
- Shut off Water. Close the shutoff valves to all your outside faucets.
- Disconnect the Hose. Squeeze the spray nozzle to release the water pressure. Remove the nozzle and store it where you’ll find it next spring.
- Drain & Coil. Let one end of the hose lay on the ground or the floor near a drain. ...
- Store the Hose
- Turn off your water supply valve. ...
- Head outside and remove any hoses or connections to your faucets (you can store them away in your garage or basement for the rest of the season).
- Turn the faucet on full blast and let it run until it trickles to a stop.
How do you winterize a sprayer hose?
Remove the sprayer nozzle from the end of the hose if one is attached. Drain out any water remaining in the nozzle. Allow the nozzle to dry before storing it for the winter. If you have more than one hose hooked together, disconnect the hoses into separate lengths. Coil the garden hose into large loops about 2 feet in diameter.
What do you do with garden hoses in the winter?
Remove any attachments, like hoses, from the faucets Don't let your garden hose become damaged during winter. Remove any nozzle attachments and let dry before storing it in a circular pattern to retain its shape. After you’ve shut off the valve, remove any attached garden hoses from the faucet.
How do I drain the water out of my hose?
Hoses can be drained easily by running them over a tall place where gravity forces water to exit the hose. This ensures that the hose won't split when any residual water freezes.
Should I winterize my garden hoses and faucets?
Winterizing outdoor garden hoses and faucets extends their lives so you can use them again next season. Leaving a hose outdoors all winter is ok, however, provided it has been drained of its water.

How do I empty my garden hose for winter?
To easily drain them, drape the hoses over something tall, such as a fence post or chair, to allow gravity to help move the water through the hose. Even if the hoses are drained, temperature swings and repeated free-thaw cycles can still damage your hose and cause the hose material to age at a faster rate.
Do you need to drain garden hose for winter?
It's important to remember to detach your garden hoses at the end of the season. Even if you have a “frost-free” spigot, you still need to remove the hose in the winter, or run the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting. Why? Water expands when it freezes, and nothing changes that.
Should garden hoses be stored inside for winter?
A: Hoses can be stored outside as long as you make sure to drain all of the water from the hose. Hoses can be drained easily by running them over a tall place where gravity forces water to exit the hose. This ensures that the hose won't split when any residual water freezes.
How do you drain water from a garden hose?
9:2411:36A Professional Landscaper Showed Me How to Drain a Hose in SecondsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou simply pull the hose. Down. And all of the water. Simply pours out the other. End this is aMoreYou simply pull the hose. Down. And all of the water. Simply pours out the other. End this is a super easy way to drain all of the water out of your hose.
How do you winterize a hose line?
Disconnect all hoses from outside lawn faucets. Turn water valve off inside the house. Open hose bib outside the house (you should get very little, or no water at all) Open bleeder cap on valve (have cup or towel ready to catch any water) close cap and leave until spring.
How do I keep my outside hose from freezing?
Keeping Your Water Hose from Freezing in the Colder WeatherUse a Heated Garden Hose.Wrap the Hose in Heat Tape.Clear out any Excess Water.
What happens if you leave your hose connected during winter?
Leaving a hose attached to an unwinterized spigot can cause exterior pipes to freeze and burst. If the pipe leading to an outside faucet bursts, it can cause water damage and flooding inside your home.
Can you leave hose on with nozzle?
If you leave it on this way for long periods you are stressing the hose which could lead to a ruptured hose when you are not around. This could lead to a waste of water or to water damage if the hose sprays on something.
How do I store my water hose for winter?
Place the hose in a shed, garage or other storage area. It should be dry and free from any weathering elements until the spring. Some residents discover that their garden hoses are still damaged after going through these drainage and storage tips. Pests might find your hose over the winter.
How do you drain water without a pump?
4:158:13How to DRAIN an ABOVE GROUND POOL (Even Without A Pump!)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull that end of the hose out of the water. Place the end you're holding on the ground at a lowerMorePull that end of the hose out of the water. Place the end you're holding on the ground at a lower level than your pool's. Water line when you move your hand away the water should start siphoning.
Do you need to drain a garden hose?
Drain the Water: When you're done gardening and landscaping for the winter, you should always take care to drain any water trapped inside the hose to prevent freezing and related damages. But draining the water isn't just an end-of-season task; you should also drain the hose at the end of each day you use it.
How big should a hose be in winter?
If you are planning to leave your hose outside in the winter, try to stay away from the smaller diameters which would be anything below 5/8″. While these hoses will be lighter in weight, they are more susceptible to damage from cold weather and cracking from water freezing in them.
What to do if water freezes in hose?
