• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Together Time Family
  • Gardening
  • Herb Growing Guides
  • Harvesting and Preserving
  • Tools & Equipment
    • Chainsaws
    • Garden Hoses
    • Yardwork Tools
  • About

5 Best Garden Hose Splitters (& 1 to avoid)

September 15, 2020 by Angel Leave a Comment

19 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

You really want to wash your car, but your child is throwing a tantrum because they want the hose so they can play in the sprinkler.

Or maybe you want to wash your car but your lawn (or garden) needs watering.

Or maybe you’re just sick and tired of wearing out your hands disconnecting your hose every time you need to fill your watering can.

A hose splitter can help all these problems, save you time, and eliminate power struggles with your toddler (at least when it comes to who gets to use the hose…)

Hose splitters can also save your bare hands from wear and tear by removing the need to screw and unscrew hoses frequently from an outdoor faucet. This is particularly important for older gardeners and people with joint problems. Once a hose splitter is installed onto a standard spigot, it moves the hose attachment point away from your wall, which can help prevent cuts and grazes if your hoses bib is mounted on brick or cement.

Read on to discover the best garden hose splitters to save you time and hassle.

on the left is a close up photo of a hand holding a hose that's spraying water. On the right is the text "the best garden hose splitters (to save you time and effort)"

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, Together Time Family will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Brass
Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Y Connector Brass...
Our Favorite
ELEY Garden Hose Splitter - Water Hose Splitter and Water Hose Adapter,...
Best 4-Way Splitter
Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter, Hose Connector...
Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Y Connector Brass...
ELEY Garden Hose Splitter - Water Hose Splitter and Water Hose Adapter,...
Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter, Hose Connector...
-
Check current price
Check current price
Check current price
Best Brass
Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Y Connector Brass...
Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Y Connector Brass...
Check current price
Our Favorite
ELEY Garden Hose Splitter - Water Hose Splitter and Water Hose Adapter,...
ELEY Garden Hose Splitter - Water Hose Splitter and Water Hose Adapter,...
-
Check current price
Best 4-Way Splitter
Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter, Hose Connector...
Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter, Hose Connector...
Check current price

Table of Contents

  • Why do I need a hose splitter?
  • How do hose splitters work?
  • The best garden hose splitters
  • How to install a hose splitter

Why do I need a hose splitter?

Hose splitters save time. Having two hoses connected at once prevents the need to undo and re-connect the second hose.

Hose splitters also allow you to do two water-related tasks at the same time. You can wash your child’s muddy feet off at the spigot without disconnecting your law sprinkler or you can wash the car while your child plays in the sprinkler.

Hose splitters are a necessity if you need a hose for a set purpose. For example, if you have a soaker hose for your garden or running to a utility sink a hose splitter removes the chore of undoing one hose, applying plumber’s tape, and tightening the second hose in place (only to swap it back again later).

How do hose splitters work?

Hose splitters do what their name says: they split a single spigot into two or more usable ports. This does not draw anymore water from the tap. The extra tap is useful for having two or more hoses connected at the same time without having to re-attach the second hose.

A two-way splitter can be very handy in the laundry room if want to split the cold water line from the washing machine for an water source from that room.

They also have shut-off valves which allow you to control the water flow to one or all hoses at the same time.

You can secure water to one tap and leave it flowing to others or go all out and irrigate your lawn, fill your watering can at the spigot with ease, wash your car, and fill your child’s kiddie pool…all at the same time.

Okay, so running all four hoses at one time will dramatically decrease your water pressure in each hose, but not having to undo and redo hoses constantly is a huge timesaver. If you plan on using multiple hoses at a time, make sure you have sufficiently high water pressure. A hose bib splitter saves your fingers and wrists from hurting and wasting water with leaks from improperly tightened hoses. We use a four-way splitters to control water to multiple gardening areas and an outdoor shower. Having extra water outlets is a good option to have.

The one downside to hose splitters is that because they make it easy to shutoff and remove and add water hoses, that rubber gaskets tend to fall out regularly, but that is a simple fix and you can but extra washers fairly cheaply. Check out our post on “how to replace a hose washer.”

A brass four way hose splitter with a hose attached to every outlet

Lead-Free Hose Splitters

The concern for lead in our water supply systems is always a topic of discussion. The truth is that no matter the metal, there will always be trace amounts of bad stuff in there.

The good news is that most hose splitters are made of brass with very low concentrations of lead. Some even go as far as to claim a really small percentage of lead in the metal such as the 2Wayz All Metal Garden Hose Splitter, with only 0.0019% lead in their metal. Another option is to look for a stainless steel hose splitter, these are just as durable as the brass splitters and are rated for outdoor use.

a picture of a brass two way hose splitter on a white background

The best garden hose splitters

2Wayz Garden Hose Splitter

The 2Wayz Garden Hose Splitter hose splitter is easy to use and install securely, even if you don’t have super strong hands.

