Guide · High-pressure hoses and reels
How to choose a replacement pressure washer hose
Match both end fittings, pick a working pressure at or above your machine's maximum, then choose diameter and length. Maker-stated examples by end type.
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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
Match both end fittings first: the one at your pump outlet and the one at your gun. Then pick a working pressure at or above your machine's maximum, as Generac's manual requires. Only then choose diameter and length. Start with your machine maker's own hose list where there is one.
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
Start with your machine maker's list
Some makers tell you to stay with their own parts. Sun Joe's SPX3000 manual says to use only hoses, fittings and couplings the maker recommends, and to contact Sun Joe if unsure whether an accessory is safe to use.[3] See the Sun Joe SPX3000 page.
Kärcher's US hose finder matches five hose products to individual K-series and G-series models and adds exceptions, such as hoses that may need the connection reversed or can only be used as an extension.[4] For its K1700, K1800, K1900 and K2000-family electrics, the finder lists a 25 ft hose (8.756-105.0) and a 50 ft hose (9.558-124.0); the K1900R and K2000 carry the "only as an extension" footnote.[4] We read that chart flattened, so check the live chart for your exact model. See the Kärcher K1700 page.
Kärcher's gun-and-hose kit 2.643-910.0 is not compatible with Kärcher machines that have hose reels, K1700 to K2000 electrics, Kärcher gas models or other brands.[5] Kärcher's own pages also label 2.643-910.0 three different ways: a bayonet gun and hose kit, a trigger gun and hose kit for older C-clip guns, and a replacement hose kit.[5] We do not resolve that conflict; confirm with Kärcher. More in Kärcher gun and hose kits and on the Kärcher K 2 to K 5 page.
Step 1: the ends
Look at what your stock hose has. SIMPSON's MSH3125 parts list gives its stock hose as a 1/4 in x 25 ft MorFlex hose rated 3,300 PSI with M22 male by M22 female ends.[6] That is the kind of line you want for your own machine. See the SIMPSON MSH3125 page.
Replacement hoses by end type:
- M22: Flexzilla's pressure washer hoses all have M22 fittings with a 14 mm stem, rated 3,100 to 4,000 PSI at 70°F by SKU.[7] DEWALT's DXPA25PH is 5/16 in x 25 ft, 3,700 PSI, with M22 connections and an included 14/15 mm connector, cold water only.[8]
- M22, with exclusions: Sun Joe's SPX-25HD is a 25 ft extension hose rated up to 2,900 PSI with male and female M22 threads, listed as not fitting the SPX4003 series.[9] The SPX-25H is rated up to 2,300 PSI and listed as not fitting the SPX1500.[10]
- 3/8 in quick-connect: SIMPSON's Monster Hose 41028 is 3/8 in x 50 ft, 4,500 PSI, 140°F, with a male plug and a female socket.[11] DEWALT's DXPA50PH is 3/8 in x 50 ft, 5,000 PSI, 140°F, with quick-connect socket and plug.[12]
Step 2: the rating
Generac's manual says to replace a damaged hose with one that meets or exceeds the unit's maximum pressure rating.[2] Use the machine's maximum, not its rated output, and the hose's working pressure, not its burst figure. Ratings change with diameter even within one brand: SIMPSON lists its 1/4 in MorFlex hoses at 3,300 PSI, 5/16 in at 3,700 and the 3/8 in Monster Hose 80398 at 4,500.[13]
Some makers add rules for a specific machine. Active 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.[14]
Step 3: diameter and length
A wider, shorter hose loses less pressure. The numbers are in hose diameter and length.
Checklist
| Check | What to read | Example |
|---|---|---|
| End at pump | Standard, size, gender | M22 male (SIMPSON MSH3125 stock hose) |
| End at gun | Standard, size, gender | M22 female (same hose) |
| Inside diameter | 1/4, 5/16 or 3/8 in | 1/4 in |
| Length | Within any maker limit | 25 ft; Active 2.0 max 100 ft |
| Working PSI | At or above machine maximum | 3,300 PSI |
| Temperature | Cold-water rating | Read the hose's own figure |
Hoses by end type
Picks that fit4 products
For M22 ends with a 14 mm stem, choose the Flexzilla HFZPW3425M (1/4 in x 25 ft, 3,100 PSI at 70°F).
More on choosing
For M22 ends on a machine up to 3,700 PSI, choose the SIMPSON MorFlex 40226 (5/16 in x 50 ft, cold water to 140°F); SIMPSON does not state its M22 stem size, so check 14 vs 15 mm. For 3/8 in quick-connect ends, choose the SIMPSON 41028 (3/8 in x 50 ft, 4,500 PSI, cold water) or the 41114 (same size and rating, to 250°F). 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
Flexzilla states the HFZPW3425M's rating;[7] SIMPSON states the 40226's size, rating and 140°F limit[15] and the 41114's 250°F hot-and-cold rating.[16]
Next
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.[3]
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.[2]
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.[5][4]
Can I repair a damaged hose instead?
No. Champion's manual says never repair a high-pressure hose; replace it.[1]