Filters & Suction Hoses

About Filters & Suction Hoses

Filters and suction hoses are essential pressure washer accessories that expand the versatility of your cleaning equipment whilst protecting your investment from damage. These components enable your pressure washer to draw water from alternative sources such as water butts, tanks, ponds, or buckets, rather than relying solely on mains water supply. This flexibility is particularly valuable on sites without ready access to taps, in remote locations, or when working with harvested rainwater for more sustainable cleaning operations.

The category encompasses two main product types: suction hoses designed for self-priming pressure washers, and water filters that protect your machine from contamination. Suction hoses feature specialised construction with integrated non-return valves and strainers, allowing your pressure washer to create the suction necessary to draw water from unpressurised sources. Water filters, meanwhile, trap particulates, sediment, and debris before they can enter your pressure washer's pump assembly, preventing premature wear and maintaining optimal performance.

Tooled-Up.com stocks compatibility-specific solutions from leading manufacturers including Kärcher, Bosch, and Stanley, ensuring you can find the correct suction hose and filter combination for your particular pressure washer model. Whether you're a professional tradesperson requiring reliable off-grid cleaning capability or a DIY enthusiast looking to protect your pressure washer investment, these accessories provide both flexibility and longevity for your cleaning equipment.

Jargon Buster

• Self-Priming: The ability of a pressure washer to draw water from an unpressurised source by creating suction. Not all pressure washers have this capability, so check your machine's specifications before purchasing a suction hose.
• Micron Rating: A measurement indicating the size of particles a filter can trap, typically expressed in micrometres (µm). Lower numbers mean finer filtration – common ratings range from 100 to 300 microns for pressure washer filters.
• Non-Return Valve: A one-way valve integrated into suction hoses that prevents water flowing backwards, maintaining prime and ensuring consistent water draw from your source.
• Inlet Filter: A protective filter positioned at the water inlet point of your pressure washer, preventing contaminants entering the pump assembly and internal components.
• Pre-Filter: A coarse filter attached to the end of a suction hose that sits in the water source, removing larger debris before water enters the hose system.
• Float Filter: A buoyant filter assembly that floats on the water surface, drawing cleaner water from just below the surface rather than sediment-laden water from the bottom of tanks or ponds.

Who Uses Filters & Suction Hoses?

These pressure washer accessories serve a diverse range of users across both professional and domestic applications:

• Groundworkers and landscapers working on sites without mains water access
• Agricultural contractors cleaning machinery and equipment in field locations
• Window cleaners operating pure water systems from mobile tanks
• Builders and site workers requiring flexible cleaning solutions across multiple locations
• Vehicle valeters and detailers operating mobile services without fixed premises
• Facilities maintenance professionals maintaining large sites with limited tap access
• Caravan and motorhome owners drawing water from onboard tanks
• Allotment holders and gardeners using harvested rainwater from water butts
• Marine and boat owners cleaning vessels whilst moored without shore connections
• DIY enthusiasts seeking to protect their pressure washer investment and reduce mains water consumption

How to Choose the Right Filters & Suction Hoses

Pressure Washer Compatibility: Always verify that your pressure washer has self-priming capability before purchasing a suction hose – this information is available in your machine's manual or specifications. Additionally, ensure any filters or hoses are designed specifically for your pressure washer brand and model, as Kärcher, Bosch, and Stanley each use different connection standards.

Water Source Type: The cleanliness of your water source determines the filtration level required. Clean rainwater from sealed water butts needs only basic filtration, whilst pond water or open tanks require finer filters to remove algae, sediment, and organic matter. Consider multi-stage filtration for particularly contaminated sources.

Hose Length and Diameter: Suction hoses typically range from 3 to 6 metres in length. Longer hoses provide greater flexibility but may reduce suction efficiency. Ensure the hose diameter matches your pressure washer's inlet requirements – using undersized hoses can restrict water flow and damage your pump.

Filter Maintenance Requirements: Consider how frequently you'll need to clean or replace filters based on your water source quality and usage intensity. Reusable filters offer better long-term value for frequent users, whilst disposable options suit occasional applications.

Build Quality and Materials: Professional-grade suction hoses feature reinforced construction to resist kinking and collapse under suction, whilst quality filters use corrosion-resistant materials for longevity. The Tooled-Up range includes genuine manufacturer accessories from brands like Kärcher and Bosch, ensuring reliability and warranty protection.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your pressure washer filtration and water supply system with these complementary products available from Tooled-Up.com:

• Replacement filter cartridges and mesh screens for ongoing maintenance
• Hose connectors and quick-release couplings for rapid source switching
• Water butt taps and adapters for easier suction hose connection
• Suction strainers and pre-filters for additional protection in dirty water
• Extension hoses to reach more distant water sources
• Pressure washer detergents and cleaning solutions formulated for use with filtered water
• Water storage tanks and containers for mobile cleaning operations
• Inlet adapters enabling connection to various tap and hose fittings
• Anti-kink springs to protect suction hoses at connection points

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a suction hose with any pressure washer?
A: No – only pressure washers with self-priming capability can draw water through a suction hose. Check your machine's manual or specifications to confirm this feature. Most entry-level domestic pressure washers require a pressurised mains supply, whilst mid-range and professional models often include self-priming functionality.

Q: How often should I clean or replace my pressure washer filter?
A: This depends on your water source quality and usage frequency. Inspect filters before each use when drawing from ponds or open sources, cleaning them when you notice reduced water flow. When using mains water or clean rainwater, monthly inspection is typically sufficient. Replace filters when they become damaged or cleaning no longer restores full flow.

Q: What's the maximum height a suction hose can lift water?
A: Most domestic pressure washers with self-priming capability can lift water approximately 0.5 to 1 metre vertically. Professional models may achieve slightly greater lift heights. Always position your water source as close to the same level as your pressure washer for optimal performance.

Q: Do I need a filter if I'm using mains tap water?
A: Whilst mains water is clean, using an inlet filter is still recommended as it protects against scale buildup, sediment from older plumbing, and small particles that can accumulate in your pressure washer's pump over time. This preventative measure significantly extends machine lifespan and maintains consistent performance.

Q: Can I connect multiple suction hoses together for greater reach?
A: This is not recommended as each additional metre of hose length reduces suction efficiency. The increased internal volume and friction make it progressively harder for your pressure washer to maintain prime and draw water effectively. If you need greater reach, position your pressure washer closer to the water source or use intermediate storage containers.