The design blends the ease of use with functionality. Attaching is a breeze with the hand tightening collar. Just pre-wrap the spigot with some plumber’s tape and then hand tighten the hose splitter. That should be all you need to guarantee no leaks.

The best part are the long handles. You can get an easy grip on the valves even for older hands, and you can tell which valve is open or shut from a distance. The adjustable flow control is great for an irrigation system too.

😃 Large handles for easy operation

😃 Redesigned in 2020 to eliminate plastic parts that were prone to breaking in older models

😃 Virtually lead free

😖 Older reviews complain of failing parts, but the hose splitter has been redesigned since then

Sale
Hose Splitter, 2 Way Heavy Duty, Garden Faucet, Faucet Splitter, Hose y...
Hose Splitter, 2 Way Heavy Duty, Garden Faucet, Faucet Splitter, Hose y...
  • Bolted Components: Inlet & outlet strengthened in the newest version of our dual water hose connector. After many months of lab trials, our expert...
  • Seamless Installation, Smooth Operation: The 2 way garden hose splitter has long handles (4 cm) which allow for smooth and easy shut on and off....
  • No Leaking and Watershed: Long and smooth thread with rubber ring at female end will make leaks a long forgotten experience. Full rubber cover makes...
Check current price

2Wayz 4 Way Heavy Duty Hose Splitter

UPDATE: Currently unavailable but try clicking through, it may show up as available for you.

The 2Wayz 4 Way Hose Splitter is a hose splitter for serious gardeners and people with irrigation systems. The main reason to have this is for soaker hoses for different zones.

We really like the lead free construction. This product claims 100% lead free construction. It does have hardened pvc parts and rubber components but at least the metal won’t leach any lead if you are using it for drinking.

On the down side, several customers have had issues with leaking joints. It seems there are more internal unions than meets the eye, making it a likely candidate for serious leaks. It also does not do well with freezing temperatures, adding further to the leaks.

If you live somewhere with really winter temps, consider removing your hose splitter for the winter and storing it inside. This will protect your investment and ensure you can use your hose splitter again next year.

😃 Great for serious watering needs like irrigation systems

😖 More prone to leaks than 2 way splitters due to the extra joints inside. Remove the splitter for the winter to help prevent cracks and leaks.

4 Way Garden Hose Splitter, Heavy Duty, Water Hose Manifold, Water Hose...
4 Way Garden Hose Splitter, Heavy Duty, Water Hose Manifold, Water Hose...
  • Bolted Components: Inlet & outlet are strengthened in the newest version of our dual water hose connector. After many months of lab trials, our expert...
  • Seamless Installation, Smooth Operation: The 2 way garden hose splitter has long handles (4 cm) which allow for smooth and easy shut on and off....
  • No Leaking and Watershed: Long and smooth thread with rubber ring at female end will make leaks a long forgotten experience. Full rubber cover makes...
Check current price

Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way

The Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way is a great hose splitter. We love the simple construction. There is no need to ever worry about leaks from failing plastic parts that can corrode in the sun because this is a brass hose splitter.

Installation is a breeze with the hand tightening knob. There is no need for any extra tools to install. Operation is also super easy with the valve operators. Remember, in line with the pipe means open, perpendicular means shut!

😃 Solid brass construction is sturdy and classic looking

😃 Includes washers to help prevent leaks

😖 Always disconnect the splitter for the winter – brass will not protect the water inside the splitter from freezing and hard freezes could damage the splitter

Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Y Connector Brass...
Twinkle Star Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Y Connector Brass...
  • Universal: This 3/4" hose splitter fits for all standard faucet and garden hose.
  • Material: Made of premium brass, very solid and durable for long use.
  • 2 way Y hose splitter with 3 connectors and 2 valve.
Check current price

Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter

The Twinkle Star 4 Way Hose Splitter is the ultimate hose splitter. If you need a 4 way hose splitter, you gotta know what you are doing. You probably have a few soaker hoses or are just really excited about hose splitters.

The high-quality brass construction of this hose splitter ensures you won’t have any leaks from the body of the product. This truly is a long lasting hose splitter.

Some customers reported the threads coming off the body due to design flaws. This is a serious failure, but his issue isn’t reported often.

