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How to Winterize Garden Hoses
How to Winterize Garden Hoses. When winter approaches, it's time to perform some preventative maintenance around the house in order to protect your tools and equipment against harsh seasonal temperatures. Preservation of your pipes and outdoor irrigation equipment can save you the frustration of future repairs and costly replacements. You can...
When winter approaches, it's time to perform some preventative maintenance around the house in order to protect your tools and equipment against harsh seasonal temperatures. Preservation of your pipes and outdoor irrigation equipment can save you the frustration of future repairs and costly replacements. You can winterize your garden hose in a snap--even with a bit of a chill in the air--but you'll feel more comfortable doing it before it gets too cold.
Things You'll Need
Reel or hose support
Dry storage area
Remove your garden hose from its outdoor fixture by unscrewing it to the left by hand. Examine it for any cracks, leakage or holes.
Position the hose end over one of your shoulders in the downward position. Glide the remainder of the hose over your shoulder, moving in a downward motion to drain---from one end of the hose to the other. Repeat three times to make sure most of the water is removed before storing.
Examine your garden hose for any kinks, as this will cause cracking if allowed to sit for long periods of time in this position. Remove kinks easily by beginning at one end of the hose, positioning your right hand over the hose in a taut fashion while pulling the length quickly with your left through your enclosed right fist to remove the kinks.
Wind the hose into loose coils for storage. Store the hose on a reel, hose support or over nails for the winter.
Permanently store the hose in a dry location for the remainder of the season.
Tips & Warnings
Insulate outside faucets with a Styrofoam cover or rags.
Turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets during the winter.
