Water pressure refers to the force at which water is delivered through the hose. Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and can be influenced by several factors, such as clogged or leaking pipes, excessive corrosion in the spigot valve, or a lack of water pressure from the street. The ideal water pressure for a garden hose in most residential settings is between 40 and 60 PSI, ensuring that your plants receive a consistent and sufficient water supply.
It really sucks when you have to mess with these things, but the most common signs of low water pressure in a garden hose are weak or inconsistent water flow and difficulty using attachments. Low water pressure in a garden hose can cause various issues for yard or garden owners, such as longer watering times, uneven water distribution, inadequate watering of plants, or even damage to the outdoor water system.
If you have any new insights or photos to share on cool fixes you’ve found for garden hose water pressure issues and it’s not listed here, please contact me (Jeff Henderson) at jeff.h@igra-world.com and (417) 414-5099
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to increase water pressure in your garden hose:
- Look for any leaks
- Ensure that the garden hose is correctly linked to the spigot and nozzle
- Ensure the hose is not kinked/ twisted
- Ensure there is no dirt and blockages in your garden hose
- Check the Pressure at your Main Supply
- Connect your garden hose to a water pressure pump to increase the pressure
- 1. Look for any leaks
- 2. Ensure that the garden hose is correctly linked to the spigot and nozzle
- 3. Ensure the hose is not kinked/ twisted
- 4. Ensure there is no dirt and blockages in your garden hose
- 5. Check the Pressure at your Main Supply
- 6. Connect your garden hose to a water pressure pump to increase the pressure
- Frequently asked questions
- Can water temperature affect garden hose pressure?
- Is it safe to increase water pressure in garden hose?
- Does garden hose length affect water pressure?
- Wrapping it up
1. Look for any leaks
Leaks refer to water escaping from the garden hose due to damage, such as cracks, holes, or loose connections. Leaks are the most common causes of low pressure in a garden hose, and they can lead to inefficient watering of plants, potential damage to the hose itself, or water wastage, which increases your water bills. Leaks can also be a big issue if you’re using your hose to run a pressure washer, which needs a constant water supply.
To examine for any leaks on your hose:
- Start by laying it flat on the ground.
- Turn on the water and move along the hose to check if water is escaping from any points. You should bring your eyes down to the ground to detect these leaks, as they can be minimal.
- If you encounter any leak, repair it using a rubber patching kit.
2. Ensure that the garden hose is correctly linked to the spigot and nozzle
The spigot controls the initial water flow into the hose, while the nozzle directs the output. Properly connecting a garden hose to the spigot and the nozzle creates a tight seal and prevents water leakage. For instance, a spigot with excessive corrosion or a clogged pipe can lead to low pressure at the hose spigot. Similarly, an obstruction in the sprayer or hose itself can also cause low pressure.
3. Ensure the hose is not kinked/ twisted
A “kink” or “twist” refers to a sharp bend or curl in the hose obstructing water flow. Kinks and twists cause reduced water flow and weaken the hose material, leading to cracks, leaks, or even rupture over time.
If you experience that the water suddenly slows to a trickle while watering your garden or lawn, you have a kink or twist on your garden hose. To fix this drop in water pressure:
- Walk along the hose and look for any twisted points.
- Straighten the kink, and you’ll be good to go.
- If your hose is rolled up on a garden hose reel, check it as well and fix the twist up.
4. Ensure there is no dirt and blockages in your garden hose
The dirt inside the hose is another major cause of low water pressure in a garden hose. To remove the dirt, you need to clean it using either bleach or vinegar. For proper maintenance, we recommend that you carry out garden hose cleaning at least once per year, especially at the onset of spring.
If there are no issues on your hose, your pressure from the water main is shallow.
5. Check the Pressure at your Main Supply
The main water supply is the primary water line, allowing water to enter your property or home, typically under the roadway. Common reasons for low water pressure in the main supply line are poorly designed water supply systems, plumbing leaks, or temporary restrictions in the supply line.
