How to connect a garden hose easily to your pressure washer?

Does your driveway have dirty grease that needs a deep cleaning to remove? Do you have interior furniture that has stubborn stains? Got a smelly trash can that has been left unattended for a while? Well, this article is for you! We will show you how you can connect a garden hose to your pressure washer and get rid of the above problems.

With the help of a garden hose, you can reduce the time and wastage of water while cleaning with a pressure washer. When you pressurize the water and spray it out of the nozzle, the water can be sucked back into the tank through the garden hose that’s attached to the suction side.

This method is very easy to use and requires no special tools or skills. It also works with pressure washers, from small handheld units to large industrial models.

The Right Type of Garden Hose for Your Pressure Washer

A garden hose is a must-have for anyone who has a pressure washer! Pressure washers can be quite powerful, and the water pressure can be so strong that it will easily burst a typical garden hose. So, it is important to use a pressure washer hose designed specifically for your pressure washers. They usually have thicker walls and multiple reinforcement bands around the hose that prevent it from bursting.

Connecting the right type of garden hose to a pressure washer quickly will increase the length of time it will last before it bursts and allows your pressure washer to cover many areas. 

The Difference Between a Garden Hose and A Pressure Hose

Before installing our garden hose onto the suction side of our pressure washer, let us explain what makes a garden hose different from a pressure hose. Both garden hoses and pressure hoses work similarly. However, they both are different from each other in two ways:

1) Their manufacturing material type.

2) Their diameter/size.

Garden Hoses vs Pressure Hoses

In the market, garden hoses are available in different types. They come in various sizes and materials such as PVC,CPVC, PEX (plastic-ester), HDPE (high-density polyethylene), etcetera. If you are looking at buying a new garden hose, you should choose one with a rating of 1/2 inch or more because most pressure washers require a minimum hose size of 3/4 inches.

On the other hand, a pressure hose is made up of high-strength rubber and nylon lines, which helps it withstand higher pressures. Unlike garden hoses, pressure hoses are not flexible. Moreover, it cannot be bent or twisted. Also, due to their construction, they can resist extreme temperatures, which means that if you were to put your pressure washer outside during the winter season, you wouldn’t need to worry about freezing pipes.

How to Attach A Garden Hose to a Pressure Washer

Determine the GPM of Your Water Supply

When testing your pressure washer before installation, you must always test its GPM (gallons per minute). GPM refers to gallons of water that the machine can produce every minute. All pressure washers have a recommended GPM range. For example, some machines have a GPM range between 80 – 150 gallons per minute, while others exceed 200 GPM. Read and find out the GPM range carefully for your specific model.

To test your pressure washer’s GPM, simply fill a bucket with tap water until it reaches the maximum capacity of your unit. Once done, turn off your power switch and attach the garden hose to the water outlet near the machine’s front. Then, press the Start button and watch for any signs of leaks. After starting the machine:

1. Check the water level indicator located on top of the machine.
2. Continue filling your bucket till it reaches the maximum water capacity displayed on the gauge.
3. Once finished, turn off your machine and remove the garden hose.
4. Compare the amount of water filled inside your bucket to your machine’s maximum capacity by measuring the difference in millimeters.

Hope you have found the total GPM of your machine.

Install a Splitter on Your Water Source

If you live in an area with no access to a municipal water supply, you will need to install a splitter on your water source. A splitter is an adapter that allows a single garden hose to feed multiple outlets. Typically, a garden hose without a splitter will only allow you to fill a small bucket. However, with a splitter, you can easily fill five or six buckets simultaneously.

Installation Instructions

Once you have purchased a splitter, take it home and follow these instructions to install it on your water source:

Firstly: Turn off your water source valve.

Secondly: Remove the cap from the end of the garden hose.

Thirdly: Insert the garden hose into the sprayer port on the back of the splitter.

Fourthly: Attach the garden hose to water source.

Fifthly: Turn on the water source valve again.

Finally: Check for any leaks using the instructions mentioned above.

