To maintain the beauty of your yard, you need the appropriate tools. One of the more valuable tools is a pressure washer. It will help clean many surfaces and objects in your garden. Using a pressure washer is easy, but sometimes, you want to use a long hose to reach certain areas. A cheap option would be to use a long regular garden hose.
In general, garden hoses can be used with a pressure washer. Particularly for the hose that supplies the water to the pressure washer. It is possible to use a regular garden hose from the pressure washer to the spray gun, but only if the pressure washer’s pressure is set to a lower value. Most garden hoses have a maximum pressure between 70 and 150 PSI. Some heavy-duty garden hoses can be used up to 500 PSI.
This article will examine the various options for using a garden hose for your pressure washer. What factors do you need to consider? Can I use a 100 ft hose for my pressure washer? And what would be the maximum hose length?
Contents
- 1 What kind of garden hose do I need for a pressure washer?
- 1.1 ● The Low-pressure hose and Accessories for your Pressure Washer.
- 1.2 – Generic Garden Hose
- 1.3 – Bionic Steel garden hose
- 1.4 – HBLife expandable garden hose
- 1.5 – Nifty grower garden hose
- 1.6 – Flexzilla hose
- 1.7 ● The high-pressure hose connecting the spray gun with the pressure washer
- 1.8 – Yamatic kink-resistant hose
- 1.9 – Greenworks washer hose
- 1.10 – Twinkle Star hose
- 2 What are the things I need to consider for the best garden hose?
- 3 Can you use a 100 ft garden hose on a pressure washer?
- 4 Does Hose Length Affect a Pressure Washer?
- 5 What’s the limit on hose length when pressure washing?
- 6 Do you need a special hose for a pressure washer?
What kind of garden hose do I need for a pressure washer?
Your pressure washer needs two types of hoses. One is connecting the faucet with the pressure washer. This is the low-pressure hose. The other is connecting the spray gun with the pressure washer. This is the high-pressure hose.
● The Low-pressure hose and Accessories for your Pressure Washer.
You can use a generic garden hose for the low-pressure hose that runs from your faucet to your pressure washer. The hose needs to be able to handle the water supply pressure of around 35 to 45 PSI.
Your actual water supply pressure will differ from location to location and the time of the day. This hose can easily detach from the faucet or the pressure washer.
A typical US garden hose is available in three sizes: 1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4”. You will find them mainly in length from 25ft to 100ft. The more comprehensive the hose, the more water it can handle.
The less pressure will be lost due to the hose resistance. A 3/4“ hose can be double the length of a 5/8“ hose and still have the same pressure at the pressure washer. This is important because the pressure on the washer can vary depending on the hose size.
I have made a list of some of the available hoses:
– Generic Garden Hose
Most generic garden hoses you can purchase can be used up to 70 to 150 PSI. They are OK with supplying the water to your pressure washer. This hose will work whether you have a gas-powered washer or an electric one.
– Bionic Steel garden hose
The Bionic Steel garden hose provides you with the best control when used with pressure washers because of the on/off valve. It is made of 304 stainless steel, which gives more strength and durability. This garden hose has a length of 100 ft. and provides resistance against punctures, leaks, and cracks.
The Bionic Steel garden hose is kink-proof and allows up to 500 PSI of pressure. The high pressure equals deeper cleaning.
Yes, you can use a garden hose to supply water to a pressure washer. However, ensuring that the garden hose's water pressure and flow rate meet the pressure washer's requirements is crucial. I’ve always been mindful of this in my two decades of experience.
Remember to hold a nozzle at a 45-degree angle for optimal cleaning when using the pressure washer. Whether using a nozzle or a spray gun, holding the nozzle at a 45-degree angle will ensure the best cleaning results.
This is especially true if you’re using a gas power washer, which typically has a higher PSI than an electric model.
– HBLife expandable garden hose
The HBLife expandable water hose is made of polyester fabric, so it is very flexible and can be expanded up to 100 feet. The hose’s diameter is ¼ inches and can work efficiently at 60 to 180 PSI of pressure.
It is a lightweight and kink-proof hose with many accessories, like different nozzles, a storage bag, and rubber seals. When working with this hose, ensure that the water pressure is within the range of 60 to 180 PSI so that the diameter of the hose can hold it.
