For reasons of my own I am switching from 100’ of 3/4" water supply line to 50’ of 5/8" Flexzilla line. Have any of you really noticed a difference? Im not using a reel and the 3/4 100ft line is stiff as a brick and kicks my 62 year old azz with setup and breakdown. I have 100ft HP line so distance is not really an issue doing standard residential driveways and corner lot sidewalks.
50 foot hoses are 10 times easier to roll up than 100 foot hoses, regardless of diameter. My rig is direct drive so I have stayed with 3/4. Finally added hose reels in December. I really appreciate them when it’s time to roll up / unroll supply hoses. Never used Flexzilla but they look easy to manage, like a wet noodle.
I have never used one either but today I touched one and man they are flexible and light. I was instantly sold. $50 at Ace hardware, $36 on Amazon.
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If they can avoid kinks like my contractor hoses, I’ll go give plasma & buy a couple. Can’t risk starving my direct drive pump.
What size is your machine?
Doesn’t matter, you’re good. Just make sure no kinks in it when running.
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I’ve bought all my Flexzilla hoses off of Amazon. Look for the “used” ones as they are in good condition, perhaps just out of the package, and you’ll save some $ on each one.
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Im 4 GPM. With my 3/4 stiff hose I dont even have to look for kinks. Its like a brick. Some of my 5/8 weaker hoses do kink but not when pressure is turned on but I always still look. I have a cheap AAA triplex pump so I use extra caution with water delivery.
That calculator was interesting but I was lost by the first line. By the time I got to the end of it I was more lost. I’m going to get accused of over thinking here. Lol. In the end Im sure im better off increasing my distance from the machine with extended HP line and dealing with the small psi loss, VS hose diameter and distance which may or may not cause slight cavition. Correct? Yes im not being a wise guy here I want your answer, total respect.
The calculator above basically suggests that any municipally delivered water supply is going to be capable of delivering much more than the 4gpm you need through any supply hose you can buy. Run any hose you want to. Just make sure there are no kinks. I’m going to stick with 3/4 inch hoses as long as I’m running a direct drive rig.
There are only 2 things to click, pick hose size and then length. Hit the calculate button. Generally most homes have at least 40psi of pressure.
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Keep an eye on that Flexzilla. I had a 3/4" 100’ and a year later it started forming bubbles and finally popped. I was upset to say the least.
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Post moved to Flexilla problems
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I’ve run flexzilla for 3 years now and never had a single problem. It’s weird how some people will have nightmarish problems with something and other, not a single problem.
Its like any product. Good ones, and Friday or Monday built ones. Lol.
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We have 100’ x 3/4" Flexzilla on 4 trucks for over a year, they look pretty much like new.
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Post moved to Flexilla problems
I run the crappiest feed hose that’s available because it’s not important. Treat it like a disposable hose instead of an investment and you’ll never have issues. Some things work the opposite way.
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I have 50’ of flexzilla (as well as an additional 100’ for one commercial job whose water is round back) I find it’s lighter and definitely more flexible. Found a good deal at Walmart online to save $$.
With a buffer tank though, you could use an aqueduct to get water, shouldn’t matter as much.
Pressure in the front spigot of most houses is going to have more PSI because it’s plumbing is routed around the pressure regulator. This is for firemen in the event there are hydrant issues. Not all homes, but most are plumbed this way.
The benefit, I think, of flexible supply hose is definitely in winding it up :). I joined the 60 something club as well in October so I hear ya!
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Most of the homes here do not have spigots in tne front. They are on the sides, normally one on each. Good info to know. Thanks.
