Importance of Pressure Washers
October 26, 2007
Pressure washer is a device used to remove the hard-to-go dirt and greases from buildings, vehicles etc. It is a unit which increases the pressure of water and distributes it in a controlled manner to clean the hard stained places. Pressure washer provides the cleaning action by combining the flow of water and stress formed in the machine.
The machine is plugged to the main electricity other-wise you can connect to main water tap, a water tank or water butt through a garden hose. While connecting the pressure washer to tank or water butt you need to attach a filter. This filter is used because it will reduce the risk of residues getting into the pressure washer. Always beware that your water tank includes lots of water in it. There is a possibility of damaging the pressure washer if the water tank is dry.
Before you start to clean any surface with the pressure washer, first try on a small area to measure the highest quantity of water which is needed for effectual cleaning. By doing this process there is no chance of entering into any risk. The pressure of the pressure washer is measured in bars. The pressure needed to clean your dirty car is just around 100 bars, but for tougher and hard cleaning like building roof needs 120 pressure bar.
You will be provided an optional nozzle with your pressure washer unit. If you make use of nozzle attachment while cleaning, it can increase the cleaning power by up to 50%.
A pressure washer uses the water level of 400 litres in an hour which provides the pressure up to 25 times. It is really an effective unit for cleaning. If the unit has high pressure, then it offers power to lift dirt.
If the pressure washer has the capacity to distribute more water, then the debris is washed away quickly. To select the right pressure washer check on the pressure and flow of water as these two are the factors that determine the efficiency of the device.
It is used for cleaning light objects like motorbikes, cycles and furniture. Tougher task will require the pressure of 110-130 bars which cleans roofs and farm machinery. Get a long cable and hose for connection and mainly look for the features like portability, auto stop/start, prolonged motor, detergent tank etc.
Buying a Pressure Washer
October 25, 2007
Pressure washer is a device to remove the stained dirt completely from any surface. No more mould, grease, and paints can be seen in unwanted areas under the pressure of its powerful and penetrating spray. There are various types of models such as hot or cold water model or electricity or power provided with a gas engine.
Pressure washer is used to clean paints, deck cleaning, car washing, driveway scouring and removal of brick in walkways. It is able to do heavy jobs like blasting paint from sides, removing grim from entire building exteriors, etc.
When you are planning to buy the pressure washer you can look out the parts and services to learn about the components that make up a pressure washer. You can browse safety guidelines and pick up few points about the responsibility of owning a power washer. There are local rental outlets available, so rent a pressure washer and make a try on its size.
There are leading brands who have introduced various types of pressure washer according to the user’s convenience. The leading brands such as Pioneers and trend-setters are identified in these website pages and Karcher Company is a giant industry in the product of water and steam cleaning machinery.
When you choose a pressure washer, see that the unit is powerful enough to perform your entire work. If the pressure washer is too powerful, there are possibilities of damaging the object that you are trying to clean.
Some tips to buy pressure washer based on your choice:
• You need to decide first the performance of the pressure washer. It can be used anywhere for washing a car, patio, grill and boat as well as for your home, agriculture and industrial needs.
• Now try to look for a feature that you need to have whether it is an electric, gasoline, diesel or oil powered unit for your pressure washer.
• Lastly look for the washer with cold water and hot water unit. Hot water equipment can generate hot water. The unit comes with cleaning solution which plays their part in dissolving the dirt, grease, grim oil stains and these can not be removed without hot water.
Right Choice made for pressure washers
October 24, 2007
It is too hard to remove dirt and dust from surfaces and objects such as building, concrete surfaces and vehicles. A mechanical device ‘Pressure Washer’ is used to remove all these hard dirt, mud, mould and grime. The pressure applied by the pressure washer on these hard greases is 4000 psi (pound per square inch).
Pressure washer is applicable to all levels of use. Plan well before you buy a pressure washer. You may wish to clean up things like outdoor furniture, cars, driveways, deck, grills, houses and dog kennels. So you have a requirement of pressure washer. Decide whether you want a cold or hot pressure washer.
