Winter is coming!
How many times have you heard that lately? Probably a few too many times.
Regardless, properly storing your garden hose for winter is a task that often gets overlooked.
What some people aren’t aware of is that just turning off your water might still result in the hose or nozzle freezing and getting damaged, which could turn out to be a costly plumbing repair.
Follow this guide on winterizing your garden hose to reduce the chances of something going wrong.
Shut off the water source
Somewhere inside your house should be a separate water shutoff valve for your outdoor tap. Normally, it’s opposite or close to where the tap is (but on the inside of the house – probably in the basement).
After you turn off the water, open the outdoor tap to drain any remaining water.
Remove the spray nozzle
Once you remove the spray nozzle, drain it of any remaining water. Dry the nozzle completely before storing it for winter.
Disconnect the garden hose
After disconnecting the garden hose, make sure to drain it completely. Depending on its length, you may have to do it in sections.
If you have more than one hose attached to the tap, make sure to separate and drain individually.
If water remains in the hose, it may freeze and expand, causing irreparable damage to the hose.
Prepare the hose for storage
The best way to do this is by coiling the hose in large loops. The length of the rope may determine the diameter of your loops. Try to keep them around 18″ to 24″ in diameter.
It’s important to check the hose for kinks and holes.
Tie up the loose ends
If you can connect the ends of the hose together, do it. This will help keep the inner hose clean from debris and will also help the hose stay in formation.
Storing your hose
Some people will bring their hoses inside, but for most of us, storing our hoses in our garages or sheds is most likely.
Wherever you store it, inside is always better than outside.
Also, it’s ideal to store the hose on a rounded surface, as it keeps the hose in it natural storage shape.
If you use a large nail or some other similar object to hang the hose on, over time the hose can become damaged from the pressure.
Didn’t store your hose properly and now have water damage?
Get in touch with us here at Dean’s Plumbing & Heating for a free estimate.