Differentiating between a suction hose and a discharge hose can be tricky, considering their similarities. If you want to work in fire services, agriculture, lifeguards, or in similar professions, you need to know the differences between them. It will help you understand how the discharge vs suction hose works.
When comparing a discharge and a suction hose, the main difference is in their functionality. The function of a suction hose is to transfer water from a source to another (usually to pump), while a discharge hose delivers the water from the pump to the nozzle.
Some more differences make these two ideals for different applications. We have explained every difference in detail so that you can identify and use them efficiently.
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What Is Hose and Its Types?
Hoses are flexible pipes that convey water from one place to another. Common usage includes watering in the garden, watering to diminish fire by fire services, and so on.
Water hoses come in various types. When you are using them for transferring water from one source to another using a pump, you will need two types of hoses. They are:
- Suction hose
- Discharge hose
Now you may wonder what is a water discharge hose? And also what suction hose means? Below we have discussed these hose types in detail:
What Is a Suction Hose?
Suction hoses are for conveying water from a source such as a lake or a river to the pump. They are often used to empty water from flooded areas.
What Is a Discharge Hose?
Discharge hoses transfer the water from the pump to the nozzle for spraying, releasing, or discharging. You may think, what is a discharge hose used for? Fire workers use discharge hoses to extinguish the fire with water.
Discharge vs Suction Hose: Quick Comparison Chart
| Basis of comparison | Discharge hose | Suction hose |
| Function | Release or discharge water from the pump or tank | Transfer water to the pump from a source |
| Purpose | Releasing or spraying water | Emptying water from a place |
| Usage | Fire service, agriculture, etc. | The industrial sector, emptying pond or water from flooded area |
| Weight | Bulky | Lightweight |
| Durability | It can withstand high pressure | It can withstand medium pressure |
| Price | Inexpensive | Average |
Discharge vs Suction Hose: Key Differences
You may need to buy one or both of these hoses for your work or may need to gather knowledge due to your profession. Whatever the reason is, the following explanations on the differences can enhance your knowledge about suction and discharge hoses:
Function
The water suction hose and the discharge hose function differently. A suction hose soaks water from a water source and transfers it to the pump. And then, the water is released to another source through the discharge hose.
Purpose
If you want to take water out from a water source, you need to use the suction hose first. And when you want to spray or release the water, you will require a discharge hose.
Usage
Suction hoses are often used to empty lakes or ponds. Then when there is a necessity to remove water from a flooded area quickly, suction hoses are helpful. This hose also helps in conveying industrial chemicals to one place from another.
The most common usage of discharge hose is in fire services and in agriculture. Fire workers use a discharge hose to spray water from the tank to the fire. People also use discharge hoses to spray water on the cornfield.
Weight
Usually, suction hoses are lightweight for convenient usage. Discharge hoses may feel a little bulky compared to suction hoses.
Durability
Both of these hoses are highly durable in their own field. But when you keep them side by side, discharge hoses can withstand more pressure or adverse environment compared to suction hoses.
Price
Are you planning to buy these hoses? Then you may want to know about their cost. Suction hoses are a little bit expensive, whereas discharge hoses come at a lower price.
Can Suction Hose Be Used for Pressure?
Suction hoses can be used for negative pressure as the purpose of this hose is to take up or soak water or other liquid from a place. It works similarly to a vacuum cleaner.
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Best Discharge Hoses:
Do you need a discharge hose for releasing water? You may get confused between so many choices in the market. Here are our top picks to help you:
1. Superior Pump 99621 Lay-Flat Discharge Hose
Highlighted Features:
- Suitable with most sump and utility pumps
- Premium quality PVC material
- It comes with a hose clamp, barb adapter, MPT coupling
- Inlet/discharge diameter is 1-1/2 inches.
The superior pump is popular for providing quality water hoses and kits. This Lay-Flat Discharge Hose works amazing for discharging water.
Superior Pump Discharge Hose Kit Review:
It uses high-quality PVC to ensure high durability. NPT and Barb adapter that comes with the hose use thermoplastic construction. The hose clamp is stainless steel that offers a tight seal to prevent any leakage.
You can easily roll up the hose for storage. The hose is 25-feet long and can be attached with most pumps with the adapters. The easy installation process makes it a top choice for many.
2. augtarlion Discharge and Backwash Hose
Highlighted Features:
- High-quality polyester materials for internal layer
- Thicken PVC materials
- Two length options: 50 feet & 100 feet
- The maximum pressure rating is 90 PSI.
- Working temperature is -5° to 149° Fahrenheit
This Discharge and Backwash Hose from augtarlion is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a sturdy and durable discharge hose.
augtarlion Discharge Hose Review:
High-tensile polyester in the internal layer enables it to withstand high pressure. Then the top-quality PVC materials ensure that it is durable enough. These materials are chemical resistant, so you can use the hose to discharge liquid chemicals too.
It comes in several size options; select the one that fits your pump. You can fit it to any standard-size pump and use it in agriculture, construction, mining, and similar sectors.
Best Suction Hoses:
If you need a suction hose to remove water from any area, you can get one of the following high-performance suction hoses:
1. Hosetool Eastrans Green PVC Suction Hose
Highlighted Features:
- Green suction hose and blue discharge hose
- It comes with a 2″ carbon steel round hole strainer
- Maximum working pressure is 90 PSI
- Male and female water shank couplings
If you are suctioning water, then you need to discharge them too. The Hosetool Hose from Eastrans comes with a set of suction hoses and a discharge hose.
Hosetool Suction Hose Review:
This one is made of high-quality polyester yarn PVC that is capable of offering services for the long term. The hole strainer is rust and corrosion-resistant. Other fittings are aluminum and brass, which are highly durable.
The discharge hose and the suction hose come in different color options, blue and green, respectively. According to the users, the suction power of the hose is excellent, and the set is worth buying.
2. Karcher Water Suction Hose with Filter
Highlighted Features:
- Suitable with pressure washers
- A filter prevents debris from entering the pump
- The length is 3 meters
- It can withstand a maximum temperature of 104° Fahrenheit
If you do not need any discharge hose and want to buy only a suction hose, then this Water Suction Hose from Karcher is the best option.
Karcher Suction Hose Review:
It uses high-quality PVC materials that can withstand harsh environments. You can easily connect it with Karcher K4 and K5 pressure washer’s inlet.
One of the best things about this suction hose is that it has a filter that prevents debris from entering the water pump. You can use it to draw water from any source such as ponds, lakes, swimming pools, tanks, etc.
Final Words
The above comparison will be helpful in choosing between the discharge vs suction hose. In short, if you want to soak and empty water from an area using a pump, use a suction hose and go for a discharge hose if you want to release or spray water.
It helped when you informed us that discharge hoses are used for transferring the water from the pump to the nozzle for releasing and spraying, such as extinguishing fire with water. I imagine if you work for the fire department, it would help to make sure you have good-quality lay-flat hose coupling if you want to perform your job safely and efficiently. I’ll be sure to take note of this while I look where to get the hose couplers I need soon.