If you are a homeowner who only occasionally needs to wash the car, the driveway,
deck, or patio, you might wonder if it's necessary to purchase a pressure washer
at all. After all, you can get water from your garden hose, can't you? Put the right
nozzle on the end and you can get a good strong blast of water going. Why bother
to buy a special tool just for a few annual chores?
There are a lot of reasons why purchasing a pressure washer makes sense. For one
thing, the greater pressure helps break down the chemical bond that keeps stains
attached. The second reason is that you can mix cleaning solutions directly into
the water. A third reason is time. A pressure washer will clean your car, deck,
siding, or fence in a fraction of the time it takes otherwise. Studies show that
you'll use less water with a pressure washer than using a hose.
Choosing a Pressure Washer
There are many different sizes and types of pressure washers, but they break down
into a few basic categories. The type you want to purchase is going to depend on
your cleaning tasks. The size will depend mostly on how often you need to use the
machine.
Home Quality Pressure Washers
If you are using the pressure washer only occasionally (most home owners use a pressure
for less than 20 hours per year), then you can consider buying a washer designed
for home use. They are going to make cleaning your car or boat, deck or fence, or
clearing out the gutters a quick and easy task.
Electric Pressure Washers
An electrical home pressure washer is going to have an ECU of 1800-2750. It won't
be quite as powerful or quick as a gas-powered machine, but it should be fine as
long as you only intend to use it for an hour or so at a time. The larger the machine,
the more you can accomplish in a cleaning session. One limitation of electrical
systems is that they only produce cold water.
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Gas-Powered Pressure Washers
Gas-powered home units can deliver superior power (4000 ECU or more), cutting down
on the time it takes to clean. Like any gas engine, you will need to mix or purchase
special gas-oil combinations, and change the motor oil regularly. Gas-powered units
can pump hot or cold water, depending on the model.
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Commercial Quality Pressure Washers
If you plan to use a pressure washer every day, or several days a week, you will
definitely want to purchase a professional grade washer. These are strong and durable
machines, designed to go on working for hours without breaking down. There is a
major price difference between home and commercial quality pressure washers, but
there is also a major difference in the quality of their components, as well as
power and capacity.
Electric Pressure Washers
Like their smaller home quality counterparts, electrical pressure washers are easy
to use and store. They are limited in mobility, since you need to have a power source
nearby. You will want to check the voltage on the machine to see if you need a 110-120
volt or a 220 volt outlet.
One advantage to an electric pressure washer is that it can be used indoors.
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Gas-Powered Cold Water Pressure Washers
Gas-powered pressure washers deliver more power, more PSI, GPM, and ECU than electrical
systems. They are also more expensive. They require more maintenance and may be
more difficult to store.
Also, a gas-powered machine will emit carbon monoxide and should only be used outdoors.
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How to Compare Pressure Washers
There are a few important terms to know when you are comparing
pressure washers.
PSI
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch. This measures the water pressure built up
by the machine. A home-quality electric pressure washer will create from 1300-2000
PSI. In comparison, a garden hose can only give you 40 PSI.
However, a home-quality gas-powered system can deliver much more power than an electric
one, up to 3000 PSI. That's enough power to strip paint off a wall. Commercial pressure
washers, both electric and gas, can deliver much greater PSI.
It would seem obvious that you should buy the machine with the highest PSI if you
want to get the best washer. But you should carefully consider what you are planning
to use the washer for. The pressure created can be strong enough to break or splinter
the wood on desk furniture. So getting the most powerful engine may not be the best
option for you.
GPM
GPM stands for Galleons per Minute. That's the amount of water that passes through
the water hose in one minute. The higher the amount, the more cleaning you can cover
in that minute. Most home units are going to be about 1.5 GPM. Professional washers
can range from 2-4 GPM.
ECU If you multiply the PSI x GPM, the result is measured in Effective Cleaning
Units or ECUs (sometimes shortened to CUs). The higher the ECU, the more powerful
your machine will be and the less time it will take you to complete a given task.
Other Considerations
The most basic components of a pressure washer are the motor, the pump, the frame
(that holds the motor and pump together), the hose, and the nozzle. Of these, the
most important considerations are the motor and pump. A gas-powered motor will be
more powerful than an electric one, as well as more portable. An electrical motor
is easier to maintain and often easier to store.
With gas-powered washers, be aware of the water temperature and protect your hearing.
Gas motors are noisy.
You may want to think about the type of motor used before purchasing your pressure
washer. Belt drive, induction, axial, and universal motors are all used in various
machines. Belt drives are easier on the pumps than other types of motors. Axial
motors tend to work better for long-term use, universal motors are better for short
bursts.
In looking at pumps, you want to choose one that will be durable. The most durable
pumps are either ceramic or ceramic-covered steel. These are going to require less
maintenance and fewer repairs than plungers that are non-ceramic.
As with any motorized tool, you should follow safety instructions. Make sure that
you are wearing appropriate gear, such as goggles and gloves. Point the nozzle away
from people and pets.
Price Range
The prices for pressure washers are very affordable if you are shopping for something
that you use occasionally around the home. A small electric washer will cost from
about $100-$150. A mid-sized unit will run about $150-$200, and the larger electrical
units can be purchased for about $200-$275.
Gas-powered machines are roughly twice as much, with small units starting at around
$250, mid-size units at $350-$500, and large washers going costing up to about $600.
The commercial pressure washers can be either gas or electric powered. They start
at around $900 and can go up to more than $5,000, depending on the power of the
motor, PSI, and GPM. The highest-priced pressure washers are those that produce
hot water. Cold units are much less expensive.
In general, the gas motored systems are about $300 more than their electric counterparts.
But remember that gas engines are more convenient for outdoor work and that the
more powerful electrical washers may require higher voltage than most home outlets.
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