UK households warned over common hosepipe mistake that costs you money

As hosepipe bans come into force across much of the UK, Brits are being warned to be careful about how they store them away – or risk losing money. Yorkshire became the first UK region on July 11 to initiate this year’s wave of hosepipe bans after a dry spring.

Meanwhile, there are bans coming in for Kent and Sussex in South East England and Swindon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire in the coming days. A hosepipe ban by South East Water begins on July 18 and Thames Water’s hose restrictions starts on July 22, which will impact millions of Brits.

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However, before you stow your hosepipe away, an expert has urged Brits to be cautious. Otherwise, you can end up wasting water and incurring a charge. Storing your hosepipe can lead to sunlight damage, knots and kinks and general wear and tear.

Your hosepipe may even need to be replaced, which can cost an average of £50. Max Ledsham, an expert from Kingfisher Direct, has provided the key steps for correctly storing a hosepipe to prevent damage. Even better, they’re incredible simple to follow.

He urges gardeners to fully drain the water before storing away, as moisture can cause algae growth and damage the interior of the pipe. You can always use the excess water on plants and grass.

You should also store it out of the sunlight, as prolonged sunlight and heat damage can cause cracks and brittleness to appear in your hosepipe. Instead, Max says you should store your hosepipe inside in a cool, dry location, like a garden shed or garage.

Equally, you should your hosepipe off the floor and on a wall mounted hanger instead. Max recommends that this can prevent exposure to dirt, as well as keeping pests from crawling inside.

Of course, you should also be careful to wrap your hosepipe neatly around the hanger. This prevents the formation of knots and kinks, which can weaken parts of the hosepipe over time and cause breakage.

Max advises that storing your hosepipe away during the ban is crucial as it will stop you from using your hosepipe out of habit. After all, if it’s out of sight it’s out of mind.

He says: “Failing to adhere to the hosepipe ban regulations can result in legal penalties and a £1000 fine issued by the court. In order to correctly follow the ban you must avoid using a hosepipe to water your garden, including plants, vegetables and grass.”

He continues: “In addition, you can’t use a hosepipe to clean private vehicles or any outdoor surfaces like patios, walls or windows. Finally, you must not use a hosepipe to fill a paddling pool, cold plunge pool, hot tub or pond”.