Cold water pressure washers are less expensive than hot water pressure washer, but it does not offer effective cleaning on dirt or greasy spots. Gas powered unit is portable but can not be used in indoor as it creates carbon monoxide in lethal doses. Electric pressure washer is a best choice for indoor usage.
Short Terms
• The pressure of water in this unit is measured in psi.
• ‘GPM’ which stands for Gallons per Minute referred to the flow rate of water.
• Cleaning Unit is abbreviated to ‘CU’ or ‘UCE’.
• HP ‘Horse-Power’ is a measurement of Gasoline Engines. Amperage short form is ‘amps’ and it is a measurement of electric motors.
• Pressure washers come with direct pump drive methods and belt-pump-driven method.
• High-pressure pump unit which uses plunger type pumps results in smoother flow.
• Nozzle is the tip of the pressure washer used for cleaning which can be adjusted.
Point to be kept in mind while buying pressure washers.
• If your selected unit has powerful nozzle, then it can harm some surfaces while cleaning.
• Do not use chemicals available at home, but use the chemical that is advised by the manufacturer.
The latest pressure washer is equipped with safety features. It is designed with thermal relief valves which prevents heat and water pressure from reaching the dangerous levels.
• Selecting the appropriate size of pressure washer is one of the important things.
1. 1200 -1350 psi has the capacity to clean your lawn furniture or car.
2. 1500-2200 psi sized unit can help you to clean up you deck.
Features to look for pressure washers
October 22, 2007
Pressure washers are usually large in size and they are designed to clean various types of surfaces with the support of high pressure of water. The dust and debris dumped in sophisticated nooks and corners will be washed out easily with the pressure washers. These units are not expensive. Therefore any one can buy it instead of renting it. Your fabulous wood dock and concrete porch will shine after cleaning them using a pressure cleaner. Here are a few features to be considered in a pressure washer.
• GPM – Gallons Per Minute
This unit of measurement indicates the quantity of water to be used at the time of cleaning. The sufficient quantity of water has to be splashed on the surface with adequate pressure to remove the dirt or debris. Higher the GPM, lower the cleaning time.
• Water Pressure
Pressure becomes essential in choosing a pressure washer. PSI is a unit of measurement mostly used to measure the level of water pressure. If the level of water pressure is high, you can clean your boats, cars, patio furniture etc very efficiently. The quantity of water will also be automatically reduced. The level of PSI may vary on the basis of different applications.
For Example:
• Car washing requires “premium pressure” which means a minimum of 1800 PSI and up to 2200 PSI.
• If you want to wash side walks, decks, siding etc, you have to use “premium plus” pressure which has 2300 to 2700 PSI.
• It is suggested to go for “professional” pressure level which begins from 2800 PSI and up to 3500 PSI to wash or clean huge areas.
• Branded Engines
Engine of pressure washers are to be considered when you purchase one. Always choose a pressure washer which has equipped with a branded engine. Various popular brands are available in the UK market.
SIMPLE GUIDELINES
People think that cleaning pressure washer is a big headache. But in fact, it is simple if you use right tools to clean it. Some of the useful guidance is given here:
• Make use of injectors for mixing the cleaning solutions. The solvents should have been approved by the manufacturer of the pressure washer. Delicate components of pressure washer may be destroyed while you use unapproved solvents. Check out the labels carefully.
• Choosing an appropriate angle is vital to get an efficient wash. It is better to buy a pressure washer which has come with adjustable nozzles. You can have effective spray by choosing smallest angle. When you need to clean stubborn stains from your deck, it is better to choose zero angles.
• Method of cleaning is also an essential factor to be considered for the longevity of the unit. Never spray too closely. Since the water pressure is high, you could break or damage it unknowingly. It is suggested to hold your wand at a little distant. If deep cleaning is required, you can use them closely.
