What was recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall involving a specific line of garden hoses manufactured by Winston Products under their HydroTech brand. If you have recently purchased an expandable hose for your home, lawn, or driveway, it is important to know exactly which items are affected. This recall covers the 5/8-inch HydroTech Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses that were produced on or before August 31, 2024. These were not limited to a single size or color; they were widely available in various lengths, including 25-foot, 50-foot, 60-foot, 75-foot, 100-foot, and 200-foot options. To help identify the colors associated with each length, the manufacturer sold them in blue (25 feet), green (50 feet), orange (75 feet), yellow (100 feet), red (200 feet), and gray (60 feet, which was often included in "Auto Care" kits with tire glides).
Identifying whether your specific hose is part of this recall requires looking closely at the manufacturing details. The critical information is located on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot. You will need to remove the black rubber washer to see the date code markings clearly. If your hose has no markings at all, or if the marking ends with any of the following codes—-211, -212, -213, -214, -221, -222, -223, -224, -231, -232, -233, -234, -241, -242, or -243—your hose is included in this recall. Additionally, on some packages, the manufacture date is listed in a month-year format. For example, a code reading "0824" indicates August 2024, which falls within the recalled production window.
These hoses were sold through major retail channels across the United States. If you bought your hose from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot, or Walmart, it is highly likely to be part of this recall if it matches the date codes mentioned above. The widespread distribution through these large retailers means that thousands of consumers may have these products in their homes. The recall was officially announced on July 24, 2025, prompting Winston Products to urge immediate action. Because these hoses are designed to expand when water flows through them and contract when turned off, they are popular for their convenience and storage ease. However, the specific batches manufactured by August 31, 2024, have been found to have a structural defect that makes them prone to bursting under normal use conditions.
It is crucial to act promptly because this is not a minor inconvenience but a significant safety issue. The sheer volume of units involved and the variety of colors and lengths mean that these hoses are common household items. By understanding exactly what was recalled, you can quickly check your own inventory. Do not rely solely on the color or length, as those were sold in many non-recalled batches as well. Focus strictly on the date code markings visible under the black rubber washer at the spigot end. If your hose matches the criteria outlined above, it is no longer safe to use and must be addressed immediately through the remedy process.
The hazard, explained
At first glance, an expandable garden hose seems like a marvel of convenience. These products are designed to stretch when water pressure is applied and contract when the flow stops, offering easy storage and maneuverability. However, the very mechanism that makes them so popular is also the source of the danger in this recall. The Winston Products HydroTech hoses involved in this recall have been found to be susceptible to catastrophic bursting under normal use conditions. When a hose bursts, it does not simply leak or drip; it fails suddenly and violently. This rapid failure releases a significant amount of stored potential energy almost instantaneously, turning the hose into an uncontrolled projectile.
The physical consequences of this sudden rupture are twofold and particularly concerning due to their unexpected nature. First, there is a direct impact hazard. As the hose wall gives way, the entire length of the pressurized line can whip around with considerable force. Because these hoses are often used outdoors, where people may be standing close to gardening beds, patios, or even bystanders, this whipping motion can strike individuals with enough force to cause physical injury. The reported incidents confirm that this is not a theoretical risk; at least 29 injuries have been documented, ranging from bone bruises to sprains. These injuries typically occur when the user or someone nearby is caught off guard by the sudden, heavy movement of the failing equipment.
The second aspect of the hazard is less visible but equally disruptive: the risk of temporarily impaired hearing. The report of five specific cases highlights a unique acoustic danger associated with this type of failure. When a pressurized hose bursts, it creates a sharp, loud noise akin to a whip crack or a small explosion. In an outdoor setting, where ambient noise might be low, this sudden spike in decibels can be startling and physically jarring. For some individuals, particularly those sensitive to loud noises or standing very close to the point of failure, this noise can cause temporary hearing loss or discomfort, adding a sensory injury to the physical one.
