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.
