A Guide to Professional Pressure Washers

The Power to Clean: A Guide to Pressure Washers.

Pressure washers, also known as jet washers or power washers, are powerful cleaning tools that utilise a concentrated jet of water to blast away dirt, grime, mould, and loose paint. They are a versatile addition to any professional cleaning arsenal, tackling tasks that would be tedious and time-consuming with traditional methods.

This guide explores the different types of pressure washers available and their unique applications. We'll cover electric, petrol (gas), diesel, and hydraulic pressure washers, helping you choose the perfect tool for your cleaning needs.

Choosing a Pressure Washer:

Two main attributes categorise pressure washer cleaning power:

Pressure - Measured in Bar or PSI (pounds per square inch): Higher pressure tackles tougher jobs, but be cautious – excessive pressure can damage delicate surfaces.  However, high pressure without a good flow rate will not produce good cleaning results.

Flow rate - Measured in Litres per Minute (L/min) or GPM (gallons per minute): Indicates water flow rate. Higher L/min means faster and more powerful cleaning, but requires a good water source.

The pressure washer nozzle can also play an important role in cleaning power; rotating or turbo nozzles can add effective cleaning power by directing a concentrated jet over a larger area> this gives the benefit of a concreted smaller jet, but spinning the jet over a circle pattern to increase the effective area. Pressure washer nozzles are also available in different fan patterns, from a pencil jet (zero degrees) to 15 degrees, 25 degrees and 40 degrees. wider fan patterns clean with less force but over a wider area.

For most homeowners, a 100-120Bar electric pressure washer with 7-8L/min is sufficient for common cleaning jobs.

Three-phase electric machines offer more power. Three-phase pressure washers can operate at over 200 Bar and 12 L/min, which is comparable to some petrol driver washers.

Flooded Suction Pressure Washer

Run your Pressure Washer from a bucket, barrel or tank.

Most high-flow rate, professional pressure washers require a 'flooded suction' set-up. This is where the pressure washer draws water from a bucket, barrel or tank that can be filled from a normal hose. The pressure washer then pumps the water from the flooded source rather than trying to pull water from a hose pipe connected to a tap.  This gives the pump more 'freedom' of water for the higher flow rates and more cleaning power.

Electric Pressure Washers: Clean and Convenient

Electric pressure washers are the most common type for domestic use. Benefits include:

• Environmentally friendly: No emissions or fumes, perfect for indoor or outdoor use near plants or water sources.
• Quiet operation: Ideal for noise-sensitive areas.
• Lightweight and compact: Easy to manoeuvre and store.
• Lower upfront cost: Generally the most affordable option.

However, electric pressure washers have limitations:

Power: They offer less cleaning power compared to petrol or diesel models.  You can't get enough power from a domestic 230v, 13amp supply to match engine-driven machines. Electric pressure washers are suitable for light to moderate cleaning tasks like washing cars, decks, or patios.

Tethered: Requires access to a power outlet, limiting the cleaning reach of the power cord.

Petrol Pressure Washers: Powerful Performers

Petrol pressure washers offer a significant step up in cleaning power compared to electric models. They are ideal for:

• Heavy-duty cleaning: Removing stubborn dirt, paint, grease, and mildew from driveways, buildings, or heavy equipment.
• Larger cleaning projects: They have a wider range of cleaning applications due to their higher pressure and flow rate.
• Portability: While heavier than electric models, they offer greater mobility thanks to their onboard fuel tanks.

However, petrol pressure washers come with some drawbacks:

• Emissions: Not ideal for enclosed spaces or environmentally conscious users.
• Noise: They operate at a higher noise level than electric models.
• Maintenance: Requires regular engine maintenance, such as oil changes and spark plug replacement.
• Higher upfront cost: Generally more expensive than electric models.

Choosing a Petrol Pressure Washer:

Like electric models, consider pressure and flow rate for petrol pressure washers. However, petrol models can reach higher pressure ratings over 300 Bar with flow rates over 20L/min. Choose based on your specific cleaning needs – heavier jobs will require a higher PSI.

Safety Tip: When using a petrol pressure washer, always wear ear protection and safety glasses to protect yourself from noise and flying debris.

Diesel Pressure Washers: Industrial Strength Cleaning

Diesel pressure washers are the heavy hitters of the pressure washer world. They are designed for industrial applications and offer the most cleaning power available. Here's what they excel at:

• Extreme cleaning jobs: Removing heavy caked-on dirt, graffiti, paint, and other difficult substances from large surfaces.
• Continuous cleaning: Ideal for long cleaning sessions due to their diesel engines.
• High-volume cleaning: They offer exceptional flow rates, allowing them to clean large areas quickly. Also, with enough flow rate to operate 2 users from the same pressure washer. popular with commercial shipyards, marine maintenance and demolition sites.

However, diesel pressure washers have some disadvantages:

• Cost: The most expensive option due to their heavy-duty, robust engines and high-performance capabilities.
• Complexity: They require more expertise to operate and maintain, making them less user-friendly for domestic applications.
• Environmental impact: Diesel engines produce higher emissions than electric or petrol models.

Choosing a Diesel Pressure Washer:

Professionals or businesses handling large-scale cleaning jobs typically purchase these high-power diesel-driven pressure washers. If you're considering a diesel pressure washer, you must have the expertise and budget to handle its operation and potentially higher maintenance needs. Look for an electric-start machine with a battery and charging system for ease of operation. An integrated trolley or forklift skid frame is a must for easy handling.

Hydraulic Pressure Washers: Specialised Power

Hydraulic pressure washers are a unique category utilising a hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor or internal combustion engine, usually a TPO (Power Take-Off) shaft, to create immense hydraulic pressure. They excel at:

• Specialised cleaning: These are used in industrial settings for tasks like hydro blasting (removing paint, concrete, or rust) or drain cleaning. Also for municipal vehicles, bin lorries and agricultural vehicles 
• High-pressure applications: They can reach much higher pressure levels (up to 40,000 PSI or more) than other pressure washer types.  Typical vehicle-mounted PTO hydraulic pressure washers will have a similar power output as a petrol pressure washer, with flow rates of 10 to 20 L/min and pressure up to 150 Bar.

As you can see, purchasing a pressure washer is dependent on the type of work you will be undertaking and the frequency you will be using your jet wash. As well as budget, of course.

Honest Pressure Washer Advice.

At Tank Express, we pride ourselves on providing honest advice based on years of technical knowledge in the industry. So feel free to call or email with your enquiry, and we'll point you to the best pressure washer for your unique requirements.