Browse Topics
|
|
|
Selecting A Pressure Washer | |
A pressure washer can set you back anywhere from $199 to $1500 or more depending upon the features that you select. Since hiring someone to pressure wash your sidewalk, driveway, roof, or siding can run as much as $75 to $200, it doesn't take too many washings to justify owning your own.
Before you run off to the home supply store to get a new pressure washer there are some basic things to consider. Your first decision is how much water pressure you're going to need to accomplish the tasks at hand. Your water company usually delivers water a 40 PSI (pounds per square inch). If that's all you need then just buy a high pressure hose nozzle and attach it to your garden house. Put the rest of the money that you would have spent back in the bank.
If 40 PSI isn't enough, and all you intend to do is wash down your siding, vehicles, boats, sidewalks, and driveway, then you can get by with a pressure washer that produces 1300-2000 PSI. However, if you're up against heavy dirt, stubborn mold or grease, then look for one in the 2000-2600 PSI range. If your looking at extraordinary or extra-heavy problems then take a step up a bit higher to the 2700-4000 PSI range.
While PSI is the number that dictates how hard the water comes out, Gallons Per Minute (GPM) is another important indicator. GPM indicates how much water is going to come out of the nozzle. Lower cost units usually produce about 2 - 2.5 GPM. 3 GPM and higher rates are usually reserved for the more expensive models. Obviously, the more water that is discharged the faster the job gets done.
Pressure washer manufactures combine both the PSI and GPM ratings to determine the "Cleaning Unit" (CU) rating. The higher the CU the harder the pressure washer is going to work to make your cleaning chores go faster and easier.
Now that you've got the basic numbers covered it's time to move on to the power source. Your choices are: Gas or Electric. If you have a lot of property to cover, are short on extension cords, or are thinking about starting a power washing business then gas is the way to go. If you're an occasional user with access to outdoor sockets, then electric will do the trick. Gas models are noisy and cost more to operate than electric models do.
If you choose gas then there is another number that you need to get familiar with. That number is Horsepower (HP). Electric models are rated by amperage (AMPS). In either case, more is better.
Just when you think that you've got it all covered, you find out that you also need to care about what kind of pump your power washer uses. Most pumps are either axial or plunger. Both types will provide good service but keep in mind that seals and other pump parts will eventually wear out so make sure that whichever pump you select, replacement parts are available. If your pressure washer candidate has some other type of pump then you should stay away from it.
We're not through yet. You also have to decide if you want a cold water model, a hot water model, or one that can do both. Cold water pressure washers are good for general purpose cleaning and cost less. Hot water ones handle grease, gum, and other sticky substances like tree sap better but the price goes up substantially. Hot and cold combo models cost the most.
There, now you're through. Just print this article out and take it with you to the home store. Don't be surprised if you end up knowing more about pressure washers than the sales person who will try to sell one to you. Read the box and labels thoroughly. Ask to see a copy of the manual if possible. Of course, you can always start your research out on the Internet and then go to the store once you've made up your mind.
No comments added
Fill out the fields below:
|
 |
|
|
|
Need A local Gardening contractor?
Free Price Quotes From Local Gardening Contractors.! Just fill out this short form.
» Ask a question
» Answer questions
|
