The Best Garden Hose Splitters

For some gardeners, one hose simply is not enough. A handy garden hose splitter can turn that lone spigot into a source of water for multiple hoses.

By Mike Bruton | Updated Jun 26, 2022 10:32 AM

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The Best Garden Hose Splitter Options

Photo: amazon.com

There are a plethora of uses for garden hoses. Watering plants, washing the car, irrigation, cleaning the driveway or porch, and countless other household tasks require a steady water supply. Often, houses have only a single spigot to accommodate hoses, making it difficult to do more than one job simultaneously.

Garden hose splitters solve that problem by directing water from a single spigot into two or more water channels. Simple to use, there are many options available. Finding the best garden hose splitter for your needs means knowing the pros and cons of the many splitters on the market. Read on to learn what it means to find a reliable and functional hose splitter for your home.

  1. BEST OVERALL: 2wayz All Metal Body Garden Hose Splitter
  2. RUNNER UP: IPOW 2 Way Garden Hose Connector Splitter Adapter
  3. BEST BRASS: Morvat Brass Garden Hose Connector Tap Splitter
  4. BEST PLASTIC: Gilmour Hose Connector
  5. BEST 5-WAY: Orbit 5-Way Zinc Hose Faucet Valve Manifold
  6. ALSO CONSIDER: DBR Tech 2 Way Water Splitter
The Best Garden Hose Splitter Options

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Garden Hose Splitter

Identifying the best garden hose splitters requires taking several factors into account. Features like size, material, and the number of channels dictate the effectiveness of a multihose setup. Read on to learn more about selecting the best hose splitter for a garden.

Size

At a glance, garden hoses tend to look the same size, but the reality is that they have different-size fittings. The proper fitting size for a garden hose splitter matches the threads of a garden hose for a secure fit and prevents leakage. Most fittings have a standard external size of 1 1/16 inches wide, but the inner diameter may vary depending on the circumference and thickness of the hose.

The hose circumference usually matches the connector size. Connector sizes include ⅜, ½, and ¾ of an inch. Determining the proper size is easy: Simply use a tape measure to measure the diameter of the hose opening. That number corresponds to the size of the connector required for that hose.

Material

The two most popular materials for splitters are plastic and metal. Plastic splitters are light, durable, and sturdy. Well-constructed plastic splitters usually incorporate some metal parts, more effectively resisting the corrosion associated with constant exposure to water. If you plan on frequently moving the splitter between taps, plastic is preferable, as the threads will not seize since they do not rust.

Though durable and sturdy, plastic splitters do not provide the same toughness and longevity as metal splitters, and they may melt or deform when exposed to high temperatures. Red metals like brass, bronze, and copper are best due to their low iron content. Less iron translates to reduced corrosion, but beware that any metal splitter will ultimately begin to leak as it rusts. Metal connectors can become stuck to the tap by rust, making them difficult to remove. Those using metal splitters should remove the hose after each use and be sure the tap is securely closed.

Number of Channels

The purpose of a hose splitter is to provide multiple water channels, and two is not the limit. By definition, a hose splitter turns one stream of water into two, but there are more options available. Splitters with three channels are very popular for their added utility, and there are even four-channel splitters on the market.

Water pressure becomes an issue with multichannel splitters. Dual splitters usually work well with both high and low pressure, but adding a third channel may result in three streams of water that are too weak to be useful. If an operator must attach a four-channel splitter to a spigot, it needs to provide excellent water pressure to maintain the integrity and strength of the stream.

Our Top Picks

Finding the best garden hose splitter means identifying the proper construction material, spigot compatibility, and the number of channels. Here are the top picks to help take some of the guesswork out of finding the right splitter for the job. The following are some of the best garden hose splitters on the market based on durability, size, and construction quality.

Best Overall

The Best Garden Hose Splitter Option: 2wayz All Metal Body Garden Hose Splitter
Photo: amazon.com

This ¾-inch hose splitter checks all the boxes when it comes to quality. Constructed primarily of metal with some rubberized plastic parts, this dual-channel splitter is durable and easy to use. 2wayz fastens their parts with metal bolts that bear up against challenges of high-volume, high-pressure spigots.

The handles are coated with rubber and are 4 centimeters long, providing a comfortable grip and operation. The splitter rotates 360 degrees, so the hose stays clear when pulled in any direction. Rubber gaskets and threaded parts prevent leakage, and installation is tool-free and straightforward.

Product Specs

  • Material: Zinc and aluminum alloy
  • Faucets: Two
  • Accessories:  None

Pros

  • Durable metal and plastic construction
  • Bolts hold up against high-volume, high-pressure spigots
  • Comfortable rubber grip
  • Hose can be pulled in any direction

Cons

  • May leak over time from heavy use

Get the 2Wayz hose splitter on Amazon and at Walmart.

Runner Up

The Best Garden Hose Splitter Option: IPOW Solid Brass Body 2 Way Y Valve Hose Splitter
Photo: amazon.com

This all-brass garden hose splitter from IPOW attaches quickly to standard spigots and hoses. Wide grips make regulating water flow easy and comfortable. IPOW built these splitters for use in the garden as well as inside, and each unit comes with six rubber washers to create a seal that prevents leaks.

The handles are coated with thermoplastic rubber that is easy to grip when adjusting the water flow. A threaded plastic collar secures to the spigot, and brass construction resists corrosion. This dual splitter from IPOW represents an excellent combination of functionality and durability.

Product Specs

  • Material: Brass
  • Faucets: Two
  • Accessories: 6 rubber washers

Pros

  • Wide grips makes regulating water easier
  • Good for indoor and outdoor use
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Adapter may leak
  • Decreases flow and pressure

Get the IPOW hose splitter on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Brass

The Best Garden Hose Splitter Option: Morvat Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter
Photo: amazon.com

Heavy brass construction guards against breakage and provides longevity for this heavy-duty splitter from Morvat that’s built to last. Operators can adjust brass levers to regulate the stream coming out of the hose, giving appropriate pressure levels for any task ranging from watering the flowers to washing the car.

The main tap secures tightly to any standard spigot, creating a reliable connection that prevents leakage. A high-quality interior ball valve blocks water when not in use. The handles on this dual splitter are easy to grip, and the unit installs easily without requiring tools.

Product Specs

  • Material: Brass
  • Faucets: Two
  • Accessories: 2 rubber washers and thread seal tape

Pros

  • Durable brass construction
  • Tap secures to standard spigots for reliable connection
  • Large, easy-to-turn valve handles

Cons

  • Ball valve openings are smaller than average
  • Tight and short knob

Get the Morvat hose splitter at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot.

Best Plastic

The Best Garden Hose Splitter Option: Gilmour 800174-1002 Hose Connector
Photo: amazon.com

Corrosion can be devastating to metal hose splitters. Constant exposure to water creates rust that causes leaks and makes it difficult to move the splitter from one spigot to another. Eliminate these problems with this dual splitter from Gilmour.

Sturdy plastic construction and easy-to-use polymer cap handles and valves allow for independent control of streams. A twist collar makes installation painless and seals water in to prevent leaking. Long legs combat the possibility of kinking the hose. Because of low resistance to heat, running hot water through this splitter is not recommended.

Product Specs

  • Material: Plastic
  • Faucets: Two
  • Accessories: None

Pros

  • No corrosion or rust
  • Long legs to avoid hose kinking
  • Poly shut-off valve to control and conserve water

Cons

  • Not recommended for use with hot water
  • Seam may leak over time
  • Less durable than metal

Get the Gilmour hose splitter on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best 5-Way

The Best Garden Hose Splitter Option: Orbit 62019 5-Way Zinc Hose Faucet Valve Manifold
Photo: amazon.com

Orbit takes garden hose splitters to the next level by offering a product capable of splitting one spigot into a whopping five streams of water. The three ports on the bottom are equipped with shutoff valves for individual control of water streams. Orbit shines with the inclusion of two additional ports on either side of the apparatus, allowing for two extra hoses without the independent shutoff.

The two extra hoses operate as though attached directly to the spigot. Constructed from zinc with a plastic covering, this hose splitter is durable and stable and has a swivel capability that protects against breakage when tugging on the hose. This splitter is best for permanent installation as zinc can corrode, making it difficult to remove.

Product Specs

  • Material: Zinc and plastic
  • Faucets: Five
  • Accessories: None

Pros

  • Five streams of water with two extra ports on the sides
  • Made of zinc and plastic
  • Tight ball valve

Cons

  • Risk of corrosion
  • Hose may be difficult to connect

Get the Orbit hose splitter on Amazon and at Walmart.

Also Consider

The Best Garden Hose Splitter Option: DBR Tech 2 Way Water Splitter
Photo: amazon.com

From DBR Tech, this garden hose splitter is constructed from durable, corrosion-resistant brass. Its dual valves allow for independent manipulation of each channel, while also helping to manage water flow and maintain water pressure. Helpfully, the connector swivels around to accommodate if and when you find yourself pulling garden hose around your yard. This splitter is compatible with ¾-inch hoses and even allows for the addition of another splitter in case more hoses are needed. If timed watering is essential, gardeners can easily attach a water timer.

Product Specs

  • Material: Brass
  • Faucets: Two
  • Accessories: 2 silicone gaskets and Teflon tape

Pros

  • Strong brass construction
  • Dual valves for independent manipulation of each channel
  • Rust-resistant finish
  • Quick installation

Cons

  • Ball valves may fall out
  • Difficult to turn valves

Get the DBR Tech hose splitter on Amazon. 

Our Verdict

Our pick for the best overall garden hose splitter is the 2wayz All Metal Body Garden Hose Splitter. Constructed with both metal and rubberized plastic parts, this hose splitter is durable and easy to control. The splitter is easy to connect and designed for high-volume, high-pressure output.

How We Chose the Best Garden Hose Splitters

We took into consideration a few different factors when determining the best garden hose splitter. One of the most important considerations was the size of the splitter. Most fittings have a standard size of 11/16 inches, which allows them to be secured to standard garden hoses. The hose circumference should match the connector size when the diameter of the hose opening is measured.

We also considered the base material of the hose splitter. Most splitters are made from plastic and metal. While plastic splitters are light and durable, they do not provide the same longevity as metal splitters and can deform when exposed to hot water or high temperatures. Red metals, such as brass, bronze, and copper, are typically the strongest due to their low iron count, which ultimately leads to less corrosion.

Other factors we considered were cost, the number of hose channels the splitter had, and each one’s estimated longevity.

The Advantages of Owning the Best Garden Hose Splitter

Garden hose splitters add utility to many household and garden-related operations. Adding a splitter to an outdoor spigot enables the simultaneous execution of more than one job. If you need to wash the car while the sprinkler waters the lawn, a splitter makes that possible. Perhaps two separate areas of the yard require irrigation simultaneously; hooking up a splitter can direct water into multiple places at once.

The best garden hose splitters make operations like drip irrigation easy. Drip irrigation allows water to drip slowly into the root systems of plants. Because the process is slow and ongoing, it often requires full-time hose use. Splitters allow gardeners to hook up a separate hose for other tasks.

Soaker hoses are often used to irrigate gardens as well. A soaker operation requires poking several holes in the hose, which is not a good quality when you need to wash the dog. Splitters make it possible to keep a fully functional hose at hand while the other intentionally leaks. Those who use water timers may also need a full-time hose hooked to a spigot. Splitters keep a second, third, or fourth hose free for other uses.

  • Garden hose splitters provide the utility of operating multiple hoses from one spigot.
  • Dedicated irrigation systems that require full-time use of a hose will not prevent operators from using hoses for other purposes.
  • Garden splitters provide easy-to-use shutoff valves that prevent water loss through leakage.

Tips on Using a Garden Hose Splitter

Installation and use of a garden hose splitter are pretty straightforward, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. Cold weather can cause water trapped in the splitter or hose to freeze. Frozen water expands, sometimes resulting in burst pipes or damaged equipment. If you live in an area that experiences low temperatures, be sure to uninstall the splitter and the hoses for the winter months.

When installing a garden hose splitter or a hose, use firm but gentle pressure to hand tighten the socket. Applying too much force will result in damaged parts that will destroy the integrity of the connection. Check out some more tips below.

  • When using a metal garden hose splitter, ensure that the hose is disconnected and the water is fully shut off after each use to avoid corrosion.
  • Check water pressure prior to buying a splitter. Dual garden hose splitters work well with normal water pressure that’s between 40 and 60 psi, but weak water pressure or too many channels will prevent proper use.
  • Try to buy a splitter with a large and comfortable grip. This provides easy operation and prevents leakage.

FAQs

There is a lot to consider when choosing the best garden hose splitter. For a quick reference to your most pressing queries, check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to get the basics.

Q: What is the difference between male and female hose connectors?

Male connectors have a pin that fits a hole on the splitter, while female connectors accept the pin from the male end. Examine your spigot before purchase to be sure you are searching for the right one.

Q: Can you hook up a washing machine to a garden hose?

Garden hoses have a narrower circumference than washing machine hoses. Hooking up a garden hose to a washing machine may result in engine burnout as there probably is not enough water moving through the machine.

Q: Can you connect two garden hoses?

Gardeners can connect two hoses together for added length. Compatible connectors or couplers will extend the reach of the hoses, though excessively long hoses may result in reduced water pressure.

Q: How do you connect hoses of two different sizes?

Connecting two different-size hoses together requires an adapter. Determine the diameter of each hose with a tape measure and find an adapter that accommodates both.