After a long winter in storage, your watering tools may need a little attention before they’re ready for spring. Giving them a quick tune-up now will help extend their lifespan and ensure they perform efficiently all season long. From hoses to sprinklers, here are some practical tips to get your garden gear back in shape.
Hose Ends
Hose ends can collect debris and become worn while in storage. Take a few moments to:
Inspect the inside of the hose end for dirt, bark, or leaves that may cause clogs in hose-end attachments.
Examine the couplings for dents or signs of leakage where they connect to the hose. If you find a leak, you can easily repair it using a hose repair kit or a hose end mender, both of which are available at your local independent hardware stores.
Ensure a rubber washer is in place at the female end of the hose. Missing washers are a common cause of leaks.
Hoses
After months in storage, hoses can become kinked and stiff. Before your first watering session:
Uncoil the hose to its full length and twist the hose to remove any kinks.
Always grip the hose itself when moving or uncoiling it. Never pull from the Rain Wand™ or nozzle, as this can damage the couplings.
When you’re done, recoil the hose starting at the spigot end to prevent tangles and reduce stress on the connections.
If you store your Rain Wand™ with water still inside, it can lead to corrosion, especially if fertilizer residue is present. Before using:
Check the wand for trapped water, especially if it was stored horizontally.
Flush and dry the inside of the wand to prevent a “battery effect,” where aluminum and brass components react with water and fertilizer salts, producing a mild acid that can corrode the aluminum.
Clean the Water Breaker® Nozzles, as the tiny spray holes can become clogged with debris.
Ensure a rubber washer is at the end of the Rain Wand™ and the Water Breaker® nozzle, as missing washers are a common cause of leaks.
Watering Cans
Even if they look clean, watering cans may still have leftover debris or stagnant water from last season.
Rinse thoroughly, especially the rose (spout), which can be blocked by leaves or debris.
When in use, have the rose of the watering can pointing skyward to create a gentle, rain-like shower for your plants.
After watering, turn the watering can upside down to prevent leaves and debris from falling into the can.
Quick Disconnects
These handy connectors make it easy to switch between tools like sprinklers, Rain Wands™, and sprayers with minimal hassle. However, after winter storage, they can become stiff or corroded, especially if they weren’t lubricated beforehand.
Test the release collar to ensure it moves freely.
Apply a lubricant if it’s sticky or difficult to operate.
Oscillating Sprinkler
During storage, mineral deposits from hard water can clog the brass jets of your sprinkler, and movement during storage can affect the alignment. To keep your sprinkler working efficiently:
Use the built-in clean-out pin to clear individual spray holes.
For a deeper clean, remove the spray arm and soak it in a calcium and lime remover.
Gently scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse thoroughly, and reattach the spray arm.
Ensure a rubber washer is at the hose connection. Missing washers are a common cause of leaks.
If the spray arm isn’t rotating properly, it may have misaligned during storage or handling.
A little maintenance goes a long way. Taking the time to inspect and clean your watering tools can save you money, time, and hassle. With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to water efficiently, care for your garden, and make the most of spring.
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By: Natalie Carmolli for Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs
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