Can Soaker Hoses Be Left Out in the Winter?

Do you not have proper storage space near the garden or your home to store the soaker hose? Unfortunately, you will need to leave it outside even in the winter. But winter can be challenging, can soaker hoses be left out in winter?

Yes, you can leave soaker hoses out in winter once you have ensured all of the water has appropriately drained from the soaker hose. Disconnect the soaker hoses from the garden and drain water from them properly by placing them over a tall place; once drained, hang them up.

Soaker hoses will last longer, less likely to leak at connectors, and be better protected from elements. If water is left, it may cause cracking when water freezes.

Let’s explore more if you leave soaker hoses outside in winter and some related information regarding this fact.

Can I Leave My Soaker Hoses Outside All Winter?

You can leave the soaker hoses outside all winter but again, take safety measures. It is good to cover it with mulch if the hose is longer. But if you want to store it by coiling, first drain out all the water and hang it with a long nail.

Generally, in cold weather, it is risky to leave the soaker hose out for a longer time. If the temperature is below zero, leaving it for 5 to 6 hours could make the pipe hardened.

Fortunately, if you store them properly, they will last for long without worrying. Otherwise, careless storage can quickly damage the soaker hose in winter.

Why Should You Not Leave the Soaker Hoses in the Winter?

Soaker hoses are mostly made of different materials such as rubber and polyethylene plastic or BPA-free polyurethane materials.

All such materials are claimed as durable. But they are not found to be good as temperature resistive. If you soaker hoses out in the winter, two risks are involved.

The first thing is that rubber material will get harder when you leave it in the cold environment for the whole night. The result will be cracks or breakage at different points, which will make your irrigation experience terrible.

The second risk is that even if you have an excellent quality Polyurethane made soaker hose; it will freeze if the water does not drain out properly.

Water when freezes expand the thickness up to 10 percent. It will not just harden the soaker hose but also increase the chances of cracks and other damages, which will irritate you while watering.

You must store the soaker hose properly for a better garden watering experience. First, check the soaker hose material; if it is rubber made, it is better to store it indoors.

But if you have an excellent quality soaker hose and want to store it outside. Make sure you have properly stored it outside in winter.

How to Properly Store Soaker Hoses Out in the Winter?

You can leave the soaker hoses outside in winter without facing any damage if you follow proper instructions. Follow the below step-by-step instructions when you need to store the soaker hoses outside in the winter.

Step 1- Close the Water Source Valve

After garden watering before storage of the soaker hose out in winter, the first step is to close the water source valve. If you do not close it correctly, the water will keep running. It will be tough to drain the water entirely for the soaker hose.

Find the water source valve; it will be opposite or close to where the tap is inside your home, most probably in the basement.

Shut off the valve, make sure it is properly closed, and stop the water supply. Once it is turned off, open the outdoor tap and drain out all the remaining water.

Step 2- Remove Spray nozzle

Next, remove the spray nozzle and then drain the remaining water. Make sure the nozzle is completely dry before storing it in winter.

Step 3- Drain Out the Water From the Soaker Hose

Now disconnect the hose from the water source and start its draining. The drainage of water from the soaker hose depends on its length. For short-length soaker hoses, you can easily remove water. But if the length is longer, you will need to do it in sections.

If you have more than one piece attached to the tap, drain each piece separately. Try your best no water will remain in the hose; otherwise, it may freeze and expand, which may cause irreparable damage to the soaker hose.

Step 4- Prepare Soaker Hose for Storage

Surely you have large loops, which you cannot leave roughly. For proper storage, it is better to coil the large pieces. The diameter of the loops depends on the length of the soaker hose’s rope length.

Keeping the loop diameter between 18 and 24 inches will be good. Do not forget to check the soaker hose kinks and holes when coiling. Do not be in a hurry; coil the rope smoothly; otherwise, it will be hard to uncoil when needed.

Step 5- Connect the Loose Ends

It would be best to tie up the loose ends of the soaker hose together. When you connect them, it will keep the inner hose clean from dust and debris. Next time, you can water your garden by attaching the hose to the tap without pre-maintenance.

Step 6- Store the Soaker Hose

Finally, store the soaker hose; it will be good if you have a large nail; hang the hose over it when you store it outside. But if there is no such nail, spread some plastic sheet on the ground and then place the soaker hose.

Video: How to Use a Soaker Hose

Should I Cover My Soaker Hose?

It will be an excellent strategy to protect water from evaporation and retain moisture for a longer time. You can cover it with mulch. But never bury it deeply in the soil because when you are digging, you may damage it.

If you have buried it, dig the soil carefully without causing any damage to the soaker hose.

How Do You Keep a Hose From Freezing in the Winter?

It is good to store the soaker hose indoors to protect from freezing temperatures. If it is not possible, ensure there is no water left in the hose. If no water remains, it has fewer chances that your soaker hose will damage even in low temperatures.

CONCLUSION

So, you can store the soaker hoses outside in winter when you have no proper indoor storage space or a garden too far from indoor storage.

You should ensure that you have followed all of the above instructions for proper storage of soaker hoses to protect the hose from damage. It will not just increase the soaker hose lifespan but also smoothens its performance.