After installing the splitter, plug the garden hose into the spinner port on the back of your pressure washer. Ensure that the garden hose is completely plugged into the spinner port; otherwise, you may risk damaging the pressure washer.

Note: It is important to remember that when turning on your pressure washer, the water level indicator is fully submerged under the waterline. If not, you may damage your washer.

Connect Your Garden Hose to the Water Inlet of the Pressure Washer

The next step you need to perform after connecting your garden hose to your pressure washer is to connect your garden hose to the water inlet. To do this, first, disconnect your garden hose from the spinner port located at the back of your pressure washer. Next, open the faucet and insert the garden hose through the hole located on the side of the faucet. Finally, close the faucet and tighten the screw tightly.

Connecting your garden hose to the inlet should be easy since all you need to do is loosen the screw holding the garden hose to the faucet. However, if you are having trouble doing so, you can also try tightening the screw more firmly. As long as your garden hose fits properly inside the water inlet, then it should work fine.

Connect the Pressure Hose to the Wand of the Pressure Washer

Next, you will need to attach the pressure hose. Before doing this, you need to turn off your pressure washer. To connect the pressure hose to your wand, simply pull out the wand, insert the nozzle of the pressure hose into the tip of the wand, and push the plunger down. When the plunger goes down, the pressure hose automatically connects itself to the wand.

Now, you have successfully connected your garden hose to your pressure cleaner! You now have the option to start cleaning your lawn or driveway. Anyway, make sure that the faucet is tightly clamped.

Test If the Pressure Washer Is Working Efficiently

Once you have connected the garden hose to the wand, you must test whether or not the pressure washer is working efficiently by spraying some water onto your grass or driveway. If the pressure washer does not seem to work well, then you might want to check your faucet and other fittings to see whether they are tight enough or not. Ensure that the faucet is securely clamped before using the pressure washer.

Can you use a garden hose on a pressure washer?

Yes, you can use a garden hose on your pressure washer as the garden hoses are designed to withstand high-pressure water. Therefore, there is no problem with attaching one to your pressure washer.

However, it would be best to keep in mind that while using a garden hose on a power washer, you will only be able to operate it at low pressures (50 psi). Moreover, you should reduce the amount of time you will be using the garden hose on your power washer. Moreover, you must always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any garden hose. These will help you to avoid injuries.

Tips for Using a Garden Hose on a Power Washer

Before starting your pressure washer, here are some important notes that will assist you getting more benefits of using a garden hose on it.

Ensure that the hose is clean.

Never attempt to wash anything with a garden hose attached to a pressure washer. Even though the hose is made to withstand high pressure, it still cannot handle the force exerted by a power washer.

If you are unsure how much water you need to cover an area, you can measure the volume of required water by measuring the length and width of the area which you need to clean. Then, multiply the two numbers together to find out the required water gallons.

Use a bucket or container to catch all the excess water from your garden hose.

To prevent damage to the surface while washing, you should never run the garden hose straight against its target. Instead, use a slight angle to direct the water flow towards the object.

Avoid using a garden hose on delicate surfaces such as wood and concrete.

Using a garden hose on these objects may cause them to crack or break. In addition, using a garden hose on wooden surfaces can create splinters, leading to cuts or abrasions.

What kind of garden hose do I need for a pressure washer?

In market you will find various garden hoses. Each type comes with specific features suitable for a particular task. For example, if you intend to use the garden hose on your pressure washing machine, you should opt for a garden hose with a fitting specifically designed for this purpose.

Moreover, each type has its advantages and shortcomings. Thus, you have to choose according to your need and budget

However, you may require two kinds of hoses for your power washer. One connects the faucet with pressure washer. That’s the low-pressure hose (the one you use most often). And the other connects the spray gun with your pressure washer (the one you use when you’re cleaning something hard).

The Low-pressure hose connecting the pressure washer with your Faucet.

This hose is used to fill up the tank with water from your faucet. It also helps to remove dirt and grime from the nozzle of the power washer. This low-pressure hose usually runs at 20 PSI or less.

