Good day
I’m purchasing hose and finding it hard to get 1/2 HP hose. I read about using this from my last supplier which is also the only spot my search is turning up. Makes sense allowing greater flow for the first 50+ feet before restricting.
My question to the more experienced washers - Have you found this to be accurate and a necessary practice?
In the end it’s still 3/8. Doesn’t matter if the first 100’ is 1” hose
Find you a friction loss chart. Does it gain you a little pressure? Sure, but not much and not worth the aggravation.
What size machine do you have?
8 GPM and a 5.5
The fittings in the transition down to 3/8” will negate any gains the ½” hose gave you.
The gains you see will be minimal at 8 gpm and be forewarned 1/2 hose, even the light stuff is a good deal heavier than 3/8. I just bought jetter hose because its so much lighter, but I dont almost ever use heat so I can do that. If you do still go with 1/2 pressure washer products has a good light one. Idk about pressure washer products, but washmart has a connection that goes from 1/2 to 3/8 and makes that step down so much easier.
Yup. It was PWP that recommended this setup to me. Most vendors don’t even carry 1/2" HP. Also, they recommend widening all inlets and outlets. The quote is
“YOU WILL SPRAY FARTHER USING YOUR GUN/WAND, MOVE FASTER SURFACE CLEANING, PLACE LESS STRESS ON THE UNLOADER, PUMP AND ENGINE, LOWER THE PUMP OPERATING TEMPERATURE, GO THROUGH LESS O-RINGS AND QUICK CONNECTS…”
I’ve seen this kit recommended on this site and the crew at PWP are great to work with. so nothing negative to say about the company.
Just looking to hear from ones with real world comparisons with and without it.
I have one reel with 250ft 3/8, and another reel with 2 wire for hot water that has 165’ 1/2" and then 100’ of 3/8 to the gun. At 8gpm I get about 200-220 psi more with the 1/2" reel, keep in mind it also has to go through the 1/2" heater coil which seems to be a mile long. In the end I wish I didnt do it as I dont need the extra psi, and its such a bear to handle and reel up. I think the only time it makes sense is if your running 10-12gpm or more or need to have extremely long hoses.
You will be better served if you sever any ties with the vendor you mentioned imo
Thx. Very helpful. Ill have 2ea 100’ sections of 3/8” so my 1/2” will be back at the reel. So I won’t be dragging it around. I also have this on a electric reel so the reeling it in isn’t an issue.
Main appeal for me was the hoses lasting longer. Perhaps this will be the case with your 1/2”. I also ordered a K7
If you’re going to just use 200 ft, why have the extra 50 on the reel. Your psi will be better off just running 200’. PWP has been pushing that setup for years. If you really need 250’ all the time, which I seriously doubt, then yes it will help you some, about 100 psi. But unless you’re doing large commercial concrete jobs, not worth it.
This chart very accurate -
Comprehensive list of BS.
Thanx Racer, and while you’re here, thank you for the deck restoration post. That was very helpful.
