Pressure Washing FAQ's and Troubleshooting Tips
So I’ve put together this page to answer the most frequently asked questions from homeowners looking to buy a pressure washer AND the most frequent pressure washing troubleshooting issues.
What size pressure washer do I need? Homeowners should concentrate on purchasing a high quality unit that will effectively clean all their residential cleaning projects. Generally, electric pressure washers are very popular with homeowners and clean small & medium-sized projects like car washing and outdoor furniture very well. Homeowners purchase a gas powered pressure washers, which are generally more powerful than electric models, if they plan on cleaning larger projects like decks, large driveways, patios, vinyl siding, etc.
Check out
How to Choose the Best Pressure Washer
for great advice on how to compare pressure washer models and select the right size for you.
What is PSI, GPM, and CPU? What do they mean? These are three key ratings to determine the power and quality of a pressure washer. PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch, GPM stands for Gallons Per Minute and CPU stands for Cleaning Power Unit. These important pressure washer ratings are the key to understanding pressure washers. Should I rent a pressure washer, instead of buying one? No. Not any more. It just doesn’t make sense, these days, to rent one. Check out Are You Thinking About Renting A Pressure Washer? if you want a more detailed explanation. If you budget is really tight, check out my really cheap pressure washing idea. What detergents can I use with my pressure washer? Only detergents or chemicals that say they are especially formulated for use in pressure washers! Never, ever use homemade cleaning mixtures or recipes. See my explanation of pressure washing detergents for more information about the specific types of detergents that are available for homeowners. Instead of using a garden hose, can I draw water from my pond or my holding tank? No! Pressure washers marketed to homeowners need to be hooked up to a garden hose. Your pressure washer pump needs the steady flow of water that’s supplied by a garden hose, otherwise, the pump will be severely damaged or broken. Also, contaminants in the water will probably clog and ruin your entire pressure washer.
Should I buy an electric or gas-powered pressure washer? Can I use my gas-powered pressure washer indoors? No! A gas-powered pressure washer emits toxic fumes and can never be used indoors. Gas-powered models are only suitable for outdoor cleaning use. For indoor pressure washing, you’ll need an electric pressure washer!
Which is better: a hot water or cold water pressure washer? I strongly believe that you need a hot water pressure washer for very heavy-duty industrial and farm applications, but a cold water pressure washer is the very best choice for homeowners. Cold water pressure washers are the best choice for DIYers/homeowners because they’re more compact, easier to move, less complicated and less expensive. For more information about this, read Choosing Your New Pressure Washer How far away should I stand from the dirty surface I’m trying to clean? I always recommend standing at least 3-4 feet away when you begin pressure washing. AND begin washing using the white nozzle! Remember, you’re using highly pressurized water which can gouge or fray surfaces. So it’s always best to start farther away from the surface, using the widest spray nozzle. You can always move closer, or switch to a more intense nozzle, if you absolutely have to. Use the
correct nozzle
for the job!
The Latest Articles from the Pressure Washer Blog!
|