It is important to understand that this hazard does not require misuse to occur. The recall notes that these failures happen during standard operation, meaning that even careful users who followed all instructions are at risk. The issue lies in the manufacturing integrity of the hose material or construction, which cannot withstand the internal pressure it is designed to carry over time or under certain conditions. This unpredictability is what makes the hazard so dangerous; you cannot see the weakness forming inside the hose until it is too late, making immediate cessation of use the only reliable safety measure.
Who is most at risk
The primary group facing this hazard includes anyone who has purchased and installed a Winston Products HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hose, particularly those who bought units manufactured on or before August 31, 2024. While the mechanical failure of the hose can happen to any user during normal operation—such as turning on the water or adjusting pressure—the nature of the injury profile suggests that certain demographics face heightened vulnerability due to the specific type of harm involved.
The most distinct risk factor here is the potential for temporarily impaired hearing. The recall data indicates that at least five individuals have already reported this specific injury, caused by the loud noise generated when the hose bursts. This creates a unique danger for individuals who rely heavily on auditory cues for safety and spatial awareness. For example, older adults or those with pre-existing hearing conditions may be more susceptible to disorientation or falls if they are suddenly startled by a high-decibel event in their home or garden. The sudden shock can cause a momentary loss of balance or confusion, which, combined with the physical proximity to the burst hose, significantly increases the likelihood of secondary injuries.
Furthermore, the record shows that 29 total injuries have occurred, including two sprains and one bone bruise. These types of injuries are often associated with reflexive reactions—such as jumping back in surprise or trying to shield oneself from the force of the burst. Children and elderly individuals are generally more vulnerable to these kinds of impact-related accidents. A child playing near a hose might be caught off guard by the sudden expansion or rupture, potentially leading to sprains if they trip or lose their footing on wet surfaces. Similarly, an older adult with reduced muscle strength or balance issues could sustain a bone bruise or worse from the physical impact of the pressurized water and rubber fragments.
The risk is also concentrated among users who have not yet identified their hose as part of the recall. Because the date codes are located on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot, they can be easily overlooked if the hose is coiled or stored away. This means that homeowners who use these hoses intermittently for gardening, car washing, or patio cleaning may not realize their specific model (such as the 25-foot blue, 50-foot green, 75-foot orange, 100-foot yellow, 200-foot red, or 60-foot gray "Auto Care" kit versions) is included until it is too late. The risk persists not just during active use, but potentially during storage if the hose retains residual pressure or is subjected to temperature changes that could weaken the already compromised material.
In summary, while anyone with the recalled hose is at risk of impact injury and hearing loss, those who are physically more fragile, have hearing impairments, or live in environments where a sudden loud noise could lead to a fall or accident should treat this recall with immediate urgency. The combination of physical force and auditory shock makes this recall particularly dangerous for households with young children, elderly residents, or anyone sensitive to sudden environmental changes.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Before taking any action, it is essential to confirm whether your specific hose falls within this recall. Because Winston Products sold these HydroTech 5/8-inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hoses in a wide variety of configurations, simply recognizing the brand name is not enough. You need to verify two critical factors: the manufacturing date code and the physical characteristics of the hose itself. The recall applies specifically to hoses manufactured on or before August 31, 2024. If your hose was produced after this date, it is safe from this particular hazard. However, if you are unsure of the production date, you must inspect the physical markings on the product.
The most reliable way to identify a recalled unit is by locating the date code marking. This information is not always printed on the outer packaging, which may have been discarded. Instead, look at the end of the hose that attaches to your outdoor spigot or faucet. You will need to remove the black rubber washer from this end cap to see the date code clearly. The marking will typically appear in a month-year format (for example, "0824" indicates August 2024). Any hose with a date code ending in the following suffixes is included in this recall: -211, -212, -213, -214, -221, -222, -223, -224, -231, -232, -233, -234, -241, -242, or -243. If your hose has no markings at all, it should also be treated as part of the recall to ensure your safety.