Pressure Washers - An Overview
October 20, 2007
Washing away doubts about Pressure Washers
Does a cleaning chore drain away your time, energy and cheer instead of the undesirable patch? Then, it is time you switched to a pressure washer. A pressure washer is one of the most effective cleaning devices available today as it removes the toughest stains and dirt with remarkable ease.
The working mechanism
This gadget that can be used to clean anything, works by subjecting dirt, paint, stain, grease, tar or chewing gum to high pressure hot water, wet steam or high pressure cold water and dislodging the unwanted particles. It increases the pressure of the water and lets it out in great force through a hose to strike the area to be cleaned. Thus, it requires a supply of electricity and plentiful water as the flow of water is as important as its pressure, to displace unwanted particles. A nozzle attached to its gun enhances its cleaning power tremendously. A filter to block unwanted residue in the water is a must.
Types of pressure washers
Depending upon the purpose of use, pressure washers can be classified into hot water pressure washers, or hot pressure washers, steam pressure washers and cold water pressure washers or cold pressure washers.
The former two use hot water and hence are more effective when used to remove oil, grime and stubborn stains. They have two main parts- the pump motor that increases the pressure of the water and the burner coil that heats the water. The motor is powered by either of electricity, gas, diesel or propane. Due to the nature of the parts, these washers are heavier.
Cold pressure washers that use cold water are used to eliminate mild stains and dirt.
There are three in one pressure washers which are a combination of all the three.
Finding the ideal one
The pressure is usually measured in bars and the water flow in litres per hour. The higher these value the more the pressure and the flow of the water.
The pressure required for some common cleaning is given below-
The cleaning of
• Bikes, household articles, furniture, toys: 100 bar
• ditches, fences, cars, pools, heavy vehicles: 110 bar
• compound walls, paths, building surfaces, park seats, heavy equipment: 110-130 bar
Accordingly, there are basic criteria to be considered in the selection of a pressure washer
1) The pressure which is calculated as pounds per square inch (PSI)
When choosing by the pressure, you may choose thus
• For easy tasks: PSI 750- 1500
• For medium jobs: PSI 1000- 3000
• For industrial cleaning tasks: PSI 2000- 4000
However, it is to be noted that the pressure can be lower for a hot pressure washer or steam pressure washer as their heat is substantial for achieving the desired results.
2) The flow of water which is calculated in Gallons per minute (GPM)
A great force is required for the water to eliminate the unwanted particles completely. Hence, a high GPM indicates quality cleaning.
3) Other factors
• A machine which is automatic is longer lasting.
• Extra fittings like brushes drain cleaners and wheels are useful.
• A long cable and a long hose could prove handy
• Some have a detergent tank that determines the exact quantity of detergent required. This gives the right scrub.
• A regulator that controls the flow of water according to the nature of the wash contributes to a sparkling clean.
• The gun has to be first rate and the nozzle of suitable angle.
• Convenient pockets for storage of its fittings give neatness to its appearance.
Being price wise
It is unadvisable to compromise on quality.
• Beware of cheap and short- lived imitations.
• Superior equipment has high PSI and GPM and price.
• Ensure that the coils are made of stainless steel or carbon steel. Aluminium is to be avoided at all cost.
• A hot pressure washer with a horizontal coil is hassle-free, more efficient and has greater insulation.
• Choose one that has facility to prevent overheating as this not only consumes extra power but is also damaging.
• Look for warranty and after sale service options.
• Using environment safe detergents gives dramatic results.
Averting accidents
• The high pressure water can rip apart flesh from bone. Hence, keep the hose away from everything other than the spot to be cleaned.
• The body, feet and eyes must be duly protected from flying shards.
• Use a plug socket that stops the flow of electricity when the earth connection is faulty.
• Always stack away the accessories safely.
• Follow the instructions.
Always check the accessories that come with the washer. Check the superiority of the gun and the length of the hose as well. Check the nozzles available for different angle nozzles are used for different applications. Some other accessories are Drain Cleaners, Sandblasters, and Rotary Brushes etc. These accessories make your washer more useful and powerful.
If you are cleaning under pressure, then a pressure washer is the ultimate cleaning solution for you.
