Pressure Washing Buyers Guide

Getting rid of stubborn stains, debris, and paint are only a few of the challenges pressure washers face in our testing labs. We also measure how much power and pressure each one delivers, rate them how easy they are to use, and even check noise levels. This guide will arm you with expert advice to choose a pressure washer that best suits the jobs around your house. Plus, We has important safety tips you need to know before using any pressure washer. Members to our website can access our specific brand suggestions and exclusive product ratings. This video is interactive, so click any chapter to skip around. Pressure washers use a gas engine or electric motor to power a pump, which forces water at high pressure through a nozzle. And now for a brief technology lesson. The amount of power a pressure washer can deliver is measured in POUND-FORCE PER SQUARE INCH. That stands for pounds every square inch. Generally, for cleaning hard surfaces like concrete and tough stains, you'll want about 2, 000 to 3, 000 PSI.

Cleaning a deck siding or patio furniture requires less power, about 1, 500 PSI. Pressure washers have either interchangeable nozzles or a wand tip that you can modify to be able to angles. Flexible wand tips are more convenient, but nozzles give you specific angles. Individuals angles usually range from a wider 65-degree angle to a very thin 0-degree angle. No matter which spray setting you utilize, a misplaced jet of water could land you or a bystander in the emergency room.

We all no longer recommend pressure washers that come with nozzles or wands that produce sprays of 15 degrees or less. We are going to particularly concerned with the 0-degree angle spray. It can typically a red nozzle that concentrates all the machine's power into a single pinpoint blast with surprisingly strong cutting features. We believes pressure washers should not come with this attachment or setting up. Plus, our tests find wider-angle nozzles can get the job done.

All of us recommend buying one without a 0-degree nozzle, not using that setting, or discarding the nozzle after purchase. Now you will need to choose whether you want an electric or gas-powered pressure washer. our tests find electric pressure washers can handle most jobs around the home. They're relatively light, plus they cost the least. Plus, they're quieter than gasoline-powered washers. And because there's no fuel, you can store electric pressure washers indoors. There are some downsides, though. You should never use an extension cord with a pressure washer. So your job must be near a power source-- about 50 feet. Electric pressure washers generally deliver about half as much electricity as gasoline models. But our tests find it can not that an electric pressure washer can't deal with tough jobs. It just takes them longer. In the event removing tough stubborn spots and debris fast is your goal or if your jobs are much from a power source, then consider a gas-powered pressure washer. These pump out the highest PSI, typically 2, 500 to 3, 500. However, that electric power comes with a higher price tag when compared with electric models and lots more noise.

Gasoline-powered models also produce carbon monoxide. Thus they must never be used in a garage, basements, or other enclosed area. Never store a gasoline-powered pressure washer inside your home. There are a few features to buy when shopping. Cord storage rather than wrangling a knotted mass. Wheels are an advantage for heavier models. Ones with good balance like this you can push off with just one foot are convenient. Some pressure washers offer soap tanks to carry cleansers so you don't have to use a separate container. Remember, pressure washers are powerful tools and can damage floors. So follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always start with the widest spray angle, and start your bringing out from at least 2 feet away. And move in slowly. Wear protection goggles and protective shoes. And never point the pressure washer at yourself, others, or pets. No matter which type of pressure washer you choose, if you'll be storing it outdoors in colder weeks, you will have to winterize it. That means you'll need to add antifreeze to the pump and drain the hose and wand.