How Do I Know What Size of Garden Hose I Need?

Garden hoses come in three standard sizes: 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 5/8 inch. Some hoses range from 1 inch to 2 inches, but rare. The hose size is important because it will determine how quickly water is delivered from the spigot to your hose. Below is a quick guide to help you know the perfect garden hose size for your garden, stipulated in steps.

1. Determine what size of hose you need for your household. If you have a tiny garden, a smaller-sized hose will be sufficient. For more extensive gardens, it is best to use a larger hose to deliver water more quickly.
2. Once you determine the hose size, you can now go shopping. Usually, the hose package will detail the size of the garden hose. The most common garden hoses used today are 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 5/8 inch. If you have a more extensive garden, you will need to use a larger size hose so that water can reach all areas quickly.
3. To determine how quickly water will be delivered from your spigot, you must also consider the garden hose’s length. If you want a higher flow rate, consider having shorter lengths for smaller hoses and vice versa.
4. Typical garden hoses are usually 25, 50, 75, and 100-foot lengths. To know the right size of your garden hose, measure your garden size and find the appropriate length.

Things to note

Keep the hose length as short as possible

Keeping your hose length as short as possible when watering your garden is essential because water loss will occur from the amount of space it has to travel in the hose. For example: if you have a 3/4-inch hose that is 100 feet long, it will take longer for water to reach all areas of the garden, and the size of your hose will also reduce its flow rate.

Replacing an old hose

If you are replacing an old hose, look at the package to determine what size of hose you need. If there is no size printed on the side of your current hose, you can measure the diameter of your spigot to see what size of hose is needed. Usually, the inside measurements are printed on your spigot, but you can use a ruler or measuring tape to determine the size if it is not printed.

You can do this by measuring the circumference of your current hose and matching it up with what is listed below:

• 1/2-inch garden hose – 9.5 inches around (19.05 centimeters)
• 3/4-inch garden hose – 11.5 inches approximately (29.21 centimeters)
• 5/8-inch garden hose – 13.75 inches around (34.93 centimeters)

Types of garden hoses

There are different types of garden hoses: rubber garden hoses, vinyl garden hoses, and expandable garden hoses.

Rubber garden hoses

The rubber garden hoses come in a variety of sizes. They are made from durable rubber and provide good water flow capacity, but you will need to replace them once they start to dry rot.

Vinyl garden hoses

These are common in the plumbing department or hardware stores. However, they are lightweight and can be pretty flimsy when extended. They come in various sizes identified on the side of the hose by printed size numbers. Vinyl garden hoses will generally have a thin lining of rubber or plastic running along the inside, which reduces the water flow rate.

Expandable garden hoses

These are usually found at department stores and are made with robust and durable fabric. They are lightweight but do not kink easily. Expandable hoses come in convenient coiled lengths that can be easily stored in a closet when not in use. The hose can be attached to your spigot by screwing the male or female nut onto the threaded faucet. These are quick and easy to set up, with no need for complex installation.

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