Where should you store hoses in the winter?

Author: Eunice Rodriguez  |  Last update: Monday, February 16, 2026

Keep the hose clean and secure: If possible, screw the ends of the hose together to keep dirt and debris from getting inside. This also prevents it from unraveling in storage. Store in a protected area: Hang the hose in your garage or a shed, away from freezing temperatures.

Where should I store my garden hose in the winter?

It's important to store your hose in a dry, cool location that is protected from the elements. A garage, shed, or basement are all good options, provided they are not subject to freezing temperatures.

Is it okay to leave hoses outside in winter?

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.

Where should the water hoses be stored?

Store hose out of direct sunlight, preferably indoors or under cover.

How do you winterize garden hoses?

Remove and drain hoses: Remove your hoses and drain them of as much water as possible, and then store them in a warmer location like a basement or heated garage. This will help prevent damage to the hose itself and increase their lifespan.

🔥 How to Prep & Store Your Garden Hose for Winter➔ Avoid Freezing + Damage

How do you store a garden hose when not in use?

Put It in a Pot

Or repurpose any large pot, bucket, or planter. A galvanized tub helps store a garden hose away in the garage or shed to prevent it from rusting. Since you'll have to manually move your chosen container, stick to lighter hoses for this storage method.

What temperature will a garden hose freeze at?

The water inside the hose can rapidly freeze when the temperature drops below 32 degrees. Burst outside spigots is a potentially expensive problem that is relatively easy to avoid.

Can you leave soaker hoses out all winter?

In the long run, that will make it easier to lay the hose between your plants and/or rows. Soaker and drip irrigation hoses usually can be left outside during the winter because the water tends to drain out of them.

What is a cheap way to store a hose?

Hang a garden hose directly on the wall using a large hook, ensuring it's wide enough to hold a coiled hose. This is an inexpensive storage method that allows the hose to dry quickly and instead of having to wind it on a reel, all you need to do is coil and hang it.

Should I shut off water to the outside spigot in winter?

Turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucets. Disconnect and drain any hoses or attachments. Install faucet covers or insulating sleeves to protect against freezing. Insulate any exposed pipes leading to the faucets.

How to winterize a house?

10 tips to winterize your home
  1. Check the gutters. ...
  2. Protect the pipes. ...
  3. Seal the cracks. ...
  4. Stop the slips, trips and falls. ...
  5. Install an emergency release. ...
  6. Keep it cozy. ...
  7. Have your heating system checked. ...
  8. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Is it okay to leave garden hoses outside in winter?

Unfortunately, without proper precautions, freezing weather can quickly take a toll on your garden hose if you leave it outside during the winter. Excess water can freeze in the hose, causing it to split, burst, or weaken-meaning you'll likely need a replacement quickly.

How to winterize an outdoor spigot?

For added protection and to completely winterize your outdoor faucet, place a cold-weather cover over the faucet and secure the hook or drawstring (depending on what type of cover you purchase). Make sure the spigot is completely covered. For added protection, ensure the cover is tightened securely.

How do you close a garden hose for the winter?

How to prepare and store your garden hose for the winter: Shut off the water to the outdoor faucet. Get rid of any remaining water in the pipes by turning on the faucet and letting it drain off through the hose. This is an important step because trapped water will expand when frozen, causing cracks in your pipes.

Where do you store hoses in the winter?

Keep the hose clean and secure: If possible, screw the ends of the hose together to keep dirt and debris from getting inside. This also prevents it from unraveling in storage. Store in a protected area: Hang the hose in your garage or a shed, away from freezing temperatures.

What is better, drip or soaker hose?

Drip emitter tubing stands out for its resistance to clogging. It's engineered to reduce the likelihood of dirt and debris build-up, unlike soaker hoses which are more prone to clogging.

How to winterize a garden hose?

STORE IN A TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED LOCATION.

A garden hose will have the longest life if stored in a temperature-controlled room throughout the winter. Keep hoses in a closet or basement until the spring to ensure they will work properly when the flowers bloom.

How to keep hoses from freezing in winter?

I keep my hose on a big reel on wheels, and store in the garage, which we heat to keep the hose from freezing.

Does the freeze miser really work?

Freeze Miser protectors helped us do much during the last big freeze and kept our water troughs going for the cows. This customer chose to rate the product and not provide text. The freeze misers worked as advertised, keeping my outside hose bibs from freezing during extended temperatures well below freezing.

What happens if you leave a hose connected and it freezes?

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. If you forget to disconnect hoses during the winter, the water that remains within it will freeze and almost definitely cause the lining to crack.

Is it better to cover outside faucets or let them drip?

If you live in a climate with freezing temperatures, you'll want to cover your outdoor faucets in the winter rather than dripping them. Even with a vigorous drip, frigid temperatures can travel through your faucet and freeze the connecting pipes. Before using a cover, you'll need to properly winterize your faucet.

Is it normal for outside spigot to freeze?

Fixing a frozen outdoor faucet is a fairly common issue homeowners might face during the winter months. Freezing temperatures can cause the water inside the pipe to turn to ice, preventing any water from flowing out of the outdoor faucet. Fortunately, this issue is easily fixed with a few simple steps.

What hose pipes don t freeze?

The Extraflex Reinforced Water Hose

Our most popular hose for agriculture, the Extraflex, is more than able to handle the cold British weather, withstanding temperatures as low as -15°C, allowing it to retain its flexibility no matter the weather.

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