Learn what garden hose flow rate means, how to work it out, and what affects it in everyday use. This will help you choose the right flow rate for your irrigation setup and for regular garden watering.
Garden hose flow rate means how much water moves through a hose over a set period of time. Knowing this rate matters because it helps you plan watering and make sure your plants get the right amount of water.
In simple terms, it is the volume of water that travels from the outdoor tap to the open end of the hose. This measurement assumes nothing extra is attached to the hose, such as spray heads or connectors.
In the UK, flow rate is usually measured in litres per minute (LPM). From this figure, litres per hour (LPH) can also be calculated. In the United States, the same idea is expressed using gallons per minute (GPM) and gallons per hour (GPH).
| Region | Common Unit | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Litres per minute (LPM) | Litres of water delivered per minute |
| UK | Litres per hour (LPH) | Total litres delivered in one hour |
| US | Gallons per minute (GPM) | Gallons of water delivered per minute |
| US | Gallons per hour (GPH) | Total gallons delivered in one hour |
The amount of water a hose delivers in an hour depends on its flow rate. This rate is usually measured in litres per minute, or LPM. Once you know this number, you can easily find the hourly output.
To convert LPM into litres per hour, simply multiply the flow rate by 60. The result shows how much water your hose supplies over one full hour. The next step is learning how to measure the flow rate of your own garden hose.
| Flow Rate (LPM) | Water per Hour (LPH) |
|---|---|
| 5 LPM | 300 litres/hour |
| 10 LPM | 600 litres/hour |
| 15 LPM | 900 litres/hour |
| 20 LPM | 1,200 litres/hour |
| 25 LPM | 1,500 litres/hour |
To find the flow rate of a garden hose or tap, you only need simple tools. A bucket and a timer are enough. This measurement is especially important when setting up an irrigation system. If the water supply is lower than the system demand, performance will suffer. In that case, the system must be split into separate zones to work properly.
Flow rate can be measured in different situations. Open channels like gutters or streams are harder to assess. Closed pipes are even more complex. Here, the focus is on measuring water flowing out of a tap or similar outlet.
Start by choosing a bucket with a known capacity. A larger bucket gives more accurate results. In this example, a 10-litre bucket is used.
Place the bucket directly under the tap. Turn the tap on fully and begin timing at the same moment. Stop the timer as soon as the bucket is full. Record the time in seconds.
Once you have the bucket size and the filling time, you can use a simple formula to calculate the flow rate.
This example shows how to calculate a garden hose flow rate in litres per hour.
First, use this basic method to find the flow rate:
Container volume ÷ time taken to fill (in seconds) = litres per second
In this case, a 10-litre bucket fills in 30 seconds. The calculation is:
10 litres ÷ 30 seconds = 0.333 litres per second
Once you have the result in litres per second, you can convert it into other units.
To find litres per minute, multiply by 60.
To find litres per hour, multiply by 3,600.
Using the same example:
0.333 litres per second × 60 = 20 litres per minute
0.333 litres per second × 3,600 = 1,200 litres per hour
These figures show how much water the hose can deliver over different time periods.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bucket volume | – | 10 litres |
| Time to fill | – | 30 seconds |
| Litres per second | 10 ÷ 30 | 0.333 L/s |
| Litres per minute | 0.333 × 60 | 20 LPM |
| Litres per hour | 0.333 × 3,600 | 1,200 LPH |
Garden hose flow rate and water pressure are often mixed up, but they measure different things. Water pressure describes how strongly water is pushed through the system. It is a fixed value, usually shown in bar in the UK and PSI in the US.
Flow rate, on the other hand, looks at how much water actually comes out of the hose over a period of time. It combines volume with time to show total output. Understanding this difference helps gardeners apply the right amount of water and avoid giving plants too much or too little.
| Item | Flow Rate | Water Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Amount of water over time | Force pushing the water |
| Unit (UK) | LPM / LPH | Bar |
| Unit (US) | GPM / GPH | PSI |
| Changes when hose is longer | Yes | Yes |
| Directly affects watering volume | Yes | Indirectly |
Garden hose water pressure is closely linked to the overall water pressure in your home. It reflects how fast water is delivered from the main supply into the property. Because of this, the pressure at an outdoor tap is usually similar to that of indoor taps.
To measure hose water pressure, a pressure gauge can be attached to the tap. This provides a clear reading of the current pressure level. In most homes, pressure typically ranges from 1 to 5.5 bar, which is the same as about 14.5 to 80 PSI. One bar equals 14.5 PSI.
| Pressure (Bar) | Pressure (PSI) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bar | 14.5 PSI | Very low pressure |
| 2 bar | 29 PSI | Light garden use |
| 3 bar | 43.5 PSI | Normal household supply |
| 4 bar | 58 PSI | Strong flow |
| 5.5 bar | ~80 PSI | Upper domestic range |
In the UK, pressure is most often expressed in bar. As a general reference, one bar of pressure is strong enough to push water upward to a height of around ten metres.
PSI means pounds per square inch. It is a unit used to measure water pressure and is mainly used in the United States.
In the UK, water pressure is usually shown in bar instead. Most pressure gauges and household records will display pressure values using this unit rather than PSI.
A good water flow rate is usually around 10 to 15 litres per minute. Anything above 15 litres per minute is considered very effective for most garden tasks.
