This Common Garden Hose Habit Could Cost You—Here’s Why

A handheld sprayer is one of the easier ways to irrigate your lawn or landscaping. But, it can be a pain to walk back and forth from the spigot to the sprayer every time you want to water our plants. And sometimes we simply forget while doing yard work to turn off the spigot. Why not just leave the hose on? While leaving the hose on may be convenient, it can also be a recipe for problems and even cause injury. Your hose isn’t designed to handle water pressure for extended periods. Leaving it on for even a few hours while it’s connected to a hose end sprayer can shorten its life over time. 

Related: Watering Your Lawn Now Could Ruin It—Here’s Why

Why You Should Leave Your Spigot Open for Long Period

Not Built For Pressure

Leaving your spigot on for extended periods puts constant pressure on the hose material and fittings. While your home’s plumbing is designed to handle this pressure, your garden hose isn't. Over time it will cause the material to swell and eventually burst. 

Sun Damage

Hoses are often stretched across the yard in the bright sun during the summer. This can cause the water inside the hose to heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. That heat increases the pressure on the hose, creating weak spots. Repeatedly leaving the hose on in this situation will weaken the material over time, eventually leading to a burst. 

Burn Hazard

Leaving water in the hose with the spigot open for extended periods also creates a burn hazard. Water that’s heated up to 140 degrees only takes a few seconds to cause burns. A hose with a sprayer nozzle that’s been sitting in the sun is a ticking time bomb for kids or even adults who may not realize how hot the water in the hose is when they pick it up to use it. 

Related: Grass Too Tall? Fix It Without Wrecking Your Lawn

Corroding Fittings

Along with damaging the hose, leaving a hose under pressure for an extended period can also damage the fittings at the hose ends and in the sprayer attached to it, causing the seals to fail, leading to leaks. 

Proper Hose Storage

After using a hose with a sprayer nozzle, it’s important to release the pressure to protect the hose:

• Turn off the hose spigot after you're done watering or washing your car. 
• Squeeze the sprayer attachment to remove any pressure in the hose. 
• Remove the attachment and disconnect the hose from the spigot. 
• The sun’s UV rays can break down the hose material, so avoid leaving your hose spread out in the lawn. Wrap it up and store it in a shady area or in a garage or shed. If you need to leave the hose out for an extended time to operate a sprinkler on a timer, invest in a UV resistant hose.