How to Fix a Leaking Garden Hose Reel

Finding The Source of The Leak

The entire plumbing of an ELEY® and Rapid-Reel™ garden hose reel consists of just two components;

  1. Inlet hose.
  2. Brass swivel. 

If your hose reel is leaking, there are only three possible sources for the leak:

  1. The inlet hose has failed.
  2. The brass swivel has failed.
  3. The connection between the inlet hose and the swivel has loosened. 

The short video below demonstrates how to examine each component to locate the source of the leak.  If the source of the leak is #3 - a loose connection between the inlet hose and the swivel, simply re-tighten to stop the leak.

Is the swivel or inlet hose covered under ELEY® warranty coverage?  

  1. Is your product over 10 years old?
  2. Is the failure due to damage caused by UV rays, freezing, accidents, pets, misuse, or other exemptions? Read Warranty Exemptions.
  • If the answer to both questions is "NO", then your hose reel is likely still under our 10-Year Warranty.
  • If the answer to either question is "YES", then it is not covered by our warranty, and you'll want to visit Troubleshooting & Replacement Parts.

Unsure About Freeze Damage? If you're unsure whether the failure was caused by freeze damage, please visit our Assessing Freeze Damage page.

NOTE: For hose reels, our warranty covers the replacement of the defective component, not the entire unit.

The Inlet Hose Has Failed

1. No, It's Not Under Warranty

  • If the inlet hose is not covered under our warranty, then visit our 5/8-Inch Garden Hose page to purchase a replacement inlet hose. There, you'll be able to purchase the same 6-1/2 foot inlet hose or a longer 12-foot inlet hose.  If you desire to replace it with a shorter or longer 5/8-inch inlet hose, then visit our Garden Hose Repair Tool product page.  This tool will allow you to modify a standard 5/8-inch garden hose to the precise length you want. 

2. Yes, It's Under Warranty

  • If your hose reel is less than 10 years old and the failure of the inlet hose is not "due to freezing, accidents, misuse or misapplication," please take a photo or short video of the failed portion of the hose and send it to us using our Warranty Claim Form. We will respond promptly.

The Swivel Has Failed

The good news is that a replacement swivel is available, and the repair is quick and easy. However, we first need to determine whether the failure is covered by our 10-warranty. There are two factors, each of which would exclude warranty coverage:

  • If the product is more than 10 years old.
  • If the failure was due to freeze damage, misuse, abuse, or misapplication. 

1. No, It's Not Under Warranty

  • If your reel is over 10 years old OR if the failure was due to freeze damage or misuse, you'll need to purchase a replacement swivel. Visit our Hose Reel Troubleshooting & Repair page to find the correct replacement part for your model if it is still available.

2. Yes, It's Under Warranty

  • If you're confident that the reel is not more than 10 years old and was not exposed to freezing temperatures, you can submit a Warranty Claim Form.  NOTE: A photo or video of the failed swivel will need to be uploaded with the form.

Still need assistance?  Contact Us