How To Choose The Right Pressure Washer

Pressure washers may be the perfect tools for both general and heavy-duty cleaning project both for your business or your home. Pressure washers, also called power washers, are a convenient investment for cleaning grime, dirt and muck from driveways, decks, fences, siding and even cars. Pressure washers are invaluable tools when it comes to cleaning large areas such as driveways, large concrete slabs and brick homes. Similar to most construction related tools, there is an over abundance of styles and models of power washers to choose from. When entering a hardware store, a person can be quickly overcome with fear when trying to figure out which washer is right for their needs. There are several items to consider before purchasing a unit which will ensure the buyer that they have chosen the one that best fits their needs.

Make a note of the type and size of the projects you will be using the washer for. Obviously a person concerned with keeping their walkway clean will not be interested in a model that is designed for construction use and vice versa. With the cost of washers ranging from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars it's critical that you don't spend extra money on a washer that is designed for much larger projects than you are attempting to accomplish.

The most important variable to be considered when purchasing a pressure washer is exactly how much pressure your unit needs to have. All washers are rated based upon the amount of water pressure, expressed as pounds per square inch or PSI. Pressure washers range from 1400 to 4000 PSI, whereas the normal garden hose produces a mere 40 PSI. Washers are divided into three categories based on their PSI, including light, medium, and heavy duty. Light duty washers are typically rated with less than 2000 PSI and are used for smaller clean up efforts such as boats, cars and general home clean up. Medium pressure washers are rated with a PSI between 2000 and 3000 and are typically used in the removal of grease and grime from concrete, decks and siding. Heavy Duty washers are rated more than 3000 PSI and are used for the harder to remove stains, stripping paint, and the clean up of larger areas. Choosing the right level of washer is essential to saving the buyer money.

The size of your projects will also directly affect the style pressure washer you will need. The area clean up speed of a washer is based on the models G.P.M., or gallons per minute. The higher a model's G.P.M. means that it will clean a larger area faster because it is dispensing more gallons per minute. A model with a G.P.M. of two with an equal PSI as a model with a G.P.M. of three will clean about 60 percent less surface area in the same amount of time. The majority of power washers have a G.P.M. rating between two and four, but even though the difference between the numbers is low, the difference in cleaning power and price is extreme so choose wisely.

Distinguishing the uniqueness of your project will also affect your decision when it comes to buying a pressure washer. Accessories are common for pressure washers such as water brooms used to clean large flat areas and extension wands used to reach the higher harder to reach areas are available for most models. The price and availability of the accessories make it a factor one must consider prior to purchase. Some companies include the most widely used accessories along with the unit, while other companies make them available for purchase which could result in a much higher cost for your project. Determining which features make your project unique and which accessories you'll need should be researched prior to visiting the store and purchase.

As previously stated, pressure washers range between a few hundred and a couple thousand dollars and price will always be a factor while shopping for any high priced item. Pricing is important, but finding a model that will fulfill all your needs is the most important factor. After narrowing the choices based on your needs, PSI, G.P.M. and the availability of attachments and accessories, compare prices between makes and models. You should never purchase more tool than you need and it would be cost efficient to get a cheaper model just to find out it is insufficient in handling your project. Visit a website to compare your final selections side by side or visit a home repair store or equipment retailer for a demonstration on your models.

Every investment in life should be a smart and well-researched one and the purchase of a pressure washer is no different. Follow these guidelines and you will surely be able to find a unit that meets all of your cleaning projects in the most cost effective manner.