Part 2 of 3: Considering Length, Diameter, and Overall Quality
- Choose the length based on the size of your property. Garden hoses range from 10 feet (3.0 m) to over 100 feet (30 m) in length.
- Let your pressure needs determine the diameter. A hose with a 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) diameter will deliver about 9 gallons (34 L) of water per minute.
- Look for cast brass fittings. ...
- Pick a brass nozzle to reduce leaks. ...
Full Answer
What is the normal size of a garden hose?
The Difference Between 5/8-Inch and 3/4-Inch Garden Hose
- Water Volume. Hoses with the smaller 5/8-inch diameter supply a narrower water stream compared to larger 3/4-inch hoses -- the water volume expelled through the hose is directly related to ...
- Application. You probably only need a 5/8-inch diameter hose. ...
- Differing Lengths. Both 5/8- and 3/4-inch hoses come in various lengths. ...
- Cost. ...
What is the standard diameter of a garden hose?
Size. Hose diameters range from 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. In the United States, most standard garden hoses are 5/8 inch in diameter. The bigger the diameter, the more water is delivered. Length. Garden hoses are available in increments of 25 feet, usually 25 to 100 feet in total length.
What is the best lightweight garden hose?
- BEST OVERALL: Flexi Hose with 8 Function Nozzle, Lightweight Hose
- BEST BUDGET: Melnor 75′ Flat Soaker Hose with 2 Washers Set
- BEST SPRINKLER HOSE: Swan Products Element Sprinkler Soaker Hose
- BEST COILED HOSE: Instapark Heavy-Duty EVA Recoil Garden Hose
- BEST EXPANDABLE HOSE: GAGALUGEC 50ft Expandable Lightweight Garden Hose
What size garden hose is right for your needs?
Most people choose 5/8-inch diameter hoses for their gardens and all accessories fit into them. 3/4-inch hoses are usually used for professional purposes such as public gardens and parks. Workers need large water volume to save time and cover larger areas; that is why they use 3/4-inch hoses.
Why do we need nozzles for hoses?
In fact, nozzles can be one of the best ways to let your hose perform more jobs and be better at watering than it ever could be without one. There are nozzles for virtually every job; you can buy nozzles to help you water plants at far distances, or water many plants at once by splitting the water stream into a fan.
What is a quick release hose fitting?
Quick release hose fittings are shortcuts for attaching hoses to faucets. These are generally “push-fit”, in that you push them onto your hose’s existing fitting and allows you to quickly slot your hose onto a faucet for quick watering.
Is hose fittings complicated?
Hose fittings, as you can see, are not really complicated if you spend a few moments to look carefully at the hose you have. The nice thing is that threads are virtually always the same size, so all you need to worry about is the internal diameter of your hose.
Can a residential hose fitting have a different thread pitch?
It is rare however to find a residential hose fitting that uses a different thread pitch. There are some exceptions however so let’s explain hose fitting sizing in greater detail and I’ll show you what most of the common fitting and connector sizes are commonly used for.
Does size matter in hoses?
After all, if a hose has a wider opening, then it can deliver more water and faster than hoses with smaller diameter openings. However, hoses with larger openings may have lower water pressure when the water comes out compared to smaller hoses.
Can you clean a hose outside?
Instead, your hose might need to be cleaned. Hoses that spend a lot of time outside can get dirt or debris inside which can impact water flow and water pressure. A great idea is to make a bleach solution with about ¼ of a cup of bleach, which is then added to a bucket of water.
What is the best size hose for a garden?
inch is the most common and a good diameter for adequate water flow and pressure. Garden hoses also come in ½ and ¾-inch diameters. The larger the diameter, the more water the hose can hold. ½ and ¾-inch diameter hoses are best for light tasks such as watering hanging baskets and small gardens.
What size hose should I buy for my lawn?
What diameter garden hose should I buy? Standard household piping is typically ½ inch in diameter, so a garden hose size of ½ inch in diameter will suffice for most lawn and garden uses. Larger diameter hoses are better suited for heavy-duty watering tasks.
How much water does a 3/4 hose deliver?
A 3/4-inch hose can deliver about three times the water of one with a 1/2-inch diameter. Size matters: Large diameter can compensate for variables affecting water pressure -- for example, if the water has to travel uphill. Hose length is a matter of preference.
What is the pressure of a hose?
The average pressure from a home water faucet is about 40 to 60 PSI, but it can be as high as 80 PSI.
