Retractable garden hose reels are a convenient and space-saving way to keep your garden hoses organized and accessible. However, like any outdoor equipment, they can be damaged by harsh Canadian winters. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause serious damage to your retractable garden hose reel, and cause thousands of dollars in water damage. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to help to prevent this. In this article, we will recommend some tips to help you to protect your retractable garden hose reel during Canadian winters.
Store it Indoors
The easiest and most effective way to protect your retractable garden hose reel during the winter is to store it indoors. The product use environment of Giraffe Tools' products is from -5°C to 40°C. The temperature range of the hose is much wider than it, which is -30°C to 60°C. The temperature in winter is often unpredictable, for the normal operation of the whole hose reel, find a dry and warm location, such as your garage or shed, where you can keep your reel when it's not in use. As a result, it will be protected from freezing temperatures and harsh winter conditions
Drain the water from the garden hose
Draining the water out of the hose is the most important thing to do to prevent it from freezing.
Drainage steps:
1.-Turn off the water supply:
Make sure that the water source of the garden hose is turned off. This will prevent any more water from getting in the hose. Before storing the hose, drain the water from it
2.-Detach any attachments:
Remove all the attachments, such as sprayers or nozzles, from the end of the hose. This will help the water to flow freely out of it.
3.-Straighten the hose:
Straighten the hose out as much as possible to allow the water to flow out more easily.
4.-Raise one end of the hose:
Lift one end of the hose off the ground, holding it higher than the other end so the gravity helps.
5.-Allow the water to flow out:
Hold the hose in an upright position and let the water flow out of the end of the hose. You can also gently shake the hose to help the water flow out more quickly.
6.- Move to the other end:
Once the water has stopped flowing out of the end of the hose, move to the other end and repeat steps 4 and 5.
Cover the Reel
If you can't store your retractable garden hose reel indoors, consider covering it with a protective cover. The whole hose reel can be wrapped tightly with cotton fabric or plastic foam. A simple thin case can be difficult to keep out of the cold. A warm cover will help shield the reel from the weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain, and prevent damage to the internal components. Look for a cover made from durable and waterproof material, such as heavy-duty vinyl or polyester, to provide maximum protection.
Check the Reel Regularly
Even if you've taken all the necessary precautions to protect your retractable garden hose reel during winter, it's still important to check it regularly. Check for signs of damage, such as cracks, rust, or corrosion, and address any issues immediately. Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your reel and ensure it's always in top working condition.
In conclusion
Protecting your retractable garden hose reel during Canadian winters requires some effort, but it's worth it to ensure the longevity of your equipment. By storing it indoors, draining the hose, cleaning and lubricating the reel, covering it, and checking it regularly, you can help prevent damage and keep your reel in excellent working condition for years to come, and also it will take care of your wallet!
