As the leaves start to fall and the air gets that crisp morning chill, it is tempting to think the garden hose can just be left where it is until spring. But if you have ever gone to water your plants on that first mild March day only to find a cracked, brittle hose or a frozen spigot that refuses to turn, you know that a little winter prep makes all the difference. Freezing water expands with surprising force, and that force can split a hose, damage the rubber washers inside your faucet, and even burst the pipe inside your wall. The good news is that protecting your hose from winter is one of the simplest tasks you can do, and it only takes a few minutes once you know the right steps.
First, you want to disconnect the hose from the outdoor spigot. This might seem obvious, but many homeowners leave the hose attached all winter, thinking it is fine as long as they do not turn the water on. The problem is that water trapped in the hose and the faucet can freeze and push back into the house’s plumbing. So start by turning off the water supply inside your home, if you have a shutoff valve for that outdoor line. Then go outside, twist off the hose, and let any remaining water drain out. Give the hose a good shake while you walk along its length to encourage every drop to escape. Pay extra attention to the ends and any kinks where water likes to hide.Once the hose is drained, coil it up loosely. Avoid tight loops or sharp bends, because those creases can weaken the material over time. A nice, relaxed coil about two to three feet in diameter works best. If you have a hose that is especially long, you can use a hose reel or a storage rack, but make sure it is one that allows air to circulate around the hose so moisture does not get trapped. Storing the hose in a garage, shed, or basement is ideal because those spaces stay above freezing. If you have to leave it outside, at least keep it off the cold ground by hanging it on a hook or laying it on a pallet. Direct contact with frozen soil can draw the cold right into the rubber, making it brittle.Now, what about the faucet itself? That metal spigot sticking out of your wall is vulnerable too. After you remove the hose, turn the outdoor faucet on for a second to let any water still inside the pipe run out, then leave it open just a crack. An open faucet gives any leftover water a place to expand into, which reduces the chance of a pipe bursting inside your wall. Some modern homes have frost-free spigots that are designed to drain automatically, but even those can benefit from a quick check. To provide extra insurance, get a foam faucet cover from the hardware store. These little insulated domes slip right over the handle and snug against the wall to block cold wind and snow. They cost about the same as a cup of coffee and can save you a costly plumbing repair.If you live in an area that sees hard freezes, you might also want to disconnect any splitter or Y-connector that you have attached to the faucet. Those accessories hold water in little chambers and are notorious for cracking. Take them off, drain them, and store them inside with the hose. While you are at it, check the rubber washer inside the hose end. A worn washer can cause leaks that invite freezing. Replace it with a fresh one before storing the hose for winter.Of course, accidents happen, and sometimes a hose gets left out in a surprise freeze. If you find that your hose is frozen solid, do not try to bend it or force it to coil. Bring it inside to thaw slowly. A frozen hose that is forced can snap like a twig. Once it is thawed, inspect it for cracks by running water through it while you squeeze along the length. Small pinhole leaks can be patched with hose repair tape or a universal connector, but a long split usually means it is time for a new hose. This is also a good time to think about upgrading to a hose made of reinforced rubber or a hybrid material, which handles cold weather better than standard vinyl.Spring will come around before you know it, and when it does, you will be glad you took care of your equipment. A hose that has been properly winterized will be ready to uncoil, connect, and deliver water without leaks or frustration. So go ahead, spend ten minutes on this simple routine. Your future self, standing at the garden bed with a working hose in hand, will thank you.