To troubleshoot this issue:
- Identify the main water supply for your home first, then turn off faucets and any other water-consuming appliances in your home.
- Connect a ¾ water pressure gauge to the nozzle of the main water supply and twist the nozzle counterclockwise.
- If the main water supply doesn’t have a nozzle, attach the pressure gauge to the nearest faucet.
Take the readings of the pressure gauge. Ideal water pressure ranges anywhere between 45 and 55 PSI. Normal water pressure is 40-60 PSI, so anything around 70 PSI will likely damage your gardening appliances. If the water pressure gauge registers anything below ideal (45 PSI), your home water supply is the leading cause of low pressure in your garden hose. Low and normal water pressure can be improved as follows:
If you experience low water pressure (below 45 PSI), use a wrench and turn the water pressure regulator’s bolt clockwise to increase the water pressure. Use a screwdriver if your PRV has a screw in place of bolts. Do quarter-turn increments while rechecking the water pressure and stop once the pressure is up to the required level. Do not surpass the 70 PSI. Garden hoses and most garden accessories can’t handle that pressure, and they could burst.
Installing a water pressure booster is the easiest fix for a low main supply water pressure. A water pressure booster is a device that increases the water pressure in a plumbing system. Different types of these boosters are available in garden stores or online, below is our favorite one:
KOLERFLO 120W Water Pressure Booster Pump
Caution: Install the water pressure booster for appropriate tasks. Don’t install when watering delicate plants, it could damage them.
6. Connect your garden hose to a water pressure pump to increase the pressure
A water pressure pump, also known as a garden hose pump, is a powered device used to increase the amount of water pressure from a faucet or to move water from one area or elevation to another. Water pressure pumps are especially beneficial for irrigation systems that use long soaker hoses, which may require more pressure than a standard faucet can provide. Without a pump, the water may not move through the entire length of the hoses.
To install a water pressure pump, connect the pump to an outlet and use the hose linked to the pump for a more robust stream. Below is our favorite water pressure booster:
Water Diaphragm Self Priming Pump 3.0 Gallons
Frequently asked questions
Can water temperature affect garden hose pressure?
Yes, water temperature can affect garden hose pressure. The working pressure noted on a hose is gauged on standard operating conditions and temperature (65 – 75 degrees F). When the temperatures climb towards the high end of their spectrum, the materials like rubber and plastics tend to become more pliable. Consequently, this has an inverse effect on the pressure rating of the hose assembly as the heat elevates.
Is it safe to increase water pressure in garden hose?
Yes, it is safe to cautiously increase water pressure in a garden hose. You have the ability to modify the water pressure by rotating the adjusting screw or knob on your water pressure regulator in a clockwise manner. Commence with minor tweaks and examine the water flow in your garden hose to ascertain if the pressure has ameliorated. If deemed necessary, execute additional adjustments until you reach the water pressure you find satisfactory.
Does garden hose length affect water pressure?
Yes, garden hose length does affect water pressure. While water navigates through an elongated hose, it encounters more internal surface area compared to a shorter one. This augmented surface area incurs more friction, leading to a decrement in water pressure as the length augments. For example, a hose of 25-foot length could exhibit a flow rate of 24 gallons per minute (GPM), contrasting with a 100-foot hose which may only exhibit a flow rate of 6 gallons per minute. It’s imperative to opt for a hose that is marginally longer than the utmost distance you require to traverse, as possessing excessive length can diminish both water pressure and flow rate.
Wrapping it up
Gardening is a rewarding job, isn’t it? Whether you’re gardening for a pay or not. Don’t let your plants perish because of low pressure in your garden hose. Before you result to spending money in search of professional help, consider the tips above on how to increase water pressure in garden hose and see if you can figure it out.
Do you have any concern or questions? Please leave a comment below, we will be glad to get back and help you with your issue(s).