The first thing you need to do is drain the hose after using it. If they’re completely drained, this will limit the risk to leaving them outside during the winter. Even if they have a small amount of water left in them, you’re still running the risk of splitting or cracking when the water freezes.
What temperature should a rubber hose be?
Choosing a rubber hose can give you an additional 85 degrees to work with vs vinyl hoses.
What happens when a hose gets cold?
If a hose is in an outdoor area where it may receive an impact, such as behind a door, move it to a location where it’s less likely to take a blow that can cause damage.
Why does my hose freeze?
If you leave water in your hose, the water is going to freeze which will cause cracking. Water being left in the hose is most commonly caused by using it and not draining the hose afterward. The greatest risk occurs when you store your hose outside with water left in it and both ends are sealed. This happens when the hose is attached to a water source such as a hydrant, faucet or valve and has a nozzle or attachment on the other end.
Can a hose be frozen?
Sometimes it helps to store it on a hose reel cart, that makes it easier to drain. You never know when the temperature can drop below freezing and damage your hose.
Can you leave a hose outside in the winter?
In general, the answer is no you shouldn’t leave your hose outside in the winter. There are exceptions to this depending on the type of hose you have and the climate you live in. If you are planning to leave your hose outside in the winter, you should consider owning a rubber hose as they typically can withstand much lower temperatures than other types of hoses.
What to do if a hose is frozen?
If the hose is frozen, connect the two ends and bring it inside to thaw and drain it later.
How much does a hose hanger cost?
Store the hose so it keeps its natural shape in your garage, shed or basement. Inside is better than outside. Purchase a hose hanger for $5 to $8 at your local hardware or building supply store.
How to release water pressure from spray nozzle?
Squeeze the spray nozzle to release the water pressure. Remove the nozzle and store it where you’ll find it next spring.
How to drain a hose?
To easily drain them, drape the hoses over something tall, such as a fence post or chair, to allow gravity to help move the water through the hose. Even if the hoses are drained, temperature swings and repeated free-thaw cycles can still damage your hose and cause the hose material to age at a faster rate.
How to keep hoses from unraveling in winter?
Secure the coil with a tie wrap, if desired. Screw the two ends of the hose together. This keeps the hoses clean over the winter and prevents unraveling of the loops.
Why disconnect a swan water hose in winter?
Swan Watering Company recommends to always disconnect the hose in winter because leaving it connected to the spigot invites water in the connection to freeze, which can damage your plumbing.
How to coil a garden hose?
Coil the garden hose into large loops about 2 feet in diameter. Inspect the coiled hose to ensure it isn't pinched or kinked. Coil each section of garden hose separately. Swan notes that coiling a hose into a tighter configuration can lead to breaks in the hose, even if it is protected from the freezing elements.
Why does my garden hose burst?
A frozen garden hose can burst, because water inside the hose expands as it freezes, causing damage.
What to do if your water is turned off in Illinois?
If you're leaving your outdoor water supply turned off, The Illinois Citizens Utility Board recommends returning to your outdoor faucet and turning it on full blast until the water slows to a trickle. This way, you know the spigot and the pipes are empty. Consider placing an insulated cover on the faucet to provide further protection from snow and freezing weather.
When to prepare a hose for freezing?
Late fall or early winter is the time to prepare the hose, depending on when freezing temperatures normally hit your area. Winterizing outdoor water access is a wise move even if you live in an area with mild winters with only a short period with freezing temperatures.
How to keep a garden hose from getting damaged?
Don't let your garden hose become damaged during winter. Remove any nozzle attachments and let dry before storing it in a circular pattern to retain its shape. After you’ve shut off the valve, remove any attached garden hoses from the faucet.
What happens if you turn off your outdoor faucet in winter?
Even if your outdoor faucets are turned “off” during the winter months, water will still accumulate and flow in the pipes if the shutoff valve is neglected. ADVERTISEMENT.
Why do you need an outdoor faucet cover?
You may also want to use an outdoor faucet cover to add an extra layer of protection to your faucets. These will also protect from any freezing rain or snow during the winter that can cause a frozen, unusable faucet or rusty exterior. The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered.
Do older homes have a shut off valve?
While it's not common, some older homes may not have a shutoff valve that can easily be used by the homeowner. If this is the case, you'll want to call in a plumbing expert.
Can water freeze over?
Be patient in letting all of the water dra in out—any residual water, even a small amount, can freeze over and cause issues in your pipes.
Can you drain hoses in a shed?
Once you’ve taken off your attachments, allow any residual water to drain, especially if you’re storing the hoses and attachments outside or in a shed that isn’t heated.
