What is a common cause of pressure loss in hoses?

Pressure loss in hoses is primarily caused by friction loss, which occurs when water flows through the hose and encounters resistance from the hose material and any bends or kinks along its length. This resistance slows down the water flow and decreases the pressure in the hose. The longer the hose, the more friction loss there will be, as the water has to travel a greater distance, thus encountering more surface area and potential obstructions.

Friction loss can be calculated using various formulas that take into account hose diameter, flow rate, and length, providing a quantifiable measure that firefighters need to consider when planning for water supply and ensuring adequate pressure at the nozzle for effective firefighting.

While water temperature can affect the viscosity and density of the water, making it slightly more or less resistant to flow, it is not a primary cause of pressure loss in hoses. Similarly, while air pockets can impede flow, they are not as significant a contributor to pressure loss as friction. Therefore, friction loss is recognized as the most common cause of pressure loss when water is being transported through hoses.