– Nifty grower garden hose
The Nifty grower garden hose is durable and can be used for pressure washers. The hose is 34 ft. long, but its reach can be extended up to 100 ft. The Nifty grower garden hose is available with ¾ inch brass connectors. It is lightweight and easy to use.
The working pressure of the Nifty grower hose ranges from 40 to 80 PSI and has an operating temperature of 41 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Flexzilla hose
The Flexzilla pressure washer hose is a fine choice at an affordable price. It is a durable and flexible garden hose that can withstand working temperatures ranging from -40 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is made from a hybrid polymer, kink-free, and rated for 3 to 100 PSI.
● The high-pressure hose connecting the spray gun with the pressure washer
The hose that runs from the pressure washer to the spray gun differs. That hose needs to handle much higher pressure. Typical pressure washers have an output pressure of 1500 PSI and up. To use a garden hose, you must ensure the output pressure is lower than the hose can handle.
– Yamatic kink-resistant hose
The Yamatic kink-resistant hose is a fine choice if you want a 50 ft. hose. This universal high-pressure hose is most compatible with pressure washers and works efficiently with higher pressures.
As its name suggests, it is kink-resistant. It is made of non-kinking, durable material that assists the hose in maintaining its efficiency against pressure washers working at 3200 PSI. Because of these qualities, the Yamatic kink-resistant hose is suitable for electric and gas pressure washers.
– Greenworks washer hose
Greenworks produces many different gardening tools. That is why they are one of the leading industries in the market. The Greenwork hose is 25 ft. long and is made of durable materials to stand against wear and tear.
The hose has an ¼ inch diameter, is rated up to 2000 PSI, and weighs only 1.21 pounds. It Is leak and kink-proof.
– Twinkle Star hose
The Twinkle Star garden hose is made of rubber with a steel-wire braid. It can handle a pressure of 4000 PSI. The maximum working temperature of the Twinkle Star hose is 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the things I need to consider for the best garden hose?
The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a garden hose is the maximum pressure it can handle. This should match the PSI rating of the pressure washer. In most cases, you can not use the maximum pressure setting of the pressure washer.
The length of the hose and the water temperature also play a role. Most hoses can not be used with a power washer.
Pressure washers use high water pressure to clean different areas of the house, like driveways and vinyl sidings. You need to consider certain specifications to find the best garden hose for a pressure washer. A garden hose can handle much less pressure than a pressure washer hose.
Before buying a garden hose for your pressure washer, here are the factors you must consider.
● Factor 1: Check Pressure and Maximum Pressure
Since garden hoses cannot withstand the high pressure of most pressure washers, you must consider the maximum pressure your hose can sustain. Some garden hoses will be too weak for your pressure washer. Some garden hoses can withstand higher pressures of up to 500 PSI.
Special hoses that connect the spray gun with the pressure washer are built to handle a much larger pressure of 3500 PSI or more.
In my experience, a garden hose with a large diameter, typically 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch, can deliver higher water flow, which is beneficial for most pressure washers. This is a tip I’ve picked up over the years.
● Factor 2: Length and Diameter of the hose
The length of the hose is also an essential factor to consider. It will determine the area that you can cover around your house. It is much more convenient for some jobs to leave the pressure washer at a specific location and only move the spray gun, like cleaning a roof or driveway.
The diameter of the hose also plays an important role. The wider the hose, the less water resistance. A 3/4” can be twice as long as a 5/8” hose, giving the same output pressure. The hose should also be able to supply the needed amount of water.
Some pressure washers have a higher GPM rating (Gallons per Minute) and need a higher water supply. Standard garden hoses are often available in different sizes (1/2”, 5/8”, and 3/4”). Choose the one corresponding to the GMP rating of your pressure washer.
● Factor 3: Temperature
Every hose has its temperature range in which it can work properly. The hose must handle your water temperature if you use hot water, like from a power washer. Otherwise, it may weaken over time and rupture.
● Factor 4: Nozzle and connectors
If you use a hose to supply water to your pressure washer, you can use a regular faucet connector on one side. And a quick connect on the side of the pressure washer. If you want to use a garden hose on the high-pressure side, you need a quick connector on the side of the pressure washer.
