Your Guide to Selecting the Right Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are widely sought-after cleaning machines for commercial cleaning applications, industrial cleaning, and other kinds of heavy-duty cleaning applications. In fact, no other cleaning equipment can match the output pressure levels and power of these devices.

If you look for pressure washers in a retail store or on the Internet, you can find a number of options and models like electric pressure washers, commercial pressure washers, industrial pressure washers, gas pressure washers, and water pressure washers. A problem many people stumble upon is which model to choose, as they are faced with an abundance of options, features, and technologies.

While the selection of a pressure washer depends on individual requirements, nature of the cleaning job, and types of impurities to be removed, one can follow some general guidelines while selecting a pressure washing device.

Output Pressure and Temperature Levels

Pressure and temperature levels are widely regarded as the defining parameters of pressure washer. Temperature options include cold water machines for lighter commercial applications, hot water machines for commercial and industrial applications, and steam pressure washers for the most demanding applications. Steam temperatures max out around 330°F, allowing users to effectively dissolve residues while blasting them away. The general rule of thumb is: cleaning power increases as temperature increases.

Pressure levels range from 700 psi to 8000 psi. Higher pressure levels boast more power. However, too much pressure can damage delicate surfaces, as in a car exterior.

Each pressure washer on the market boasts particular temperature settings and pressure levels. One will have to check the specifications of individual models to learn about the maximum temperature and pressure capacity of the device.

The best option is to opt for a tri-mode pressure washer. These models provide all three forms of temperature output (cold water, hot water, and steam) in a single machine. The operator can choose the output temperature level that he or she needs for any given application.

Flow Rate

Most people do not consider this parameter as important as temperature and pressure levels. However, this is almost as vital a specification. Flow rate is expressed in gallons per minute (GPM) and is a measure of the amount of output (in gallons) that flows out of the device in one minute. The flow rate of pressure washers range from 0.5 GPM to 7 GPM.

Broadly speaking, the higher the flow rate, the more powerful the machine is. This is because more water is being forced onto the surface to be cleaned. In some instances, one may not want to expel too much water on a given cleaning application – for example, in places which experience water scarcity or in facilities with limited drainage. In such cases, pressure washers with low flow rates are ideal.

Power Methods Make the Difference

Pressure washers are available in a number of different power methods: gasoline, propane, diesel, and electric. It is important to select a power method that will suit your desired pressure washing application.

Electric pressure washers are designed for indoor applications and those in proximity to an electrical supply. They are quieter than other power methods and generate no exhaust. However, electric units are limited by their need for an electrical source.

Gas and propane models are ideal for exterior applications, as they do not require use near an electrical supply. However, they are generally noisier and produce exhaust, making them unsuitable for interior applications.

Advanced Technologies to Make the Job Easier

Some of the latest models of pressure washers come equipped with automatic shut-down technologies. The advantage of this technology is that it automatically cuts the power supply to the device if the device is kept idle for 30 seconds. For industrial cleaning applications, operators use long hoses for cleaning a wide area. The often work far from the machine and must return to the machine during every break in operation to shut down to prevent wear and tear on key components. In such cases, pressure washer with automatic shut-off technology are convenient for the operator as well as effective for preventing power wastage.

Now with an understanding of the most integral features, options, and technologies found in pressure washing equipment today, you can find a suitable machine to meet your specific needs.