You draw water from a water socket. It is a practical tool for ideal watering in the garden, but is also suitable for other purposes, such as camping. Find out what to look out for when buying a water connector and which products are particularly recommended.
A hose can be quickly connected to a water socket at any time
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Gardena Pipeline water socket: above-ground water extraction point for the pipeline or the sprinkler system, installed underground, ¾ inch external thread, automatic stop valve (8250-20)
22.19 EUR To the product| material | PVC |
|---|---|
| With water stop? | Yes |
| thread | 3/4 inch |
| handling | very easy |
| Price-performance | very good |
Gardena's pipeline is the pioneer and therefore also the absolute classic among the water sockets. As before, it is ahead of most comparable models in terms of the extremely convenient automatic valve opening and closing. All you have to do to tap water is to connect the consumer (garden hose) to the socket. Water then flows immediately. As soon as you disconnect the hose, the valve closes immediately and stops the flow of water. Most reviewers on Amazon praise the simple assembly and use as well as the trouble-free functionality. The excellent price-performance ratio is also impressive.
our recommendation
Rain Bird round valve box VBA 17186 with ball valve (valve box, distribution box, distribution box)
27.00 EUR To the product| material | pp |
|---|---|
| With water stop? | no |
| thread | 3/4 inch |
| handling | simple |
| Price-performance | Well |
The Rain Bird valve box is also very popular with the majority of reviewing customers on Amazon. Of the more than 100 reviewers to date (as of November 2022), around 90 percent awarded four or - even more frequently - five stars. One of the special advantages of the model is the first-class workmanship, as many verified buyers state. The water socket should be virtually “unbreakable”. By the way: In contrast to an aqua stop system, the ball valve can also be opened safely here without a hose connection, which enables frost-proof drainage of the lines. Therefore, some gardeners prefer this variant.
our recommendation
RAIN SPA RAIN valve box valve box round with ball valve 3/4" distribution box
22.99 EUR To the product| material | PP, zinc alloy |
|---|---|
| With water stop? | no |
| thread | 3/4 inch |
| handling | simple |
| Price-performance | Well |
The RAIN SPA valve box basically has the same characteristics as the Rain Bird model. The ratings are also very similar, even if the execution of RAIN SPA at the same time can have significantly fewer ratings - 25 in number. This is also the only reason why we list them in rank 3. In terms of quality, the water socket seems to be in no way inferior to the other two recommendations. In addition, the manufacturer's product description should not contain any exaggerations, but should correspond entirely to the truth. The valve toggle can apparently be opened effortlessly, which ensures comfortable handling.
Purchase Criteria
Junction box vs. water outlet
Users often ask about the exact difference between the Gardena connection socket and water socket. Here's the answer: The junction box is connected to a water connection - such as the water tap or the pump. Your task is to lead the water into the main line so that the gardener can take it elsewhere. In contrast, the water socket is used for direct water extraction with the help of a consumer, which is primarily the garden hose.
range of functions
As far as the range of functions is concerned, the original water socket developed by the German brand Gardena differs from other variants primarily due to the existing water stop. This means that the valve opens or closes automatically, depending on whether a consumer is connected or not. This enormously practical automatic stop valve naturally makes handling much easier. With many other variants you still have to help with a key.
Compatibility with other devices
Make sure your chosen water outlet is compatible with the loads you want to pair. In principle, there is also the possibility of adding an adapter with the necessary threads in order to ultimately achieve the necessary harmony between the socket and the hose, but these are often unnecessary costs that you can avoid if you choose one from the start choose the right connection.
build quality
The water socket has to withstand a lot and should of course remain permanently sealed. To ensure this, a very high processing quality of the socket is essential. In general, water sockets are made of robust plastic, less often made of even more robust and noble brass. The lid is always made of plastic. To assess the quality, simply read through authentic customer reviews of the sockets. Also check whether your preferred model is frost-proof.
Assembly
How easy or difficult is assembly by hand? Are additional elements required or can the water socket be connected directly? A pipe system is logically a basic requirement. Ideally, this should be enough for you to place your new water socket anywhere in the garden. Detailed and understandable instructions for installation and commissioning are advantageous.
price
As with almost all products, the price differences for water sockets are sometimes enormous. There are qualitatively convincing versions for around 20 euros - and models that cost twice as much. In order not to pay more than is absolutely necessary, you should compare the various connections comprehensively. If you can't find any good reasons for a higher price (even better workmanship, more functions, etc.), you're well advised to take the cheaper option.
our recommendation
Rich water outlet pure white
44.95 EUR To the productyoutubefrequently asked Questions
What is a water socket?
A water connector is a special valve that you connect to an existing water supply. If a pipe system is already installed in your garden, you can attach the water socket to this. In this way you create a flexible water connection for the garden hose and optimal watering.
How does the Gardena water socket work?
Once installed, the Gardena water socket works in principle like a "normal" socket from which you draw electricity, only that water flows out. You plug in the respective consumer - usually the garden hose - via the thread and can immediately draw from the full. As soon as you unplug the hose again, the valve closes automatically.
How do I install a water outlet?
Since you obviously have to connect the water socket to the water pipe, you usually install the valve in the ground. This type of installation has the advantage that the socket is barely visible and does not pose an obstacle to lawn mowers and the like. When not in use, you can protect the valve from contamination with a cover.
Which brands offer good water sockets?
The most popular water outlets for the garden or motorhome are those from Gardena, especially the classic Pipeline model. Alternative brands that are also known for high-quality models include Hunter, Rain Bird, Marley, RK Reich, Irritec and Graf.
Where is the best place to buy a water socket?
Water sockets are available in well-stocked hardware stores, such as OBI, toom, Hornbach, hagebaumarkt or Bauhaus. You will often find what you are looking for in garden centers like Dehner. In addition, Amazon offers you a large selection of water sockets for the green oasis and the caravan.
How do I repair a broken water outlet?
If the water socket is leaking, does not close or has another defect, you should let a professional do the work when in doubt. Only repair the valve yourself if you are an expert. You should obtain any replacement parts from the manufacturer of your water socket. We advise against building a connection yourself.
equipment
pipe
If you haven't installed a pipe system yet, it's best to order one from the brand of your chosen water connector.
our recommendation
Gardena sprinkler system installation pipe: central line for pipeline and sprinkler system, 10 m long, can be laid above and below ground, up to 6 bar operating pressure, weatherproof and UV-resistant (2718-20)
17.65 EUR To the productjunction box
A connection box is basically a useful addition to the water socket - it then forms the underground beginning of the water system.
our recommendation