Pressure or power washers have come a long way since their inception. Over the last decade, their quality has elevated significantly, while the prices have become pocket-friendly. Their ability to remove dirt, algae, and grime from decks, fences, driveways and more is matchless. The powerful, high-pressure water stream of a power washer not only helps you clean and maintain your property but also protects you and your belongings from injury and damages, respectively.
If you want to save your time, then a pressure wash can be a good investment. However, failing to purchase the right machine can frustrate you and waste your time as well as money. The purpose of this guide is to help you know everything you need to purchase the best pressure machine for your applications.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Pressure Washer?
Electric or Gas-Powered Washer
Electric washers start by flipping a switch and cost lower, operate cleaner, and weigh lighter than gas-powered models. Since this machine is less powerful and portable, it is considered suitable for light and medium-duty jobs like cleaning vehicles, patio furniture, decks, grills, and siding.
Gas-powered washers, on the other hand, are portable and powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks like cleaning sidewalks and exterior siding. This machine tends to be heavier and noisier and requires more maintenance. So, we recommend wearing ear protection while using this type of washer.
Besides, different models need various amounts and types of gasoline and fuel for different climates. So make sure to ask the manufacturer about the fuel requirement as it can help you maintain the engine and avoid breakdown.
Power Intensity
Power intensity determines the kind of jobs a power washer can perform. The power output is typically measured by two different ratings, i.e,. gallons per minute (GPM) and pounds per square inch (PSI). The equipment with a higher GPM and PSI not only cleans quicker and better but also costs more than a washer with lower ratings. Higher-rated machines also clean more space in less time. Generally, there are three types of power washers based on their power intensity:
- Light-duty washers that put out 1300-1900 PSI at 2 GPM and perform smaller home jobs like cleaning grills, vehicles, and small decks as well as patios.
- Medium-duty washers that generate 2000-2800 PSI at 2-3 GPM and are ideal for home and shop use. These powerful units facilitate cleaning everything from fences and exterior siding to driveways and walkaways.
- Heavy-duty washers that have 2800 PSI at 3-4 GPM. Some commercial-grade washers also belong to this category and put out 3100 PSI. These machines facilitate and expedite large-scale cleaning tasks like paint stripping, washing two-story buildings, and removing graffiti.
Cold Water or Hot Water Power Washer
Cold water power washers are commonly used DIY jobs. They are generally budget-friendly and ideal for removing dirt buildup, cleaning cars, and getting rid of mildew. These machines are not designed to use with hot water as it can damage the pump.
On the contrary, hot water pressure washers are expensive and difficult to use. They are best for farm and industrial use because they clean faster and utilize less detergent and chemicals.
Nozzles
Power washers have an integrated spray wand that allows you to change the water pressure using an all-in-one adjustable nozzle or a set of color-coded nozzles that can be interchanged. This set of nozzles include:
- 0 degrees, which is red in color and the most powerful nozzle.
- 15 degrees, which is yellow in color and ideal for heavy-duty cleaning.
- 25 degrees, which is green in color and utilized for general cleaning.
- 40 degrees, which white in color and best for cleaning boats, vehicles, and easily damaged surfaces.
- 65 degrees, which is black in color and used to apply detergent, soap, and other cleaning chemicals.
Adjustable nozzle tends to be more convenient than interchangeable ones. All you need is a twist to adjust the spray width or pattern. However, replaceable nozzles allow you to change the spray pattern with specific angles. We recommend avoiding 0 degrees interchangeable nozzle or the 0 degrees setting in the adjustable nozzle to reduce or eliminate the risk of injury.
What are the Key Features of the Best Pressure Washer?
Axial Cam Pump
Most power washers designed for home use are equipped with an axial cam pump, ensuring easy and maintenance-free operation.
Adjustable Wand
It enables you to adjust spray pressure as well as pattern without changing the nozzle tip.
Triplex Pump
Pressure washers engineered for industrial and commercial use come with triplex pumps. They not only extend the lifespan of machines and but also improve their efficiency extensively.
Unloaders and Thermal Relief
Advanced level power washers have robust unloader and thermal relief features to minimize pressure and heat buildup that can damage your equipment.
Onboard Detergent Tank
Onboard detergent tanks hold the chemicals and detergents used for removing tough stains, mildew, and oils. These cleaning agents are injected into the tanks using an injector. However, some models do not feature onboard tanks, so you have to utilize a siphon hose to draw the detergent mixture into the power washer from a bucket.
Final Words
The information mentioned above boils down to the notion that you should always purchase a pressure or power washer according to your requirements. Don’t invest in the equipment with extra power if you have no plan to use it. However, if you have heavy-duty cleaning jobs, then spending money on a powerful washer would be a good idea.
Pressure Washer FAQ
Q: Can I use bleach with my pressure washer?
A: Though bleach is an effective chemical for removing mildew and killing mold, we never recommed using it with your power washer. Bleach will not only corrode the seals of your pump but also make your machine useless.
Q: How long can I use my pressure washer continuously?
A: If it’s not a professional washer, don’t use it for more than 5 minutes because it can lead to overheating. Though this duration may vary from product to product, running it for 3-5 minutes is considered ideal.
Q: What PSI is suitable to wash a car?
A: To wash a car without damaging its paint, purchase a power washer with 1200-1900 PSI. Experts suggest using a machine with 1.4-1.6 GPM.