How to Use a Hose Reel?

Have you ever bought something you have never used before? Maybe you went to Google and found out others are using it so you bought it. How would you feel if you find out it is not as easy to use as you thought? This is how it may seem when you buy a new hose reel.

Hose reel helps you store your hose pipe. It is a tool (or you could say device) that helps you keep your pipe free from entanglement. Just put in your hose in your multi-function hose reel, and start moving around your garden with ease. 

Easy right? But how can you use this tool the right way? Read on. 

What Is the Hose Reel? 

A hose reel is a tool for storing hoses. The reel can be aluminum, plastic, or steel. It has a round shap but some can look like a drum. There is a handle or crank on the reel for winding hoses.

The reel is useful for many reasons. You might want to use it for your garden. People like firefighters use the hose reel. Some people who work in certain industries use it too. 

How to Use a Hose Reel?

Types of Hose Reels

The most popular type is manual. But real hose reel owners know that the type they buy depends on what they use it for. If you will use your reel for your home, you might stick to manual. Industrial ones are most times automatic due to their weight.

So we don’t put you in the dark in making a choice, here are three common types:

Manual

We already gave a ‘small’ idea on who uses manual hose reels the most. Home owners do. It is simple and light-weight so all you do is crank the reel to wind or unwind your hose.

Automatic

This reel is operated using electricity and other energy source. It is good for high-pressure hoses, cable hoses, and other industrial hoses. But anyone can use it for convenience.

Wall-mounted

We know you thought it too, firefighters love to use wall mounted reels. This could be to store emergency or flat fire hose. 

How to Use a Hose Reel?

How to Choose the Right Hose Reel

Knowing how to choose a hose reel makes a big difference. What should you keep in mind? 

Hose Length

The length of your hose pipe is number one. You would not want to get a reel to small or big for your pipe, would you? So, choose the perfect size.

Take a measurement of the water source (this could be your tap) and where you need to spray. A small reel may cramp a big hose. It may also spoil your hose on time.

Type

How much work will you put to wind your hose? We get that manual hose reels work well with light weight hose. But what if your hose pipes are heavy? 

If that is your case, then you can go for the automatic reels. Some are battery powered. Others use electricity.

You need to note that long hose pipes can be difficult to wind by automatic reels. So, if your hoses are long, stick with manual. 

Portable vs. Static

A hose reel can be mounted at any side of your house. Or You could decide to fix it permanently at that side. To help you choose, how about you measure your landscape?

Do I have a garage to mount my reel? Can I pull my reel from the garage to my garden or to wash my car? 

Material

A plastic hose reel is great for home use. They are lighter than other materials too. But, they don’t last long. If you are someone that loves colors, plastic reels come in different colors. 

Aluminum and steel are great material options too. Aluminum weighs less than steel and it will not rust. The material also have a long hose capacity.

Usage

The type of work you do will help you make a choice. If your garden is far from your home, then you need a retractable hose reel with wheels. If not, you can get one with stand-alone design. 

Cost

Many people tell us how they can’t afford to get a hose reel cos it is above their budget. If you are like that, then we want you to know that you can get a hose reel with your budget. 


There are reels less than $100. Some are more than $200. You need to consider the reputation of the brand and what you will use the reel for. This way, you get the worth of your money!

Storage Space

You need to consider where to store your reel. Do you have any space in your house or garage? This can help you choose if to get a reel with wheels or the mounted one. 

How to Use a Hose Reel?

Preparing Your Hose Reel

Before we go into the details on using your reel, you need to prep it. How? Do this:

  • Inspect your hose - Check your hose for damage or leaks. Your hose will need to be at good length to your garden.
  • Set up your reel - Setting up the reel differs by model. Still, most models come with a handle, frames, hose adaptor, and reel supports. These should be easy to fix and of course, every reel comes with a manual.
  • Need to mount? - Will you need to mount the reel? Then we suggest you find the best spot in your garage. Your reel keeps your hose safe so it needs to be in a safe space too.
  • Keep your reels tight - If you find a position to mount, then hold your reel tight. Screw your reel on the wall where you can access it. 
  • Use another method - You can get one with a wheel or stand-alone. The same setup but this time, you do not need to fix.
  • Fix the hose - It is time to fix your hose into the reel. You need to disentangle the hose. No twists or kinks. 

Next, place it flat on the ground. Once you have that done, place the nozzle of the sprayer to the hose. Tight to avoid any leaks.

  • Attach to water source - Get the last end of your hose to the water source. Tight until it is close fitting.  
How to Use a Hose Reel?

How to Use Your Hose Reel

It is now time to use your hose reel. To do so like a pro, do this:

Unwind the Hose

Pull your hose from the reel by rolling the handle. If you use an automatic reel, just press that button that says start. 

When unwinding, we recommend you do so gently. If you rush, you can cause the hose to tangle. A tangled hose can be such a hassle. You do not want that.

Manuevering the Hose

This depends on what you use the hose for. If you are a firefighter (which you probably aren't), you will need to kneel to use a hose from the reel. But a work in the yard does not need anything fancy. 

You need to handle the hose pipe with care. Don’t move too far or too near. Stay at a level where the water flows optimal. 

You could get a pressure regulator if you want. That way, you can adjust your water flow.

Since hose reels are lightweight, you don’t need to worry about your hands hurting. Move at your pace and monitor your water pressure.

Rewind the Hose

Before you rewind your hose to the reel, try to clean it up. There might be dirt and other debris on the hose. Do not rewind the hose without proper wash.

Check your hose for any damage. Did you hit the hose on a pavement? Did a sharp object come close to the hose? Be sure to check all these before rewinding.

Rewinding Methods  

Manual and automatic rewinding are the two common methods. You can use the handle or crank to roll your hose back in. Or you could just use the automatic reel.

All you need to do is pull out the hose, lock it in and turn on the tap. It is that simple.

Securing the Hose  

Now, it is time to keep your hose safe. To prevent wear and tear, please store in a cool dry place. Buying a quality hose reel from a brand helps but proper storing will go a long way in preserving your hose reel. 

How to Use a Hose Reel?

How to Maintain Your Hose Reel

We already said you should clean up before rewinding. This simple task is effective in reel maintenance. To further help you, we have compiled other helpful tips:

Inspection

You should also inspect your reel every day or week. Check for rust or any damage. This periodic check helps you avoid expenses. You will not like to find out your reel has broken by surprise.

Lubrication

Your reel crank needs lubrication to work well. If you fail to do so, you might get a squeaky noise there in and out. It could also jam or get stuck. 

So, do not wait for all this to happen, lubricate! 

How to Use a Hose Reel?

Conclusion  

When you maintain your hose reel, it lasts long. With little effort, you get your hose running to take care of your home maintenance perfectly. Now, you know how to use a hose reel but learning never stops. Keep learning.