Hose FAQ: Complete Guide to Hose Types for Water-Fed Window Cleaning

Selecting the right hose is essential for safe, reliable and efficient water-fed window cleaning. Each type of hose is designed for a different purpose — from feeding water up the pole to transferring large volumes between tanks.

This guide explains every hose we supply at Cleaning Spot, including sizes, fittings, temperature limits, and typical uses.

Window Cleaning Hose - Complete Overview

If you're choosing a window cleaning hose for your water-fed system, it helps to understand how each hose type behaves. Different constructions offer different levels of flexibility, pressure resistance, and durability.Below is a breakdown of the main hoses used across the industry and what each one is best suited for.

What Is a Hose?

A hose is a flexible tube, usually made from PVC, rubber or polyurethane, designed to transport water.Water-fed systems use several hose types, each offering different strength, flexibility and compatibility with fittings and pumps. Below is a breakdown of the main hose options available.

✅ Microbore Hose (6mm ID)

What is Microbore Hose?

Microbore hose is made from 2-3 layers of PVC with reinforced criss-cross fibres for pressure resistance. It is designed with a 6mm inside diameter (ID) and requires 6mm barb fittings.

Key Specifications

• Inside diameter: 6mm

• Outside diameter: approx. 12mm

• Fittings required: 6mm barbs, 11-13mm hose clips

• Colour: Yellow (Hi-Viz)

• Length available: 100m

• Max water temperature: approx. 60°C

Microbore is ideal for lightweight delivery with reduced water usage and is popular with many water-fed window cleaners.

✅ Minibore Hose (8mm ID)

What is Minibore Hose?

Minibore hose is also made from layered PVC with reinforced fibres, similar to microbore, but with a larger 8mm ID.Some suppliers refer to 8mm hose as "8mm microbore," but at Cleaning Spot we use the term minibore for clarity.

Key Specifications

• Inside diameter: 8mm

• Outside diameter: approx. 14mm

• Fittings required: 8mm barbs, 13-15mm hose clips

• Colour: Yellow (Hi-Viz)

• Length available: 100m

• Max water temperature: approx. 60°C

Minibore provides higher flow rates over long distances, making it ideal for larger reels or commercial setups.

✅ Standard 5mm Pole Tubing

What is Standard 5mm Tubing?

This lightweight single-layer PVC tubing delivers water from the pole hose connection up to the brush.It is very flexible and easy to work with, but its soft construction can make it more prone to wear.

Key Specifications

• Inside diameter: 5mm

• Outside diameter: approx. 8mm

• Fittings required: 5-6mm barbs, 7-9mm hose clips

• Colours available: Yellow, Black, Clear

• Max water temperature: approx. 60°C

Because it is inexpensive, many cleaners simply replace it regularly.

✅ Reinforced 5mm Tubing

What is Reinforced 5mm Tubing?

Reinforced 5mm tubing is more durable than the standard version. It features a double-layer construction with internal PVC and an external strengthening wrap, similar to microbore/minibore.

Key Specifications

• Inside diameter: 5mm

• Outside diameter: approx. 9mm

• Fittings required: 5-6mm barbs, 9-11mm hose clips

• Max water temperature: approx. 60°C

This is ideal for cleaners who want longer-lasting pole tubing and don't mind the extra weight.

✅ Garden Hose (12mm / ½")

What is Garden Hose?

Garden hose consists of 2-3 PVC layers reinforced with criss-cross fibres to resist pressure.It is commonly used as the main supply hose from the tap or for general cleaning tasks.

Key Specifications

• Inside diameter: 12mm (½")

• Outside diameter: approx. 18mm

• Fittings required: 12mm barbs, 17-19mm hose clips

• Colours available: Yellow, Red, Blue, Black, Green, Clear

• Lengths available: 30m

• Max water temperature: approx. 60°C

Tricoflex HoseA premium version made from 5 reinforced layers. Highly flexible and durable, but more expensive. Available in 50m and 100m lengths (Yellow only).

✅ Suction Hose / Transfer Hose

What is Suction Hose?

Suction hose is a large-diameter, single-layer hose designed to move large volumes of water quickly - ideal for transferring water between storage tanks.

The hard spiral reinforcement prevents the hose from collapsing when under suction, which is why it is used with transfer pumps and pressure washers.

Key Specifications

• Measured by inside diameter, e.g. 1" suction hose = 1" ID

• Fittings required: matching barb size

• Temperature limits: Cannot take high temperatures

• Freezing risk: Can become brittle if frozen

This is the best hose when you need fast tank-to-tank water movement.

✅ UniValve Hose / PU Hose

What is UniValve (PU) Hose?

This tubing is made from Polyurethane, giving it excellent flexibility and high abrasion resistance.It is designed for use with the UniValve water control system, but many cleaners use it as a durable alternative to standard pole hose.

Key Features

• Very flexible and resilient

• Works with push-fit connectors

• Ideal for pole hose usage and UniValve setups

PU hose is a premium choice for anyone wanting long life and reliability on the pole.

✅ Push-In Tubing

What is Push-In Tubing?

Push-in tubing is a stiff, precision-sized tube used with push-fit connectors that grip the tubing with internal teeth and seals.It is mainly used in Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems such as 100GPD, 300GPD, 600GPD and PRF-RO (Merlin).

Key Specifications

• Measured by outside diameter, not inside diameter

• Sizes available: ¼", ⅜", ½"

• Colours: White, Black, Blue, Green, Red

• Temperature resistance: Higher than flexible PVC hoses

• Types: Metric and imperial options

It offers reliable sealing for purification units and high-pressure fittings.

Window Cleaning Hose Attachment Options

Choosing the right window cleaning hose attachment helps ensure secure connections, smooth water flow and reliable operation.Many of the hoses below work with push-fit connectors, barbed fittings, hose clips, and specialist accessories such as UniValve water control systems.