How do I prevent my garden hose from freezing?

How to Prevent Your Garden Hose from Freezing in Winter

Winter can be a tough time for gardeners. Not only do you have to worry about protecting your plants from the cold, but you also have to take precautions to prevent your garden hose from freezing. A frozen garden hose can burst, causing damage to the hose and potentially to your home’s water supply. So, how do you prevent your garden hose from freezing?

Disconnect the Hose from the Faucet

The easiest way to prevent your garden hose from freezing is to disconnect it from the faucet. Make sure you turn off the water supply at the shut-off valve, then unscrew the hose from the faucet and drain any remaining water from the hose. Store the hose in a warm, dry place until you’re ready to use it again in the spring.

Insulate the Hose

If you need to leave your garden hose connected to the faucet, you can prevent it from freezing by insulating it. You can use foam pipe insulation or even old towels or blankets to wrap around the hose and faucet. Make sure you secure the insulation with duct tape or zip ties to keep it in place.

Install a Frost-Free Hose Bib

A frost-free hose bib is a type of outdoor faucet that’s designed to prevent freezing. These faucets are installed with a long stem that extends back into the house, where it’s warmer. When you turn off the faucet, the water inside the pipe drains out, preventing it from freezing and bursting the pipe.

Use a Heated Hose

If you need to use your garden hose during the winter, you can invest in a heated hose. These hoses are designed to keep the water inside from freezing by running a heating element through the length of the hose. Just plug it into an electrical outlet and you’re good to go.

Keep the Water Running

If you’re using your garden hose in temperatures near freezing, you can prevent it from freezing by keeping the water running at a slow trickle. Moving water is less likely to freeze, so you can leave the water running overnight to prevent your garden hose from freezing.