Filters & Suction Hoses

About Filters & Suction Hoses

Filters and suction hoses are essential pressure washer accessories that protect your equipment whilst extending its versatility. These components enable self-priming pressure washers to draw water from alternative sources including water butts, tanks, ponds, and containers, eliminating reliance on mains water supply. This capability proves invaluable when working in remote locations, on building sites without tap access, or when using harvested rainwater for sustainable cleaning operations.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks filters and suction hoses from leading manufacturers including Kärcher, Bosch, and Stanley, ensuring compatibility with popular pressure washer models. Water filters trap sediment and debris before they reach your pump assembly, preventing premature wear and maintaining optimal performance. Suction hoses feature integrated non-return valves and strainers, allowing your pressure washer to create the necessary suction for drawing water from unpressurised sources.

Applications

Filters and suction hoses serve diverse professional and domestic applications:

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

Choosing The Right Filters & Suction Hoses

Verify Self-Priming Capability: Confirm your pressure washer can draw water from unpressurised sources before purchasing a suction hose. Not all models feature this capability—check your machine's specifications or manual.

Check Brand Compatibility: Ensure filters and hoses match your pressure washer brand and model. Kärcher, Bosch, and Stanley each use different connection standards. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks compatibility-specific solutions for major manufacturers.

Consider Water Source Quality: Clean rainwater from sealed water butts requires basic filtration, whilst pond water or open tanks need finer filters to remove algae and sediment. Multi-stage filtration suits particularly contaminated sources.

Assess Hose Length Requirements: Suction hoses typically range from 3 to 6 metres. Longer hoses provide greater flexibility but may reduce suction efficiency. Position your pressure washer as close to the water source as practical for optimal performance.

Evaluate Maintenance Needs: Reusable filters offer better long-term value for frequent users, whilst disposable options suit occasional applications. Consider cleaning frequency based on water source quality and usage intensity.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How often should I clean my pressure washer filter?
Inspect filters before each use when drawing from ponds or open sources, cleaning them when you notice reduced water flow. For mains water or clean rainwater, monthly inspection typically suffices. Replace filters when damaged or when cleaning no longer restores full flow.

Do I need a filter when using mains tap water?
Yes—whilst mains water is clean, an inlet filter protects against scale buildup, sediment from older plumbing, and particles that accumulate in your pump over time. This preventative measure significantly extends machine lifespan and maintains consistent performance.