6 Tips to Make Your Garden Hose Last Longer

Garden hoses are indispensable tools for garden enthusiasts and homeowners alike. But just like any other tool, they can succumb to wear and tear if not properly cared for, leading to reduced water pressure and leaks or ruptures.

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Whether you've just bought a new hose or you're aiming to extend the life of an old one, read on to learn six garden hose maintenance tips that will keep your garden hose in peak condition for years to come.

When water remains inside your garden hose, constant pressure is exerted on its walls, which can stress the material and potentially lead to weak spots. Over time, these weak spots can result in pinholes, leaks or even ruptures. Additionally, water left stagnant in a hose can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can compromise the water quality.

To prevent these undesirable effects, turn off the water and drain the hose after each use. After turning off the water source, simply open the nozzle or end of the garden hose to allow any remaining water to drain out and relieve the built-up pressure.

Use Proper Coiling and Storage Techniques

A well-coiled hose prevents kinks, memory bends and undue stress, which can restrict water flow and contribute to wear and tear.

To coil your hose correctly, first drain out the water to prevent kinks and twists. Then start at the faucet end and create broad, even loops. Aim to form gentle loops without pulling or stretching the hose too tightly. A hose reel or hook can be especially helpful in this process. A hose reel, often equipped with a crank, guides the hose into consistent coils to ensure it lays flat without any twists. Meanwhile, hose hooks provide a simple, space-saving solution for storage that eliminates the need for a bulky reel while still offering the advantage of keeping the hose off the ground and in a naturally coiled state.

When choosing between a hose reel, hose hook or manual coiling for your garden hose, consider the hose's length, available storage space and your preference for convenience. A reel offers ease of use and protection for longer hoses, a hook provides a space-saving solution, while manual coiling is versatile but may require more effort.

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Keep It Out of the Sun

Prolonged exposure to UV rays from direct sunlight can cause the materials of your hose to degrade faster, making it brittle and more susceptible to cracks and leaks. (This is especially true if it's made of rubber or certain plastics.) To shield your hose from these harmful rays, store it in a shaded area such as under a canopy, in a shed, or inside a garage. If outdoor storage is the only option, consider using a hose storage container or a hose reel with a UV-resistant cover. Using UV-resistant garden hoses or those with added UV stabilizers can also offer added protection.

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Use Hose Guides or Guards

As a garden hose is dragged around your yard, it often encounters obstacles such as corners of buildings, shrubs, garden beds and other landscaping features. These obstructions can cause the hose to kink, twist, or rub against abrasive surfaces. Hose guards or guides are strategically placed tools that safely guide the hose around these potential problem areas. By preventing the hose from snagging, getting pinched, or enduring excessive abrasion, these guards or guides mitigate the chances of the hose developing weak spots, tears, or leaks.

Avoid Dragging the Hose

When you’re moving your hose around your yard, avoid dragging it by the nozzle. The nozzle is designed to control water flow rather than to be used as a handle, and it is not built to withstand the weight and strain of the entire hose — especially when it’s filled with water. Dragging a garden hose by the nozzle places excessive stress on the connection point between the hose and the nozzle. Over time, this can weaken the connection, which can lead to leaks or cause the nozzle to detach entirely. In addition, dragging the hose this way increases the likelihood of the hose getting kinked or tangled, which can impede water flow and put strain on the hose material.

Instead of dragging by the nozzle, gently pull on the hose itself or gather and lift the hose in sections to ensure an even distribution of weight while minimizing the chances of kinks or tangles. This approach not only preserves the integrity of the nozzle connection but also extends the overall lifespan of the hose.

Protect It From Freezing

As winter approaches, water trapped inside a hose can freeze, leading to expansion that might cause the hose to crack or rupture. To safeguard against this, disconnect the hose from the faucet and fully drain the hose by elevating one end to allow all the residual water to flow out. Once completely drained, coil it loosely to prevent kinks and store it indoors to shield it from the freezing temperatures.