Haws Watering Can Replacement Parts

If you own a Haws watering can, you know it’s a tool built to last. But even the best tools sometimes need a little care, and finding the right Haws watering can replacement parts is essential for garden maintenance. Keeping your can in perfect working order means you can continue to water your plants gently and precisely, just as you always have. This guide will help you identify, find, and fit the parts that keep your beloved watering can going for years to come.

Haws cans are known for their quality, but wear and tear is normal. The good news is that many components are replaceable. Knowing what parts are available and how they function is the first step to a successful repair.

Most Common Replacement Parts

Certain parts tend to need attention more than others due to regular use. Here’s what you’ll likely be looking for:

Roses (Sprinkler Heads): The perforated head that creates a gentle, rain-like shower. Roses can become clogged or, rarely, the brass can crack.
Spouts: The long tube that delivers water. The joint where it connects to the body can sometimes develop a leak.
Corks or Seals: These are the small but vital rings that create a watertight seal between the spout and the body, and within the rose assembly. They dry out and shrink over time.
Trigger Levers & Valves: For pressurized cans like the Haws Mistral, the internal valve mechanism can wear out, affecting the water flow.
Handles: While sturdy, handles can loosen or, in very rare cases, the fixing points can fatigue.

Identifying Your Haws Watering Can Model

Before you order anything, you need to know which model you have. Haws has made several classic designs over the years. Check for a model name or number stamped on the bottom or the back of the can. Common models include:

Haws Traditional (often made of galvanized steel or copper)
Haws Long Reach (with an extra-long, curved spout)
Haws Mistral (the pressurised spray can)
Haws Indoor (smaller, often plastic-bodied cans)

If there’s no clear marking, take a clear photo of your can and measure its capacity (e.g., 2 litres, 5 litres, 2 gallon). This information is crucial when contacting suppliers.

Where to Source Authentic Parts

Using genuine Haws parts ensures a perfect fit and maintains the can’s performance. Here are the best places to look:

Official Haws Website: They often have a “Spares & Repairs” section or can direct you to authorized stockists.
Specialist Garden Tool Retailers: Many stores that sell Haws cans also carry a selection of common spares.
Traditional Hardware Stores: Some long-established ironmongers may stock or can order parts for you.

Be wary of generic parts that claim to fit; the threading or size might be slightly off, leading to leaks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing a Rose and Seal

Replacing a worn rose or its sealing cork is one of the most common fixes. Here’s how to do it:

Unscrew the old rose. Turn it anti-clockwise from the end of the spout. It might be stiff – a pair of rubber-gloved hands usually provides enough grip.
Remove the old cork seal. You’ll find a small ring of cork inside the threaded fitting on the spout. Pick it out carefully with a small screwdriver or tweezers.
Clean the threads. Use an old toothbrush to clean any mineral deposits or debris from the male threads on the spout and the female threads inside the rose.
Soak the new cork. Before fitting, soak the new cork seal in warm water for a minute. This makes it pliable and helps it form a better seal.
Insert the new cork. Gently press the damp cork ring into the recess on the spout fitting. Make sure it’s seated evenly.
Screw on the new rose. Hand-tighten it clockwise until it’s snug. Do not over-tighten, as this can crush the cork and cause damage to the threads.

Dealing with a Leaky Spout Joint

If water is dripping from where the spout joins the body of the can, the fix is typically straightforward. The connection uses a large nut and a fibre or rubber washer.

Empty and dry the can thoroughly.
From inside the can, you’ll see a large nut holding the spout in place. Using a suitable wrench, hold this nut steady.
On the outside, grip the spout base and turn it clockwise to tighten. Just a quarter-turn often solves the leak. If it persists, the internal washer likely needs replacing, which requires removing the spout completely.

If you need to take the spout off, remember to note the order of washers and fittings for reassembly. Taking a photo with your phone before you start is a great help.

Maintenance Tips to Avoid Future Repairs

Preventative care can significantly extend the time between needing replacement parts. A little routine attention makes a big difference.

Winter Draining: Always empty your can completely after use in autumn and winter. Store it indoors to prevent freezing water from cracking seams or joints.
Descale Regularly: If you have hard water, limescale can clog the rose. Soak the rose in a solution of white vinegar and water every few months to dissolve deposits.
Clean After Fertilizers: If you use liquid feeds, rinse the can thoroughly afterwards to prevent chemical corrosion.
Store Properly: Keep your can in a shed or garage, out of direct sunlight, which can degrade rubber and fibre seals over time.

Following these simple steps means you’ll enjoy using your Haws can for many, many seasons. It’s a worthwhile investment of a few moments.

FAQ: Haws Watering Can Spares and Repairs

Q: Can I get replacement parts for very old Haws watering cans?
A: Yes, often you can. Haws has manufactured cans to consistent designs for decades. Contacting Haws directly with a photo and description is your best bet for identifying obsolete parts.

Q: My plastic Haws indoor can has a cracked handle. Can it be fixed?
A: Unfortunately, plastic parts like handles or bodies on indoor models are rarely repairable with replacement parts. For metal-bodied cans, handles are usually replaceable.

Q: Are the seals specific to each model?
A: Generally, yes. The size of the cork or rubber seal for the rose varies between the different spout diameters. Always try to by the part specified for your can’s model for a perfect fit.

Q: Is it worth repairing a cheap watering can?
A: For a mass-produced, thin-plastic can, probably not. But a Haws can is a quality, long-life tool. Repairing it is almost always more economical and sustainable than replacing the entire can.

Q: My rose is clogged but won’t come off. What should I do?
A> Don’t force it. Soak the end of the spout in a descaling solution or warm, soapy water for an hour to loosen mineral deposits. Then, try again with a rubber glove for grip. You can also wrap the rose in a cloth to protect it before using pliers gently.

Q: Where can I find a tutorial for fixing the valve on a Haws Mistral?
A. The Mistral’s valve assembly is more complex. The official Haws website sometimes has downloadable instruction sheets. Your best course is to contact their customer service for specific guidance or to order the correct repair kit.

Keeping your Haws watering can in good repair with the right Haws watering can replacement parts is a simple yet effective part of responsible garden maintenance. It saves you money, reduces waste, and ensures your plants continue to receive the best possible care. With a little know-how, you can handle most common issues and preserve this classic piece of gardening equipment for the future.