Keeping Hoses Unfrozen In Winter

[thomasboyle]

With winter coming in (going down to 24 tonight), I am looking for an easy way to fill my 4 waterers each morning. I currently use a standard garden hose, and let it drain downhill and blow it out after each use. But this only works for so long, and eventually the hose freezes on me, especially as the snow builds up and buries the hose. I am looking for something 50' long that fits into a 5 gallon bucket that I can bring in and out with me, storing it inside the house. I have seen flexible fabric covered hoses that untangle when the water turns on, and coil back up into a ball when the water turns off. But their strength seems questionable. I have also seen rubber coil hoses, but am not sure they would fit into a 5 gallon bucket. Any suggestions?

 

[leahmeit]

I invested in a non freezing hose bib.

I'm going to fill buckets on an as needed basis.

Hoping this will work!

 

[bentwrench54]

Those flexible hoses do not work that well. Unless you can keep it in the bucket and away from animals. They have very little tear or puncture resistance.

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[thomasboyle]

I invested in a non freezing hose bib.

I'm going to fill buckets on an as needed basis.

Hoping this will work!

Can you describe what the hose bib is? Thanks!

 

[yogifink]

I would just pick up a portable hose reel, something that's got some wheels and can be moved around easily.


Maybe something like this, that has better reviews and a bit more quality:

http://www.amazon.com/Suncast-HRC20...384200341&sr=1-10&keywords=Portable+Hose+Reel

 

[yogifink]

Quote:
A hose bib, is the thing that the hose screws onto that is connectd to the water supply. Also called a spiggot. You should also look into a no-freeze hydrant, and consider installing one or two in your yard next year after the ground thaws.

 

[SunnySkies]

I drain my hose every night. Then there is no water in it to freeze. Or I roll the whole thing up (about 150') and haul it into the garage on a portable hose reel.

 

[Zeevon101]

If you want to be really serious about a pipe not getting frozen, try getting called a pipe tracer. It works down to probably -30 degrees. If out in the open, maybe -15. They're not that expensive.

What it does is it wraps around the pipe and keeps the water warm. hope it works for everyone who reads this!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Can you describe what the hose bib is? Thanks!

Its a just a spigot you can screw a hose onto

I'd try to find a small hose reel and find/build a cover to set over it when not in use, with a small light bulb inside to prevent freezing

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I fill 2 gallon sized apple juice bottles and carry them out every morning and afternoon when it freezes here - I pour them into black rubber fortex tubs- you step on them when they are upside down and the ice falls out. Works for me since we don't freeze very often here.

My hose bib freezes.