A Guide to Pressure Washer Hoses

Cleaning outdoor spaces can be incredibly time-consuming – which is where pressure washers come in handy. Eventually however, you may need to replace the hose due to age or wear. But, do you know how to choose the correct pressure washer hose for your needs?

If you’re unsure, or want to double check, the team at The Hosemaster have put this guide together to give you all the information you need to know before buying a new pressure washer hose. Keep reading to learn more…

What is a pressure washer?

One of the most versatile power tools around, pressure washers are ideal for keeping your outdoor areas looking clean and fresh.

In simple terms, a pressure washer works by pumping water out of a nozzle at high speeds. These jets of water are stronger and more powerful than cleaning by hand, allowing you to clean dirt off of hard surfaces. Usually, you can hook up a hot water pressure washer to an outdoor water source, allowing you to clean continuously for as long as you need.

Top tip – want to be mindful about your water consumption? Consider buying a pressure washer with capacity to use a Suction Hose. This can bring water up from a store of rainwater, or even a bucket, rather than connecting directly to your taps.

Advantages of a hot water pressure washer (aka jet washer or power washer) include:

• Relatively easy to use, making them available to people of different abilities.
• Cleans quicker and more efficiently than washing by hand.
• Can be adapted for different surfaces, using various nozzle sizes and pressure ratings.

What to look for when buying pressure washer hoses

With all things considered, arguably one of the most important elements of a power washer is the hose. Pressure washer hoses need to withstand high stress conditions, be able to support the movement of water, and be durable and long-lasting. So, there are certain aspects you’ll need to consider before you buy a new pressure washer hose.

Before we look closer at these aspects, one of the most important pieces of advice regarding pressure washer hoses we can give you is this: always replace, never repair. Pressure washer hoses experience immense amounts of pressure, and weakened areas (repaired or not) can be incredibly dangerous. Instead, when your pressure washer hose starts to show signs of age and wear, you should always replace it with a new one.

Pressure capacity

The first thing you need to consider is the pressure capacity of your hose. This will tie in closely with use, and how well you’ll be able to clean surfaces. For example, the average domestic pressure washer tends to work at around 120 BAR (which is roughly 1700 psi). This is enough for most home cleaning needs, such as cleaning driveways or patios.

On the other hand, industrial pressure washers work at around 137 - 206 BAR (2000 to 3000 psi respectively). These require washer hoses with a much higher pressure capacity to remove grease or industrial chemicals.

So, when you’re buying a pressure washer hose, make sure you choose one that is able to work within the appropriate conditions.

Safety tip – an inappropriate pressure washer hose, i.e. one with a lower pressure rating than required, can be incredibly dangerous. Too much pressure could weaken and split the hose during use, potentially causing injuries (especially if you’re using a hot water pressure washer).

Material

Due to their nature of use, pressure washer hoses are constantly put under a lot of stress. So you need to make sure they’re durable and constructed with the right materials. The majority of pressure washer hoses are made from either:

• PVC plastic – while these pressure washer hoses can get the job done, they’re not the most flexible option. This can make them somewhat unwieldy and difficult to use.
• Rubber – rubber pressure washer hoses are heavier, but they’re much more flexible, giving you a better range of movement during use.
• Polyurethane – polyurethane pressure washer hoses cater more towards industrial use. Made with steel-braiding in a flexible casing, these hoses are often stronger while still being relatively mobile.

Buy Now – 2 Wire Braid Pressure Washer Hose Assemblies

Top tip – the material of your pressure washer hose will also dictate how well it can withstand external environments. When you’re cleaning a driveway or outdoor area for example, you need a hose that is abrasion-resistant to prevent damage from paving stones or gravel outside the home.

Length

Length is an essential factor to consider when you’re working with a pressure washer. Longer pressure washer hoses allow you to have more freedom and mobility to work, improving the dexterity with which you can clean an item. It also allows you to move further away from the body of the jet washer, which is perfect for cleaning long driveways where the end is some distance from the house.

However, if your pressure washer hose is too long, this can become difficult or unwieldy to manage. You also need to be more careful of trailing hose to prevent any accidents. 

Diameter

The diameter of your pressure washer hose will affect the amount of water that can be consumed at a time. Wider pressure washer hoses are most commonly found in industrial jet washers, where the pressure and power levels require a wider hose. 

For domestic use, look for pressure washer hoses with a diameter of around 1/4” to 3/8”. This width is enough to consistently and stably transport the quantity of water required, but isn’t so wide that it’s uncontrollable for the majority of users.

Connections

Another key part of buying the best pressure washer hose is to make sure the one you choose has the correct connections that match the machine and spray gun/nozzle. 

Most items of machinery use a male/female connection for attachments. One side will have a threaded connector sticking out (aka the ‘male’ end), and the other will have a space for this connector (the so-called ‘female’ part of the connection).

Buy Now – 1 Wire Braid Pressure Washer Hose Assemblies

Before you buy a pressure washer hose, make sure that you choose one with the correct connections at each end. For example, if both your jet washer machine and nozzle have ‘male’ connectors, then you need a double-female-ended pressure washer hose. 

At The Hosemaster, we have pressure washer hoses with both male/female, male, and female connections for you to choose from.

Top tip – buying a hose assembly can be cheaper than purchasing the parts separately. For more information, check out our guide to What is a Hose Assembly?

Using a pressure washer: dos and don’ts

Once you’ve decided on the right pressure washer, and pressure washer hose, for your needs, it’s time to get to work. Pressure washing is a fantastic time-saving cleaning method, but there are some rules you’ll need to follow. To help you out, we’ve picked out some of the main dos and don’ts you should know.

• DO use your pressure washer to clean:

• Driveways, patios, and decking.
• Garage floors.
• Outdoor furniture.
• Fences.
• Garden paths and paving.

• DO use the appropriate nozzle size and pressure setting. For example, you’ll need to use a lower pressure setting for cars and machinery to avoid stripping or damaging paintwork.
• DO always use your pressure washer safely. Wear PPE, always hold it with two hands, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• DON’T pressure wash the following surfaces as it can be dangerous, damage the surfaces, make an area more prone to leaks, or a combination of these factors.

• Electrical metres.
• Shingles.
• Air conditioning units.
• Painted walls, furniture, or other surfaces.
• Brick walls.
• Windows.
• Plants, shrubbery, and trees.

• DON’T leave the engine to run for too long. Instead, press the trigger periodically to prevent your pressure washer from overheating and work efficiently. 

• DON’T use regular hoses, as these may not be built to withstand the force of the water. Instead, DO always use an appropriate pressure washer hose.

• DON’T spray straight down; working on an angle will help to lift dirt easier.

Looking to buy a new hose or ducting?

Then you’ve come to the right place. At The Hosemaster, we have a wide range of hoses to suit your needs – from pressure washer hose for water transport, to food delivery hoses, and much more!

Still unsure about what type of hose you may need? We’re happy to answer any sales or technical questions you may have. Simply get in touch online, or call 01282 604 002 to speak to one of our friendly team members.

Find hoses and ducting online today

For more information, advice, and useful product buying guides, check out The Hosemaster blog…

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