When Do I Need a Pressure Washer?

You’ll need a pressure washer to clean any outdoor surface that has a significant accumulation of dirt, grime, grease, and organic matter. The right pressure cleaning equipment can help you effectively remove unwanted substances across a large area of your property.

You can also use it to clean walkways, stairs, outdoor patios, and driveways. The high pressure that pressure washers provide allows you to blast a jet of water to get rid of dirt buildup quickly.

In this post, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about pressure washers, so you’ll know what to expect if you plan to buy one.

What Kind of Pressure Washer Do I Need?

When searching for a pressure washer, you should get one that has a high pounds per square inch (PSI) output and water volume in litres per minute (LPM). The main reason for this is that pressure washers with good PSI and LPM can clean better and faster. However, they also cost more compared to its lower-rated counterparts.

The PSI is an indication of the force of a pressure washer’s spray, while the LPM is the volume of water that passes through its wand. You should look for a pressure washer that has a PSI range of around 2,000 to 3,200 PSI and a volume of at least 7 litres per minute.

Do I Need to Wear Anything When Using a Pressure Washer?

Yes, you’ll need to wear protective gear when using a pressure washer. You should wear eye protection to keep your eyes safe from potentially being splashed with any chemicals used when pressure washing as well as any debris being sprayed. 

You can also wear ear protection, especially when you’re using a noisy gas-powered model. Electric pressure washers aren’t as loud so such protection isn’t necessary.

What Do the Colours on Pressure Washer Tips Mean?

The pressure washer tips’ colours indicate the spray angles they provide once attached. You’ll find that the most direct spray angle is the one that has a red tip, while the one in black is the most dispersed.

Since there’s no detailed guide on which tip you should use for a specific job, you’ll need to combine the right spray angle with the PSI rating of your washer to get ideal results. If you’re not sure if the hardiness of a surface can take the pressure, you can start with the widest angle tip and then adjust as necessary.

Can You Damage Concrete With a Pressure Washer?

Yes, you can damage concrete by using a pressure washer. Using the wrong tip is the main reason why this can happen.

That’s why if you’re using a new pressure washer or aren’t sure about the hardiness of a surface, you should use a tip that gives a wide spray. You can switch to a more direct angle tip if you find this lacking.

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