Getting maximum cleaning power from your pressure washer requires the right hose. 5/8 and 3/4 inch are popular sizes – but which is better? This in-depth guide compares flow rate, pressure rating, distance, durability, cost, and cleaning abilities to help choose the ideal hose size for your needs.
Pressure washers rely on a flexible high-pressure hose to channel and direct the pressurized water from the washer unit to the surface being cleaned. Hoses come in different diameter sizes, with 5/8 and 3/4 inches being common options.
But why does hose size matter? The diameter significantly impacts key factors like:
- Flow rate – the GPM or gallons per minute of water the hose can deliver
- Distance – length the hose can run without pressure loss
- Strength – durability and robustness against wear
- Cleaning power – ability to handle light or heavy duty cleaning jobs
We’ll compare these key differences between 5/8 and 3/4 inch pressure washer hoses so you can determine the right size for your specific washing projects and needs.
Flow Rate Differences
Flow rate, measured in GPM or gallons per minute, refers to the volume of pressurized water the hose can carry from the pressure washer to the cleaning surface. More flow equates to more cleaning power.
5/8 inch hoses are designed for flow rates between 4-5 GPM. This level of water flow is suitable for most general residential cleaning like vehicles, decks, patios, siding, and smaller projects.
3/4 inch hoses offer substantially higher flow rates in the range of 6-8+ GPM thanks to their larger internal diameter. The increased flow makes 3/4 hoses ideal for heavy duty cleaning of large areas like long driveways, commercial equipment, multi-story buildings, and tackling caked-on messes.
So if your pressure washing needs demand maximum flow and cleaning power for heavy duty jobs, a 3/4 inch hose is the best choice. For more moderate household tasks, a 5/8 inch hose provides sufficient flow.
Pressure Rating
The pressure rating indicates how much internal pressure, measured in PSI or pounds per square inch, the hose can withstand without failing.
Both 5/8 and 3/4 inch hoses are designed and reinforced to handle pressure ratings around 3000 PSI and up for most consumer and commercial pressure washers.
Higher-end professional rigs may output well over 3000 PSI, but for typical residential washers in the 2000-3000 PSI range, either hose size should suffice in terms of pressure tolerance.
Just verify your washer doesn’t exceed the hose’s rated PSI to prevent possible leakage or rupture failures down the line. As long as you stay within the working pressure of the hose, both 5/8 and 3/4 inch options are suitable choices here.
Hose Length Capabilities
A pressure washer hose needs to be long enough to comfortably reach all areas you need to clean from the washer unit’s set-up position. Excessive distance causes pressure drop.
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5/8 inch hoses work reasonably well at lengths up to 75-100 feet. This gives enough length for maneuvering around most properties without repositioning the washer frequently.
3/4 inch hoses are capable of maintaining pressure and flow at much longer distances – 200 feet or more. The wider inner diameter reduces pressure loss across longer runs.
If cleaning large properties, tall/large structures, or commercial spaces, a 3/4 inch hose maximizes your cleaning range from a single set-up spot. But 5/8 inch works fine for average homes or yards.
Maneuverability
Hose maneuverability affects how easily you can snake it around obstacles and direct the nozzle into tight spaces.
5/8 inch hoses tend to be slightly more flexible, making them easier to manipulate around corners or navigate through confusing path layouts.
3/4 inch hoses are stiffer due to their larger diameter, so they don’t turn or bend as easily. A swivel joint attachment can greatly help with 3/4 inch hose handling.
For accessibility into cramped areas between obstacles, 5/8 inch hoses have an advantage. But for open layouts, a 3/4 inch hose is still quite manageable.
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Robustness
A pressure washer hose must stand up to the demands of high pressure operation and abuse from being dragged across surfaces. Durability is essential.
3/4 inch hoses feature thicker walls and reinforced internal tubing. This makes them extremely rugged and tough. They can withstand years of commercial use and accidental abuse.
5/8 inch hoses are reasonably durable for moderate duties, but not quite as impervious to abrasions or punctures as heavy duty 3/4 inch models.
If your hose will experience heavy wear and tear, the extra robustness of a 3/4 inch size is highly recommended to maximize longevity.
Cost Considerations
With more material and reinforced construction, it’s not surprising that 3/4 inch hoses cost noticeably more than 5/8 inch models.
But the 3/4 inch hoses stand up better to prolonged commercial use over time. So despite higher upfront cost, they can be a smart investment for demanding cleaning businesses to reduce hose replacements.
For light residential use, a 5/8 inch hose provides sufficient durability and will be the cheaper option.
So determine whether the improved longevity of a 3/4 inch hose justifies the added cost for your needs.
Cleaning Power
As mentioned earlier, the higher flow rate capacity of 3/4 inch hoses directly translates to more rigorous cleaning capabilities.
The extra 1-3 GPM water output packs a punch when trying to dislodge stuck-on contaminants, strip paint or heavy debris, or just power through big cleaning jobs faster.
5/8 inch hoses work fine for moderate dirt, mud, dust, grease, and grime removal for homes. But the lower 4-5 GPM flow can’t match the cleaning muscle of 6-8+ GPM that 3/4 inch provides.
When you need maximum scrubbing power, a 3/4 inch hose delivers.
When to Upgrade to 3/4 Inch
Here are the key reasons to upgrade from a standard 5/8 inch hose to a more powerful 3/4 inch model:
- Cleaning large commercial spaces or properties
- Removing extremely stubborn gunk, grease, paint, etc
- Using hot water or gas pressure washers over 3500 PSI
- Cleaning fast by covering more surface area per minute
- Maximum reach needed from washer unit location
If any of those describe your pressure washing requirements, a 3/4 inch hose is likely the best fit.
Matching Hose Size to Job
As a quick guide:
For most household cleaning tasks – vehicles, decks, patios, etc – a 5/8 inch hose is sufficient.
For commercial jobs – big buildings, long driveways, equipment cleaning – a 3/4 inch hose provides the extra flow and durability to optimize performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
3/4 inch pressure washer hoses are the ideal choice when you need to clean big spaces quickly, tackle extremely stubborn gunk, or just want maximum power in your hands.
But for basic residential cleaning, a 5/8 inch hose will meet your needs and save on costs.
So determine your specific pressure washing requirements, then choose the right hose size that matches the job. Going for 3/4 inch does give you headroom to grow into bigger projects. But 5/8 inch works great for typical homeowner duties.
Consider flow rate, distance, durability, and cleaning power as you choose a hose size that suits your unique needs and maximizes your pressure washer’s performance.