In addition to the date code, you can cross-reference the physical description of your hose. The recalled items are 5/8-inch in diameter and come in specific colors corresponding to their length: blue for 25-foot lengths, green for 50-foot, orange for 75-foot, yellow for 100-foot, red for 200-foot, and gray for the 60-foot version which was often sold as part of an "Auto Care" kit with tire glides. Even if your hose matches these colors and sizes, it is only recalled if it meets the manufacturing date criteria described above.
If you purchased this item from major retailers such as Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot, or Walmart, the risk is high enough that you should proceed with the return process immediately. If you bought it from a different retailer, you must still verify the date code before cutting off the regulator end for your refund claim. When in doubt, err on the side of caution. The potential hazard involves not just water damage, but the physical impact and temporary hearing loss caused by the hose bursting under pressure. Confirming the specific date code is your best defense against unnecessary risk.
What to do — step by step
If you own a Winston Products HydroTech 5/8-Inch Expandable Burst-Proof Hose, the first and most critical action is to stop using it immediately. The risk of the hose bursting under pressure is not just an inconvenience; it poses a genuine physical impact hazard and can cause temporarily impaired hearing due to the loud noise of the rupture. Please do not wait for another use or try to monitor it closely while watering your garden. The safest course of action is to disconnect the hose from your spigot right now and set it aside in a safe location where no one will accidentally turn on the water and activate it. Once you have secured the hose, determine where you originally purchased it, as this dictates your specific next steps for receiving a full refund. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Winston Products have established two distinct pathways based on your point of sale. This distinction is important because the companies involved in the distribution chain handle returns differently. If you bought your hose from Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot, or Walmart, your process is straightforward. You should take the entire recalled hose back to the store where you made the purchase. Bring any receipt you might have, though it is not strictly required for the recall remedy. The store staff will accept the return and issue you a full refund. This is the simplest path because these major retailers are handling the logistics directly with their shelves. However, if you purchased the hose from any other retailer—such as a local garden center, an online marketplace like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, or a hardware store not listed above—you must follow a different procedure. You cannot simply return it to that third-party seller for this specific recall remedy. Instead, you need to prepare the hose for inspection by Winston Products. First, take a pair of heavy-duty scissors or wire cutters and cut off the regulator-end of the hose. This is the end that attaches to the water source, not the spray nozzle end. Cutting this part ensures the hose cannot be reused or resold as a functional product. After cutting the hose, you must clearly mark it for identification purposes. Using a permanent marker, write your initials and today’s date directly on the regulator fitting. This step is crucial for verifying that you are the original owner participating in the program. Next, take clear photographs of the cut hose. Ensure the photos clearly show the date code location on the end of the hose that attaches to the spigot. The date code should be visible after removing the black rubber washer. If your package lists the manufacture date in a month-year format (like 0824 for August 2024), make sure this is also visible in your photos, as hoses manufactured on or before August 31, 2024, are included in this recall. Finally, submit these photos and your information through the official online form at https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall. This digital submission triggers the refund process directly from Winston Products. If you encounter any issues with the website or have questions about the date codes, you can contact Winston Products toll-free at 888-412-2396 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or email HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com. Do not discard the hose until your refund is confirmed, as you may need to retain the marked piece for verification purposes.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
If you have determined that your HydroTech hose is part of this recall, the good news is that Winston Products has established a clear and accessible path to resolve the issue. There is no need to worry about being stuck with a defective product or facing complicated bureaucratic hurdles. The remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is straightforward: you are entitled to a full refund. However, the specific steps you need to take to receive that money depend entirely on where you originally purchased the hose. It is important to follow the correct procedure for your purchase location to ensure your claim is processed smoothly and without delay.