And on the other side, you can connect a suitable nozzle. Mount a quick connector if you want to use your pressure washer spray gun.
Can you use a 100 ft garden hose on a pressure washer?
Using a 100 ft garden hose on an electric pressure washer is no problem. A longer hose will decrease the water pressure, but slowly. For a typical 5/8″ hose supplying the water to your pressure washer, the decrease will be less than 4 PSI per 100 feet.
The average US faucet water pressure is between 35 and 45 PSI. This means the pressure reaching your machine is around 31 to 41 PSI. Still, it is more than enough, as most pressure washers recommend 20 PSI water supply pressure. This washer can help you clean your car and the garden.
The hose that connects the spray gun to the pressure washer is typically less wide. The pressure loss for a 3/8″ hose will be 25 to 50 PSI per 100 ft. But as the output pressure from a gas-powered pressure washer, with 1500 PSI or more, this loss does not matter.
Remember that you will always move this hose around and that a 100 ft hose with water will weigh significantly. It’s time to consider the weight and adjust your usage accordingly.
I have worked with much longer supply hoses without any problems. Most pressure washers will work fine, even when the pressure is below the manufacturer’s minimum rating of 20 PSI. But I find working with long hoses impractical, as they can be hard to handle.
I recommend using a suitable quality hose with a wide diameter, preferably 3/4″. A wider hose will increase the amount of water it can transport. Also, try to minimize the number of bents, as they will also decrease the pressure. This is the Top tip for maintaining Perfect pressure.
Does Hose Length Affect a Pressure Washer?
Except when they are incredibly long, the length of the hose does not affect a pressure washer. The longer the hose, the lower the pressure that arrives at the pressure washer. You can expect a decrease of around 4 PSI per 100 ft for an average 5/8″ supply hose.
According to most manufacturers, a pressure washer needs a minimum of 20 PSI.
This means that from the moderate US faucet water pressure of 35 and 45 PSI, you can connect a long hose before the pressure drops so your pressure washer will notice it. My experience is that a typical pressure washer will even work fine when the input pressure is lower than 20 PSI. This is the Optimal pressure for most jobs.
– Effects of Hose Length on High-Pressure Output
The hose that connects the spray gun to the pressure washer affects the pressure washer’s output pressure. A typical 3/8” hose lowers the output pressure by 20 to 50 PSI. But with a higher output pressure of 1500 PSI or more, you need an extremely long hose before you notice the effect.
If you use a 200 ft hose, it will lower the 1500 PSI to 1400 PSI. Or from 2500 PSI to 2400 PSI, which is still enough to do most jobs. Remember to turn off the machine before working on the pressure hose.
Using the article above, it’s clear that the length of the hose does not significantly affect a pressure washer unless it’s incredibly long. The pressure from the water source is usually sufficient for most pressure washers.
Common mistakes include using a hose that’s too small in diameter, not checking the water supply, and using the wrong pressure settings. I’ve seen people make these mistakes and have learned to avoid them in my practice.”
What’s the limit on hose length when pressure washing?
If you have a general faucet pressure of around 40 PSI, the hose limit for a typical 5/8” hose would be 500 ft. But my experience is that you can even go higher.
Of course, the faucet pressure will differ from location to location, so the maximum hose length will also vary—the more comprehensive the hose, the lower the loss. A 3/4” hose can be twice the length of a 5/8” hose to have the same output pressure.
The limit for the hose that connects the pressure washer with the spray gun can be even longer. Expect a drop in pressure for a 3/8” hose of around 25 to 50 PSI. That means that with a 500 ft hose, the pressure will drop from 2500 PSI to 2250 PSI.
If your job requires a force of 2000 PSI, you can even go for a longer hose. But these lengths are not practical anymore. The weight of the hose due to the water in it makes handling difficult. Moving the pressure washer and using a shorter hose is much easier.
Also, the wider the hose, the less pressure will be lost.
Do you need a special hose for a pressure washer?
Use a typical garden hose to connect your pressure washer with a faucet. I recommend using a special pressure washer for the hose that connects the spray gun with the pressure washer. They are built to handle the much higher pressures from 1500 PSI and up.
What is the maximum length limit for a pressure washer hose?
