Buying task · High-pressure hoses and reels
High-pressure hoses and reels
Choose a replacement pressure washer hose by both end fittings, a working pressure at or above your machine's maximum, water temperature, inside diameter and length.
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Picks that fit
- Flexzilla HFZPW3425M pressure washer hose, 1/4 in x 25 ft, M22 (14 mm stem)Check price on Amazon
- SIMPSON MorFlex 40226 5/16 in x 50 ft 3,700 PSI cold-water pressure washer hose, M22Check price on Amazon
- SIMPSON Monster Hose 41028 3/8 in x 50 ft 4,500 PSI cold-water pressure washer hose, 3/8 in QCCheck price on Amazon
Short answer
Choose a replacement pressure washer hose by its two ends first: the fitting that meets your pump outlet and the one that meets your gun inlet. Then check that its working pressure meets or exceeds your machine's maximum, that it is rated for the water temperature you use, and pick the inside diameter and length. Construction words come last.
Picks that fitAll picks and how to choose
- Flexzilla HFZPW3425M pressure washer hose, 1/4 in x 25 ft, M22 (14 mm stem)Check price on Amazon
- SIMPSON MorFlex 40226 5/16 in x 50 ft 3,700 PSI cold-water pressure washer hose, M22Check price on Amazon
- SIMPSON Monster Hose 41028 3/8 in x 50 ft 4,500 PSI cold-water pressure washer hose, 3/8 in QCCheck price on Amazon
What this topic covers
A high-pressure hose assembly carries water from the pump outlet to the trigger gun. This topic covers replacement and extension hoses and the reels that hold them. It does not cover garden hoses on the water inlet side, which carry supply water at low pressure.
A hose is the part most often replaced, and the one most often bought with the wrong ends. Machines differ in their fittings, and so do hoses sold to fit them.
The decisions, in order
1. Both end fittings. Read what your machine has at each end of its stock hose. SIMPSON's parts list for the MSH3125 gives the stock hose as a 1/4 in x 25 ft MorFlex hose rated 3,300 PSI with M22 male by M22 female ends.[1] Champion's 100386 uses a 3/8 quick coupler at the pump outlet instead.[2] M22 ends come with a 14 mm or 15 mm stem, and the two do not seal on each other. Flexzilla's table lists all eight of its pressure washer hose SKUs with M22 fittings on a 14 mm stem.[3] The M22 14 mm vs 15 mm guide and the 3/8 vs 1/4 in quick-connect guide explain the standards.
2. Working pressure at or above your machine's maximum. Generac's manual says to replace a damaged hose with one that meets or exceeds the unit's maximum pressure rating.[4] Use the working pressure, not the burst pressure. Flexzilla's table gives each hose a maximum working pressure measured at 70°F and no burst figure, while ProPulse states a working pressure and a separate minimum burst ratio, so the two numbers are different fields.[3][5] Within one brand the rating changes with diameter and family: SIMPSON's listing rates its 1/4 in MorFlex hoses at 3,300 PSI, its 5/16 in MorFlex hoses at 3,700 PSI and its 3/8 in Monster Hose 80398 at 4,500 PSI.[6]
3. Water temperature. A hose's temperature rating belongs to that hose. DEWALT rates its DXPA50PH 3/8 in x 50 ft hose at 5,000 PSI with a 140°F maximum.[7] A hot-rated hose does not make the rest of a cold-water machine hot-water capable.
4. Inside diameter. A wider hose loses less pressure on the way to the gun. Cat Pumps' friction table shows that at 2 GPM, 100 ft of hose loses about 180 PSI with a 1/4 in ID, 60 PSI with 5/16 in and 25 PSI with 3/8 in.[8] General Pump's table shows the same pattern at 4 GPM: about 220 PSI per 100 ft in 5/16 in hose against 90 PSI in 3/8 in.[9] These are reference values, not measurements of any named hose.
