How Pressure Washer Work
A power spray system works by using pressurized water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from exterior surfaces like houses, decks, fences, patios, vehicles, and more. Inside the machine is a small gasoline or electric motor that powers a water pump. This pump pressurizes water from a garden hose up to 3000 psi or more, depending on the model. The pressurized water is then forced through a high-pressure hose and wand/gun attachment where you can adjust the spray pattern for different cleaning tasks. Nozzles on the wand/gun modify the pressure water stream into different shapes like a solid, wide-angle, or rotating jet.
Key Features to Pressure Washer Pump Type
Pressure Washer in Power spray systems come with one of two main pump types - axial cam or centrifugal. Axial cam pumps are simpler and cheaper but don't provide as strong water pressure as centrifugal pumps. Centrifugal pumps generate greater water pressure at higher gallons per minute (GPM), making them better for heavy-duty cleaning jobs.
Motor Type
Power spray systems are powered by either gas or electric motors. Gas motors are more powerful and portable since they don't require a power cord but are louder and need fuel. Electric motors are cleaner and quieter to run but must be used near an outdoor outlet or with an extension cord. Most have 13-20 amp motors.
PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) Rating
PSI measures the water pressure and is an important factor when choosing a washer. Higher PSI is needed for tougher jobs like removing stubborn stains or paint. A 3,000 PSI washer can handle most residential cleaning tasks while commercial units reach up to 4,000 PSI for hardened pros.
GPM (Gallons per Minute) Rating
GPM indicates the volume of water pumped. For light cleaning, 1.3-1.5 GPM is sufficient but heavier-duty tasks require 1.8+ GPM. More GPM means faster cleaning without having to repass areas as often.
Hose Diameter and Length
Most home power spray systems include 20-25 feet of high-pressure hose ranging from .625 to 1 inch diameters. Thicker hoses stand up to higher PSI better without kinking as much. Consider extra hose if your cleaning area is large or far from an outlet.
Wand/Gun and Nozzle Types
The gun/wand controls the pressurized water stream. Adjustable nozzle tips shape the stream for different cleaning tasks like driving soap, removing mildew, or etching away tough stains. Quality wands are easy to grip and include quick-connect fittings.
Additional Features
For convenience, look for units with extra perks like onboard chemical injection systems, multiple quick-connect wand tips, anti-sear high-pressure hoses, adjustable pressure dials, and wheels/handles for easy transport. Some include accessories like detergent bottles and extension wands.
Balancing Power and Price
With all the available power washer options, the tricky part is balancing capability with your budget. Focus first on your most common cleaning tasks - is it light dust and grime or heavy painted surfaces? Consider investing in a washer on the higher-end of PSI and GPM ratings to handle tougher jobs that come up occasionally without getting a more powerful unit than truly needed. Brand reliability also plays a role in the long-term worth versus upfront cost.
Top Power spray system Picks for Homeowners AR Blue Clean AR383 Electric Power spray system
For lighter cleaning around the home, this electric model delivers up to 1800 PSI at 1.2 GPM. The 13-amp motor sufficiently removes surface dirt and stains from siding, decks, patio furniture and cars parked in the driveway. Available with or without included accessories, it’s an affordable basic washer suitable for occasional use.
Simpson PS3223 Gas Power spray system
Offering 2300 PSI water pressure and all-metal pump construction, the Simpson withstands regular residential use. The powerful Honda GCV160 gas engine boosts cleaning power over comparably priced electric models. Standard spray gun and nozzle selection suit a variety of tasks from rinsing to removing built-up mud and mildew. At a mid-range cost, it suits maintained homes.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Power spray system
A step up in cleaning ability, the Sun Joe outputs 3000 PSI from a powerful 15-amp motor. This electric power spray system comfortably cleans larger exterior areas faster. It includes a detergent tank, adjustable nozzle tips, and 20 feet of braided hose able to reach further places on the property for a fairly low price. Perfect for regularly maintaining larger homes and RVs.
Briggs & Stratton S2000 Gas Power spray system
The S2000 gas washer is a versatile workhorse. With a 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine producing an industry-leading 2.5 GPM water flow, it tackles any job needing high-volume water and pressure burst up to 3100 PSI. Multiple quick-connect wands, onboard detergent dispenser, and superior steel pump construction make it ideal for semi-professional use by rental property owners or landscapers on a tight budget.
Mi-T-M Hydroshot PRO2800 Hot and Cold Water Power spray system
For serious cleaning contractors or commercial applications, the Hydroshot PRO2800 stands alone. Dual fuel pumps combine gas engine power with electric startup aid to maximize 4,000 PSI/4.5 GPM cleaning ability. Unique heat exchanger heats water to scald away tough grime on contact. Specially tuned for reliability when operating 8+ hours daily, professional level features and customizability make it worth the commercial investment.
Choosing the Right Power spray system Accessories
In addition to the main power spray system unit, certain attachments and additional tools can improve the cleaning process or enable new tasks. Common must-have accessories include:
- Surface Cleaners - Square surface cleaning heads mount onto the power spray system wand for quickly scrubbing large flat areas like sidewalks, driveways or building walls. They save hours of time.
- Extension Wands - Additional wands in 2-3 foot or 5 foot lengths let you spray higher or reach places further from the washer. Telescoping types adjust for different heights.
- Nozzle Cleaners - Necessary for keeping individual nozzle tips from clogging with mineral deposits that accumulate while pressure washing. - Soap/Detergent - Specialized cleaning chemicals cut through grease, dirt and stains faster than plain water alone, especially on vehicles or equipment. In pressure Wash Accessory Kits Money-saving combo sets include surface cleaners, extension wands, additional tips and sometimes hoses or detergent bottles suited for most common cleaning tasks.
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