Do Pressure Washers Work Better With Longer Hoses?

Short version- No.

Long version?

Read on. The right length for you is going to depend on a handful of factors, so use this guide for all you need to know about pressure washer hose length, or use the table of contents to skip to what you need.

Give Me The TLDR- What Length Do I Need?

Consumers can get away with hose lengths of around 20-50 feet for washing their house or vehicle, but the pros will need some extra reach.

Cleaners starting out will usually stick with 50’, as most pressure washers ship with 50 foot hoses, but many applications will require more.

Cleaning residential homes usually requires at least 100’, as 50’ often falls short in getting around the sides of a property. If you clean large trucks / trailers, sidewalks or parking lots, you'll definitely need to choose a longer hose for your application.

Most operators will have a rough idea of the length they need to tackle the jobs they are hired for, but if you are still unsure, your dealer expert can lend you some expertise.

On the fence about what length you need? Think twice before you opt for the longer hose, as you likely know…

Long Hoses Are A Drag.

Literally.

The more length you put on a hose, the harder it is to work with. It will be harder to coil it, harder to pull on it, and easier to trip on or get tangled up in it (ask us how we know).

Even if you opt for lightweight options, each extra foot is going to stack on the pounds, so it will be a bit more difficult to work with it.

Of course, there are hose reels for this purpose.

After you get past 50’ , managing the hose becomes difficult and unreasonable. Even if you run a shorter hose, you can still take advantage of the benefits of a quality hose reel. Utilizing a high pressure swivel, these reels neatly organize your hose into a spool- just wind out the length you need, and wind up when you are done. Servicing low quality reels can be a pain, so check out our line of quality industrial grade hose reels to keep your operation running smoothly without hiccup.

Long Hoses Are More Expensive

Of course, the longer the hose, the higher the cost.

This becomes apparent when comparing hoses side by side. Due to the added difficulty in producing, processing and shipping long hoses, a 200’  hose may be more than 2x that of a 100’ hose- even more reason to stick with a shorter hose if you can.

In other words, replacing 2 short hoses is cheaper than replacing one long hose. Longer hoses are more susceptible to damages as well, so keeping it short will make critical repairs less likely. Running 2 shorter hoses adds redundancy as well - if one hose is damaged, you can still work with a spare otherwise… you’re dead in the water.

But what if you need the length?

Do What The Firefighters Do

Pro tip - run your pressure washer the way fire response runs their trucks.

They show up on all kinds of properties,each with its own challenges and restrictions. Since the hydrants are rarely within close proximity to the flames, most engines will have 1000+ feet of hose onboard to be equipped to respond to all challenges they might face.

Not in one length, though.

They keep their bases covered by carrying an assortment of different hose sizes and lengths that they connect in segments depending on the task.

While an engine company may be able to deploy in excess of 1000 ft at any given time from their crosslays (hose reels), they size up their scene and determine what length hose they will need to take the most practical and effective approach. In the event additional hose is needed, they can always add extra hose as needed to get the job done.

By keeping a second length of hose with QC ends on board, you get the best of both worlds- maneuverability of a shorter hose, with the reach of a longer hose if you need it.

Of course, this suggestion may not be best for everyone. Do most of your jobs regularly require a long stretch of hose? Don't want to risk adding potential leak points with multiple QC connections? Getting a single length of long hose makes more sense.

What About Pressure - Do Long Hoses Cause Pressure Loss?

Well, yes. Pressure loss due to length is unavoidable- all hoses will stretch to some degree under pressure, and pressure loss increases proportionate to the length of the hose.

But how much of a problem is it?

Not much. Under 300 feet, Most users won't notice a significant difference in pressure loss. While some operators may notice pressure drop in longer hoses, it usually won't be enough to significantly hamper cleaning performance.

Summary

Do more with less by running the shortest hose you can get away with. Each extra foot is another foot you will have to fight with, so occasionally moving your pressure washer to cover more ground may be better than a longer hose. If your application requires extra length, it may be better to run 2 shorter hoses QC’d together than one longer hose.

If you have any other questions, your local dealer expert is on standby to provide you with personalized assistance and ensure you find the right fit, every time. Click here to find your local pressure washer parts dealer.