How To Select Your Pressure Washer
Updated: 7 days ago
How To Select a Pressure Washer That You Will Not Outgrow! All pressure washers are not created equal... Make an informed decision before you purchase a pressure washer. Choosing the correct pressure cleaning machine for your applications is critical in identifying the ideal cleaning system for your needs. The proper mix of pressure force (PSI) combined with water flow (GPM) deliver optimal performance, while minimizing potential damage to the surface you are cleaning or material which you are stripping. Give careful consideration to quality and performance before you buy. You will be glad you have taken the time to learn more about your choices before, rather than later. You can't put the Genie back in the bottle after you buy one. Make sure you get a pressure washer that will meet your needs going forward. Contact our equipment experts and we will assist in suggesting the right equipment for your unique need that fits within your budget. We are ready to help! Call us at: 800-493-7692 Some of the most relevant factors include applications for use as well as performance. Is it for full time contractor type use or light duty around house or light maintenance? Will you require hot water? Hot water is better suited for colder climates, efficiency and when removing oils and grease as well as general cleaning. Cold water washers usually suffice for general cleaning applications on most surfaces with some exceptions. Contact one of our Pressure Washer Equipment experts and we will help with your decision. Selecting Your Pressure Washer is an Important Decision Pressure washing allows you to use much higher flow rates and temperatures than water coming directly out of a faucet. A gas or electric engine powers a pump that forces a high pressure, high flow stream of water through your hose, wand, and spray gun. Different engine, pump, and accessory configurations are available, each offering capabilities up to a certain limit. These limits are defined in terms of: 1. Pressure: or more commonly known as working pressure is defined by pounds per square inch in force. The tip must be properly matched to the PSI and GPM to perform properly. To perform as designed, the tip orifice (diameter) and the desired spray cleaning pattern are combined with properly matched water flow with PSI. 2. Flow: Gallons Per Minute. Exhibited as water flow using gallons per minute: GPM 3. Hot water temperatures can dramatically increase cleaning performance, saving valuable time in completing the cleaning task. 4. Effective Cleaning Units also known as: ECUs. The ECUs is another means to evaluate a pressure washer combining the GPM and the PSI into a factor for comparing unit performance. The PSI multiplied by the GPM = the ECU. Example: 4000 PSI unit with 4.0 GPM translates to 16,000 ECUs. 4000 PSI X 4.0 GPM= 16,000 ECU (cleaning units). How Much Use Will You Need Now and in The Future? Recommended equipment types are based on applications, frequency of use, time constraints and available budget. It is recommended that you select a unit that allows for more use than initially expected and one that will perform within the maximum ratings. This will minimize repairs, maintenance, and the need to trade up to a more powerful machine ensure the machine you purchase is not running at or above the maximum recommended capacity. Most consumers find many more uses for their washer once purchased and find they are using it considerably more often than originally anticipated. Acquire a machine that will allow you to grow into more frequent use as needed in the future. This will save time and money overall and ensure your machine is ready for use when needed and suited for the task at hand. Frequency of Use and Applications Determine Types of Equipment Consumer/ Residential Use Pressure Washer Commercial Grade Pressure Washer Professional - Contractor Grade Pressure Washer Industrial - Commercial Grade Pressure Washer
Residential Pressure Washer are Ideal for light, intermittent use 1. Cold water - Gas or electric 2. Occasional, light intermittent use 3. Small cleaning jobs and washing tasks 4. Typically around 1,000 – 2,400 PSI and 1.5 GPM- 3.0 GPM Light-occasional residential pressure washers are suited for occasional cleaning of home, patio, deck, garage, car, driveway, etc. Light-duty models are ideal for quick cleanup chores as often as once every few months or several times a year. Be cautious of low-end disposable unserviceable pumps that cannot be repaired, or even have the oil changed. Most MFG’s have entry level units (not designed for continuous use) as well as high quality units that (designed for medium to heavy duty use) that are well designed using top-quality components and construction. Commercial Grade Pressure Washer 1. Cold water 2. Daily, Weekly or Monthly use 3. Basic cleaning tasks 4. Working PSI: 2,000 – 4,000 PSI and 4.0 GPM – 5.5 GPM Cold water typically with occasional semi-pro applications and higher consumer use. Light duty service with a higher caliber of materials and components. These could be direct drive, belt drive or gear drive systems. Typically, gasoline powered or diesel and electric when available. Professional - Contractor Grade Pressure Washer 1. Hot or cold-water options 2. Frequent or medium usage 3. Large jobs where time, production and efficiency are critical 4. High PSI ranges (3,000- 4,200 PSI) 5. High-capacity water flow rate (5 GPM – 10 GPM) or more A professional pressure washer user is someone who is skilled in pressure washing and needs to deliver consistent, highly clean results on a regular basis. For instance, someone who oversees pressure washing the parking lots and buildings on a college campus might benefit from a professional grade power washer. They won’t be using the pressure washer every day, but when they do, it’s for large scale jobs that need superior results. Industrial - Commercial Grade Pressure Washer 1. Hot Water and high temperature options increase efficiency 2. Daily use and high production applications 3. Large projects and contract jobs requiring high performance and rapid results 4. Highest PSI available (3,500- 6000) 5. High-capacity water flow rate (5 GPM – 10 GPM) or more 6. Gasoline, Diesel powered units with Other Concerns to Define Type of Equipment Before You Purchase · Power source - Gas, Diesel, Electric
· Power Transfer: Belt Drive, Gear Drive or Direct Drive · Manual Start or Electric Start Ignition · Hot Water or Cold Water · Portable or Skid Mount · Trailer Mount Tank Feed- Turnkey- Hot and Cold water · Soft Wash- Low Pressure High Volume · Pressure Versus Water Flow Time and Money Saving Accessories - Perform More Work in Less Time · Flat Rotary Surface Cleaners- Nozzle orifice sizes must be matched to GPM and PSI. · Nozzles-Nozzle orifice sizes must be matched properly to GPM and PSI. · Extension Wands- Various lengths and styles are available. · Hoses- Hose must be designed for hot or cold-water use with correct PSI · Hose Reels- Various assortment of hose reel styles save time and money · Tele-Poles- Telescoping Poles extend to multiple lengths & collapse for storage · Fittings- Back up fittings, O-rings, sockets and nozzles ensure operation when ready Contact our equipment experts and we will assist in suggesting the right equipment for your unique need that fits within your budget. We are ready to help! Call us at: 800-493-7692
