Pressure Washing Buying Guide
Removing stubborn stains, debris, and paint are only a some of the difficulties pressure washers face in our testing labs. All of us also measure how much power and pressure each one delivers, rate them about how easy they are to use, and even check noise levels. This guide will arm you with expert advice to pick a pressure washer that best suits the jobs around your house. As well as, We has important security tips you should know before using any pressure washer. Subscribers to our website can access our specific brand suggestions and exclusive product ratings. This video is interactive, so click any chapter to skip around. Pressure washers use a gas engine or electric motor to power a pump, which forces normal water at high pressure through a nozzle. And now for a brief science lesson. The amount of power a pressure washer can deliver is measured in PSI. That is short for pounds per square inch. Generally, for cleaning hard surfaces like concrete and tough spots, you'll want about 2, 000 to 3, 500 PSI.
Cleaning a deck siding or patio furniture requires less power, about 1, 500 PSI. Pressure washers come with either exchangeable nozzles or a wand tip that you can change to be able to angles. Flexible wand tips are more convenient, but nozzles give you specific angles. Individuals angles usually range from a wider 65-degree viewpoint to a very narrow 0-degree angle. No subject which spray setting you use, a misplaced jet of water could land you or a bystander in the emergency room.
All of us no longer recommend pressure washers that come with nozzles or wands that produce sprays of 15 degrees or less. We're particularly concerned with the 0-degree angle spray. Is actually typically a red nozzle that concentrates all the machine's power into a single pinpoint blast with surprisingly strong cutting features. We believes pressure washing machines should not come with this attachment or setting. Plus, our tests find wider-angle nozzles can get the job done.
We all recommend buying one without a 0-degree nozzle, not using that setting, or discarding the nozzle after purchase. Now you'll need to choose whether you want an electric or gas-powered pressure washer. our tests find electric pressure washers will manage most jobs around the home. They're relatively light, and they cost the least. Plus, they're quieter than gasoline-powered washers. And because there's no fuel, you can store electric pressure washers indoors. There are some downsides, though. You should never use an extension cord with a pressure washer. So your job must be around a power source-- about 50 feet. Electric pressure washers generally deliver about half as much power as gasoline models. Yet our tests find is actually not that an electric pressure washer can't handle tough jobs. It just takes them longer. In the event that removing tough stubborn spots and debris fast is your goal or if your jobs are far from a power source, then consider a gas-powered pressure washer. These pump out the highest POUND-FORCE PER SQUARE INCH, typically 2, 500 to 3, 500. However, that electric power comes with a higher price tag when compared with electric models and lots more noise.
Gasoline-powered models also produce carbon monoxide. So they need to never be used in a garage, click here basement, or other enclosed area. Never store a gasoline-powered pressure washer inside your home. There are a few features to buy when shopping. Cord storage rather than wrangling a knotted mass. Wheels are a plus for heavier models. Ones with good balance such as this you can push off with just one foot are convenient. Some pressure washing machines offer soap tanks to carry cleansers so you don't have to use a separate container. Remember, pressure washers are powerful tools and can damage floors. So follow the manufacturer's instructions. Always get started with the widest spray angle, and start your spraying from at least 2 feet away. And move in slowly. Wear security goggles and protective shoes. And never point the pressure washer at yourself, others, or pets. Zero matter which type of pressure washer you choose, if you'll be storing it outdoors in colder weeks, you will have to winterize it. That means you'll need to add antifreeze to the pump and drain the hose and wand.