A pressure regulator is used to reduce the pressure of the water coming through your faucet to the desired level. The pressure regulator ensures that you don’t exceed the recommended working pressure of the pressure washer. Moreover, it prevents the water from gushing out too fast. Thus, you avoid damaging the lawn or grass around your house.

You may want to buy a pressure regulator because it allows you to set the water pressure to anywhere between 10PSI – 50PSI. Usually, US garden hose sizes range from 3/4 inches to 1 inch, while those in Europe are 2 inches wide. So, before buying a new pressure regulator, make sure it fits the hose size you’ve chosen. Also, check if it comes with instructions. If so, read them carefully before installing them.

Generic Garden Hose

This type of garden hose can be used for both purposes. However, we do not recommend it for those who wish to use pressure washers on delicate surfaces like wood or concrete.

The generic garden hose is also not good for people with pets or small children because it does not have a child-resistant plug.

Bionic Steel Garden hose

Bionic steel garden hose is made of high-quality steel and is much stronger than ordinary garden hoses. These garden hoses come in various lengths ranging from 24 feet to 300 feet. They are strong enough to withstand high temperatures. Plus, they feature an anti-corrosion coating that makes them resistant to rust, which means that even after years of use, you would still be able to wash away any dust particles or stains without having to worry about corrosion.

On top of all these great attributes, bionic steel garden hoses come at affordable prices. Anyway, if you prefer to buy a longer-length garden hose, you can order extra extension connectors along with it.

To ensure maximum performance, you should clean the garden hose regularly to prevent clogs. Keep it outside in the sun and air for at least 6 hours to eliminate any impurities.

HBLife expandable garden hose

An expandable garden hose is ideal for those who live in areas where rainfall is heavy or frequent. Compared to regular garden hoses, expandable ones are more flexible, thus handling increased flow rates. For example, if you use a garden hose with a diameter of 4 inches, you will only be able to carry a maximum flow rate of approximately 5 gallons per minute. But, when you choose an expandable garden hose, its internal diameter can increase to as much as 8 inches, enabling it to handle a peak flow rate of up to 20 gallons per minute.

In addition to this, since there’s no restriction, larger diameter garden hoses can handle higher pressures. Therefore, such garden hoses are suitable for delicate surfaces like hardwood floors.

When choosing an expandable garden hose for outdoor usage, try to go for one that has a nozzle with a wider opening. Such a design facilitates easy cleaning of dirt buildup inside the nozzle. Furthermore, it helps prevent the accumulation of contaminants that damage the rubber gasket.

Nifty grower garden hose

Another popular option among homeowners is the nifty grower garden hose. Unlike other garden hoses, nifty growers do not need a separate stopcock. Instead, they have built-in ball valves. The advantage of using these types of garden hoses is that they are cheaper and easier to install.

Furthermore, they are suitable for applications where you need frequent movement of the hoses. As mentioned earlier, nifty growers don’t require the installation of a stop cock. Since they’re already connected to the mainline, you just have to turn the water supply off before moving the hose. When you finish washing your car or lawnmower, simply turn the water back on. Moreover, if you want, you can attach a garden hose extender kit to extend the reach of the nifty grower garden hoses.

Owning your own water pressure washer has many benefits. Whether you are planning to take care of a large commercial or residential property, it can help you all the way. Nifty Grower Garden Hose is made of high-quality, durable materials. It’s extendable up to 100 feet. It’s lightweight and easy to use, and easy to clean. Working pressure is between 40 and 80 psi. The temperature range is between 41 and 113 degrees F. Nifty Grower Garden Hose is the perfect tool for cleaning your car, windows, and other surfaces.

Flexzilla hose

Flexzilla Garden Hose is another type of hose designed specifically for gardening purposes. It’s also known as Flexible Sprayer Hose. This kind of garden hose is extremely versatile. In fact, it can work equally well indoors and outdoors. This kind of garden hose is unique because it doesn’t contain a valve.

Flexzilla hoses are made from a hybrid polymer, are kinky-free, and are rated up to 100 PSI.