The maximum hose length for a garden hose used with a pressure washer is typically around 500 ft, but the practical limit is lower due to weight and handling. Special hoses are recommended for high-pressure connections with the spray gun.
What factors should I consider when choosing a garden hose for my pressure washer?
Consider a Bionic Steel hose for durability and high pressure resistance. It can handle up to 500 PSI and is kink-proof. A good choice for maintaining cleanliness in your garden with a pressure washer.
What is the maximum pressure a garden hose can withstand?
Most garden hoses have a maximum pressure between 70 and 150 PSI. Some heavy-duty options can be used up to 500 PSI. Make sure the pressure washer’s setting is lower.
What temperature range should the hose be able to handle?
Thank you for your question, Annie! Most garden hoses can handle pressures between 70-150 PSI. For longer hoses, check the pressure loss per foot and ensure it is compatible with your pressure washer’s needs.
Which type of connectors should I use for the hose of my pressure washer?
You can use a generic garden hose for the low-pressure connection from your faucet to the pressure washer. For the high-pressure spray gun connection, use a hose rated for a much higher pressure necessary for the job.
What are the benefits of using a high-quality hose for a pressure washer?
Using a high-quality hose for your pressure washer, like the Bionic Steel or Yamatic, ensures durability and optimal performance. The pressure washer’s output pressure determines the type of hose needed.
What differences are there between a high-pressure and low-pressure hose for pressure washers?
High-pressure hoses are designed to connect the pressure washer to the spray gun and handle much higher pressures. Low-pressure hoses that connect the faucet to the pressure washer can use regular garden hoses.
Can I use a regular garden hose with my pressure washer?
Yes, you can use a regular garden hose with a pressure washer as long as the pressure is set lower. The Bionic Steel garden hose is a good option for up to 500 PSI.
Do I need a special hose for the spray gun?
For the low-pressure side, a generic garden hose should suffice. But for the high-pressure side, a hose rated for 3500 PSI or more is recommended.
Are there any specific features I should look for in a garden hose for my pressure washer?
For your pressure washer, use a garden hose with a pressure rating of at least 500 PSI. Consider the Bionic Steel or Yamatic kink-resistant hoses for best results.
Is a kink-resistant hose necessary for pressure washers?
Yes, it is advisable to use a kink-resistant hose for a pressure washer to prevent interruptions and ensure smooth operation. Consider using a durable option like the Bionic Steel garden hose for optimal results.
What diameter of the hose should I choose for my pressure washer?
For your pressure washer, a garden hose with a diameter of 3/4″ is recommended for optimal pressure and water supply. Consider the Yamatic kink-resistant hose for high-pressure connections.
The information provided about the pressure washer hoses was very useful.
Thank you Todd! I’m glad you found the information about pressure washer hoses helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions about maintaining your yard.
How does hose length affect pressure washers?
Thank you for your question, Tristan! The length of the hose affects the pressure washer minimally, with a decrease of around 4 PSI per 100 ft for a standard 5/8″ hose. Hope this helps!
Is it better to go for a longer hose or a wider hose for my pressure washer?
For your pressure washer, a wider hose is better. Consider the length and pressure ratings for optimal performance. Make sure to use a special high-pressure hose for the spray gun.
Can I use a 100 ft hose on an electric pressure washer?
Yes, you can use a 100 ft garden hose on an electric pressure washer, but the water pressure may decrease slightly. Consider weight and handle it with care for optimal results.
I appreciate the detailed breakdown of the factors to consider when choosing a garden hose for a pressure washer.
Thank you, Adrian! I’m glad you found the breakdown helpful for choosing a garden hose for your pressure washer. Let me know if you have any more questions.
I learned a lot about the different types of hoses for pressure washers from this article, thank you!
Thank you, Jeanne! I’m glad you found the article helpful. High-pressure hoses are essential for optimal pressure washer performance. Happy cleaning!
Can I use any type of garden hose with my pressure washer?
It is generally safe to use a regular garden hose with your pressure washer, as long as the pressure is set to a lower value. Be cautious of the maximum pressure your hose can handle.
Will a longer hose affect the performance of my pressure washer?
Yes, a longer hose will affect the pressure, especially with high-pressure hoses. Consider a 3/4″ hose and optimal positioning for best results.