When winter arrives, you will need proper garden hose freeze protection techniques and tools to keep your garden hose and water systems safe from the icy temperatures. When temperatures drop down to below freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, there is always a risk for water pipes to explode as the freezing temperatures cause the pipes to expand.
Thankfully, there are various ways to protect your garden hoses from freezing temperatures. Some of these techniques are super cheap and yet create a durable solution, while others are on the pricey side, but last a long time. For instance, if you buy a insulated cover, you won’t have to buy another cover for quite some time.
Why Do Garden Hoses Freeze?
Garden hoses freeze when leftover water stops dripping in a water pipe or garden hose. As soon as the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, water freezes. However, the ice cold temperatures also cause the garden hose metal and rubber materials to slowly expand. As the water freezes and expands, it can cause the garden hose to burst.
Your garden hose can freeze for many reasons. A common reason that you may find your garden hose frozen is in the hose was left outside during cool weather. In freezing conditions, direct contact can cause damage that is easier to replace than fix.
Why Should You Not Let Your Garden Hose Freeze?
Garden hoses can be expensive, especially the more complex your garden hose is! Not only this, but if you leave your garden hose attached to the waterspout, this can also cause damage to multiple places like water pipes. While it does hurt to relace garden hoses, this is not the only reason you should prevent the hose from freezing.
When a water hose freezes, especially if it is attached to a water line, the water can expand inside of the piping, leading to burst water lines throughout a home. Flooding during the winter is dangerous because of the icy and cold temperatures it brings into a home. Sometimes it is best to call a professional to winterize your garden plumbing.
4 Ways To Use Garden Hose Freeze Protection
Listed below are four ways to use garden hose freeze protection methods easily. As long as you clean your garden hoses and drain them completely of water, though, you should be in a great spot to protect the garden hose.
1 Put the Garden Hose Away in a Warm Area
The first step is a basic step but does not always work. Instead, we recommend putting your garden hose away in a warm storage area if you live in states that do not reach below-freezing temperature weather often. If frost and ice are rare to see, your garden hose freeze protection method is easy!
First, ensure that there is no water inside of the garden hose after it’s connected to the waterspout. Then, clean it before bringing it inside. The garden hose can contain mold, bacteria, ice, and other items inside that can leave your house messy. Afterwards, take the garden hose and wrap it in cloth, and store it in a warm place away from outside.
2 Use a Heated Garden Hose
Have you ever heard of a heated garden hose? If you are looking for the best garden hose freeze protection method, consider buying and investing in a heated garden hose. This specially designed garden hose can be expensive, but it is an investment worth the price hike since the material is durable and the garden hose automatically stores heat.
Some heated garden hoses use electricity to constantly heat the garden hose and melt ice, while other types of heated garden hoses use a wrapped material to store heat. Either way, it makes it too warm for water to freeze into ice particles.
3 Roll Heat Tape Around the Garden Hose
If you do not want to invest almost $200 in garden hose freeze protection, but want your garden hose to last, there are other options. Heat rolling tape is a fantastic material that is super cheap and easy to find. All hardware and general stores sell heat tape, it is usually black and is surprisingly thin. Don’t let the thinness fool you, though!
You will need to dump any excess water in the garden hose and dry it thoroughly from the inside out. Afterwards, start slowly rolling the heat tape around the entire garden hose. Double check so you do not leave large areas uncovered. A lot of tape is needed where the nozzle and the garden hose attached.
4 Install an Insulated Cover On your Garden Hose and Spout
When all of the methods fail, or you want an extra layer of safety and protection, you can purchase additional heat saving technologies like insulated covers for garden hoses and spouts. The covers work best if they are paired with another garden hose freeze protection method like using heat rolling tape.
While you need to protect your garden hose, it is smarter to also protect your garden hose spout. There are plenty of water spout and line caps you can use to prevent the water from leaking into your garden hose. Always detach your garden hose from the waterline and spout and store it inside and away from below-freezing temperatures.
Conclusion
What do you think about our article detailing the importance of garden hose freeze protection and how to utilize the techniques during winter? Even if you are a beginner gardener or landscaper, our tips and tricks can help you find a method that works well for your unique needs.
Let us know if you have any questions down below about garden hose freeze protection. If you know anyone else that is looking to freeze-proof their home, just in time for winter, share this blog post with them and your new insight. It is a true money saver when you can prevent damage from freezing weather conditions.
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