The hoses are easy to use and are good at cleaning up spills.

It is good for cleaning up after heavy rainstorms.

Affordable price.

It lasts long.

The high-pressure hose connecting the spray gun with the pressure washer

A typical pressure washer has an output pressure of 1500PSI and up. If your hose can handle a lower pressure, you should be fine using it. A typical pressure washer uses high-pressure water to remove dirt and grime from surfaces such as concrete or brick. This pressure washer has a nozzle that sprays liquid cleaning solution.

High-pressure hoses come in various sizes. Usually, the size refers to the nozzle diameter. However, some manufacturers market their hoses by giving them different names. For instance, the name might indicate the number of barbs on the nozzle (such as barbless). 

Yamatic kink-resistant hose

If you prefer a more compact design, consider buying a yamatic kink-free garden hose. These hoses usually feature a smaller nozzle. They are also more convenient when compared to conventional garden hoses. You can easily store them away. Moreover, there is no need to worry about damaging them because they won’t break.

Yamatic garden hoses are safe for use around children.

They are also affordable.

These hoses are available in three different models:

2’5″ model – ideal for small properties

3’8″ model – great for larger properties

4’6” model – ideal for medium-sized properties

There are two types of yamatic hoses: Yamatic standard garden hoses &Yamatic premium garden hoses. Standard hoses come with either 4 or 6 barbed tips. Premium hoses feature 8 or 12 barbed tips.

Greenworks washer hose

Greenworks produces a wide variety of hoses ranging from 2’5″ to 6’5″. Their hoses are all constructed from polyethylene material. They are also very robust and feature double-wall construction. Some of these hoses come with removable plastic caps. There are other versions of Greenworks hoses that have a twist-on cap.

It’s made out of durable materials.

It’s rated up to 2000 PSIs.

It weighs less than 1.2 lbs.

Twinkle Star hose

Twinkle Star hoses are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The manufacturing process involves extruding the tubes while still warm. Because of this, the rubber material remains soft.

If you are looking hoses for commercial application then Twinkle Star hoses can be a great one.

The hose features an anti-kinking system. It’s lightweight and flexible and is a perfect fit for your application. Moreover, it can heat up to 176 degrees F. It comes in six colors. Some of which include black, brown, green, gray, orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, white, blue, etc.

What are the things I need to consider for the best garden hose?

When choosing between a standard garden hose and a premium one, you must think about the following factors:

Water pressure

You should always buy a product that matches your water pressure requirement. It will ensure that you don’t damage any of your property.

Tip! When selecting a pressure washer, consider whether you want to use a handheld pump or a fixed-pump model. In general, fixed-pump models offer greater versatility and power. So if you’re planning to use your pressure washer frequently, it would be advisable to opt for a fixed-pump version.

Temperature

Most crucial factor to consider before purchasing a garden hose is its Temperature. If you live in a warmer climate, you should go for a hose designed for hot temperatures. This way, you’ll be able to work at ease without worrying about getting burned by the hot water. On the contrary, if you live in a colder area, you should select a hose that is insulated to protect against cold weather conditions.

Noise level

A noisy hose may not only disturb you but also create problems in your home. For this, you need to look for a quiet option. A quieter hose will help reduce noise pollution around your house.

Durability

Durability is another noticeable issue to consider. Your garden hose needs to last long enough for enjoying its benefits for years to come. To ensure durability, choose a high-quality hose resistant to cracking, kinks, and tears.

Weight

Hose weight matters too. You don’t want to carry heavy loads around when you’re busy working outdoors. Therefore, you should pick a lightweight hose that won’t tire you out easily.

Piping Material

One of the most significant considerations when purchasing a garden hose is its piping material. Hose suppliers usually specify the materials of their products. However, some manufacturers do not disclose this information on their packaging. If you have any doubts, check the manufacturer’s website to find out exactly what kind of material they have used for their products.

