Buying guide for Best pressure washer hoses
A pressure washer can turn the trickle from a simple hose into a powerful water jet that’s perfect for cleaning items outdoors. With a pressure washer in hand, you can remove dirt and grime from vinyl siding, wooden decks, and cement. With some pressure washers, you can add detergent for an even better clean.
The mechanics of a pressure washer are simple. Water enters the machine, which then expels that water at a high rate of pressure through the hose and attached sprayer. As you can imagine, a high-quality hose is important in order to successfully use the machine.
Should the hose that ships with your pressure washer be inadequate, you can purchase a replacement hose. The best pressure washer hoses have various diameters and lengths.
Key considerations
What is the diameter of the hose?
Hose diameter varies from product to product. The average pressure washer ships with a hose that 1/4 inch in diameter. However, a higher-quality pressure washer hose will have a diameter of 3/8 inch.
The diameter of the hose plays a role in the maximum amount of water pressure you can use. If you attempt to run too much water pressure through a hose with a small diameter, it could rupture. With a 1/4-inch diameter hose, you’ll max out at 2,000 to 3,000 psi of water pressure. With a 3/8-inch pressure washer hose, you can use a maximum of roughly 5,000 psi of water pressure.
How good is the build quality?
If you go with a cheap pressure washer hose, you run the risk of it splitting under pressure. As the hose ages, it also may develop cracks that could lead to a rupture.
Often, an inexpensive pressure washer will ship with a cheaply made hose. However, you can upgrade the quality of the hose later by spending a bit more money on a replacement hose.
If you plan to store your pressure washer hose in an area that is subject to below-freezing temperatures, be aware that a low-quality hose could sustain damage in the freeze/thaw cycle. A hose with a better build quality can handle these temperature changes successfully.
Expert Tip
Kinks in a pressure washer hose can lead to frustration while using the pressure washer. A heavy-duty hose will not curl or kink like a light-duty hose often does.
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Pressure washer hose features
Connectors
Many consumers, when using a pressure washer, appreciate the simplicity of a quick-connect plug connector. However, there are some connectors that have threads like a garden hose. When choosing a replacement hose for your pressure washer, make sure the connector styles match. If they don’t, you may be able to purchase an adapter to change the type of connector the power washer uses. However, this is not guaranteed.
Materials
Pressure washer hoses are typically made of the same materials that garden hoses are. Often, this material is PVC plastic. It’s tough and inexpensive, but it doesn’t flex easily. For a type of hose that is easier to manipulate, select a rubber material. You may find polyurethane in pressure hoses, but it’s not as common as the other materials.
Length
If you’re using an electric power washer, you may want a long hose. When pairing a long hose with a long extension cord, the power washer can be used almost anywhere. A short hose may not allow you to reach every location you want to wash. You can find replacement hoses in lengths between 20 and 200 feet.
Caution
Pressure washer hoses are designed to connect securely to the pressure washer unit and then to the spray gun or nozzle. They aren’t made to connect to a spigot.
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Pressure washer hose prices
Replacement pressure washer hoses are not expensive. By purchasing a replacement hose, you’ll give your pressure washer new life, extending the value of the machine.
Inexpensive
Basic pressure washer hoses cost in the $10 to $20 range. These hoses consist of cheaper materials like PVC plastic, and they are usually limited to 25 feet in length. They are also limited to 2,000 or 2,500 psi of water pressure.
Mid-range
Mid-level hoses cost $20 to $40. They generally have lengths ranging from 25 to 50 feet, although you may be able to find the occasional 75-foot hose in this range. Pressure washer hoses in this price range may be made of rubber or PVC.
Expensive
Expensive pressure washer hoses typically cost $40 to $75, although a few may cost $100 or more. These hoses measure anywhere from 50 to 200 feet in length. They are often made of a high-quality, heavy-duty material like rubber. These hoses should be able to handle psi measurements of 4,000 or 5,000.
Tips
- Only use room temperature water. Running hot water through a pressure washer could damage the hose. Cool or room temperature water is best unless the unit is specifically made for warm water.
- Watch for leaks in the hose or connectors. When trying to decide whether your current pressure washer hose needs replacement, closely examine the hose while in use. Leaks around the connector could be a sign that the hose needs to be replaced. (This could also indicate a need for new washers in the connectors.) A leak in the hose material itself definitely indicates the need for a replacement.
- A longer hose means less noise. When using a long hose with the power washer, you can stand farther away from the machine. Because power washers generate a lot of noise, standing farther away exposes you to less noise.
- Use the right pressure for the job. A small pressure washer with a 1/4-inch diameter hose is adequate for basic washing jobs. Cleaning the surface of a cement pad or sidewalk is easy to do with a 1/4-inch diameter hose. You’ll want a hose with a larger diameter (and therefore more pressure) to wash gutters or siding on the upper floor.
- The size of the engine matters. Simply selecting a hose with a large diameter isn’t enough to guarantee you have the power required for the job. You also need a large pressure washer engine to generate the power needed.
"Don’t expect to attach a garden hose to a pressure washer and use it in lieu of a pressure washer hose. The garden hose won’t have the right connectors and cannot safely handle the water pressure from the unit."
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FAQ
Q. Do I have to use the hose that shipped with my pressure washer?
A. No. You can purchase a replacement hose. Let’s say you want a hose with a larger diameter to generate more water pressure. A replacement hose can give you that plus extra length or a more durable material, too. Just make sure the replacement hose fits your current pressure washer connector.
Q. How can I care for my pressure washer hose properly?
A. After using the pressure washer, disconnect the hose and spray gun. Hang the hose, allowing it to drain and air dry. Most people don’t use a pressure washer regularly. This means leaving the hose connected for a few weeks could lead to corrosion from the leftover water. Or, if you have leftover water inside the hose and store it in a location where it will freeze, the hose could suffer damage.
Q. Are there advantages to having a short power washer hose?
A. A short length of hose works fine in most instances. It’s easier to dry after use than a longer hose. A shorter hose will not kink as easily as a longer hose, either, and it’ll give you more control over the spray wand.
Q. Can I use any length of pressure washer hose with my pressure washer?
A. If you select a hose that’s too long for the pressure washer, you’ll sacrifice water pressure. A longer hose needs a machine with the ability to generate a greater level of water pressure. A weaker machine won’t be able to maintain the water pressure through the entire length of an extra-long hose.