Can you fill a water hose with a smaller diameter?
People often fill using a smaller diameter hose, or shorter hosepipes can increase water pressure . This is very far from the truth because they confuse flow rate with pressure. Using smaller pipes would increase water pressure.
Does a longer hose lower water pressure?
Does a longer hose reduce water pressure? The average home water pressure is about 40 pounds per square inch (psi). However, it's also important to remember that the length of your garden hose will affect the flow rate and water pressure. The longer your hose is, the lower your water flow rate will be.
How long is a garden hose?
Garden hoses range from 10 feet (3.0 m) to over 100 feet (30 m) in length. If you have a small lot and simply need to water your grass or flowers, a short hose, such as one that’s 25 feet (7.6 m), should work well. If you have several acres of property, you’ll need to opt for a longer hose, like 100 feet (30 m).
What is the best fitting for a garden hose?
Look for cast brass fittings. Solid, crush-proof fittings are a must for your garden hose. Choose cast brass, rather than stamped brass, to ensure that you won’t need to replace the hose due to damaged fittings. Cast brass fittings also indicate that the hose is high quality.
What side of the ground do sprinkler hoses shoot water into?
Sprinkler hoses lay on the ground with the perforated side facing up and shoot water into the air. Soaker hoses lay on the ground with the perforated side facing sideways or down and allow water to trickle into the soil. ...
What is the best hose to use to water a lawn?
If you live in a mild climate and plan to use the hose to water your lawn or garden, vinyl is a suitable option. Vinyl hoses are light and easy to handle. They often cost less than rubber or reinforced hoses and are a good choice for basic watering needs.
How to stop water leaks in hose?
Pick a brass nozzle to reduce leaks. Attaching a no zzle to the end of the hose changes the way that water is delivered. The nozzle can be twisted to produce a fine spray or a strong stream of water. For the most flexibility in your watering, choose an adjustable nozzle.
How to empty a hose before freezing?
If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, it’s important to drain all the water from your hose before the cold weather hits. Allow gravity to empty the hose by placing one end on an elevated surface, like a picnic table, and the other end on the ground.
What is a garden hose?
A garden hose is an essential piece of outdoor equipment, whether your lawn stretches across several acres or you have a simple patio garden to manage. There are many uses for a garden hose, including watering grass and plants, rinsing off backyard toys, and washing your car. Most hardware and home improvement stores have entire aisles devoted ...
What is the best size hose for a yard?
The most standard diameter found is the 5/8 diameter. It is an all-around good size for your yard. It also has a heavier flow. You want to control that flow with accessories like a hose nozzle. You don’t want to flood your yard, especially if you have to lay it down during the course of your watering.
How long is a garden hose?
Are you doing light watering or deep watering. Sizes for hoses typically range from 25 feet (7.62 m) to 100 feet (30.48 m). How much do you need, that depends on your yard and the uses.
How to measure hose diameter?
The hose diameter is the distance across the inside of your hose. There are two very easy ways to measure this. If you want the same size as you already have, take a ruler out to your hose and measure across the inside. Or take a paper tube and put it in the inside of the opening and measure across.
How many gallons per minute does a hose flow?
Typically, your hose flow rate is between nine and 17 gallons per minute. If you are trying to conserve water for lower your water bill, that is a big thing to consider. The smaller sizes will have a lower flow rate. The water pressure that you have also make a difference. Further Reading.
Which Hose Type Is Right for My Purposes?
First, you need to decide exactly what you're looking for. Sometimes this is the simplest part of the process. If you're looking for a hose to accommodate professional demands, for example, you'll always be looking at commercial garden hoses.
What Length Should I Use?
Garden hoses come in a wide variety of different lengths. Typically, they will be as short as 25 feet or as long as 100 feet.
What Diameter Do You Need?
The diameter that you need will matter as well when you choose a garden hose. This will control the amount of water that can be delivered at one time. Usually, homeowners will use hoses that are 5/8 of an inch, while those using commercial hoses will often need something a bit bigger.
What Kind of Water Do You Want?
Yes, you should ask yourself this too! This is because some hoses are rated capable of delivering hot water, while others are not. Additionally, while some hoses are able to deliver water that is drinkable, others deliver water this is strictly for gardening purposes.
What kind of hose should I use for a large lawn?
