If you are willing to save both time and money, go through this guide to get the best pressure washer available in the market.
If you are someone who likes to keep their surroundings and property squeaky clean but also values their time, the right equipment you’re looking for is a pressure washer.
A pressure washer gives you cleaning results that are way beyond your expectations, in no time. Hence, with this product, nothing could go wrong.
Pressure washers are available in the market in large numbers. With time the quality of the product got better and the prices dropped to being affordable for most people.
People prefer getting pressure washers because of their stunning ability to clean stubborn dirt, rusts, grime, and algae quickly and efficiently. However, if you end up getting the wrong kind of machine that doesn’t meet your requirements, it could be quite frustrating. Other than that, it is undoubtedly one of the best purchases you can make.
Before you get a pressure washer, it is important to know what a pressure washer is, your requirements and preferences, and which kind you should be purchasing.
What is a Pressure Washer, and How does it work?
A pressure washer isn’t as complicated to use as you think, it is rather easy to handle and extremely user-friendly. There is a motor within that helps to exert pressure towards the tip of the nozzle and lets out the liquid/ water.
Due to the water pressure being high, it becomes easier to clean the dirt. The mechanism is quite simple, the more pressure you exert the greater volume of water sprays out of the nozzle.
One of the most important factors to look forward to is the pressure capacity of the machine to determine the most powerful electric pressure washers.
Things to Consider While Purchasing a Pressure
The factors to consider while purchasing a pressure washer are its size and its durability.
The size is important because it determines how much work pressure it can take and how long it can work.
The life expectancy of the equipment is important because it determines how much work can be done by the machine and if it’s worth every dollar you’re spending on them.
The Rating Standards to Look After
Pounds per Square Inch (PSI)
The pressure exerted is considered to contribute to the water force for cleaning. This pressure is calculated as pressure by pounds per square inch (PSI).
Horse Power (HP)
This rating is important because it determines the amount of pressure and volume the machine can provide. This is the amount of power produced by the motor.
Gallons per Minute (GPM)
The volume of water that contributes to the cleaning task is measured in gallon per minute (GPM).
Cleaning Power Units (CPU)
This rating determines the ability of cleaning. To calculate CPU you need to multiply GPM x PSI. The greater the value of the CPU, the better the cleaning results you’ll get.
However, most of the pressure washer users look more into PSI than CPU. Determining only the PSI, most users get the machines with lower PSI compared to higher PSI units. This is because it can clean more effectively and faster than a higher PSI pressure washer.
The kind of tip you use on your pressure washer also determines the effectiveness of the machine. A simple spray nozzle can exert a lot of pressure which can help in a greater volume of water for thorough effective cleaning.
Pumps of the Pressure Washer
The pumps in a pressure washer are one of the most essential parts of the machine. These pumps are the parts that put the pressure and power for the water to come out in full force.
There are different kinds of pumps available in the market. Industrial and domestic ones. Each has its specifications and the desired amount of power exerted through them.
These pumps usually consist of valves and pistons, kind of similar to air compressors.
Belt Drive or Direct Drive of a Pressure Washer
A direct drive system is considered the most common kind. It usually determines how the motor is connected to the pump. Compared to the belt drive, a direct drive is more compact and requires less space. Also, it is more affordable.
Belt drives are usually used in industrial environments. The pump of a belt drive is slower compared to that of a direct drive. The work is slow, but the life expectancy is more with belt drives.
Gas Engine or Electric Motor
Gas engines are heavier and larger compared to electric motors. Gas engines can work longer, produce more power, and can be moved around as it is not plugged anywhere.
They require extra maintenance and cost more than an electric motor.
Electric motors, on the other hand, are easy to use, less expensive, and less maintenance. As they don’t have any exhausts they can be used indoors. However, it takes longer to clean with a standard light-duty pressure washer.
Accessories you Need with Pressure Washers
Here are some accessories, you will need when purchasing a pressure washer, without them your washer is practically useless.
Hoses
Make sure to get a high-quality hose with a proper PSI rating, and one that is at least 50 feet long.
Dirt Blasters
You need dirt blasters because they clean hard surfaces very effectively with their rotating circular movements.
Wands and Tips
This is needed for shifting the pressure of water flow and volume. You can do that by changing the spray pattern at the tip of the pressure washer.
Gutter Cleaners
These are hooked extensions you can attach to your wand, and then clean gutters.
Built-in Hot water Pressure Washers
These pressure washers provide hot water from within the machine. Hot water helps to remove the dirt faster.
Detergents
You need detergents to speed up the cleaning process with your pressure washer. Detergents help in breaking the dirt more quickly.
Essential Equipment for All
With all the advantages mentioned in a pressure washer, we know how essential it can be for daily life. It is widely available in the markets, and the best part is they’re affordable.
The cleaning process can be quite frustrating at times, to make your cleaning experience easier, it’s about time to get a pressure washer if you haven’t already.
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