General Guides

How to Decrease Water Pressure In Garden Hose?

High pressure in the garden hose can be quite devastating. It can damage your pipes and plumbing. It may also be dangerous for the plant life as it can root out the plants in some cases. How to decrease the water pressure in the garden hose? Let us try finding out how to decrease the water pressure in the garden hose.

The high pressure in the garden hose can lead to wastage of water and can even damage the equipment’s if the water sprays at high pressure on any of them. It can also result in water leaking from the valve. That is why it is recommended to decrease the water pressure in the garden hose. 

how to decrease water pressure in garden hose

How to Decrease Water Pressure in Garden Hose?

One of the best options to decrease the water pressure in the garden hose is to install a water pressure regulator. If you want to bring your water pressure to the levels under control, the best method is to invest in a compatible and good quality water pressure regulator. 

The water pressure regulator is a common plumbing device in the form of a valve. It is generally installed right after the water meter where the plumbing enters your home. If you already have a water pressure regulator installed and still you are getting a high pressure, it is advisable to check if it is functioning properly. If you find that it is not working as expected, it is high time you pay attention to either repair it or replace it. 

A few of the options that can help you decrease water pressure in garden hose can be summed up as:

  • Turn the water pressure reducing valve counter clockwise for reducing the water pressure in the outdoor faucet. This can be helpful in decreasing the water pressure in the garden hose. 
  • Install the water pressure regulator in your plumbing line. The water pressure regulator can be useful and practical in controlling the water pressure automatically. 

What is the garden hose flow rate?

The garden hose flow rate refers to the amount of water that the hose can pass though it within a specific time frame. In addition to the water pressure in the garden hose, it is also important to pay enough attention to the water flow rate as it would help you determine the right rate at which you can water your plants. 

Specifically speaking, the garden hose flow rate refers to the amount of water passing through the garden hose from the spigot end to the other end of the hose within a specific time without any other additional fittings attached to the entire length of the garden hose. The garden hose flow rate is measured in the US in GPM and GPH which stand for gallons per minute and  gallons per hour respectively. In the UK, the flow rate is measured in LPM which stands for litres per minute. 

What Is a Good Water Flow Rate?

A good flow rate for the garden hose would generally be in the range of 10 to 15 litres per minute. If you have a hose with a flow rate of above 15 litres per minute, that would be the best and most efficient flow rate. 

If you are watering the plants with your hand, it may be a good idea to check the water flow rate carefully. If the flow rate is too high, you may end up  overwatering your plants. If it is slower enough, you can have a good control over the proper watering capability. In the case of irrigation systems, a higher flow rate would be advisable and more practical.  

Does a Smaller Diameter Hose Increase Water Pressure?

The water pressure from the municipal supply is not altered once it reaches your home. However, you can change the velocity of water by restricting the size of the outlet. It cannot be possible to increase the pressure as the water is incompressible. 

The term water pressure is linked to gravity and it cannot be changed once the water reaches your home. That should explain why the water pressure is higher deep under the sea. You will never be able to alter it as per your watering needs. So, using a garden hose with a smaller diameter will not increase the water pressure, but can increase its velocity. The only way you can increase the pressure of the water is to through the use of a pump. 

The Parting Thoughts 

The water pressure in your garden hose can be the right way to check out the best options to water your plants. If you have a very high pressure in your garden hose, it can result in water wastage and the best means to reduce it would be to install a water regulator to control the water pressure. 

A Few FAQs

Does hose diameter affect water pressure?

The hose diameter does not have a say in the water pressure in the garden hose. The smaller diameter will increase the velocity of the water and not the pressure. 

Does a longer garden hose decrease water pressure?

Yes, a longer garden hose can reduce the water pressure as you would experience it. Since the water gets more area to occupy, you will end up getting a lower pressure at the point of application. In this case, plants are being watered. 

About the author

Atish Ranjan

Atish Ranjan is the founder of WaterBrower. The water-related problems faced by him in his childhood led him to take this kind initiative to help many others who might be facing similar problems. He has been into research and water testing wherein he has found great water treatment solutions in different regions of the world. This blog is about everything that he has learnt during this study. Hope it helps many:)

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