How to put a hose on a hose reel

After buying a new hose for your garden, setting it up in the reel is what follows. A garden hose is prone to damages, including kinking, cracking, strangulation, and abrasion. 

How long it will serve you entirely depends on how carefully you will handle it. Now that a high-quality hose pipe can be costly, you have to handle it with care. That is why a hose reel is a must-have tool. It stores your hose safely, shields it from the sun’s UV rays, and other possible damages.

Although all hose pipes need to be replaced eventually, a hose reel extends its lifespan. It also makes it easy to retract and store the pipe. But how do you put a hose on a hose reel? 

Luckily, it’s a simple process that takes a few minutes to learn. In this step by step guide, I’ll show you  how.

How to remove a hose from a hose reel

Let’s begin from the bottom. Chances are: You are either setting up a new hose pipe, or are replacing an old one. If it’s the latter, then you need to remove the old hose first. Follow the following steps to remove a hose from a hose reel:

STEP 1:

 Disconnect the leader hose from the faucet spigot. You are likely to come across some vacuum breakers. If there are none, then it’s time for you to upgrade. Vacuum breakers are essential as they counter the re-flowing of contaminated water to the freshwater storage. Make sure that the vacuum breakers are intact before you proceed.

STEP 2:

 You have to drain the water in the hose pipe first. Transfer the hose reel to your garden or to an ideal place where you can pour out the water. 

Place the hose reel on a slightly raised point to make water flow out smoothly. 

STEP 3: 

Now, you can eject the pipe. Water will start streaming out as soon as you start turning the handle. Spin the handle until you have fully extended the pipe. 

You will see a male water coupling on the inner drum that is attached to the hose pipe’s female coupling. 

STEP 4: 

Unthread the coupling to detach the pipe. You should manage this using your hand, but you can use a pair of pliers if the threading is so tight.

You are all good now. It’s time to put the new hose on the hose reel. Your hose reel has to be assembled appropriately. 

The dimensions of the hosepipe also have to correspond to the size of the reel. If it’s too thick or too long, it won’t fit in the reel. This, however, should not be a problem as you can shorten it. 

Cut off the unwanted length, either on the coupling or the nozzle end. When cutting, ensure to cut straight, not in an angled or jagged manner. Sharp shears are the most ideal here as they offer tight entanglements. 

If your work demands a more extended or broader pipe, then you may consider getting a bigger hose reel. Otherwise, follow the following steps:

How to put a hose in a hose reel

STEP 1: 

Uncoil the new hose pipe and fully spread it on the ground. This will straighten out any bends. Let it stay under the sun for a while before you wind it on the reel. Exposing the pipe to a little heat softens its outer cover and makes it easier to handle. 

STEP 2:

 Insert the vinyl or rubber washer into the female end of the hose coupling. This comes with the hose pipe, and its purpose is to provide a watertight seal that prevents leaking.

STEP 3: 

Insert the female end of the hose through the guide opening on the reel. A male coupling will be protruding from the inner drum of the hose reel. 

STEP 4: 

Screw in the female hose end to the coupling and tighten firmly using a pair of pliers. Be sure to tighten gently, however. Some parts of the couplings are made of plastic and can break if you use excessive force.

Your hose is now all set, and you can begin coiling it up on the hose reel. Start turning the handle in a clockwise direction with one hand. Do this slowly. Use the other hand to guide the pipe in; making sure that it makes no overlaps. 

It is easier for electric-powered reels as you’re required only to push the retraction button. 

Handling a hosepipe

Now that the hose is in a hose reel, the problem of storage and safety has been solved. However, there are some safety measures to follow to make sure the pipe lasts long:

• Retract the pipe immediately after usage. On bare ground, the garden hose is exposed to direct sunlight. This can crack the outer layer of the pipe or heat any remaining water inside, and compromise the inner tubing. 
• The pipe can also be stepped on and get strangulated. 
• Always drain the water before retraction. When you retract the pipe with water in, pressure builds up inside, and this may cause bursting.
• When ejecting the pipe, straighten it out as you turn the handle to avoid kinking.
• Repair any leaks immediately before they expand. Use glue and rubber patch. 
• Replace the washers in case you notice any leaks at the couplings.
• During winter or any cold seasons, store the hose in a warm place to avoid freezing.
• In case of any overlaps, do not force the pipe out. Pull it out slowly instead, until the overlap is eliminated. 
• Always store the hose reel in a safe place out direct heat. 

Conclusion

And now I believe you are good to go. You don’t only know how to put the hose on a hose reel, but also some other measures to extend the lifespan of your garden hose. A garden hose is like a dog, treat it right, and it will be loyal.

Deal with it recklessly, and it won’t even deliver water to your garden. 

After all, the pipe makes gardening and home tasks easy for you, so handle it with care. And since it all begins with putting it correctly in the reel, always follow the right steps.