One of the most powerful and effective cleaning tools available is the pressure washer. The pressure washer is capable of cleaning almost all types of surfaces effectively and easily. Buying a pressure washer can be confusing and even a little overwhelming since there are several options. It helps to get all of the information and the facts you need to consider, before going ahead with a purchase.
There is a wide variety of pressure washers on the market now. Failing to choose one that is suited specifically to your own needs may result in regret in buying one that is too powerful. It can also result in damage to your property. On the other hand, without proper research, you may end up with a pressure washer that is not strong enough and doesn't do the job you need it to.
Naturally, the first step in buying a pressure washer is to consider how you will be using it, and what for. Being clear on the result you want will help you to choose the model that will do exactly what you want it to.
You'll need to determine what pressure you'll need. The variation in water pressure will affect the results you achieve. When you're looking at pressure, you'll be looking at the pounds per square inch, known as the PSI. To give you an idea of power, a garden hose will deliver around 40 psi, and a pressure washer will deliver more like 1,400psi to around 4,000psi.
You have an option of light, medium or heavy duty when it comes to types of pressure washers. The light washers, at under 2,000psi would be suitable for washing cars or boats, and general domestic cleaning. Washers with a water pressure of somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000psi are considered medium duty. A medium pressure washer is perfect for removing grime and grease from decks and concrete. Finally, for heavy duty work, the heavy duty washer produces a water pressure of over 3,000psi. You'll need a heavy duty washer for removing stains or stripping paint.
Another aspect of the pressure washer to consider is the gallons per minute (GPM). For the most part, a higher pressure will mean a higher GPM. The higher the GPM, the more surface area the washer will be able to cover, in a shorter period of time. To give you an example: In order to clean 8 to 10 square feet of surface per minute, you'll need a machine that uses 3GPM.
Regarding accessories, your pressure washer should come already equipped with everything you need. However, if you find there are some extras you don't have, you can buy the accessories separately. You'll need extension wands for reaching high places, with different nozzles that fit the wand. For cleaning large, flat areas, you'll need water brooms.
Once you've chosen the model with all the features you want, the correct pressure and size, it's time to compare prices. Shopping around will help you to get the best deal available on a pressure washer. A great option is to buy a pressure washer that is able to produce steam as well as both hot and cold water. This will make your washer more versatile. It will cost a little more than one that produces only cold water, but the versatility and additional applications make it well worth the investment.
Deciding on the best high pressure washer may be considered a difficult task. You'll find we have put together a review of some of the better pressure washers on the market. Have a look and locate the right one to suit your needs