What To Pay Attention To In A Pressure Washer
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Specifically made for heavy-duty cleaning or paint stripping, pressure washers use less water than a garden hose. This guide will allow you to interpret GPM and PSI ratings so you can realize how to work with a pressure washer most suitable on your project.
Just How Can Pressure Washers Work?
Pressure washers use pumps, powered by gas engines or electric motors, to amplify water pressure, providing the power required for many different cleaning applications.
Pressure washer pumps have two connection points for low and high pressure. The reduced pressure connection (IN) is threaded to accept a regular garden hose. The high pressure connection (OUT) accepts a very high pressure hose (typically M22 threaded or 3/8-inch QC) that connects to the hand-held wand.
The pump is a vital component with your pressure washer.
Axial pumps, best utilized for small jobs at home, are really easy to use and require little maintenance.
Triplex pumps, suitable for daily or frequent use, should be maintained but may be repaired to be sure many years of quality performance.
Interchangeable nozzles control the wand’s spray pattern. Most pressure washers include wands that utilize a ¼-inch quick connect system.
Tip: It’s recommended that you apply a pump protector after every use. Pump protector will lubricate your pump’s seals and prevent the buildup of corrosive minerals and ice.
Cleaning Power: PSI and GPM
Cleaning power is measured by PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons each minute) rating.
Tip: To discover the cleaning power of the pressure washer, multiply the PSI x GPM. The resulting number will let you compare models allowing you to make a choice that will be around the work.
PSI: Pounds per square in . measures the stress, or cleaning force, water created with the pressure washer. Use the PSI rating to assist you see how powerful the liquid stream are going to be.
GPM: Gallons each minute measures the quantity water delivered via the pressure washer. This number can help you determine how fast the pressure washer will clean, and exactly how effectively it is going to rinse away debris.
1,300 - 1,800 PSI: Up to 1.5 GPM - Consumer electric motor models:
Residential electric grade
Light-duty
Best for infrequent jobs
2,000-3,000 PSI: Around 2.8 GPM - Consumer gas engine models:
Use for car washing, shutter cleaning, spot cleaning, grills, lawn furniture, light mildew/mold removal
Residential gas grade
Heavy-duty
Ideal for common jobs
Use for deck and pavement cleaning, sidewalks, siding, tougher stains
3,000-4,000 PSI: Up to 4. GPM - Professional gas engine models:
Professional grade
Perfect for tough, heavy jobs
Use for industrial cleaning, concrete, pavement, siding, paint stripping, graffiti removal, stubborn stains, mold and mildew removal
Buying Considerations
Take into account the flow of your own water supply and double-check out the amps needed to power the model you intend to buy.
Well water may be incompatible with many washers because of low water flow.
Look for a pressure washer which has a ground fault interrupter included in the cord. (Note: Some call for a 20-amp circuit.)
Determine in the event the brushes, nozzles and tips match the types of projects you intend to tackle. There are numerous attachments that are made for specific projects, including rotating brushes and extension wands for top cleaning.
In the event your cleaning needs are more demanding, think about unit that also includes electronic fuel injection, or EFI. This feature allows the pressure washer fifty percent easier starting and much better fuel economy.
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