😃 Solid brass body without plastic parts and unions to leak

😃 Perfect for soaker hose irrigation systems

😖 Smaller plastic handles may be difficult to use if you have older hands

Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter, Hose Connector...
Twinkle Star 4 Way Heavy Duty Brass Garden Hose Splitter, Hose Connector...
  • 4 Way Hose Splitter: Converts a single water outlet into 4 ways, very convenient for you to control the work in different places at the same time. 1...
  • High Quality: Made of high quality heavy duty brass materials, solid and durable, corrosion proof and has a long service time.
  • Individually Controlled: All the hose connector can be turned on and off individually, so you can use one or others according to your need.
Check current price

Melnor Garden Hose Splitters

These Melnor Hose Splitters are sleek looking. If you’re tired of junky looking lawn and garden equipment detracting from your home’s exterior appearance, this is your hose splitter. It has an exterior plastic with interior metal construction. Don’t worry, if this hose splitter doesn’t last, you can easily contact Melnor and cash in on their lifetime warranty.

These hose splitters are available in a 2 way splitter or a single valve. They are all super easy to operate with their lever style valve which quickly opens and shuts the valve. The splitters also come with a single quick connect. If you’ve never used a quick connect, it is a life changing piece of equipment which easily allows you to connect and disconnect your hoses.

😃 Sleek, modern appearance

😃 Easy to use valve handles to open and shut the water

😖 Plastic construction may be a problem after a cold winter

Melnor
Melnor
Check current price
Sale Melnor 65170AMZ 2 Way Lever Flow Through Valve Connector Bundle, Yellow,...
Melnor 65170AMZ 2 Way Lever Flow Through Valve...
Check current price

VIVISUN Hose Splitters

The VIVOSUN Brand is really making an impact in the home garden niche and they are making some phenomenal products. Our focus here is their 4 way and 2 way hose splitters.

Currently, VIVOSUN is one of the few hose splitters which are not entirely made of brass. This is a big deal because the brass hose splitters tend to have really small valve handles which can become really hard to operate.

The VIVOSUN 4 way hose splitter has really easy to operate valve handles and even offers an angled offset so it’s easier to attach more hoses or hose timers.

Here is a customer who vouches for the design and construction of thise hose splitter, “Connections are far enough apart to easily hook up hoses and timers. I like this better than the brass ones I’ve purchased in the past.”

😃 High quality construction

😃 Versatile, will fit whatever the needs of your garden are

😃 Easy to operate and will last a lifetime

😖 Some reports of leaking

VIVOSUN Garden Hose Splitter 4 Way Heavy Duty Water Hose Connector, Water...
VIVOSUN Garden Hose Splitter 4 Way Heavy Duty...
Check current price
VIVOSUN Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty, Upgraded Highly Durable Dual...
VIVOSUN Garden Hose Splitter 2 Way Heavy Duty,...
Check current price

Avoid: Trazon Water Splitter 2 Way

The Trazon 2 Way Water Splitter seems awesome at first glance. It has great ratings…but if you take a look, you’ll see that the questions, pictures, and reviews are about other products.

When we first came across this hose splitter, we were sure we’d found a real winner. Then we noticed that literally every question, review photo, and written review we could find either referred to a handheld steamer or a cake icing spatula.

Maybe this issue is a mixup in the Amazon system, or maybe it’s “review hijacking” as described in this post by Consumer Reports.

As a result, we cannot recommend this product. We included it because it seems so tempting at first glance and we don’t want you to be tricked into buying a crummy product.

How to install a hose splitter

Installing a hose splitter is easy, but people sometimes skip important steps in the process. This can cause the hose splitter to leak, racking up unnecessarily high water bills.

Hose splitters are attached like a regular garden hose. Most hose bibs have a male end where you attach the hose. This is where you start.

Next, clean the connection with a brass brush. Make sure to remove any old plumbers tape that’s left on there. Also clean the female end of the hose splitter to remove any excess debris. Don’t damage the rubber gasket at the bottom of the female fitting.

Forney 70490 Wire Scratch Brush, Brass with Wood Handle,...
Forney 70490 Wire Scratch Brush, Brass with Wood Handle,...
  • 7-3/4, brass, wire scratch brush with Wood handle, strong & durable with solidly imbedded brass bristles, will not rust
  • Adds a great value
  • Manufactured in China
Check current price

Now that the tap is clean, apply some plumber’s tape to the male connector. Make sure to wrap in a clockwise direction if you are looking into the hole of the tap. Wrap it tightly until the threads are just barely visible through the tape, about 7 or 8 times around.

Sale
Dixon Valve TTB75 PTFE Industrial Sealant Tape, -212 to 500 Degree F...
Dixon Valve TTB75 PTFE Industrial Sealant Tape, -212 to 500 Degree F...
  • For Use In Wrapping Pipe Threads To Create Air And Water Tight Connections
  • 520" Long, 3/4" Wide, And 3.5 Mil Thick For Multiple Uses. Thickness: .09Mm
  • Operating Temperature Range Of -212 To +500 Degrees F
Check current price

Now, you are ready to attach the hose splitter.

