The Best Types Of Hoses To Use In Cool Winter Weather

Winter can be a stressful time for homeowners due to all of the preparation required to protect a home's interior and exterior from freezing temperatures. Even garden hoses aren't safe from this threat. If you forget to drain and detach your hose, water will freeze inside, expand, and crack the material. This puts pressure on your plumbing system and can even lead to cracked pipes. You would then be left with yet another winter repair you need to fix. Consider switching to a winter-friendly hose to avoid this headache. The labeling on these hoses will indicate they are specifically crafted to be used in cold weather, so keep this in mind when shopping. The best winter weather hoses are those built from thermal-conducting rubber that do not crack in cold temperatures, like the ThermaFlex Heavy Duty Cold Weather Water Hose from Home Depot. 

Switching your standard hose out for an alternative crafted for low temperatures is one of the best ways to prep your home for cold weather. Yet, this task is often overlooked. Some homeowners prefer to simply drain and detach the hose they already own. This may be the more cost effective option, but it's time consuming. It's also worth noting that prepping an existing hose may not be the best choice for those who still need to use the tool during the winter months since there's a possibility that the precautions will not be effective. Now that you have a better idea of what makes a cold-weather hose worth it, let's dive into how they work and some of the top options.

It's important to understand how cold-weather hoses work before investing in one. These garden tools are typically made from a stretchy rubber material that doesn't crack when temperatures drop and water freezes inside. In comparison, standard garden hoses are often made from PVC, which is prone to cracking in cold weather. One cold-weather hose worth considering is the SPECILITE Hot/Cold Water Hose from Amazon. It's made of a flexible blend of rubber and polymer that will not freeze and crack like PVC would. This product has a 4.2-star customer rating. Another perk of this hose is that it can also withstand temperatures of up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, so can use it year round without worry.

Although these rubber hoses will not crack in the cold, some brands caution that they do not prevent water from freezing. You can drain the hose after each use as a precaution. However, you could also purchase a heated hose to avoid this altogether. These are a bit pricier, but they may be worth it if you frequently use your hose throughout winter. The Kohree 50 Foot Heated Water Hose is an option you may want to consider given its 4.6-star rating. It is powered by a heating cable that you can operate by plugging it into an electrical socket. You do not have to use any special garden hose hacks to get this item to work in cold weather.