burst off. A white split ring is provided with every new 18mm Hoselink hose connector, so if yours is missing or deformed, replace it before assuming the connector itself has failed.

When to stop and check something else

If you have replaced the O-ring, washer or split ring and the leak persists, the issue is likely elsewhere. Check that the fitting is fully tightened, that the tap thread is not damaged, and that no grit is trapped in the sealing face. These spare parts are made specifically for Hoselink fittings and are not suitable for other uses, so a non-Hoselink connector may need a different solution. At that point, stop replacing small parts and inspect the connector body or tap.

Leak diagnosis: symptom, cause, action, stop point

  • Drip at the tap when water is on: Damaged or worn 1 inch tap connector washer. Unscrew the connector, remove the old washer and fit a replacement. If the drip continues after replacement, check the tap thread or connector body.
  • Leak at the hose fitting face: O-ring dislodged, cut or flattened. Turn off the tap, release pressure, and replace the O-ring if it no longer sits snugly. If the O-ring is intact, check for grit or a cracked fitting face.
  • Connector bursts off under pressure: Missing or deformed 18mm white split ring. Fit a new split ring to the hose connector. If it still bursts off, the connector itself may need replacing.

Spare parts that solve these leaks

  • 18mm* O-Rings: Pack of 3 spare O-rings for 18mm Hose Fittings. The black rubber O-rings securely fit into the groove between the face of each Hoselink 18mm fitting to ensure a solid watertight seal. Keeps a few on hand so a dislodged O-ring does not sideline your watering setup.
  • 1" Washer for Universal Tap Connector: Replacement washer for a 1 inch Hoselink Tap Connector. To replace, unscrew the connection from your tap, remove and replace the washer. A cheap fix for a leaking tap connection, but only fits 1 inch Hoselink tap connectors.
  • Split Rings 18mm*: Pack of 2 spare 18mm White Split Rings. An 18mm White Split Ring is used with a 18mm Hoselink Hose Connector and is essential for ensuring your Hose Connector does not leak or burst off. Restores the secure grip that stops connectors from popping off under pressure.