Why Garden Hose Reels Crack in Winter (And How to Prevent It)

Spring is the worst time to discover that a garden hose reel did not survive winter. The first time the outdoor faucet is turned on, a hidden crack, damaged washer, split hose, or stressed fitting can suddenly become a leak.

The problem often begins months earlier. Water remains trapped in the hose, leader hose, or internal water passages. When temperatures fall below freezing, that water expands and places pressure on components that were never meant to store ice.

The best way to protect your RELHOST garden hose reel during winter is to disconnect the water supply, drain as much water as possible, rewind the hose using your model’s normal operating method, and store the entire reel indoors where temperatures remain above freezing. Draining removes most water, not all of it.

Why Hose Reels Can Crack in Freezing Weather

Water expands when it freezes. Inside a closed watering system, that expansion can push against hose walls, washers, seals, fittings, and internal water passages.

Common cold-weather risks include:

• Cracked internal water passages or seals: Ice pressure can stress enclosed components.
• Split or weakened hose walls: Repeated freezing can contribute to leaks when the hose is pressurized again.
• Damaged washers and fittings: Trapped water can deform seals or place stress on threaded connections.
• Outdoor faucet problems: Leaving a hose connected can prevent an exterior faucet from draining as designed.

A cover may keep snow off the housing, but it does not remove trapped water or replace frost-free indoor storage.

Why Wall-Mounted Reels Are Often Left Outside

Some hose reels are inconvenient to remove after installation. If a reel is permanently fastened to a wall, seasonal removal may require tools, access to heavy hardware, and enough strength to support the reel while loosening it.

RELHOST wall-mounted garden hose reels can be removed intact from their mounting brackets for indoor storage. Follow the model-specific removal instructions. Removing the reel from its bracket is different from opening the casing: do not open or disassemble the reel casing.

A 3-Step Winter Routine

Step 1: Disconnect the Water Source

1. Shut off the faucet. Turn off the outdoor spigot completely.
2. Release pressure. Open the spray gun or nozzle to relieve pressure in the hose.
3. Disconnect the leader hose. Remove it from the spigot without forcing the threads.
4. Inspect the washer. Replace it if it is cracked, flattened, or worn.

Step 2: Extend and Drain the Hose

Disconnecting the faucet is not enough. Water may remain inside the long working hose.

1. Fully extend the main hose. Stay within the hose’s normal operating limit.
2. Open the spray gun. You do not need to remove it. Leave it open to allow most of the water inside the hose and reel to flow out.

This method removes most water, not all of it. Some water remains inside the hose and reel, so draining alone is not enough for storage in freezing temperatures. Do not open the casing to try to remove residual water.

Step 3: Rewind the Hose and Store Indoors Above Freezing

1. Rewind using your model’s normal operating method. For automatic retractable reels, keep hold of the hose and guide it back under control. For manual reels, use the crank as directed in the operating instructions.
2. Leave the main hose inside the reel. After draining, it can be wound back in for winter storage. The spray gun does not need to be removed.
3. Move the entire unit indoors. Wall-mounted reels can be removed intact from their brackets according to the model-specific instructions. Move freestanding reel boxes indoors too.
4. Remove the battery where applicable. For battery-powered metal hose reel boxes, remove the battery and follow the battery manufacturer’s storage instructions.
5. Choose a frost-free location. Store the entire reel indoors where temperatures remain above freezing throughout winter. An unheated garage or shed is suitable only if it reliably remains above freezing.

How the RELHOST RW-22 Supports Seasonal Storage

The RELHOST RW-22 is a wall-mounted retractable hose reel with a swivel bracket and a removable reel body. The Dark Grey model includes a 115 ft × 5/8 in hose and a 6.5 ft leader hose.

A long-hose model is not lightweight, so removal should follow the manual. Disconnect the water supply first, drain as much water as possible, and rewind the main hose. Support the reel securely when removing it from the bracket, and use a second person if needed. Do not open or disassemble the casing.

What to Inspect Before Storage

• Rubber washers for cracking or flattening
• Leader hose for kinks or visible damage
• Garden hose for blisters, cuts, or worn areas
• Threaded fittings for damage or cross-threading
• Housing and bracket for loose hardware

Wipe dirt from the hose and housing before storage. Inspect visible components without opening the casing. Do not assume the internal hose and water passages are completely dry after draining.

What Not to Rely On

• A weather cover does not drain trapped water or replace frost-free storage.
• A metal fitting does not make a water-filled system freeze-proof.
• A spray nozzle does not protect the internal reel from freezing.
• A covered patio or enclosed housing is not a substitute for storage above freezing.

The best winter protection combines draining as much water as possible with indoor storage above freezing.

Choose a Reel That Works with the Seasons

The RW-22 combines a long included hose, controlled automatic retraction, directional movement from the wall bracket, and a reel body that can be removed for seasonal storage.

Explore the RELHOST RW-22 Dark Grey Retractable Hose Reel

Activate the RELHOST VIP Warranty Extension

RELHOST customers can join the official VIP Facebook group to qualify for extended two-year warranty coverage. Terms and eligibility apply.

Join the Official RELHOST VIP Owners Club on Facebook

Final Winter Checklist

• Turn off the outdoor faucet.
• Release hose pressure.
• Disconnect the leader hose from the faucet.
• Fully extend the main hose within its normal operating limit.
• Open the spray gun to drain most water; it does not need to be removed.
• Rewind the main hose using your model’s normal operating method.
• Remove the battery on battery-powered models.
• Move the entire reel indoors and keep it above freezing throughout winter.
• Do not open or disassemble the reel casing.