Hose Thread vs Pipe Thread: Major Differences

Threads help to join two connections in plumbing. Garden Hose Thread (GHT) is the common name for hose threads, and pipe thread is popular as National Pipe Thread (NPT) in the US.

Above, we have pointed out the differences between these two thread types. Following is a detailed explanation of some of the major differences between hose thread and pipe thread:

Application

As we have told you at the beginning, the application area for these two threads is not the same. When you want to connect a garden hose or any other hose, you will need hose thread. But when you want to connect pipes together or seal one end, a pipe thread is what you need. You can not use them in each other's place.

Size

The size of the hose thread and pipe thread is different too. Most hose threads have the same size of ¾”, a few variations are also available but rarely used. Pipe thread comes in different sizes. ½”, ¾”, 1", 1.5" are some of the common sizes. What size of pipe thread you need depends on the size of the pipe you are working with.

Materials

Hose threads are usually brass-made fittings. You will also find plastic hose threads, which are cheap but also less durable. Pipe threads, on the other hand, are made of stainless steel. High-end pipe threads usually have zinc plating for protection from corrosion and rust.

Cost

Depending on the materials and sizes, the price varies. Low-budget plastic hose threads can cost as low as a couple of dollars. At the same time, the high-quality ones may cost you more than five hundred. High-end pipe threads can even be more expensive than, as high as six hundred dollars. One dollar can be enough for lower-quality models.

Necessary tools

You may need wrenches, hose clamps, and reducers to connect garden hose threads. On the other hand, connecting pipe threads may require plumbing wrenches or pliers and clamping tools.

Fitting Types

Both of the threads have different types of fittings available. The most common types of hose threads fittings are spigot, hose bib, bibcock, Silcock, tee, and a few more. Types of pipe thread fittings include caps, couplings, elbows, tees, valves, etc.

Is hose thread and pipe thread interchangeable?

If you do not have much experience working with the pipes and hoses, you might get confused between these two threads. A comparison between hose thread vs pipe thread can help understand these threads better.

The key difference between a hose and a pipe thread is their application areas. Hose threads are mainly used with garden hoses in the water system, and pipe threads connect pipes that transfer water or gas. A part may have both of these threads on different ends. That is for connecting pipes with hoses.

The answer to the question if the hoses are interchangeable is no. They have different characteristics which separate their usage. If you are curious what differences restrict them to be interchangeable.

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