Proper storage of your garden hose can extend its life. In this article, we’ll share some ways and tips on how to properly store your garden hose to ensure that your hose is always in tip-top shape.
8 Steps to Storing Your Garden Hose
Step 1: Clean the hose
Before storing it, make sure that you clean the hose thoroughly. Use a faucet to rinse the inside and outside of the hose to remove any residual water and dirt. If there is dirt or plant debris attached to the hose, you can use a soft brush to clean it. The goal of this step is to ensure that there is no residual moisture inside the water pipe, as damp conditions can lead to mold and rot.
Step 2: Empty the Water Pipe
Before storing, make sure that you empty your water pipes completely. This can be accomplished by doing the following:
Turning the faucet on and letting the water run out of the hose. Make sure that both the faucet and the water hose are in the drained position.
Gently squeeze the water hose by hand or with compressed gas (if available) to drain the remaining water.
Keep the faucet open at the end of the hose until the water stops flowing.
Make sure there is no standing water in the hose; this prevents freezing and icing, especially during the cold winter months.
Step 3: Dry the hose
Make sure the hose is completely dry before storing it. You can hang the hose on a drying rack or place it in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Step 4: Choose a suitable storage location
Choosing an appropriate storage location is very important. Here are some suggestions for storage locations:
- Garden garage or shed: If possible, storing the hose indoors in a garden garage or shed is the best option. This will keep the hose away from direct sunlight, rain and extreme temperatures.
- Wall mounted racks: Wall mounted racks are a convenient method of storage. You can hang the hose vertically on the wall to save space and avoid wrapping it around the floor.
- Garden hose tray: This is a special device designed to roll up the hose. It helps you store your hose neatly and avoids intertwining and clutter.
- Hose Boxes: There are special hose boxes that keep your hoses neatly organized and protect them from the outside elements.
Whichever storage method you choose, make sure that your water pipes remain neat, free of crosses and kinks.
Step 5: Avoid direct sunlight
Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause your water pipes to deteriorate and fade. Therefore, avoid direct sunlight as much as possible when storing your water pipes. If storing your water pipes outdoors, consider using a shade cloth or sunscreen to protect them.
Step 6: Prevent Icing
If you live in a freezing climate, take extra care to ensure that your water pipes don’t freeze and break during the winter. Here are some precautions to take:
Store water pipes indoors or in a heated garage.
Use heating cables or insulated jackets to keep your water pipes warm.
Leave the faucet open while the water pipe is cooling to allow water to flow smoothly and reduce the risk of freezing.
Check water pipes regularly to ensure there are no freezes or ruptures.
Step 7: Use Hose Protectors
Using hose protectors can help prevent hose damage during storage. Hose protectors can help protect the hose from sunlight, rain and other elements.
Step:8: Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Don’t forget to check stored water pipes regularly to make sure they are not damaged or leaking. Before each season of use, inspect the water pipes and clean them to ensure they are in tip-top condition when needed.
If you find any damage, have them repaired or replaced as early as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
Conclusion.
The right way to store your garden hose will extend its life and ensure that it is always in top working condition. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily store your garden hose for when you need it. If you found this post helpful, please share it with your friends.