Storing a Garden Hose in the Winter
With the coming winter, you’ll want to start preparing your property for the colder weather. One area, in particular, you’ll want to carefully prepare is your home’s outdoor area. You can easily encounter common issues such as frozen pipes without proper preparations. One common question you may have is, can garden hoses stay outside? The answer to that is no. Leaving your garden hose outside during the winter can lead to damage that results in you having to replace your hose when the spring season returns. The following tips for storing hoses in winter will keep your hose in good shape and protected from the elements.
Four Steps for Winter Garden Hose Storage
- Cut The Water: First, you should cut the water to your home’s outside faucets. This prevents water from entering your exterior pipes and faucets, resulting in unwanted freezing. You may also consider using nozzle sleeves or covers to protect them from the elements.
- Disconnect Your Hose: When disconnecting your garden house, you’ll want to squeeze the spray nozzle to relieve the water pressure before removing it for storage. Next, disconnect the hoses from your home’s exterior faucets. During this step, you may need pliers depending on how tightly your hoses are attached. When disconnecting your hoses, always separate multiple houses. If your hose has already frozen, connect its two ends and bring it inside. This allows the hose to thaw, and you can safely drain it later.
- Draining the Hose: Before storing a hose, you’ll want to make sure it is fully drained of water. Lay one end of your hose flat on the ground or by a drain if indoors. Slowly elevate your hose to allow the remaining water to drain out. As this is occurring, carefully coil the hose into two-foot circles. This drains the water and coils the hose for proper storage.
- Storage: A hose can be stored anywhere safe from the weather, including your garage, basement, or shed. A hose hanger can be mounted to help your hose keep its shape and avoid kinks or bends in the line. Indoor storage is better than outdoor storage as it protects your garden hose from cold temperatures.
Final Thoughts
Storing a garden hose is not an overly complex process. However, it does require you to follow the proper steps to ensure your hose is stored safely. Careful removal from your home’s faucets, draining the water, and proper storage keep your hose in good shape and ready for next year’s thaw.
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