How to Winterize and Store Garden Hoses

Joe CruzJoe CruzUpdated: Jun. 08, 2022

With old man winter knocking on the door, time to reel in that garden hose. Here are a few tips to help you avoid buying a new hose every spring.

Next Project
Time

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $20

Introduction

With old man winter knocking on the door, time to reel in that garden hose. Here are a few tips to help you avoid buying a new hose every spring.

Tools Required

  • Pliers

Materials Required

  • Garden hose hanger

Project step-by-step (4)

Step 1

Shut off Water

  • Close the shutoff valves to all your outside faucets.

Step 2

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.
  • Disconnect the hose from the faucet. You may need pliers for this. Always separate multiple hoses.
  • If the hose is frozen, connect the two ends and bring it inside to thaw and drain it later.

Step 3

Drain & Coil

  • Let one end of the hose lay on the ground or the floor near a drain. Elevate the hose as you work your way to the other end, coiling it into two-foot circles, letting the water drain completely.

Step 4

Store the Hose

  • 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.

Originally Published: October 29, 2020