List of common piping materials:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
• Polypropylene (PP)
• Polyurethane (PU)
• Rubber
• Natural rubber (NR)

Nozzle Size

Another thing you must consider when shopping for a garden hose is the size of its nozzle. A nozzle helps you direct water flow to where you want it. You can adjust the speed of water by adjusting the nozzles.

For example, if you have a small area to cover, you should choose a smaller nozzle. On the other hand, you should get a bigger nozzle if you need to clean a large space

Length

Another factor you must keep in mind when buying a garden hose is its length. While different sizes are available, it is better to go for a longer one to avoid unnecessary bending.

Cleaning Tips

If you want to improve the condition of your garden hose, here are some cleaning tips you may want to follow: Drain off all debris. 

Can you use a 100 ft garden hose on a pressure washer?

Yes, you can use a 100 ft garden hose on a pressure washer. The pressure washer uses high pressure and lots of water to remove stubborn dirt and stains from surfaces like concrete, asphalt, wood, brick, stone, or cement. However, it works best when used with a garden hose because the pressure washer does not provide enough force to penetrate deeply into the cleaned surface. The extra power provided by the garden hose allows the pressure washer to reach places that would otherwise require multiple passes with the pressure washer.

Moreover, the garden hose provides an easy way to fill up the pressure washer tank. It also prevents splashing while filling up the pressure washer. Additionally, the garden hose reduces the risk of injury due to mishandling.

All these hoses perform similar functions. But each has certain advantages that allow it to stand out.

How To Keep Pressure Washer Hose From Kinking

Keeping pressure washer hoses from kinking is a concern for many users. As a result, we have come up with a simple guide that could help you understand how to keep the pressure washer hose from getting kinked.

Step 1

The first step to ensure that your pressure washer hose doesn’t get kinked is to make sure it is straight before connecting it to the pressure washer. In other words, don’t just throw it anywhere. Make sure to properly position the pressure washer hose before proceeding further.

Step 2

Next, turn off the water supply to the pressure washer hose. Now, run the water until it dries completely. Then, pull the hose gently and slowly. If the hose comes back to its original shape, then it means your pressure washer hose hasn’t been twisted.

Step 3

Now, if the hose still doesn’t return to its previous state, then the next thing you need to do is to take a look at where the kinks were formed. You should see two areas of the hose – one near the end and another near the middle. They are more likely to be prone to kinking than the rest of the hose. So, what you need to do now is take your pressure washer hose and cut those spots. It will reduce the chances of the hose kinking again.

pressure washer hose connector screw fix

It may seem like a small issue, but when the pressure washer hose becomes damaged, it can lead to serious issues. For example, if the hose gets disconnected from the pressure washer, then there is no way to know how much water remains in the tank. Also, if the hose disconnects while it is filled with water, the user may suffer from a dangerous situation.

If this happens, all you need to do is find the right pressure washer hose connector.

First, check whether the pressure washer hose connector is compatible with your pressure washer or not. Some manufacturers recommend using their connectors, while others suggest using universal ones. Therefore, it is highly recommended to go through the user manual before buying any product.

Second, choose a hose fitting designed specifically for your pressure washer. For instance, you could use a female-to-female connection or a male-to-male connection.

Third, look at the length of the pressure washer hose and pick the fittings accordingly.

Fourth, ensure that the pressure washer hose isn’t too long. Too long a pressure washer hose could cause problems during operation.

Fifth, test the pressure washer hose connections before putting them on the pressure washer. It would prevent potential damage to the pressure washer and save you time and money.

Sixth, make sure to tighten the pressure washer hose connection with a wrench. 

Conclusion

To sum up, it is always best to carry out regular maintenance on your pressure washers. We recommend you to clean the sprayer regularly. However, it is essential to perform these tasks after going through the guidelines.

Also, it is vital to buy pressure washer hoses made of high-quality material. The hose must have good resistance against chemicals such as gasoline and chloroform. It must be able to withstand both strong winds and heavy rain. Moreover, the hose should come with an appropriate pressure washer hose connector that ensures the pressure washer’s proper functioning without causing any damage to the equipment.