Uneven watering can cause stress to your plants and slow their growth. Poor water pressure can also add to your water wastage, not to mention frustrate you to no end!
In this simple guide we'll tell you how to get more pressure from a garden hose step-by-step.
You will learn the 5 most likely causes of your water pressure issues and how to fix them, quickly.
Plus 3 alternative fixes for when all else fails: more on that later.
What Issues Can Cause Low Hose Pressure?
Water pressure is the force at which water moves through your pipes. It's measured in 'psi' (pounds per square inch).
It's good to know how to increase water pressure in a garden hose: this can help you figure out if it's a connection issue, a council water issue or a problem with the hose itself.
Correct garden hose water pressure will keep your water wastage to a minimum; saving you money.
First and foremost: Do you have the best garden hose for the job?
Quality hoses will last upwards of 10 years, if properly maintained. (We'll cover that too).
The most common ways to increase water pressure on a garden hose are:
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Check for and fix leaks
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Check and tighten connections
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Unkink the hose
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Remove blockages
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Check water pressure at the mains supply
Here's our How-To Guide to fix these common problems (plus some alternative solutions for a surefire solution to low water pressure).
1. Identify Possible Leaks
A leak is the most common problem to affect water pressure.
How to check for leaks in a hose:
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Unwind the hose and lay straight along the ground
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Turn the water on
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Slowly walk over the line of the hose
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Notice any areas with water droplets, or mist coming out
If you find a leak, you can fix it by using a rubber patching kit.
2. Check Hose Connections
Loose connections will significantly reduce water pressure.
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Tighten the connections (to the water supply AND the hose nozzle). If this doesn't work, try
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Detaching the hose from both connections, then reattaching them
If you still have low water pressure, it is likely it is a different issue affecting the flow rate.
3. Kinks or Twists Within the Hose
Are there any bends in the hose line? If so, you can quickly increase water pressure in your garden hose by straightening out the line.
Try winding up the hose, if you can. This will help prevent kinks and ensure adequate water pressure through the hose.
Here's another twist:
Bends and kinks in your hose could cause it to split and leak.
If that happens, you may have to replace the hose altogether.
Keep your hose short when watering your garden: Less slack = less kinks.
4. Blockages or Dirt
Garden hoses can become blocked with:
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mineral deposits
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dirt
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algae
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mould
Whether it's the garden hose nozzle or the hose pipe, removing blockages will increase garden hose pressure.
The scary part?
Buildup of things like mould and algae can contaminate the water and make your plants vulnerable to disease.
How to clean your garden hose:
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Disconnect the hose, remove the nozzle and lay it flat in a large tub
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Prepare a solution of equal parts water and standard vinegar
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Submerge the hose into the solution
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Leave for 24 hours
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Flush the hose with water
If this fails to fix low water pressure, you can try massaging the blockage (if you know where it is), or creating a scrubbing brush out of a dish scourer like in this video.
How to unclog your garden hose nozzle:
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Unscrew the cap on the nozzle
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Put the cap into a shallow bowl of standard vinegar
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Leave for 24 hours
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Screw cap back onto nozzle and test water pressure
Pro tip: the best way to prevent mould and algae buildup is to store your hose away from direct sunlight!
5. Check the Pressure at the Mains Supply via Garden Tap
Low pressure could be caused by issues with the hose itself, or:
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Issues with the pressure tank, or
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Issues at the municipal water facility
You can get a water pressure gauge from any hardware or garden store. Use one with a rubber gasket to ensure a tight seal and the most accurate reading possible.
Using a water pressure gauge to test water pressure is simple, as shown in this video.
Find your main water supply: it will most likely be at the front boundary of your property, off to one side. Then, follow these steps:
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Turn off all water at your property including the dishwasher, taps and showers
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Screw in a water pressure gauge to the tap outlet
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Ensure the seal is tight: use a gauge with a rubber gasket, or use pliers to tighten the gauge
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Turn the water on (fully open)
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Read the pressure gauge
Optimal water pressure should read between 40-60 PSI.
Is your water pressure is below 40 PSI? The easiest way to increase water pressure is by adjusting the screw on your pressure regulator - if you have one - or putting in a water pressure booster pump.
Not keen on buying a water pressure gauge?
No problem!
SA Water explains how to measure your water pressure without a gauge here.
Alternative Solutions
Should you use a high pressure nozzle on your garden? No: concentrated pressure will likely damage your plants. High pressure nozzles are more suited to garden cleaning.
But if you've gone through the top 5 most likely causes of low water pressure already, try the following:
Adding a Booster PumpÂ
A booster pump will increase the pressure to your garden hose as well as other outlets in your home.Â
Water pressure booster pumps connect to the garden hose and to an electrical outlet and usually require a small water tank. They work in a similar way to a pressure washer, but more gentle.
They range in price from $50 to $300+. Generally, the higher range pumps have more options of pressure settings and spray styles.
Shortening the Length of the Hose
The further water flows, the more the pressure drops.
Switching your hose out for a shorter one may be the solution:
Reducing the distance the water needs to travel will increase the volume and velocity of the water flowing through the hose.
That's science-talk for 'better water pressure'.
Will rolling up the hose reel increase the pressure?
No. As it doesn't change the distance the water needs to travel through the hose length. That being said;
Keep the hose rolled up as much as you can while in use: this will lower the risk of kinks forming leaks, and lower exposure to the sun.
Less sunlight means it is less likely mould and algae will grow within the hose, forming blockages.
Increasing Hose Diameter
Similar to shortening the length, a larger diameter hose (5/8 inch) will allow more water to flow, increasing the pressure as it exits the nozzle.
By allowing more space for water flow, there is less resistance within the hose, increasing the pressure.
On the contrary, a smaller diameter hose (1/2 inch) will decrease water pressure but increase velocity (speed) of the water. This may be useful over long distances, but not for your average front garden.
Summary
We've given you all of the answers to how to get more pressure from your garden hose:
Fixing leaks, blockages, connections and kinks are the quickest ways to increase your hose water pressure: for most people.
Measuring your water pressure will help you determine where the issue is coming from.
If these methods don't work, try adding a water pump, and opting for a shorter hose with a larger diameter.
Adequate water pressure ensures your garden is healthy and keeps your water consumption to a minimum.
Enhance water flow with these tried and tested solutions ASAP!
References
[1] SA Water, 2024. Water Pressure. https://www.sawater.com.au/my-home/saving-water/in-your-home/water-pressure#:~:text=Locate%20your%20water%20meter%20and,first%20reading%20from%20the%20last.