For regular sprinkling or watering of a large lawn, go with a heavy-duty hose. Type. The amount of storage space you have will determine whether you want a coiled or expandable hose, or if you want to stick to a standard type. Length.
How big is a hose at Lowes?
According to Lowe’s, hoses range from 3/8- to 3/4-in. in diameter, with most being 5/8-inch. The bigger the diameter, the more water a hose can carry, but the hose will also be heavier. PSI. The flow rate or water speed and pressure in a hose is measured in pounds per square inch, or psi.
What is an all purpose hose?
All-purpose hose. An all-around basic hose for watering and cleaning is available in different sizes and materials, and may be lightweight or heavy-duty. Flat hose. These compact, easy to coil hoses expand when filled with water but lay flat when not.
What is a coupling for a hose?
Also called fittings, couplings are what attaches your hose to the spigot/outdoor faucet and other attachments. They’re made of brass, aluminum and plastic. Brass is the most expensive option but considered the best for performance and longevity. Plastic is the cheapest and least durable choice. Nozzles.
How long do garden hoses last?
Garden hoses don't last forever. When you're in the market for a new one, these tips will help you make an informed purchase. Your garden hose is probably working overtime this summer as you water plants, irrigate a vegetable garden or wash the car. According to hose manufacturer Teknor Apex, a good garden hose will last five to 10 years ...
What is a special feature garden hose?
Special-feature garden hoses: Sprinkler hose. The entire length of a sprinkler hose is flat, with small holes on the top. When the water is turned on, it sprays out of the holes like a sprinkler. Soaker hose. Covered with pinholes, a soaker hose slowly drips water into a garden bed. Drinking-water-safe hose.
What is a hose reel?
Reels and caddies. A hose reel can be attached to the wall of a structure to provide a space for winding up and storing a hose, or it can be freestanding. A hose caddy serves the same purpose, except that it’s portable and comes with a crank for easy hose wind-up. Sprinkler heads.
How big is a garden hose?
Garden hoses are typically 1/2″, 5/8″, or 3/4″ in diameter although the width of their connectors are larger and can vary quite a bit. The only way to measure the inside diameter of the hose is to insert something in one end and measure it instead.
What is the diameter of a garden hose?
There are four different inner diameters of garden hoses: 3/8″ 10mm, 1/2″ 12.5mm, 5/8″ 15mm or. 3/4″ 19mm. Usually ¾-inch hoses are used for professional purposes and wouldn’t be considered to be a normal residential hose. See this post for more on choosing the right garden hose.
What is the difference between a 5/8 inch and 3/4 inch hose?
Here are five of the main differences. 1. Water Volume. 5/8-inch hoses are smaller in diameter than 3/4 –inch hoses; that is why they provide your garden with narrower water stream than the 3/4-inch ones . The diameter and the length of the hose determine the final amount of water coming out of it.
What is the standard size of a valve fitting?
However, they can be specified according to the internal dimensions of the hose or the pipe. The standard fittings are either 3/4-11.5NH or 5/8-11.5NH.
What does it mean when you use a garden hose without determining the flow rate?
Flow Rate Estimation. Due to the presence of many factors; it is difficult to estimate the flow rate. Using a garden hose without determining the flow rate means you will supply your garden with water without knowing the exact amount of time to stop.
What is the best way to determine the flow rate of a garden hose?
Water Pressure . The water pressure is another important factor in determining the flow rate of your garden hose. Water pressure determines the speed of the water through the hose. Knowing the water pressure is essential for getting the best hose for your garden. 3.
Do garden hoses last a lifetime?
Garden hos es don’t last a lifetime and you’ll have to buy a new one eventually. There’s nothing worse than coming home with a brand new garden hose that is completely different from the size, ply, length, or fitting as the one you’ve been using for years.
How to Choose a Garden Hose
Garden hoses aren't the most exciting tools. However, you need them to keep your lawn and garden looking green and fresh. Choosing the best garden hose for your home will depend on your usage, climate and budget. Hose flexibility and durability depends on the material it’s made of.
Types of Garden Hoses
Garden hoses are built for different tasks. A hose for drinking water isn’t the same as a sprinkler hose. As you shop for a new hose, consider the types of garden hoses available:
How to Maintain Your Garden Hoses
Garden hoses may be a small investment, but replacing them yearly could be expensive. With a few simple care tips, your hose will last for many seasons to come. To put it simply: Drain, unkink and reel up your hose to keep it functional.