Over 3.6 million “burst-proof” HydroTech garden hoses are being urgently recalled after suddenly exploding and causing serious injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. It’s part of a wider trend, consumer product recalls have surged in 2025, Sedgwick’s Product Safety Index said, marking the busiest quarter in 14 years. Here’s what you need to know, and how to stay safe.
It Started With a Loud, Dangerous Bang
Across the U.S., at least 222 hoses exploded with loud, violent force, the CPSC said. These weren’t minor leaks. One person suffered a bone bruise, two had sprains, and five reported temporary hearing loss. In total, 29 injuries were confirmed, proof that the hose failed in the one job it promised.
Marketed as Tough, But It Couldn’t Handle Pressure
Winston Products introduced HydroTech hoses in 2021 with “Force Control” technology, meant to prevent bursting, according to company records. But the plastic strain relief guard, the very feature designed to add strength, was the weak point. The CPSC said that part often failed under pressure, causing the hose to blow apart instead.
Sold Nationwide at Major Retailers
From January 2021 through April 2025, these hoses were sold at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Ace Hardware, the CPSC said. Priced between $20 and $136, they reached homes across America. Many families may still have them tucked away in garages or sheds, unaware they’re sitting on a hazard.
How To Know If Yours Is Recalled
According to the CPSC, the recall affects HydroTech 5/8-inch hoses made on or before August 31, 2024. Watch for date codes ending in -211 to -214, -221 to -224, -231 to -234, -241 to -243, or no markings. Safety experts warn that unmarked hoses show signs of poor quality control.
Injuries Happened During Everyday Tasks
Most injuries from the recalled hoses occurred during normal chores like gardening, watering plants, and washing cars. The CPSC confirmed 29 injuries, including a bone bruise, two sprains, and five cases of temporary hearing loss caused by bursting hoses during routine use around the home.
Returning Your Hose Is Simple at Stores
If you bought your hose at Ace Hardware, Walmart, Home Depot, or Do It Best, you can get a full refund without a receipt, the CPSC and retailers say. For hoses purchased elsewhere or online, a different refund process applies to make sure you’re covered.
How to Claim a Refund If Bought Online
For hoses bought online or from other stores, cut off the regulator end, write your initials and date on it, and take a photo showing the date code. To claim a refund, please submit your request through the designated recall process. Shipping back the hose is not required, the recall site says.
This Recall Reflects a Growing Recall Trend
Sedgwick’s Product Recall Index showed a 25% rise in recalled consumer products in the first quarter of 2025 versus last quarter. The sector saw 101 recalls, the busiest quarter since 2011. The HydroTech recall is part of a larger wave of safety concerns facing U.S. households.
Legal Teams Are Watching Closely
Law firms like Schmidt & Clark are reviewing injury claims and financial damages related to the recall. They’re considering possible class action lawsuits, but as of August 2025, no formal case has been filed. Major recalls like this often lead to product liability lawsuits, experts say.
What Winston Products Did Next
Winston Products worked with the CPSC to launch a voluntary recall of over 3.6 million HydroTech hoses after 222 bursts and 29 injuries, including hearing damage, the CPSC said. Consumers can return hoses for refunds online or in stores. Still, questions remain about how the defect lasted so long.
The Weak Spot Behind the Bursts
The recall points to the plastic strain relief as the failure source. This part, meant to keep the hose flexible and kink-free, often broke or came loose under pressure, causing loud bursts and injury, according to Winston Products and the CPSC. Regulators have not said if it was design or manufacturing.
How Big Is the Problem?
The expandable hose market was worth $1.5 billion globally in 2023 and is growing, according to industry estimates. Though recalls are rare, this HydroTech recall is the largest in recent years. No other similar large-scale expandable hose recalls happened between 2020 and 2025, suggesting this is mostly an isolated HydroTech issue.
When Did the CPSC Step In?
The CPSC announced the recall on July 24, after receiving 222 burst reports and 29 injuries. This level of harm sparked questions about whether recalls happen quickly enough. Unsafe products cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion a year, experts say, raising concerns about consumer safety systems.
What This Means for Money and Logistics
Handling refunds and claims for millions of hoses is a huge challenge for retailers and Winston Products. Consumers face inconvenience during busy gardening months. Injuries and some property damage are reported, but as of August 2025, there’s no clear data on insurance claims related to this recall.
What Consumers Can Do to Stay Safer
Be sure to regularly check for recall alerts and register any new products when you purchase them. That way, you’ll be notified if something goes wrong later. When a product sounds too good to be true, like “burst-proof”, do a quick search. It might just help you avoid a dangerous situation at home.
Trust Is Harder To Earn Back
After something like this, shoppers start to question everything. A hose failure makes people wary of other garden gear, or anything labeled as “safe.” It’s not just about refunds, it’s about trust. And when that breaks, it often takes years for brands and products to regain public confidence.
Recalls Are More Complex Than Ever
Sedgwick’s 2025 U.S. Product Safety and Recall Index notes fewer recall events but a 25% jump in defective products in early 2025. Experts say growing product complexity means new risks. As features multiply, companies must improve safety testing to prevent dangerous failures like those seen with HydroTech.
Global Buyers Could Be at Risk Too
Right now, the recall applies only to U.S. customers. But hoses like this are often sold worldwide. Regulators in other countries may need to step in. A problem this big rarely stays in one market. If it’s happening here, it could be happening abroad, just without the spotlight.
Own This Hose? Stop Using It Right Now
The CPSC says to stop using recalled HydroTech hoses immediately. Look for the date code under the spigot-end washer. If it matches, return the product to the store or submit your claim online. Don’t wait until someone gets hurt. Your safety is worth more than any garden tool.