Winter hose care - Ask Extension
If I unhook my garden hoses from the faucet, can I leave them outside? I always turn off the outside water for the winter. But will it damage a hose...
Knowledgebase
Winter hose care #430281
Asked October 07, 2017, 1:13 PM EDT
If I unhook my garden hoses from the faucet, can I leave them outside? I always turn off the outside water for the winter. But will it damage a hose to leave it outside ?
Hood River County Oregon
Expert Response
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. However, while hoses can be stored outside if necessary, be aware that the temperature swings even if completely drained can and will cause the hose material to age at a faster rate and the hose will not last more than a few seasons.