Garden Hose Pipes: The Definitive Guide

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about garden hose pipes! While it may not be the most exciting topic, understanding hose pipes ensures you choose the right one for your garden and watering needs. Investing in a high-quality hose can provide years of reliable use.

Which Garden Hose Should You Buy?

The best hose depends on how you plan to use it. At Easy Garden Irrigation, we offer leading brands such as Hozelock, Tricoflex, Claber, and Gardena. Consider your watering needs, durability, and accessories before making a choice.

Types of Garden Hoses

Hoses without connectors: Flexible choice for replacing existing hoses, available in various lengths and materials such as rubber, vinyl, PVC, and reinforced options.
Hose kits: Include hose pipe plus spray nozzles, tap connectors, and accessories. Ideal for beginners or complete garden setups.
Hose reels: Freestanding or wall-mounted, manual or electric. Keep hoses tidy and prevent kinks while storing.
Irrigation hoses: Soaker hoses release water along their length, perfect for garden beds. Drip lines have pre-installed emitters for longer areas like hedgerows.

Choosing the Right Garden Hose - Top Tips

Water Pressure

Most UK homes have around 2 BAR of water pressure. For a power washer, use a hose rated for higher pressure. A ¾” diameter hose provides optimal performance.

Durability

Choose hoses that are anti-kink, weather resistant, and sturdy enough for everyday use.

Warranty

Professional hoses can offer warranties up to 30 years. Avoid hoses with no warranty.

Length

Only buy the length you need. Longer hoses reduce water pressure and are heavier to handle. Large gardens may benefit from 50–100m hoses with larger diameters.

Fittings

Ensure compatibility with tap connectors, spray nozzles, and other accessories. Brass or metal fittings are durable and long-lasting.

Diameter

½”, ⅝”, and ¾” hoses are standard. Larger diameters maintain pressure over long distances, ideal for sprinklers and larger gardens.

Kink Resistance

Anti-kink and anti-twist hoses prevent damage and extend lifespan. Proper storage is essential.

External Finish & Colour

Choose colours for visibility or blending into your garden. Bright colours like yellow are ideal for professional use, while green, black, or grey blend into the landscape.

Weight

Lightweight hoses are easier to handle manually. Heavier hoses work well with hose reels for larger gardens.

Best Hose Pipe for Large Gardens

Longer hoses (up to 100m) are suitable for extensive gardens. Use a larger diameter hose to maintain water pressure. Reinforced hoses with nylon or metal mesh inner linings improve durability.

Best Hose Pipe for Small Gardens

½” hoses are ideal for small gardens. Compact hose reels with 10–50m hoses are perfect for easy storage and light watering tasks.

Expandable Hoses

Lightweight and flexible, expandable hoses are suitable for casual gardening but may not contract perfectly over time. Hozelock Superhoze offers better performance with a 5-year guarantee.

Using a Garden Hose with a Power Washer

Only reinforced hoses rated for high pressure should be used. Avoid expandable hoses for pressure washers. Recommended: Hozelock Ultimate Garden Hose (max burst pressure 35 BAR).

Material Options

Vinyl: Lightweight, budget-friendly, but prone to cracking in sun.
PVC: Strong, durable, often made from recycled materials. Multi-layer options are ideal.
Rubber: Reliable, flexible, and long-lasting; ideal for professional use.

Hose Length & Diameter Considerations

Measure the furthest distance from your water source to determine hose length. Average lengths: 15m, 30m, 50m, 100m. Longer hoses reduce water pressure, so choose carefully.

Larger diameters allow better flow for longer distances. Standard diameters: ½”, ⅝”, ¾”. Choose ¾” for higher flow and sprinklers.

Garden Hose Fittings

Ensure compatibility with your hose diameter and type. Common fittings: ½” (13mm), ¾” (19mm), 1” (25mm). Quick-click connectors are universal and convenient. Brass fittings offer better durability than plastic for long-term use.

Summary

Choosing the right garden hose depends on your garden size, watering needs, and usage. Consider pressure, diameter, length, material, fittings, durability, and storage. Investing in a quality hose will save water, reduce frustration, and provide years of reliable performance.