I recently moved into a house and after our water service was checked, I learned that the water pressure was spiked at 120 PSI, way above the normal range of 60-75 PSI. A plumber helped lower it to a more appropriate level using our existing pressure reducing valve (PRV). Everything seemed fine until I tried to water my garden with a 100-foot retractable hose. Previously it filled up quickly, but now it's barely functioning, making it impossible to water all my plants. I'm confused about why the 'normal' water pressure is not enough for my hose. Does anyone have ideas on how to improve the pressure at the hose spigot? For clarity, our shower and sinks are working perfectly.
4 Answers
Make sure there’s no buildup or scales in your pipes causing a blockage. That can happen over time, leading to lower volume, which is probably the main issue rather than the pressure itself. If all else seems good, try disconnecting the hose to see how it performs without it.
Check if there's a small filter at the faucet connection. Sometimes those can get clogged with rust and sediment. If that's not it, make sure the valve in your house and other areas that control water supply are fully opened. It could also be worth checking the hose diameter; a thicker hose might help improve flow if friction is an issue.
It's possible your pressure meter had been faulty, reading high before. Consider getting a screw-on pressure gauge for the hose bib to double-check. If you have multiple spigots, compare their readings to see if only one is affected. Just so you know, if the hose shrinks when not in use, that might also give you pressure issues when trying to fill it.
We thought that might be the case too, but the plumber measured and said it was still high. I'll get a gauge and check the back spigot next!
I had a similar issue! Your retractable hose could be the problem if it’s not fully filled. Double-check the valve settings inside your house and ensure they're all open—maybe even check for potential obstructions in your line.
I just replaced my hose and didn’t notice any filter, but I’ll double-check the valve, thanks for the tip!