5. Length. Loss grows with length, and some makers set a ceiling. Active Products says replacement hoses for the Active 2.0 should be steel-braided rubber, no longer than 100 ft, with pressure and flow ratings that match the washer's output.[10] Other makers may not state a limit; check your manual.
6. Construction last. Braid, cover and "non-marking" are maker descriptions. They do not change which ends fit or what the hose is rated for. The wire braid vs textile braid guide covers what makers say about each.
Hoses with both ends and a rating stated
| Hose (maker's figures) | Ends | Working pressure | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIMPSON Monster Hose 41028, 3/8 in x 50 ft | 3/8 in QC plug and socket | 4,500 PSI | Cold, up to 140°F |
| DEWALT DXPA50PH, 3/8 in x 50 ft | 3/8 in QC socket and plug | 5,000 PSI | 140°F max |
| DEWALT DXPA25PH, 5/16 in x 25 ft | M22, with an included 14/15 mm connector | 3,700 PSI | Cold only |
| Sun Joe SPX-25HD extension, 25 ft | Male and female M22 | 2,900 PSI | Not stated |
SIMPSON lists the 41028 at 4,500 PSI and up to 140°F for cold water.[11] DEWALT lists the DXPA25PH as 5/16 in x 25 ft, rated 3,700 PSI, with M22 connections, an included 14/15 mm M22 connector and cold water only.[12] Sun Joe lists its SPX-25HD as a 25 ft extension rated up to 2,900 PSI with male and female M22 threads, and says it does not fit the SPX4003 series.[13]
Picks that fit4 products
For M22 machines whose outlet and gun take a 14 mm stem, choose Flexzilla's HFZPW3425M (1/4 in x 25 ft, 3,100 PSI working pressure at 70°F); for M22 machines up to 3,700 PSI, SIMPSON's MorFlex 40226 (5/16 in x 50 ft), after you confirm the bore, which SIMPSON does not state; for machines with 3/8 in quick-connect ends, SIMPSON's Monster Hose 41028 or Armor Hose 41114 (both 3/8 in x 50 ft, 4,500 PSI).
More on choosing
Each listing is one size. On Amazon, check that 'Ships from / Sold by' shows Amazon.com or the brand.
M22 hose with a stated 14 mm stem
Flexzilla HFZPW3425M pressure washer hose, 1/4 in x 25 ft, M22 (14 mm stem)
3/8 in quick-connect hose for cold water
SIMPSON Monster Hose 41028 3/8 in x 50 ft 4,500 PSI cold-water pressure washer hose, 3/8 in QC
3/8 in quick-connect hose rated for hot water
SIMPSON Armor Hose 41114 3/8 in x 50 ft 4,500 PSI hot and cold water pressure washer hose, 3/8 in QC
Reels
A reel's rating does not rate the hose on it. Reelcraft's PW81000 OHP reel holds 100 ft of 3/8 in hose, is rated to 5,000 PSI and 212°F, and is sold without hose.[14] The hose you buy for it needs its own rating, and the system is limited by its lowest-rated part.[8] The hose reel ratings guide goes further.
Machines and standards
Start from your machine's page: SIMPSON MSH3125, Westinghouse WPX3200, DEWALT DXPW4440 or Kärcher K2 to K5. Or look yours up in the pressure washer connection finder. The standard pages explain each end: M22 14 mm, M22 15 mm and 3/8 in quick-connect.
Every page on hoses and reels
Start here
Guides
- Hose diameter and length
- Hose PSI and temperature ratings
- Wire braid vs textile braid hose
- Hose reel ratings
- Injection injury and hose damage
- M22 14 mm vs 15 mm fittings
- 3/8 vs 1/4 in quick-connect
Tool
Key terms
hose ID, working pressure, burst pressure, pressure drop, wire braid, textile braid, hose reel and M22 thread.