Simply place the attachment onto the water tap and turn it clockwise. You can turn pretty hard but there is no need to use a pipe-wrench. Those pipes can take a good cranking.

Up next is the leak test. With the isolation valves turned off on the hose splitter, open the main water valve (usually a small 2 inch diameter wheel), turn this one counter clockwise. Everything should hold tight and no water should be coming out of any location. If the leak is just a few drops, you are in good shape.

If there’s a substantial leak, you need to either crank down harder on the splitter, check for a proper gasket seating at the bottom of the splitter, apply more plumber’s tape, or you may have cross threaded the union. All of these except for cross threading are easy to fix.

Place a rubber hose washer in the female end of your hose before screwing it onto the hose splitter. Many hose splitters come with washers, but they’re inexpensive to buy if you don’t already have some. You might be interested in reading our post on “How to Replace a Hose Washer.”

Text reads, "How to use a hose washer." Photo to the left of the text is a person inserting a red hose washer into the bottom of a hose fitting. The background is of a grassy patch.

Over time, this washer will probably break down and need to be replaced. If your hose union suddenly starts leaking more than normal and tightening doesn’t fix the leak, you could have a worn out washer. Simply replace the washer to fix the leak.

Sale
Hourleey Garden Hose Washer Rubber, Heavy Duty Red Rubber Washer Fit All...
Hourleey Garden Hose Washer Rubber, Heavy Duty Red Rubber Washer Fit All...
  • Package Include: 50 pieces red garden hose washers, fit all standard 3/4" garden hose fittings.
  • Material: Made of heavy duty rubber, durable and suitable for all types of weather.
  • Widely Use: Standard 3/4" garden hose rubber washers fit all standard 3/4 garden hoss fittings.
Check current price

The Best Garden Hose Reels & Retractable Hoses for a Tidy Lawn

A garden hose reel or a retractable hose can keep your lawn tidy and protect your hose from the elements.

Best Expandable Hoses (lightweight and kink-free hoses!)

Expandable hoses are kink-free, lightweight, and easy to use. Discover the best expandable garden hoses for your yard or garden.

Best Stainless Steel Garden Hoses: must-know lightweight, kink-free hoses

Stainless steel hoses are kink free and lightweight. Discover the best stainless steel garden hoses to keep your mouthy puppy from destroying yet another hose!

Best Garden Hose Quick Connects

Using a garden hose quick connect can help you save time, money on your water bill, and keep your clothes dry. Check out the best garden quick connects, including durable brass connectors that won't rot in the sun.

The Best Garden Hose Wands For a Healthy Garden & Increased Yields

A garden hose wand is a must if you're growing flowers, herbs, or vegetables. Discover how a hose wand can help you water more easily and have healthier plants.

Best Hose Shut Off Valves

Hose shut off valves can reduce water pressure and make turning water off and on eaiser.

Best Soaker Hoses For a Beautiful, Low-Maintenance Lawn & Garden

Soaker hoses are a simple way to save time and water.

The Best Garden Hoses to Last a Lifetime

Tired of your heavy, kinked-up hose? You need to discover this guide to the best garden hoses!

The Best Garden Hose Nozzles for a Healthy Lawn & Garden

The Best High Pressure Hose Nozzles

Ready to try blasting your gutters clean with a high pressure hose nozzle? Discover the best high pressure hose nozzles!

Best Lightweight Garden Hoses for Easy Carrying

text "are you using a hose splitter yet? Discover how a hose splitter can save you time and work + the best 5 hose splitters to use" Below is a picture of a hand holding a hose watering rose bushes
Text "how to save time with a hose splitter - stop wasting time and hurting your hands swapping hoses" above a picture of a hand holding a hose nozzle that's spraying water.
Angel

Angel is a Cuban immigrant who grew up with backyard chickens and a yard-loving abuela. He is our “gear guy” who can never have too many pairs of gloves or weed whacker attachments.

Filed Under: Garden Hoses, Tools & Equipment

Previous Post: « How to Plant and Grow Radish from Seed: a fast-growing crop you can grow in containers
Next Post: How to Harvest & Store Beets (an easy to grow superfood) »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hi! We’re Angel and Natasha – welcome to Together Time Family!

a man and a woman standing next to corn

Join us for family-friendly gardening tips so you can garden with your kids. Discover more about us.

Footer

Together Time Family is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Please see our full Disclaimer & Disclosure page for more information. View our Privacy Policy here.

Copyright © 2023 Together Time Family on the Foodie Pro Theme

19 shares