What is the full weight per 100-foot section of 5-inch hose, including water?

• A. 960 to 965 pounds per 100-foot section; holds 102 gallons of water.
• B. 110 to 115 pounds
• C. 400 to 450 pounds
• D. 1200 pounds

Answer: (A)

The weight of a full 100-foot section of 5-inch hose includes both the dry hose and the water it contains. For this size of hose, the dry weight is about 110–115 pounds per 100 feet. It can hold roughly 102 gallons of water, and water weighs about 8.34 pounds per gallon, which comes to roughly 850 pounds of water. Add the dry hose weight to the water weight, and you get a total near 960–965 pounds per 100-foot section when it is fully loaded. That’s why the best choice is the around 960–965 pounds and 102 gallons of water. The other options miss the fact that water adds a large amount to the weight: 110–115 pounds is just the dry hose, 400–450 pounds would require more water than typical for 102 gallons, and 1200 pounds would imply more water than this hose usually carries.