Best Garden Hose For Pressure Washing
Tampa Bay Soft Wash & Pressure Cleaning would like to share our opinion on the best garden hose for pressure washing. When browsing various online forums it seems like someone is always interested in learning about what is the best garden hose to use for their home or pressure washing business.
Sometimes it can be confusing with all of the different opinions but in the end, it all boils down to preference.
Garden Hose: Durability and Maneuverability Matter
In the pressure washing business, a reliable hose is an unsung hero. Unlike your trusty power washer, it’s the workhorse that connects you to the water source. While a standard garden hose might seem tempting, it just won’t hold up under the high pressure and constant use. So, which hose reigns supreme for professional use? Let’s compare some popular brands:
Durability Champions:
- Flexzilla: A top contender, Flexzilla hoses are known for their abrasion-resistant exteriors that can handle tough environments. They’re built to last and resist the kinks that can plague lesser hoses.
- Briggs & Stratton: Briggs & Stratton hoses are heavy-duty, resist kinking, stay flexible in extreme cold and can be used with hot water.
Maneuverability Masters:
- Aqua Joe: Constructed from a rugged, marine grade fiber jacket surrounding a 5/8-inch flexible inner core, the rip and abrasion-resistant fabric is safe on delicate and painted surfaces no scratching, scuffing or snagging!
- Zero-G: Another strong contender for maneuverability is Zero-G. Their hoses are known for being incredibly lightweight and flexible, making them easy to handle during long pressure washing jobs.
Finding the Perfect Balance:
While both durability and maneuverability are crucial, some hoses prioritize one over the other.
- Durability First: If you tackle frequent high-pressure jobs and prioritize a hose that will last for years, Flexzilla or Briggs & Stratton might be the way to go.
- Maneuverability Matters Most: If you often work in tight spaces or need a hose that’s easy to handle for long periods, Aqua Joe or Zero-G could be your perfect match.
Additional Considerations:
- Warranty: Check the warranty length offered by each brand.
- Length: Choose a hose length that provides enough reach for your typical jobs.
- User Reviews: Reading reviews from other pressure washing professionals can provide valuable insights.
Hose Diameter and Flow Rate
When it comes to garden hoses, diameter is king when it comes to flow rate. A larger diameter hose, like a 3/4 inch compared to a 5/8 inch, offers a significant advantage: more water delivered per minute. This translates to increased efficiency. Here’s the science behind it: a wider diameter translates to less friction loss within the hose. Friction is the enemy of water flow, and a larger diameter offers a smoother path for water to travel.
However, remember, maneuverability is still important. If you find yourself constantly wrestling with a heavy hose in tight spaces, a slightly smaller diameter hose might be a better compromise. Also, a larger hose can take up quite a bit more room and can be significantly heavier, but the increased flow may outweigh these inconveniences. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Final Thoughts & Our Pick
The ideal pressure washer hose depends on your specific needs. Flexzilla excels in both durability and and avoiding kinks, making it a strong contender. Aqua Joe is another great option if lightweight and maneuverability are your top priorities. Consider your workload and prioritize the features most important to you. With a little research, you can find the perfect hose to keep your pressure washing business flowing smoothly.
We ended up going with Zero-G for a few reasons other than it being light and maneuverable. One, it has a 5-year warranty. Two, we have limited space and store it in a 5-gallon bucket. The downfall to this type of hose, even when storing it on a hose real, is that it has to be fully extended to allow water to properly flow.
Thank You For Visiting
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