How Many GPH Is a Garden Hose?

Garden hoses are the lifeblood of a healthy and productive garden. They supply the water needed to keep plants, flowers, vegetables, and foliage alive and flourishing. But with so many garden hoses on the market, it can be difficult to tell one from the other. This article looks at the specifics of garden hoses, in particular how many gallons of water per hour (GPH) they can deliver.

Why Knowing Garden Hose GPH Is Important

Garden hoses that deliver too much water can damage plants, or flush away soil and fertilizer too quickly. On the other hand, hoses that don't deliver enough water can be an inefficient and expensive way to irrigate your garden. So, it's important to select the right garden hose to ensure that your plants and flowers get the precise amount of water they need.

How Garden Hose Size Affects GPH

Garden hoses are typically sized by their nozzle diameter, or the interior diameter. The bigger the size, the more water comes out of the hose at once. A -inch hose delivers about three times as much water as a -inch hose, but usually at a lower GPH.

The length of the hose also factors into GPH. A longer hose will take longer to fill, resulting in a lower GPH. The GPH of a garden hose is also impacted by the water pressure it's connected to. Higher pressure means higher GPH.

Typical GPH For Garden Hoses

Typically, a half-inch hose delivers up to 6 GPH, while a three-quarters inch hose delivers up to 18 GPH. A one-inch hose typically delivers up to 24 GPH, while a one-and-a-half inch hose delivers up to 50 GPH. A two-inch hose delivers up to 72 GPH. Because of the wide range of GPH, it's important to understand the flow rate of your garden hose.

How to Measure GPH

The best way to measure the GPH of your garden hose is to use a GPH flow gauge. The gauge attaches to your garden hose and measures the flow rate in gallons per minute. Most garden hoses can deliver more than the intended GPH, so it's important to measure the GPH before you begin using the hose.

Using Multiple Hoses for Greater GPH

If you need a greater GPH for heavy irrigation, you can attach multiple hoses together. Using multiple hoses will increase the GPH, but there is a limit to the amount of GPH that can be delivered. A three-fourths-inch hose can deliver 18 GPH, for example, whereas four -inch hoses connected together can deliver up to 37 GPH.

In Summary

Garden hoses come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and flow rates. Knowing the GPH of your garden hose is important for efficient and effective irrigation, as too much or too little water can damage your plants. You can measure the GPH of a garden hose using a GPH gauge, or you can use multiple hoses together to increase the GPH. With these tips, you should have no trouble finding the right garden hose for your needs.