Winter is coming, and if you live in a region where temperatures drop below freezing, your garden hose reel needs attention before the first hard frost. Water left inside any hose system can freeze, expand, and crack fittings, damage the internal spring mechanism, or split the hose itself.
Winterizing a retractable hose reel takes about 15 minutes, and it can add years to the life of your equipment. This guide walks through the process for Glahoden Wacotoya retractable reels, but the same principles apply to most retractable hose reel brands.
Why Winterization Matters Even for Weather-Resistant Reels
The Wacotoya Retractable Garden Hose Reel uses a UV-resistant and freeze-resistant PP shell designed to withstand seasonal temperature changes. However, freeze-resistant materials protect the housing --- not the water inside it. Any water trapped in the hose, connectors, or internal water path can freeze and cause damage regardless of how durable the exterior shell is.
Think of it this way: a weatherproof phone case protects the phone from rain, but it does not make the phone waterproof inside. The same logic applies to your hose reel. The shell resists cracking in cold weather, but the water system must still be drained.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the outdoor faucet (spigot) that supplies water to your hose reel. Turn the valve completely off. If your faucet has an indoor shutoff valve (common in colder climates), turn that off too.
Open the outdoor faucet briefly to relieve any remaining pressure in the line before disconnecting the leader hose.
Step 2: Disconnect the Leader Hose
The leader hose connects the faucet to the reel's internal water path. Unscrew the leader hose at the faucet connection. Have a small towel ready to catch any residual water.
Inspect the brass connector and sealing washer for wear. If the washer is cracked or flattened, replace it before storing the reel so the system is ready to use in spring.
Step 3: Drain the Main Hose
Pull the hose out to its full length. Remove the spray nozzle and let any water drain from the open end. Walk the hose back toward the reel slowly, keeping the hose elevated slightly so gravity helps water flow out.
If your reel has a drain port or low-point fitting (check your user guide), open it to release water from the internal water path.
Step 4: Retract the Hose Partially
Once most of the water has drained, retract the hose back into the housing. You do not need to force a full retraction --- leaving the hose slightly extended can help any remaining moisture evaporate.
Do not retract the hose if it is still wet and muddy. Wipe it down with a dry cloth first to prevent debris from being pulled inside the housing.
Step 5: Release Spring Tension
If you plan to store the reel indoors for winter, it is good practice to release some spring tension. Pull the hose out about two feet, then guide it back in slowly. This reduces the stored energy in the spring during long periods of non-use.
The Wacotoya spring is rated for more than 10,000 retraction cycles, so this step is about long-term care rather than preventing immediate damage.
Step 6: Remove the Reel from the Bracket
The Wacotoya reel can be removed from its all-metal mounting bracket by removing the retaining pin. Lift the reel off the bracket and store it in a protected location such as a garage, shed, or basement.
The bracket itself is made of corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy and can remain installed outdoors through winter. Check the fasteners in spring to ensure nothing has loosened due to freeze-thaw cycles.
Step 7: Store Accessories
Remove the spray nozzle, any adapters, and the leader hose. Store them together in a dry location. If you have the Wacotoya aluminum-alloy nozzle, drain it completely and store it where it will not be exposed to standing water.
What If I Leave the Reel Outside All Winter?
In mild climates where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, you may choose to leave the reel mounted outdoors. The Wacotoya shell is designed for year-round outdoor exposure. However, you must still:
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Turn off the water supply to the outdoor faucet.
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Drain all water from the hose and internal water path.
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Disconnect the leader hose from the faucet.
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Retract the hose into the housing.
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Cover the faucet with an insulated cover.
In regions with sustained freezing temperatures, removing the reel and storing it indoors is strongly recommended.
Winterization Checklist
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Turn off water supply (outdoor and indoor shutoff).
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Relieve pressure and disconnect leader hose.
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Pull hose to full length and drain water.
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Wipe hose clean before retracting.
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Check and replace worn washers.
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Remove reel from bracket for indoor storage.
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Store nozzle, adapters, and leader hose together.
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Inspect bracket fasteners for spring reinstallation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use antifreeze in my hose reel?
No. Chemical antifreeze is not designed for garden hose systems and can damage seals, contaminate soil, and create environmental hazards. Drain the system with air or gravity instead.
Do I need to winterize if I live in a warm climate?
If temperatures never drop below freezing, full winterization may not be necessary. However, draining the hose and storing the reel during periods of non-use still extends its service life.
Will freezing damage the Wacotoya spring?
The spring mechanism is enclosed inside the housing and is not directly exposed to water. However, if water freezes inside the hose or internal path, the resulting expansion can damage surrounding components. Draining the system protects all internal parts.
Protect Your Investment Before Winter
Winterizing your retractable hose reel is a small task with a big payoff. Fifteen minutes of preparation in fall prevents cracked hoses, damaged fittings, and spring issues in spring. Explore the Wacotoya Retractable Garden Hose Reel and review the user guides for model-specific winterization instructions.
