How Many Gallons Per Hour Is A Garden Hose?

Having the right size and performing garden hose is essential to providing your lawn and garden with the proper hydration for healthy growth. Knowing how many gallons your garden hose can put out per hour will give you a better understanding of how quickly and efficiently it can tend to your plants. Below, we outline the essential facts and information to help you figure out the answer to this garden-savvy question.

What Affects Water Flow?

When it comes to the amount of water that a garden hose can put out, there are several factors that come into play. The first is the diameter of the hose. A hose that is 5/8 inch in diameter can typically go up to 10 gallons per minute and a 3/4-inch hose can put out 25 gallons per minute. Additionally, the length of the hose also has an effect on the flow rate, as longer hoses carry more water and there is more pressure at the beginning of the hose than the end. Finally, the size of the nozzle at the end of the hose also has an effect on water flow. A nozzle that is set to a narrower spray setting will be able to push out more water than one that is set to a wider spray.

How Do You Calculate Gallons Per Hour?

The formula for calculating how many gallons of water per hour a garden hose can put out is relatively simple. To calculate, you take the flow rate of the hose, which is measured in gallons per minute, divided by 60, which is the number of minutes in an hour. For example, a 5/8-inch garden hose that has a flow rate of 10 gallons per minute put out 0.1666 gallons per hour (10/60 0.1666).

What Type of Hose is Best?

When it comes to choosing the right garden hose for the amount of water that you want, your best bet is a hose made of either rubber or reinforced vinyl (also known as PVC). Both of these materials are durable and can withstand wear and tear from regular use, and the vinyl is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

What Are Common Flow Rates?

The flow rate of garden hose depends on its size and length. A 5/8-inch hose with a length of 25 feet can put out 4 to 8 gallons per minute, and a 3/4-inch hose with a length of 50 feet can put out up to 20 gallons per minute. Additionally, a 1/2-inch hose with a length of 25 feet has a flow rate of about 2 to 4 gallons per minute.

How Can You Increase Water Pressure?

If your hose doesn't have enough water pressure, there are a few things you can do to increase it. The first is to check the nozzle. For most hoses, you can adjust the nozzle to a narrower spray setting, which allows the water to come out at a faster rate and often increases the pressure. Additionally, you can adjust the length of the hose so that there is less water flowing through it and the pressure is increased at the end. Lastly, you can check the connections on the hose to make sure that they are secure and not leaking, as leaks can reduce the pressure.

In Summary

The amount of gallons per hour a garden hose can put out will depend on the hose's diameter, length, and nozzle size. To calculate the gallons per hour, you can use the formula gallons per minute divided by 60. Rubber or reinforced PVC garden hoses are the best for most applications, and the flow rate can range from 2 to 20 gallons per minute, depending on the size and length. If your garden hose doesn't have enough pressure, you can adjust the nozzle and length of the hose or check the connections to make sure there is no leakage. With the right information and a little troubleshooting, you can choose the perfect garden hose for your needs.