If you bought your recalled hose from one of the major retailers listed by the agency—specifically Ace Hardware, Do It Best, Home Depot, or Walmart—the process is designed to be as convenient as possible. In these cases, you do not need to deal with Winston Products directly for the refund. Instead, you should simply bring the entire recalled hose back to the store where you made your purchase. The retail partners have been instructed to accept the returns and issue a full refund to you. This is likely the easiest route if you still have your receipt or if the store’s return policy allows for verification through other means. By returning it to the point of sale, you let the retailer handle the logistics of the recall, making the experience as frictionless as possible for you.
If you purchased the hose from any other retailer not listed above, the process requires a bit more involvement on your part, but it is still manageable. Because the third-party store cannot directly process the refund in these instances, Winston Products has set up an online system to handle these claims. First, you must cut off the regulator-end of the hose. This step is critical and serves two purposes: it renders the hazardous product unusable for safety reasons, and it creates the necessary documentation for your refund claim. You cannot simply mail the whole hose back; you must modify it as described.
Once you have cut the hose, you need to prepare specific visual evidence to submit through Winston Products’ online form at https://hydrotechproducts.com/recall. You will need to take clear photos of the cut hose. Crucially, these photos must show the date code location on the regulator end. To verify your identity and link the product to this specific recall, you must write your consumer initials and the current date in permanent marker directly on the regulator. This handwritten detail ensures that the item is being handled correctly and helps prevent fraud or confusion with other products. After capturing these images, upload them to the designated online form to initiate your refund request.
If you encounter any difficulties with the online form or have questions about which retailer category you fall into, Winston Products has provided direct customer support channels. You can reach their team by calling their toll-free number at 888-412-2396 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you may send an email to HydrotechVoluntaryRecall@hydrotechproducts.com for written assistance. For additional information, you can also visit https://hydrotechproducts.com/ and click on "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL INFORMATION" located at the top of the page. Taking these steps promptly ensures you get your money back and removes a potential safety hazard from your home.
What can happen if you ignore it
It is easy to look at a garden hose and see just a flexible tube for watering plants or washing the car. But when a product like the Winston HydroTech hose fails, it stops being a simple tool and becomes a significant physical hazard. The core issue here is that these hoses are designed to expand when water pressure increases, but in the recalled units, that expansion mechanism can fail catastrophically. Instead of gently stretching, the material ruptures. When a pressurized hose bursts, it does not just leak; it releases stored energy all at once. This creates a high-velocity projectile effect. The hose itself, or the connectors attached to it, can whip around with enough force to strike nearby people, pets, or property. This is what the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) refers to as an "impact hazard," and it is the primary reason this recall was issued.
The danger is not theoretical. According to official reports from Winston Products, there have already been at least 222 incidents where these hoses burst while in use. These are not minor glitches; they are sudden failures that have resulted in at least 29 documented injuries. While some injuries may seem minor on paper, such as a bone bruise or a sprain, they represent real pain and potential medical costs for families who were simply trying to complete a household chore. The unpredictability of the burst is part of the risk. You cannot always see the weak point in the material until it gives way, meaning you could be standing right next to the hose when it fails.
Beyond the physical impact, there is a less obvious but equally serious consequence: auditory damage. The reports specifically mention five cases of temporarily impaired hearing directly linked to the sound of the hose bursting. When a pressurized hose ruptures, the release of air and water can create a loud, sharp report similar to a gunshot or a firecracker. If you are standing nearby, especially with your back turned or distracted by other tasks, this sudden noise can be startling and physically damaging to your eardrums. This temporary hearing loss is a clear warning sign that the pressure involved in these failures is substantial and potentially harmful to human health.
Ignoring this recall means accepting the likelihood of one of these outcomes. You might get lucky and have no incident, but you are gambling with the safety of yourself and your family. The cost of ignoring the warning is far higher than the effort of returning the product. By continuing to use the hose, you are exposing yourself to uncontrolled physical trauma and auditory shock without any benefit, as a safe replacement is readily available through the remedy process.