It’s important to provide a clean and polished look to any construction project. But this is easier said than done. There can be many obstacles to a polished look: oil drips on the driveway, mildew build-up, dirt and grime turning white concrete brown.
Instead of attempting to scrub all such problems away by hand, you’ll likely want to grab a pressure washer and cut the time you’ll need in half. The right pressure washer can provide a high-powered deep clean that far outweighs the pros of a bucket and brush.
But how do you pick the right pressure washer for the job? There are many different varieties of pressure washers out there.
Read on and we’ll walk you through which one might be right for you.
How Does A Pressure Washer Work?
Let’s take a look at the basics first. If you haven’t used a pressure washer before, it’s important to understand how they work.
Pressure washers utilize an engine. This engine powers a pump that works water through a nozzle at a very high pressure, hence the name. This pressure can help water to blast away at the dirt and grime that builds up on various surfaces.
They are most typically used when cleaning driveways, walkways, and patios. But they can be used to clean just about anything that needs a hose-down with some punch behind it.
Pressure washers can be pretty powerful and it’s important that you use them safely. Thousands of people end up in the emergency room every year as a result of power washer misuse.
Never point a pressure washer at another person. Be careful when handling such a device. Keep your fingers away from the nozzle, where the water will be at it’s strongest cutting potential.
Because of the potential danger, it’s important that you’re buying a quality product that you know you can rely on. Pick a pressure washer that is designed to last in a professional setting.
Which is better gas or electric pressure washer?
The first major decision you’ll need to make is about a source of power. Pressure washers come both in petrol / diesel and electric run form. Which is best for the work you’re hoping to do?
Petrol and Diesel powered pressure washers tend to be a bit more expensive, but they offer an extra bang for your buck. If you’re cleaning a large area, such as a driveway, this kind of pressure washer can handle it with ease.
Diesel and petrol powered pressure washers tend to have more power than electric washers.
They can cut through all kinds of gunk and dirt with relative ease. Because of increased pressure, you can clean with a nozzle set on a wider angle. This means you can cover more ground at once without losing any cutting power.
Electric washers, on the other hand, are more ideal for smaller areas, like decks or patios. These models are relatively cheaper, lighter, and more convenient. You can move them around small spaces with ease.
Because they create no exhaust, you can even bring them into more condensed or indoor spaces if need be. Their small size makes them easy to store.
One of the biggest cons of petrol or diesel pressure washers is their size. They tend to be bulkier and harder to store and move. They also tend to be louder and more disruptive than electric water blasters. They also need more maintenance and need to be properly winterised to prevent problems.
They still are the best choice for large jobs. If you’re looking for little touch-ups or small work, an electric washer can be the way to go. But if you’re serious about getting rid of a large amount of dirt and grime, there’s no alternative to a petrol or diesel powered pressure washer.
What is the difference in pressure washer tips?
The angle and intensity of a washer are greatly decided by the kind of nozzle used at the tip of the wand. Different washers treat nozzles differently: some include a set of interchangeable nozzles. Others have an all-in-one adjustable nozzle that requires no switching.
Adjustment of the size and angle of a nozzle will alter the amount of pressure and size you’re covering. Adjustable nozzles tend to be more convenient than replaceable ones, but each has their own pros and cons.
What Model Is Right For You?
As we mentioned previously, it’s important to choose a pressure washer that you know is quality. You don’t want to get anything cheap, you want to get something that will do the job and last.
If you’re looking for a petrol powered washer, there’s little better than the Cougar MK3. It’s a durable and professional washer that’s also lightweight and compact. With a water pressure of up to 4,785 PSI, you can count on the Cougar MK3 to get the job done time and time again.
If you’re looking for electric powered washers, the Jetwash SP140 and SP150 are two high-quality models. They boast all the advantages of traditional electric washers with a number of other benefits. Self-priming, corrosion resistant and boasting a 2030 PSI: this can be the perfect washer for your job’s needs.
There are many great power washers on the market, and choosing the right one for you will depend on the specifics of the job you have at hand.
Choosing A Pressure Washer
Whether performing maintenance or giving a polish to a job you’ve finished from scratch, a pressure washer can be an important part of your arsenal. The above information can help you determine what kind of pressure washer will serve you best.
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