Choosing a Garden Hose for Your Winter Needs

Winter may be here, but that doesn’t mean you no longer have a need for your garden hose. There are many reasons you may need to use outdoor water during the colder months, from watering animals to icing down a home-built skating rink. Choosing the right winter garden hose – and caring for it properly – can make your winter chores much quicker and easier to accomplish.

Heated Garden Hose

The most advantageous choice for an outdoor garden hose in the winter is a heated garden hose There are many types, styles and brands of heated garden hoses from which to choose. The best options for heated garden hoses are those that heat the entire length of the hose. The more common – and less expensive – heat the first several inches of the garden hose nearest the spigot. The heat keeps ice dams from forming inside the hose.

Caring for a Heated Garden Hose – Or Any Other Garden Hose – in Winter

If you’re planning to use a garden hose throughout the year, it’s a good plan to purchase one with a wider diameter than you would otherwise. A ¾ inch garden hose is less likely to freeze solid than a ½ inch garden hose. Whatever diameter of hose you choose, there are a few things you can do to help your garden hose make it through the winter unscathed.

Drain Your Hose Fully After Each Use

Leftover water will freeze at winter temperatures, and the ice can damage the structure of the hose tubing. After you’re done with your watering chores, roll the hose onto a garden hose reel and make sure that all of the water is drained from its length.

Store the Garden Hose in a Warm Place

The optimal treatment for your garden hose is to bring it indoors – or at least into a warmer storage shed, garage or basement – when you’re done using it for the day. Obviously, this won’t work if you require your hose to be in use around the clock. In that case, a heated garden hose is your best option of all.

Drinking Safe Garden Hose

If you’ll be using your garden hose to supply potable water for any reason, check the label to find out if it’s rated safe for drinking water. Many garden hoses are treated with chemicals to help protect the interior of the tubing. Unfortunately, one of the ingredients of the protective coating is often lead. In some states, any hose that contains lead must be labeled as unsafe for drinking water, while in other states, garden hoses that meet or exceed safe drinking water standards will be labeled as a drinking safe garden hose.

Taking care of your garden hose during the winter will help ensure its long life of service. Don’t skimp on protecting it from the elements and it will always be there when you need it most.