Are they looking for a pressure washer? A pressure washer is a perfect tool for cleaning surfaces like driveways, decks, and siding. They come in various sizes and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces.
A pressure washer can make your life much easier by quickly and efficiently cleaning dirty surfaces. Not only are they easy to use, but they also save you time and energy.
There are many benefits to cleaning with a pressure washer. Here are some things you should know about them for a much better illustration!
1) Know the difference between “Cold” and “Hot” water pressure washers
When looking for a suitable pressure washer, it is essential to be familiar with the terms used when describing hot and cold water pressure washers. This will help you choose the one that fits your needs best. Hot water models can heat up in just 20 minutes, which is very convenient. However, they cost more than cold water pressure washers do.
2) Cold-water Pressure Washer vs. Hot Water Pressure Washer
Cold-water Pressure Washer: A cold-water model uses fresh tap water like any other faucet, and this water travels through a cold feed hose to the pump. A low-pressure water stream is created by forcing the water through an injector nozzle or spray wand. This pressure washer takes longer to heat up and may not provide enough pressure for commercial applications.
Hot Water Pressure Washer: When you use a hot water model, tap water goes straight from your faucet into the unit’s storage tank, where it is heated before it reaches the pump. The high-pressure stream that comes out of the nozzle of a hot water pressure washer can cut right through grease and oil stains with ease. However, these models take longer to cool down than their cold-water counterparts.
3) Know about Electric vs. Gas-powered pressure washers
It would be best to consider the choice between an electric and gas-powered model. A cold-water electric unit is lighter than a comparable gas unit, making it easier to carry around the job site. However, gas units are more powerful than their electric counterparts. Electric models are not as powerful as gas units, but they are quieter and less polluting, which is ideal if you’re concerned about noise or air quality.
4) Know different types of Gas Powered Pressure Washers
There are two main types of gasoline-powered machines:
1) Light-Duty Gas Pressure Washer: This type of machine is very portable and can be lifted by hand, but it may lack some power (up to 2,000 PSI). The gas-powered pressure washer is best for light residential cleaning applications.
2) Medium and Heavy-Duty Gas Pressure Washers: These units deliver much more power than light-duty ones do. They offer between 2,000 to 4,500 PSI, and you only need one GPM (gallons per minute) of water to drive it; therefore, you can attach a garden hose directly to the cold water inlet.
5) Know about pump types used in Pressure Washers
The following are the main types of pumps found on electric cold water washers:
1) Triplex plunger pumps: Plunger pumps create high PSI and flow rates with an attached electric motor. The pump is easy to maintain, has excellent lift capabilities, and creates a high volume of water flow.
2) Axial cam pumps: Look for a pressure washer with an axial cam pump if you want less maintenance required because it needs fewer moving components. A camshaft action provides quieter operation while producing high PSI and GPM ratings.
3) Diaphragm pumps: This type of pump is the best choice for engineered cleaners because it produces a very high volume of water without compromising pressure.
6) Know about the pressure washer nozzle options
Five types of nozzles can be used with any model:
1) Turbo Nozzle/Turbo Lance: This option produces a high-pressure jet stream that can cut through grease, mud, or insects on driveways or patios.
2) High-Pressure Nozzle: A high-pressure nozzle cuts through heavy dirt, grime, and grass clippings. It works well for washing windows and cars, but it may take a bit more time to clean surfaces than a turbo nozzle does.
4) Foam Nozzle/Foamer Nozzle/Foam Lance: This nozzle provides the best way to tackle large flat areas because it reduces water consumption by adding soap or chemical concentrates. It helps you save time with the jobs, especially when cleaning windows.
5) Lower Pressure Nozzle: A lower pressure nozzle can create up to 2,000 PSI with adjustable nozzles. They are perfect for light-duty washing tasks during spring or fall cleanup projects.
7) Know about the Cold Water vs. Hot Water Pressure Washers
Cold-water pressure washers come with a triplex plunger pump versus hot water models, which have an axial cam pump — making cold water models inherently quieter than their hot-water counterparts.
Conclusion
In addition to the above, you should also know that pressure washers use much power. You can plug them into a grounded outdoor electrical outlet or connector with an extension cord. When buying a cold water unit, look for one with a GPM between 1 and 3 – this will ensure enough power to get all your jobs done.
