Understanding 1/4 vs 3/8 Pressure Washer Hose: Which One Is Right for You?

Hoses are one of the most important tools hydro jetting experts use in their field of work, so choosing the right one is imperative. With the correct hose, plumbing professionals can efficiently clear away various clogs from sewer lines, including tree roots, grease, and mud.

While many jetting operators typically select a hose size that corresponds with the pipe size they will be working in, there are cases where there are two potential hose options.

When it comes to 3/8 and 1/4 hoses, these sizes appear to be quite similar and can even work in some of the same pipes. However, operators should note some significant differences between the two before deciding.

If you’re wondering which hose is suitable for your next job, this guide will explore the differences between 3/8 and 1/4 hoses. You can confidently select your next hose using the information here, ensuring you have the proper equipment for your next job. Let’s look at these hoses to learn how to choose the proper one.

What is a High-Pressure Hose?

Most people are familiar with rubber garden hoses used to perform basic yard work, but a special hose is required when hydro jetting professionals use their units at levels of 4000 PSI or more. That’s where high-pressure hoses come in.

These hoses are made with a thermoplastic inner core tube to accommodate the intense stream of water used to clear away debris and dirt. A woven textile mesh reinforcement is wrapped around the core tube. This reinforcement reduces core expansion, prevents ruptures, and provides flexibility. There is also a second layer of woven textile material that bonds with the thermoplastic coating. These two textile layers are designed to expand and contract, allowing the hose to provide critical hydro jetting services.

Now that we know what a jetting hose is and how it differs from regular hoses, let’s explore how to choose the correct hose for sewer cleaning.

Selecting a Jetter Hose for Pressure Washers: Factors to Consider

With so many hoses available to conquer tough pipe obstructions and provide a thorough cleaning, knowing which one is correct for the job at hand can be difficult.

When choosing a hose, it is vital to make note of these features:

• Hose Size: One of the most important features of a hose is its size. Selecting the correct hose size is largely dependent on the pipe size it will be used in. Knowing the size is also essential to ensure the correct sized nozzle is used.
• Hose Length: Jetting hoses routinely come in lengths of 100’, 200’, 300’ or more. Be sure to check the approximate length of the line you will be working in, otherwise, you risk using a hose that will be too short and unable to clear the line completely.
• Manufacturer: Hydro jetting hoses are available from US Jetting, Piranha, and Parker. While all these brands create high-quality jetting hoses, remembering the manufacturer is key. To repair a damaged hose, operators must use the correct ends and menders from the original manufacturer because they are not transferrable between brands, even if the hose size is the same.
• Maximum Working Pressure and Flow Rate: Every jetting hose is created to withstand a specific work pressure and a maximum burst pressure. Operating a hydro jetting unit properly and not exceeding a hose’s maximum pressures is imperative. Failure to do so could lead to severe equipment damage or injury.
• Type of Debris: Hydro jetting effectively clears lines of all sorts of debris, from grease and tree roots to thick mud and mineral build-up. Because some clogs are more challenging to remove than others, a higher working pressure and flow rate might be necessary to clear the line. In cases where there are two possible hose options, choose one with a higher-pressure capacity to provide a thorough cleaning and remove difficult materials.

If you are still unsure which hose is suitable for your business, don’t hesitate to contact US Jetting and speak to one of our hydro jetting experts. Equipping professionals with the right tools is something we take seriously. We’ll help you find high-quality accessories that complete jobs efficiently and safely.

Examining 3/8 Sewer Jetter Hoses

3/8 hoses are versatile accessories. They are commonly used to jet smaller plumbing pipes in residences and businesses that have become clogged with debris.

Most notably, 3/8 hoses can jet lines that are 6” in diameter — a popular pipe size used to connect buildings’ internal plumbing systems with the main municipal sewer line.

Discover more features of these hoses below:

• Manufacturer: This hose size is available from Piranha and US Jetting.
• Working Pipe Size: Suitable for pipes that are 3”- 6” in diameter.
• Working Pressure and Flow Rate: A 3/8 hose is compatible with jetters operating at 3000-4000 PSI and 10-12 GPM.

1/4 Jetter Hoses: Taking a Closer Look

So far, this blog has covered the basics of high-pressure hoses and, more specifically, 3/8 hoses. Now, it is time to learn more about 1/4 hoses.

These hoses are some of the smallest on the market. Because they are used in pipes that are only 2”- 4” in diameter, 1/4 hoses are commonly used to unclog residential drains and plumbing.

Explore more specifics of these hoses below:

• Manufacturer: This hose size is available from Piranha.
• Working Pipe Size: 1/4 hoses are suitable for pipes that are 2”-4” in diameter.
• Working Pressure and Flow Rate: These hoses are compatible with jetters operating at 3000-4000 PSI and 5-8 GPM.

The Final Choice: Selecting a Sewer Jetting Hose

The time has come to make a decision and find a hose that is suitable for your needs. This section summarizes the main distinguishing factors between the two hose sizes.

Use a 3/8 hose if:

• The pipe’s size is 3”- 6”.
• A working pressure of 3000-4000 PSI and a flow rate of 10-12 GPM are needed to clean the line effectively.
• The job requires you to work in smaller pipes that are 3”- 6” in diameter, including the pipe connecting homes to the municipal sewer system.

Select a 1/4 hose if:

• The pipe’s size is 2”- 4”.
• The line will be cleared with a working pressure of 3000-4000 PSI and a flow rate of 5-8 GPM.
• You are working in a smaller residential line that is blocked by grease or household waste.

Looking for the Best Sewer Jetter Hose for Your Needs?

When you need to deviate from a unit’s standard-equipped hose but aren’t sure where to start, contact our experts at US Jetting.

As a manufacturer and retailer of high-quality sewer jetting hoses, we offer a wide range of sizes to meet our customers’ diverse needs. We also stock the proper safety equipment designed to extend the lifespan of hoses, as well as parts and services for damaged hoses. With our unparalleled knowledge, you’ll be ready to tackle your next job and give your jetting business a boost.

Let us help you find the right hose for your next job. Give us a call today to get started