What's the best pressure washer hose?
Pressure washer hoses seem simple but there are so many choices, how do you find the best hose?
It probably isn't surprising that the best hose will depend on your application so this will have several sections.
Sections:
- Hose types and constructions
- Residential pressure washing hose
- Commercial pressure washing hose
- Which hose is best for your pressure washer?
Section 1.
Pressure washing hoses come in multiple sizes, designs, material choices, end fitting or connector type, color, and many more options. I'll go over the most common here.
For residential or homeowner use, the 22MM screw type fitting is most common. The hoses will be made from rubber or pvc, usually with a braided core to reinforce the material to handle the pressure. These hoses will come in 1/4" and 5/16" the majority of the time but do come in many sizes.
This type of hose will not be a great choice for commercial work as the fittings are harder to disconnect, the o-ring inside the fitting and the fitting itself don't last as long, and the hoses are usually thinner and less durable. Over-all, this hose is probably due for an upgrade. If replacement is on your mind, we do have this hose at the link HERE
For commercial and industrial use, the 3/8" MPT threaded connector is by far the most common. This hose is more versatile because it will accept many types and forms of quick connects available in 3/8" thread. These hoses will be constructed of an inner hose, wrapped in a braided steel coating, then wrapped in an abrasion resistant rubber coating. Commercial 1 wire hose can be found HERE
These hoses are available in more pressure ratings and sizes than residential hoses. Most of the hoses you see will be 1-wire hose which is rated at 4000PSI. Needing more pressure than that? Jump up to a 2 wire hose. These are rated to 6000PSI most generally.
Sizes available will range from 1/4" hose to 1/2". The larger hoses accommodate more flow and are needed as you reach large machines but that can be for another blog!
The size most used in the commercial pressure washing industry is 3/8". This allows for flow up to around 8GPM at 3500PSI and isn't extremely heavy or hard to move.
Materials vary with hose type and brand but I would recommend a gray or blue non-marking hose. This hose can be pulled across the sidewalk without leaving marks or scuffs. Standard gray hoses usually will not leave marks. Black hoses will leave marks nearly always if scuffed or scraped. This can be unsightly and a pain to clean from a customers driveway that you just finished cleaning once.
These hoses aren't usually a great choice for the average homeowner because with the added size, durability, and features come much more weight. This additional weight makes the hoses hard to pull around, more difficult to roll up, and not as flexible.
With all of that being said, what pressure washing hose is best for you?
If you are a homeowner I would strongly recommend upgrading to a better, commercial grade 1 wire hose. This hose will perform all of the chores around the house without issue and be more versatile than M22 screw coupler hoses.
Maybe you are starting a pressure washing business or already own one, what pressure washing hose is best for commercial use?
For these uses a 3/8" non-marking 1 wire hose will suit most users best. You will need to make sure your hose rating exceeds the pressure of your machine but this hose will provide you the most flexibility while still providing a lighter weight.
If your pressure washer produces more than 4000PSI of pressure you will want to look into a 2 wire hose. 2 wire hoses are heavier and less flexible but can withstand much higher pressure that standard 1 wire hoses.
As always, if you have any questions about hoses or any other item pressure washing related, just ask! We are happy to help.