Can you install a retractable hose reel without a wall?

[Msrao123]

Hi,

I liked the retractable hose reel from Holman (20m charcoal retractable hose reel I/N 0514795) but I want to fix this to the lawn in my front yard adjacent to the water line as there’s no wall near it and I do not want to cut through concrete driveway to lay a pipe to the garage wall. Will the product work the same way when fixed to the ground than a wall?

Thanks very much for the guidance. 
Mahesh

[EricL]

Hello @Msrao123 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks for sharing your question about your hose reel.

I propose mounting your hose reel on a post concreted into the ground. This will save you from having to cut the concrete but still have a solid mount for the hose reel. I've placed a sample image below to give you an idea of how you can do it. You then just need to connect your garden hose to the hose reel.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[ksashok]

Hi @EricL,

I have a similar situation wherein the water tap on my front yard is away from a wall to mount. I would like to install the same way as you have mentioned. But for the post can you give me any link for the product from Bunnings? I'm not sure which post to use for this purpose.

[JacobZ]

Hi @ksashok,

As our timber suppliers are regional, it is a bit difficult to give you a link to a specific product line, but you'll want to use an H4-treated post, somewhere around 90x90mm or 100x100mm. If you search for H4 post, you should find one to match. Anything that says H4 in the name will be suitable. 

If you are a bit confused, please grab a screenshot of what posts you see, and I'd be happy to advise whether they are suitable or not.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

[ksashok]

Thank you @JacobZ 

100 x 100mm 2.4m Post H4 Treated Pine Sawn CCA - 2.4m - Bunnings Australia

I see the above link for a 100 x 100mm. Would this be good?

Also what length would be better? Is 2.4m fine?

And how much of it has to be in the ground for a stronger hold?

Also can i sand them using an orbital sander for a smoother finish?

[JacobZ]

Hi @ksashok,

That 100x100mm post would be good although it is rough and would have a lot of splinters.

The 2.4m height would be fine. You'll want about 500-600mm below the ground encased in concrete to ensure it is solid. You can then attach your hose reel at a good height for you. Somewhere around 1-1.2m above ground seems about right for me, although you could be different. You can then either leave the rest of the post above the hose reel or cut it off with a hand saw.

While sanding these posts is possible, it's not usually recommended because the chemical treatment in the post will become airborne, which is not ideal. These 90 x 90mm 2.4m Post F7 H4 Treated Pine Premium KD are smooth already and wouldn't require sanding.

If you had to sand the post, make sure you wear a respirator rate P2 or above and keep others away until airborne dust has settled and has been cleaned up.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob