Garden hoses are standard in almost every home. They’re mainly used for watering gardens and general household tasks. Some people also use them with pressure washers to wash cars. Pressure washing has specific hose requirements. So, the question is: What size garden hose for a pressure washer?
You’ll often see people recommend a smaller-diameter hose for the pressure washer. That’s not quite right, as a hose with too small a diameter can restrict water flow. This means the pressure washer’s pump won’t receive enough water. The running pump will eventually starve and get damaged. In this article, I will discuss the right size of garden hose you can use with a pressure washer.
Why Does Hose Size Matter When Using it With Pressure Washers?
Pressure washers have become a must-have device for cleaning vehicles. These machines shoot water out at high pressure and remove the dirt with ease. This high pressure can even remove the sticky dirt, which is a bit difficult otherwise. The pressure washer uses a hose to draw water from the tap. That’s where the garden hose becomes essential.
Using the right size of these hoses is necessary because:
- If you use a garden hose with too large a diameter, it is also not suitable for a smaller pressure washer. That’s because the hose will provide more water to the pressure washer than it requires. So, it will put more pressure on the small pump, leading to overheating. This can also cause the pressure washer to fail.
- Using a garden hose with a smaller diameter can reduce the water flow, meaning your pressure washer won’t get enough water. When the water supply is too low, the pump cannot build proper pressure. As a result, the pressure washer will still spray water, but the pressure will be weak, and the cleaning performance will drop.
Using the right-sized garden hose will provide a balanced water flow to the pressure washer. The washer pump will get enough to work with. So, the pressure washer will deliver water at high pressure, ideal for cleaning. So, avoid garden hoses that are much too large or too small.
What Size Garden Hose for a Pressure Washer?
I recommend choosing a garden hose with an internal diameter of 5/8 inch or 3/4 inch. A hose with either of these diameters will meet your pressure washer’s needs. They will provide optimal water flow and quantity, ensuring the pump works smoothly. As a result, your pressure washer will deliver water at high pressure.
A 5/8 inch garden hose is the most common option many people use with pressure washers. That’s because this size is neither too big nor too small. It provides enough water, especially for small- to medium-sized pressure washers. Using this hose size will help you clean your cars and driveways.
A 5/8-inch hose is fine for most homeowners but usually too small for professional-grade machines. Remember, pressure washers are available in different sizes and specifications. The 5/8-inch hose works well for small- to medium-sized pressure washers with moderate GPM. This is because these washers don’t require much water.
If you have a large pressure washer (with higher GPM), you’ll need a hose with a larger diameter. Why? That’s because a larger garden hose will provide more water flow to high-end pressure washers. In this case, I recommend you choose a 3/4-inch hose, as it will fit your larger pressure washer. Pressure washers used in homes or for light-duty use require a 5/8-inch hose.
1/4 or 1/2 Inch Size for Pressure Washers
You’ll hear people advise using a garden hose with a 1/4- or 1/2-inch diameter. Using these hose sizes with pressure washers is not recommended. Both of these sizes are small, resulting in less water flow to the pressure washer. So, your pressure washer will struggle to provide high pressure for cleaning.
If your pressure washer has very low GPM, you can try a 1/4-inch hose size. However, this hose size is never recommended for medium-pressure washers. If you use this size with a high-pressure washer, you might damage the pump. Remember, the pump overheats when it doesn’t get enough water, and it can fail.
What Should the Length of a Garden Hose Be for a Pressure Washer?
The right length of the garden hose is also essential when using it with pressure washers. You should choose a shorter length of garden hose to achieve optimal water flow and pressure. However, sometimes, we have to use a longer hose as the tap is far away. In such a case, I recommend using a 50-foot hose.
A 50-foot hose is a good sweet spot and can work well, especially with a 5/8-inch diameter. The issue arises when you use a longer hose, like 80–100 feet. A garden hose of this length can affect the water pressure before it reaches the pressure washer. If the hose is about 100 feet long, ensure it has a 3/4-inch diameter.
A larger diameter helps compensate for the extra length and ensures balanced water flow. Simply put, the longer the hose, the larger the diameter needs to be for the pressure washer to work smoothly. You should never use a garden hose with a pressure washer if the hose is longer than 100 feet.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Garden Hose for a Pressure Washer
Generally, garden hoses are suitable for use with pressure washers. They come with a decent pressure rating and offer optimal water flow. There are a few more things you should consider, especially when buying a new garden hose.
- Materials: Garden hoses are available in various materials. Some of those include rubber, PVC, and so on. I suggest you choose a garden hose made of PVC for pressure washers. Hoses made of this material are both durable and resistant to kinking during use.
- Fitting Type: The fitting of the garden hose plays a key role in safety and leak-proof water transportation to the pressure washers. You should choose a durable fitting that guarantees no leakage. I consider brass fittings a better option than conventional plastic fittings due to their greater durability.
- Budget & Pricing: When buying a garden hose, set a reasonable budget. If your priority is saving money, you’ll end up with a low-quality hose. The PVC hose with a brass fitting may not be the cheapest. They perform excellently when used with a pressure washer. Low-quality hoses can affect a pressure washer’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5/8 or 3/4 better for a garden hose?
Both sizes are excellent and suitable for different use cases. 5/8 Garden hose is considered for small to medium pressure washers. If you have a heavy-duty pressure washer with higher GPM, you should consider a 3/4-inch garden hose.
Can I use a garden hose with my pressure washer?
Yes. Garden hoses are rated for 200 to 300 PSI and can be used with pressure washers. Nevertheless, you should ensure your hose is either 5/8 or 3/4 size for smooth operation of the pressure washer.
How do I know if my garden hose is 5/8″ or 3/4″?
Many garden hoses come with a size printed on their surface. You can either check it through these prints or by reading the user manual.
Conclusion
The use of pressure washers has become routine not only in professional service stations but also in homes. On the other hand, a garden hose is the most common type. Interestingly, you can use these hoses to supply water from the tap or faucet to pressure washers. Using the right size of garden hose is necessary for the smooth functionality of a pressure washer. In this article, you’ll learn everything about the size of garden hose you should choose with a pressure washer.