Retractable Hose Reel Winter Care: Protect It From Frost

By Buy Hoselink Products Australia | Garden Watering System ... | Published: 2026-10-14

Category: Tips & Care

Follow these steps to winterise your retractable hose reel, drain it fully, and protect it from frost damage so it works perfectly next spring.

Quick answer

To protect your retractable hose reel from frost, disconnect it from the tap, drain all water from the hose and reel, and store it indoors or in a frost-free shed. If you can't move it, insulate the unit and leave the stopper ball out to prevent trapped water from freezing and cracking the internal mechanism.

Why draining matters more than covering

Water expands when it freezes, and a retractable hose reel holds water in the hose, the drum, and the internal spring chamber. A cover alone won't prevent damage if that water is still inside. The goal of winterising is to remove every drop you can, then keep the reel dry and above freezing. If you skip draining, ice can split the hose or jam the retraction mechanism, leading to costly repairs or a full replacement in spring.

How to winterise your retractable hose reel: step-by-step

Work through these steps on a dry day before the first frost is forecast. Each step includes a common mistake to avoid and a checkpoint to confirm you're ready for cold weather.

What to do if you can't move your reel indoors

If your reel is fixed to an outside wall and you can't remove it, you can still protect it. Leave the hose fully extended and the stopper ball removed so any remaining water can drip out. Then wrap the unit in a breathable cover or insulation, but don't seal it completely—trapped moisture causes rust. In severe frost, you may need to disconnect the reel from the tap and bring just the hose indoors. Check your model's manual for specific cold-weather limits; if none are supplied, assume freezing temperatures can damage any part that holds water.

Winterising steps: what to do and what to check

1. Disconnect and drain the hose: Turn off the tap, disconnect the reel, and pull out the entire hose. Walk the length of the hose to drain water, then coil it loosely. Common mistake: leaving the hose connected to the tap—water trapped in the fitting can freeze and crack the connector. Checkpoint: no water drips when you hold the hose end down.
2. Empty the reel drum and internal parts: With the hose disconnected, retract it slowly while tilting the reel to let water escape from the drum. Remove the stopper ball if accessible. Common mistake: assuming the reel is self-draining—most retractable models hold water in the drum. Checkpoint: shake the reel gently; you should hear no sloshing.
3. Store the reel indoors or protect it in place: Bring the reel into a shed, garage, or house if possible. If it must stay outside, wrap it in a breathable cover and insulate the wall bracket. Common mistake: sealing it in plastic, which traps moisture and encourages rust. Checkpoint: the storage spot stays above freezing and is dry.
4. Maintain the fittings and seals: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the O-rings and connectors before storing. Check for worn washers and replace if needed. Common mistake: storing dirty fittings—grit can damage seals over winter. Checkpoint: fittings move freely and show no cracks.
5. Plan for spring reinstallation: If you removed the reel, store the mounting bracket and screws together in a labelled bag. In spring, remount the reel, reconnect, and run water through before retracting. Common mistake: losing small parts, which delays setup. Next step: mark your calendar to remount and test the reel before the first watering.

Products that make winter care easier

Evolve™ Retractable Hose Reel | Charcoal: The EvolveTM Retractable Hose Reel is available in 20m and 30m lengths and is built to last in tough Australian conditions. A durable reel handles seasonal temperature swings better, but even the toughest unit needs draining before frost to prevent internal damage.
Additional Wall Bracket & Tap Connector | Classic Series: The Additional Wall Bracket & Tap Connector lets you quickly transport your Classic Series Hose Reel from one tap to another. If you plan to move your reel indoors for winter, a second bracket makes it easy to remount it in spring without tools.