Everything in this topic
Guides
- How to choose a replacement pressure washer hoseHelps you replace a high-pressure hose with one that fits both ends and is rated for your machine.
- Pressure washer hose diameter and lengthHelps you pick a hose diameter and length that keep pressure loss low for your machine's flow.
- Pressure washer hose PSI and temperature ratingsHelps you read a hose's pressure and temperature ratings and match them to your machine.
- Pressure washer hose reel ratingsHelps you check that a hose reel, and the hose on it, are rated for your machine.
- Injection injuries, damaged hoses and depressurizing firstHelps owners recognize an injection injury as an emergency and follow the makers' rules that prevent one.
- Wire braid vs textile braid pressure washer hosesHelps you read hose construction claims after you have checked the rating and ends.
Shortlists
- Replacement pressure washer hoses with stated ends and ratingsHelps you pick a replacement hose whose ends match your machine and gun and whose working pressure covers your machine's maximum.
Common questions
Can I put any hose on my pressure washer?
No. Both ends must match your pump outlet and gun, and the rating must cover your machine. Some makers go further: Sun Joe's SPX3000 manual says to use only hoses the maker recommends and to contact Sun Joe if unsure. More in How to choose a replacement pressure washer hose
What PSI hose do I need?
One rated at or above your machine's maximum pressure. Generac's manual says to replace a damaged hose with one that meets or exceeds the unit's maximum pressure rating. Compare working pressure, not burst pressure. More in How to choose a replacement pressure washer hose
Can I replace a Kärcher hose with a non-Kärcher hose?
Kärcher's bayonet gun-and-hose kit uses a Kärcher-specific hose quick connect, and Kärcher says the kit is not for other brands. Its hose finder lists Kärcher hoses per model; start there. More in How to choose a replacement pressure washer hose
Can I repair a damaged hose instead?
No. Champion's manual says never repair a high-pressure hose; replace it. More in How to choose a replacement pressure washer hose
Is a 3/8 hose better than 1/4?
It loses less pressure. At 2 GPM, Cat Pumps' table lists about 180 PSI lost per 100 ft of 1/4 in hose and about 25 PSI for 3/8 in. It only fits if its end fittings match your machine and gun. More in Pressure washer hose diameter and length
Does a longer pressure washer hose reduce pressure?
Yes. Cat Pumps notes that hose pressure drop scales with length at a fixed flow, so a 50 ft hose loses half as much as a 100 ft hose of the same size. More in Pressure washer hose diameter and length
How long can a pressure washer hose be?
Some makers set a limit for their machine: Active says no longer than 100 ft for the Active 2.0. Otherwise, longer simply means more loss; check your manual. More in Pressure washer hose diameter and length
Will a 3/8 hose fit my M22 machine?
Only if its ends do. Diameter and end fitting are separate specs: SIMPSON's 3/8 in 41028 has quick-connect ends, while SIMPSON's MSH3125 ships a 1/4 in hose with M22 ends. More in Pressure washer hose diameter and length
Questions
Are pressure washer hoses universal?
No. Hoses come with different end fittings, such as M22 threads with a 14 mm or 15 mm stem or 3/8 in quick-connect plugs and sockets. SIMPSON's MSH3125 hose has M22 male by M22 female ends, while SIMPSON's Monster Hose 41028 has a 3/8 in QC plug and socket. Name the standard on both ends before you buy.[1][11]
What PSI hose do I need?
One whose working pressure meets or exceeds your machine's maximum pressure rating. Generac's manual says to replace a damaged hose with one that meets or exceeds the unit's maximum pressure rating. Compare working pressure, not burst pressure.[4][3]
Is a 3/8 in hose better than 1/4 in?
A wider hose loses less pressure over its length. Cat Pumps' table shows about 180 PSI lost per 100 ft at 2 GPM in 1/4 in hose against 25 PSI in 3/8 in hose. A wider hose still has to have the right ends and rating for your machine.[8]