What Garden Hose Size is Best for a Pressure Washer?

Why Need to Choose Size for Pressure Washer Hose

Choosing the appropriately sized garden hose for your specific pressure washer specs, especially its pressure and flow rate is essential for optimal performance, durability, and spray reach. A hose that is too narrow will restrict both pressure and flow.

Water Pressure – A garden hose that is too narrow will restrict the flow of water from your pressure washer, causing a loss of pressure and weaker spray. The wider the hose, the less restriction and more pressure that can come through. For some commercial pressure washers always heavy-duty work, the water pressure (PSI) is at high status so if you use a small size hose, it can't meet the demand

Flow rate – The flow rate of your pressure washer, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), must match your garden hose's flow capacity. A narrow hose cannot handle higher flow rates.

Reach – To maintain pressure and flow at the end of your sprayer's hose, you need a wide enough garden hose to compensate for the length of hose used. Longer hoses require a wider diameter.

Durability – The higher water pressure and volume from a pressure washer place more strain on garden hoses. You'll need a reinforced hose designed for pressure washers for the best durability. Using the bad-quality hose will be leaked and lose your pressure

Fittings – The fittings that connect your garden hose to your pressure washer must have the right threads to form a tight seal and not leak. Standard options are M22 garden hose or quick-connect fittings.

Common Pressure Washer Size

The size of your garden hose for your pressure washer really matters. If it's too small, it'll hold back your pressure washer in a few key ways.

1/2 inch hoses

• Suitable for smaller pressure washers up to around 1500 PSI and 2-3 GPM. These are lightweight and easy to manage but have limited flow capacity.

5/8 inch hoses

• Provide a good middle ground between 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch hoses. Suitable for pressure washers up to 2000-2500 PSI and 3.5-4 GPM. Offer increased flow capacity over 1/2-inch hoses.

3/4 inch hoses

• Recommended for medium-duty pressure washers up to about 2700 PSI and 4 GPM. They provide better flow capacity and can handle higher pressures.

1 inch hoses

• Needed for heavy-duty pressure washers above 2700 PSI or 4 GPM. They have the most significant flow capacity and are required to handle the highest pressures.

Tips for Choosing the Right Garden Hose

Get a hose with a higher pressure rating than your pressure washer to allow for growth over time.

• Longer hoses require a larger diameter to maintain pressure and flow. Generally, you should go up one size for hoses 50 feet or longer.

• Look for reinforced, braided, or wire-wrapped hoses for best durability. Rubber hoses burst at high pressures.

• Replace worn hoses every few years for best performance. Check for leaks, cracks, or deterioration.

Choose diameter based on the pressure washer's specs:

Match your garden hose to the pressure, flow rate and length needs of your specific pressure washer for optimal performance.