GPM Flow Rates of A Garden Hose

Getting the right water flow rate for your garden hose is essential, whether you are watering your lawn, garden or flowerbed. But, how do you know how much GPM (gallons per minute) is provided by your garden hose? Let's take a look!

Hose Length & Diameter

The length and diameter of your garden hose both play a role in the flow rate of the water. Generally, the longer your garden hose the lower the flow rate, with the shortest hoses (25-50 feet) offering the highest flow rates. The diameter can also affect water flow, as hoses with a larger diameter will offer slightly higher water flow rates due to the large passages of water.

Gauge of Hose

The gauge of your garden hose's material is also a factor in the water flow rate. Most garden hoses are made from light duty vinyl that offer a reasonable pressure rate but may break down over time. Other options include more heavy duty rubber that can offer higher water flow rates, but these hoses tend to be heavier and more expensive.

Water Pressure

The pressure of the water source also affects the flow rate of your garden hose. If you are connected to a water source with a higher pressure, the flow of the hose will increase as the water is able to move through the hose more quickly. If your water source has a lower pressure, the flow rate will be lower in order to compensate.

How Many GPM is A Garden Hose?

The exact flow of water from your garden hose will depend on the length, diameter, gauge, and water pressure. However, on average, a typical garden hose will output between 0.5 GPM and 1 GPM.

Tips for Increasing Water Flow Rate

If you want to increase the water flow rate of your garden hose, there are a few things you can do:

• Invest in a garden hose with a larger diameter that will allow for more water
• Add a water pressure booster to your system to increase the pressure of your water source, allowing more water to flow through your hose.
• Ditch plastic for rubber hoses, as these are generally much thicker and offer higher water flow rates
• Check for any blockages in the hose or misting devices that could be restricting your water flow rate

Brief Recap

No matter which garden hose you choose, some variation in flow rate will be expected due to differences in length, diameter, and water pressure. On average, a typical garden hose will offer between 0.5 GPM and 1 GPM, and there are several ways you can do to increase the flow rate if desired.