You probably already know that nothing else beats the quick and efficient outdoor cleaning results
you can achieve with a pressure washer. Dirt, grease, mold, dust, salt, moss and stains are blasted away!
So, to help you buy the correct model, and get the best results from your new pressure washer, it's worth taking the time
to review how a pressure washer works. Different pressure washer models will vary slightly, but the basic concepts remain the same.
The average pressure washer used by DIY/homeowners provides a pressurized water stream that is up to 50 times more powerful
than your ordinary garden hose!
But here's the best part: because the water is highly pressurized, and ejected through a small
nozzle, you actually use LESS water to clean! Up to 70-80% LESS water than a regular garden hose. Sounds great, doesn't it?
HERE'S HOW THEY WORK:
First, when you start the GAS-POWERED ENGINE, or ELECTRIC MOTOR, of your pressure washer, the crankshaft drives a camshaft inside the water pump that starts the pistons. (Gas & Electric are the two main types of
pressure washer engines and motors
suited for the homeowner.)
Fresh water, coming in from your GARDEN HOSE, enters the water inlet, just to the side of the engine.
Then the
WATER PUMP
pressurizes the water and drives it up the...........
When the
SPRAY GUN
is engaged, pressurized water travels through the spray gun & wand...........
and is forced out of the
NOZZLE/TIP
at the end of the wand.
IN THE MOST BASIC TERMS, THIS IS HOW A PRESSURE WASHER WORKS!
Not sure if you should choose a pressure washer with an axial cam pump or triplex pump? Read the
Pressure Washer Pumps
page for clear advice.
If you're looking for a new gas or electric pressure washer, I can recommend the quality and competitive prices at Northern Tool + Equipment. FREE shipping too! Click on the photo of the gas pressure washer OR the electric pressure washer to check out the wide selection at Northern Tool + Equipment:
Or if you prefer the spirit of bargain-hunting on , here are the current auctions for pressure washers & attachments like flat surface cleaners, extension poles, water brooms, etc.:
