A pressure washer hose has to match three things: the fittings on your machine and trigger gun, a pressure and temperature rating above what your machine produces, and a length that reaches round the car without dragging. Get those right and a longer or tougher hose, such as the Heavy Duty 5/16 inch hose, makes washing easier. All are in our hoses and hose reels range.
Which hose fits my pressure washer?
Start with the fittings, because a hose with the wrong ends will not connect at all. Look at both ends: where the hose meets the machine and where it meets the trigger gun.
- Karcher K series click bayonet: newer K series domestic machines with the yellow button release use click bayonet ends. Older machines with a black C clip need a different hose.
- M22 screw thread: a 22mm screw fitting, found on many machines and guns.
- 3/8 inch (14.8mm) quick release: used on Kiam, DTLR, Bigboi, Midi QR and Hyundai machines.
- TEMA quick release: a heavy duty coupling on some professional machines and guns.
- Karcher EASY!Lock: the screw thread on Karcher HD professional machines and their guns.
Our guide to pressure washer fittings shows each connector and the adapters that join them.
Should you choose a 1/4 or 5/16 inch hose?
The bore is the inside diameter of the hose. A 1/4 inch hose is lighter and suits domestic machines and most car washing. A 5/16 inch hose is the heavy duty choice, common on professional machines, with higher pressure and temperature ratings for daily use, and some domestic owners choose it for its toughness.
Pressure washer hoses compared
| Hose | Bore | Rating | Ends | Lengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Duty 5/16 inch | 5/16 inch | 250 bar, 100C | 3/8 inch quick release | 10, 15, 20, 30m |
| 1/4 inch quick release | 1/4 inch | 220 bar, 60C | 3/8 inch quick release | 10, 15, 20, 30m |
| Karcher click bayonet | 1/4 inch | 180 bar, 60C | Click bayonet both ends | 6, 8, 10, 15, 20m |
| TEMA heavy duty | 5/16 inch | 250 bar, 100C | TEMA quick release | 10, 15, 20, 30m |
| Karcher EASY!Lock | 5/16 inch | 250 bar, 100C | EASY!Lock screw thread | 10, 15, 20, 30m |
Always choose a hose rated above the maximum pressure and the maximum water temperature of your machine. Hot water and steam machines can run hotter than 100C, so check the machine manual before you choose a hose for one.
How long should a pressure washer hose be?
Long enough to walk all the way round the car with the machine in one place, and no longer. A short hose means moving the machine mid-wash, which pulls on the hose and risks knocking it into the paintwork. A very long one is heavier to drag and harder to store. If your hose is too short on a Karcher K series machine, an extension hose joins onto the existing click hose.
Karcher Click Bayonet Extension Hose
Joins onto an existing click hose on K series machines.
Do you need a hose reel?
A reel stops kinks, keeps the hose off a wet floor and makes packing away quicker, especially in a van or a busy garage.
High Pressure Hose Reel (100ft / 30m), fixed base
A hand crank reel rated to 275 bar and 70C with a lock and a full flow swivel, 3/8 inch BSP inlet and outlet. The hose is sold separately.
£129.95In stockDTLR2 PRO Wall Mount Frame and Hose Reel
Mounts a DTLR2 Pro on the wall with its own integrated reel.
£179.00In stockA steel reel on its own base frame.
£149.00In stockHigh Pressure Hose Reel (200ft / 60m), fixed base
For longer hoses on bigger setups.
£159.95In stock
How do you fit a new pressure washer hose?
Check the fittings match, then connect it with the machine switched off.
- Switch off and release the pressure: turn the machine off and squeeze the trigger to let out any pressure left in the line.
- Check both ends: make sure the fittings on the new hose match the machine and the gun.
- Connect the machine end: push or screw the hose on until it clicks or tightens fully.
- Connect the gun: fit the other end to the trigger gun the same way.
- Run water through first: turn on the water supply before the machine, so air is pushed out of the hose and pump.
- Check for leaks: start the machine and look for drips at each joint before you start washing.
How do you look after a pressure washer hose?
Keep it free of kinks, sharp edges and frost.
- Unroll it fully before you start, so it does not kink under pressure.
- Never drive over it or drag it round sharp corners.
- Release the pressure before you disconnect anything.
- In winter, drain the hose and gun and store them somewhere frost-free, as trapped water can freeze and split them.
Common questions
Can I join two pressure washer hoses?
Yes, with the right extension hose or connector for your fittings. Our guide to pressure washer fittings shows the options.
Will a hose for a Karcher K series fit an older Karcher?
Not always. The click bayonet hoses fit newer K series machines with the yellow button release, not older ones with the black C clip.
Do I need a 5/16 inch hose for car washing?
Not usually. A 1/4 inch hose suits most domestic machines and car washing, while 5/16 inch is the tougher heavy duty choice, common on professional machines.
Need help choosing?
Tell our team which pressure washer you have and how far you need to reach, and we will match the hose. Our guide to the best pressure washer for car detailing covers choosing a machine.
