How to Store Garden Hoses and Hose Reels in Winter
Putting away your hose for winter is about more than tidying the garden. Water can remain in spray guns, connectors and reels after the tap is turned off. Before freezing weather arrives, make time to drain and store the whole watering setup, following the instructions for your particular model.
Start at the tap
Turn off the water supply and operate the nozzle or spray gun to release the pressure before disconnecting anything. Keep the outlet pointed somewhere suitable for draining. Disconnect the feeder hose from the tap, then remove detachable watering attachments. A closed trigger is not a substitute for turning off the tap.
Drain, clean and inspect
Lay a conventional hose out where you can handle it without pulling it over sharp edges. Allow water to drain rather than winding a water-filled hose tightly onto its reel. Wipe away soil and check the exposed hose for worn areas, sharp kinks and damaged connections. Avoid forcing a stiff hose into small loops.
For an expanding hose, use its own care instructions: it behaves differently from a reinforced hose. Hozelock specifically advises that Superhoze should not be stored full of water under pressure. Do not assume the same draining or repair method suits every hose construction.
Bring attachments somewhere frost-free
Empty detachable spray guns, nozzles and connectors as far as their instructions allow, then keep them in a dry, frost-free place. A shed is only suitable if it provides that protection. Hozelock warns that water left in hose-end attachments can cause frost damage; a metal outer sleeve does not remove the need for appropriate storage.
Use a small labelled box for loose fittings so you can find the matching pieces in spring. Note any missing seals now, rather than discovering them when you next need to water.
Store a Hozelock Auto Reel indoors
Hozelock advises indoor winter storage for its Auto Reel. Follow the model instructions to drain the hose, guide it back slowly and remove the unit from its wall bracket when it is not in use. Keep control of the hose during retraction. Do not open the casing or attempt internal spring maintenance.
Your winter checklist
- Tap turned off and pressure released.
- Hose and detachable attachments drained.
- Dirt removed and visible damage noted.
- Spray guns and connectors stored away from frost.
- Auto Reel removed and stored according to its instructions.
- Loose fittings kept together for the next season.
A hose hanger can help organise a suitable conventional hose, but storage location still matters. Compare hose reels and storage or read our garden hose buying guide if your current setup is awkward to put away. For an existing fault, contact us with the model and a description before ordering replacements.
Manufacturer guidance: Hozelock frost damage advice, Auto Reel FAQs and Superhoze care notes. Checked 31 October 2026.