Using an Expandable Hose with a Pressure Washer: Definitive Guide

If you plan on using an expandable hose with a pressure washer, it’s essential to connect it from your house water system to the pressure washing system.

However, if you intend to use the expandable hose as the pressure washing hose, you should first check its integrity to ensure it can safely handle the pressurized system.

If you’ve just acquired a pressure washer, you’re probably eager to put it to use!

However, if your hose is expandable, you may be concerned that the pressure could cause it to burst. You should exercise caution when using an expandable hose with a pressure washer.

Continue reading to learn about the potential safety benefits and drawbacks of using an expandable hose with your pressure washer.

By understanding these factors, you can take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your property.

Close up view of varying expandable hoses with a pressure washer.

Related Reading: Can Pressure Washers Be Used Without a Hose?

Using an Expandable Hose With A Pressure Washer

If you plan on using your expandable hose with a pressure washer, it’s crucial to know if your hose can handle the washing system’s pressure.

This is especially important if you want to use it as the connection between the washer and the handle you use.

There are a few factors to consider in this case.

  1. Age
  2. Material
  3. Length

The compatibility of the hose with a pressure washer relies on factors such as its length, material, and age.

Expandable hoses may be convenient for storage and eliminating kinks, but their flexibility is unnecessary for pressure washing.

One of the biggest concerns when using a pressure washer is ensuring that your hose is strong enough to handle the high water pressure required for operation.

It’s important to note that not all hoses are suitable when using an expandable hose with a pressure washer.

It’s important to be mindful of this when exploring the capabilities of your pressure washer.

Related Article: Best Pressure Washers Under $200 and Under $300

Age

If you suspect that your hose is old and may have small cracks, it is best to avoid using it.

This applies to an expandable hose with a pressure washer and non-expandable hoses.

A bursting hose can lead to water being sprayed all over the place, which is something you definitely want to avoid.

If a hose has cracks, it cannot push water out with the same pressure as when it was new.

This happens because the cracks release air and water.

Even small amounts of leakage affect the hose’s performance, resulting in poor pressure washing results.

Material

When selecting a hose for your pressure washer, it’s important to consider the material it’s made of.

PVC pipes are not very strong or durable, so it’s not the best option.

However, the best material to use is rubber, which is strong and durable enough to handle the pressure.

Keep in mind that rubber hoses can be heavy, so consider the weight when making your decision.

The material used to make a hose affects its ability to distribute pressure.

A strong and thick material works well, while a thin and flexible one cannot distribute pressure as effectively.

Length

When selecting a collapsible hose for your pressure washer, it’s important to consider its length.

A hose with a good length will enable you to move it around effectively.

It also contributes to water distribution, reducing the risk of accidents by evenly distributing the water pressure.

When pressure washing, it’s important to consider whether an expandable hose is suitable for your system.

This will help you avoid damaging the hose or compromising your ability to clean surfaces effectively.

Understanding Pressure With Your Expandable Hose

To avoid damaging the hose and ensure effective surface cleaning, it’s important to make sure that the pressure of the expandable hose is suitable for your system.

If you’re interested in using a pressure washer with your hose, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of PSI (pounds per square inch), which measures the amount of pressure.

Related Article: Can You Use a Pressure Washer Without a Hose?

According to experts, hoses with a diameter of ¼ inch can be used with power washers that have a pressure of up to 2700 PSI.

For power washers with pressures in the range of 2700-3400 PSI, hoses with diameters of 5/16 and 3/8 inches can be used.

The larger the diameter of the hose, the higher the PSI, which translates to more power for you.

Related Article: Can You Use a Collapsible Hose With Power Washer?

Can you connect a collapsible hose to a power washer? It is not recommended to use flimsy expandable hoses for the connection between the power washer and the pressurized handle.

These hoses lack the necessary strength to contain the high pressure of the power washer.

It is best to use thick rubber hoses for this connection, as they can safely contain the pressure.

This is about using expandable hoses for high-pressure connections, which is not recommended as they are not designed for it.

However, some individuals have still used them and found it to work well for their needs. Nonetheless, it is essential to note that it is not recommended.

Final Thoughts

It’s best to research the compatibility of your specific hose and pressure washer.

Generally, it’s safe to use your expandable hose when connecting your house water to the pressure washer.

However, if you decide to use another method, please proceed with caution.

It’s important to know the pressure limits of your pressure washer and take necessary precautions in order to use it safely.

Avoid any potential risks by exercising caution while operating the machine.

You now have a better understanding of its specifications and can confidently use it to power wash to your heart’s desire!

Related Article: 11 Pressure Washer Safety Tips You Should Know

Always be Safe!

Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!