You may want to connect a shower head to a garden hose for various reasons. It can be great for watering plants, washing outdoor items, or setting up an outdoor shower point.
The task may look a little challenging to start with, but if you have the right tools and know how to connect a garden hose to a shower head, you can do it in under 5 minutes. This guide explains everything you need to know about connecting a shower head to a garden hose.
Guide to Connect a Shower Head to a Garden Hose
The Basics: Different Thread Sizes
Connecting a shower head to a garden hose involves understanding the different thread sizes typically used in plumbing and gardening equipment. Shower heads usually have a 1/2 inch National Pipe Thread (NPT), while garden hoses typically come with a 3/4 inch Garden Hose Thread (GHT). To successfully connect these two with differing thread sizes, you’ll need an adapter that converts the shower head’s 1/2 inch NPT to the garden hose’s 3/4 inch GHT. This adapter ensures a secure and leak-free connection between the differently sized threads, allowing you to use a garden hose as a water source for the shower head.
Tools Required
- Adjustable wrench
- Teflon tape
- 1/2 inch NPT to 3/4 inch GHT adapter
- Plumber’s tape (optional)
Connection Instructions
- Prepare the Shower Head and Hose: Start by unscrewing the shower head from its current position. Similarly, detach any fittings or nozzles from the garden hose to expose its threads.
- Apply Teflon Tape: Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of both the shower head and the garden hose. This helps in creating a watertight seal and prevents leaks at the connection points.
- Attach the Adapter: Screw the 1/2 inch NPT to 3/4 inch GHT adapter onto the shower head’s thread. Ensure it’s tightened securely but without over-tightening to avoid thread damage.
- Connect Hose to Adapter: Finally, connect the garden hose to the other end of the adapter. Tighten it securely to ensure a leak-free connection, using the adjustable wrench if necessary for a firmer grip.
Should I Add a Water Filter if Using a Garden Hose?
Adding a water filter when using a garden hose as a water source for a shower is a prudent idea, especially if the water quality is uncertain. Garden hoses are not typically designed to deliver potable water, and the water may contain impurities or elements that can be harsh on skin and hair.
A water filter can help remove these impurities, reduce chlorine, and improve water quality. Additionally, it can prevent potential buildup of minerals and contaminants on both the shower head and your skin, ensuring a safer and more pleasant showering experience.
How can I Make a Standing Shower using a Garden Hose and Shower Head?
Commercial Showers
For a standing shower using a garden hose, you can opt for a commercial shower designed for outdoor use. These shower heads are typically more durable and weather-resistant, making them suitable for attachment to a garden hose. They often come with features like adjustable spray settings and easy installation mechanisms, providing a convenient outdoor showering experience.
DIY Shower
- Select a Suitable Location: Choose a flat, stable surface outdoors to set up the shower. Ensure it’s close enough to a water source (like a garden hose) and has proper drainage.
- Set Up a Shower Pole or Frame: Install a pole or frame to hold the shower head. This could be a freestanding pole anchored to the ground or a frame attached to an existing structure like a wall or tree.
- Attach the Shower Head to the Pole/Frame: Secure the shower head to the top of the pole or frame. Ensure it is firmly attached and positioned at a height suitable for standing showers.
- Connect the Garden Hose: Attach one end of the garden hose to a water source and the other to the shower head. If necessary, use an adapter to fit the hose to the shower head.
- Install a Water Filter (Optional): If the water quality is a concern, install a water filter between the hose and the shower head to ensure clean, safe water for showering.
- Add Privacy Features (Optional): For privacy, consider adding a shower curtain or a portable shower enclosure around your DIY shower setup.
