Pressure washers are used in the home for a variety of reasons.
Cleaning large surfaces like the deck, driveway or the exterior of a home could require a lot of time to complete manually. A portable pressure washer with water tank are one of the tools that combine the power of natural cleaning of water with the power of high pressure to provide an effective wash in a fraction of the time.
As with all tools, in order to make the most of a pressure washer it is essential to understand the way it works. Following is a guide that can help you understand the basics of working with a pressure washer.
How a pressure washer works
How does a pressure washer obtain its pressure
A pressure washer makes use of the water from a normal garden hose. The hose is connected to the machine, and a high-speed pump in the machine raises the water pressure until it can be used to create a highly abrasive stream. The intensity of the stream is controlled through an nozzle.
What are the different pressure washers?
The nozzles are ultimately what will provide the best cleaning power. The nozzles are five basic nozzles that are differentiated by how focused the spray is.
The red nozzle produces the appearance of a powerful, thin jet of water, which is ideal for the most difficult stains.
The yellow nozzle is a lower in strength and is ideal for removing paint and mildew.
The green nozzle is a common cleaning nozzle that is designed for general.
The white nozzle comes with the widest spray, making it ideal for cleaning and rinses.
The black nozzle is the only one that can be used with soap. You can also purchase a Turbo spray nozzle or a multi-purpose nozzle or a surface cleaning attachment which is great for cleaning patios, decks and more.
How to use a pressure washer with water tank
While the best directions to use your pressure washer should be included in the purchase, this general outline can give you a good idea of the overall procedure.
- Clear the area you’ll soon be cleaning to make sure that all delicate items have been taken away. Remove dirt and other debris, and cover any items that can’t be moved with the use of a the tarp.
- Examine the area to be aware of outlets, windows and vents.
- Choose and connect the appropriate nozzle for the job.
- The garden hose should be connected to your pressure washer and give the equipment a once-over to ensure that everything is securely fastened and the machine is safe to use.
- Put on a pair of safety glasses to stop debris from splashing back into your eyes.
- Turn on the water supply at the outdoor spigot.
- Press your trigger until you release any air pressure that might be in the line.
- Follow the instructions for your specific machine to start your machine.
- Before using you spray, test the intensity of the spray in a safe zone and adjust as necessary.
- It is now time to start cleaning.
- After shutting off the pressure washer and shutting off water flow, make sure you press the trigger hard enough to let any water pressure to drain before disconnecting the hose and any other parts.
Pressure washing tips
Summer is a great time to amp up your home’s curb appeal with a good pressure washing. But before you start blasting away at every surface, take heed: There is a need to consider the tips for pressure washing in a home that will help you achieve the best results while avoiding any damage. Here are our top tips!
- Pressure washers use lots of water. Be sure to provide enough drainage in the area you’re working or things will quickly get messy.
- The most important thing to remember when cleaning safely is using the appropriate nozzle for the task. Be careful, as an improper nozzle can cause damage to wood and siding.
- Beware of spraying paint on windows, painted surfaces, outdoor fixtures and electrical lines.
- The closer you are to the surface, the more intensely the pressure washer will cleanse. Always start your cleaning from some distance, perhaps a few feet away. If you’re looking for greater power you can gradually move the sprayer closer to the area you’re cleaning.
- Do not apply pressure washers when you’re climbing a ladder.
- When cleaning vertically, move from top to bottom in a side to side pattern.
- Work in small areas with clearly defined goals.
- If you are tired, stop for a moment.