When watering by hand with a hose, a higher flow rate means water is delivered more quickly. If the flow is too strong, it can lead to overwatering. A lower flow rate allows better control over how much water is applied. If your hose has a high flow rate, a nozzle with built-in flow control can help manage the output.
For irrigation systems, higher flow rates are generally preferred. Water volume can be regulated using emitters and timers, making it easier to control distribution. A stronger flow also allows for larger systems. If the available flow rate is limited, the system can be divided into zones. This setup runs smaller sections one at a time, ensuring effective watering even with a lower flow rate.
| Flow Rate (LPM) | Performance Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Below 5 | Low | Drip irrigation, slow soaking |
| 5–10 | Moderate | Gentle hand watering |
| 10–15 | Good | General garden watering |
| Above 15 | High | Fast watering, irrigation systems |
Understanding your garden hose flow rate is crucial because it helps prevent overwatering or underwatering. Knowing the flow rate lets you calculate exactly how long to run your hose, so you provide the right amount of water without waste.
A proper flow rate ensures plants receive sufficient hydration. It also influences decisions such as the type of hose to use and how much water your garden receives during each session. Accurately measuring and managing flow rate supports efficient and effective watering.
Several main points can change how much water your garden hose delivers. The biggest ones are hose length and hose diameter, because both affect pressure and resistance as water moves through the hose.
Hose length can strongly reduce flow rate. As the hose gets longer, water pressure at the end drops because the water must travel farther and rub against the inside of the hose. This loss is often called friction loss.
If you need a long hose, choosing a wider hose can help. With more space inside, the water meets less resistance and the hose can hold pressure better from the tap.
Yes. A longer hose usually means lower pressure at the far end. The extra distance and larger contact area create more friction, which takes away energy as the water moves. By the time the water reaches the outlet, less pressure remains, so flow rate is lower.
A typical hose is about 25 metres long. If you make a hose four times longer, the flow rate can drop by as much as 75 percent.
| Hose Length | Relative Flow Rate |
|---|---|
| 25 m | 100% |
| 50 m | ~70% |
| 75 m | ~45% |
| 100 m | ~25% |
For the strongest flow, shorter hoses usually work best. If you need to reach a large garden, a soaker hose or drip irrigation system may be a better choice to spread water more evenly.
Yes. A larger diameter hose helps keep pressure more stable because it offers less resistance to the water’s natural movement. A smaller diameter limits the amount of water that can pass through, which lowers pressure at the outlet, even though the water may move faster.
Common hose sizes include 1/21/21/2 inch in the UK, 5/85/85/8 inch in Europe and the US, and 3/43/43/4 inch for many professional gardeners and landscapers.
| Hose Diameter | Typical Use | Flow Capability |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | Light domestic use | Low |
| 5/8 inch | Most home gardens | Medium |
| 3/4 inch | Professional / large gardens | High |
| 1 inch | Long-distance or commercial | Very high |
No. A smaller hose does not create extra water pressure once the supply reaches your home. What it can change is water speed, because narrowing the outlet can increase velocity.
To truly raise water pressure, you would need a pump, and the cost depends on what you are trying to do. Since water cannot be compressed, forcing it through a smaller pipe does not make it “gain” pressure. Pressure mainly comes from the supply system and gravity, which is why pressure increases at greater depths in water. For better watering results, it is usually more effective to pick the right hose size and setup rather than expect pressure to rise on its own.
Sometimes your garden hose pressure drops. When that happens, check a few likely causes before you assume it is a bigger problem.
Leaks are one of the most common reasons pressure falls. If the drop is sudden, inspect the hose along its full length for splits, worn areas, or damage caused by weather, kinks, or twisting.
Small issues are often repairable. If the damage is too bad, replacing the hose may be the best option. You can also cut out the damaged section and rejoin the hose with a hose connector, or use strong duct tape as a short-term fix.
Loose or poorly fitted connectors can waste pressure fast. Make sure the tap fitting, hose end, and any quick connectors are tight and seated correctly.
A bent or twisted hose can restrict flow, sometimes dramatically. Straighten the hose out and remove sharp bends, especially near the tap or at the point where you are holding the nozzle.
Mud, grit, or other debris can clog connectors, spray nozzles, or even parts of the hose. Any blockage makes it harder for water to pass through smoothly, which reduces pressure at the outlet.
The issue may not be your hose at all. Water pressure can drop at the mains, and the simplest way to confirm this is to test it with a water pressure gauge.
If pressure is low while watering, shortening the hose can help because water loses pressure over longer distances. This is usually easiest in smaller gardens, but it can be an effective, low-effort fix.
You cannot truly increase supply pressure without a mechanical option like a pump. However, you can reduce pressure loss by using a wider hose, which allows water to move with less resistance.
That is why many professionals use a 3/43/43/4 inch hose, and sometimes a 111 inch hose when they need runs longer than 505050 metres.
Choosing the right garden hose depends on your watering requirements and the type of irrigation system you use. Key factors to consider include the types of plants in your garden, the hose diameter, the overall garden size, and the typical amount of sunlight and rainfall your area receives.
Selecting a hose that matches these factors ensures efficient watering and helps protect your plants. For guidance on different hose types and irrigation systems, check our help and advice section and explore the related guides for detailed recommendations.
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