** Different Types of Power Washers

Generally, there are seven different types of power washers:

• Electric

• Diesel

• Gasoline

• (Natural) Gas

• Ultra High Pressure

• Hydraulic High Pressure

• High Pressure Steam Cleaner

Non-electric pressure washers can deliver a lot of pressure (twice that of electric) while also being more portable and sometimes capable of generating hot water to further work on stubborn stains, debris, oil and grease removal. But their drawback is their exhaust and noise, making them dangerous for indoor use. Electric, on the other hand, are perfect for indoor use, requiring a normal electrical outlet, but lacking in power (only about 1,000 PSI of water pressure).

Worried you might not be using the right water pressure? Err on the side of lower pressure. You can always switch to a nozzle with a smaller angle, stand closer for more power, or use a pressure washer with more power, but using too much pressure or standing too close can damage the surface you're trying to clean, and increase the chances of debris hitting you at high speed.

** Different Stains **

For graffiti removal, medium water pressure is normally used with chemicals, sand, air and/or hot water. Great care must be taken not to damage the surface being cleaned due to excessive surface removal. Professionals excel at using the right tools and chemicals, etc.

** How to Use a Pressure Washer **

Make sure you have plenty of water going to your pressure washer, since too little water can starve and damage a power washer, since a pressure washer pump doesn’t draw more water from your home’s water pipe to the washer that it is connected to.

Make sure you use the following when using a pressure washer:

• Rubber gloves

• Eye protection (goggles)

• Work shoes

• Reliable water Source

• Long water hose

• Commercial grade power washer with accessories

• Scrub brush

• Cleaner

• Power source (electric or gasoline)

• Pressure washer accessories

• Power washer chemicals, sand, etc. (as needed), that are designed to work with your particular pressure washer

** Pressure Washing Your Home **

Power washing is done with a mechanical sprayer that uses a nozzle to increase water pressure and decrease the water volume used, so as to remove dirt, grease, mold, grime, dust, mud, dirt and other contaminants from home’s external surfaces, as well as buildings, vehicles, road surfaces, driveways, decks, and other hard surfaces that need occasional cleaning. Equipment can be rented or bought, or used by power wash professionals. Pressure as high as 30,000 pounds per square inch or higher can be attained to remove really stubborn stains.

** Different Types of Power Washer Accessories **

Most pressure washers have an attachment that attaches directly to the trigger gun, and which allows the water to flow in a pencil thin jet of water, while others can cause the water jet to be ejected in a triangular plane. Other attachments can be used for particular applications as well. Professionals are well accustomed to the varying combinations of nozzles and detergent attachments, and whether the detergent will be introduced before (low pressure, downstream injector) or after (high pressure, upstream injector) the pressure cleaner water pump. Be careful! Professionals know which chemicals will damage a water pump and therefore which ones will need to be introduced after the pump (the latter, high pressure, upstream injector mentioned above). If you do it yourself, make sure you carefully research your detergent type before starting your power washing.

** Danger! **

Pressure washers can be very dangerous, and operated only by professionals or mature users (no kids playing around in flip flops and shorts). The water pressure near the nozzle is powerful enough to strip flesh from bone, and that is nothing to kid around about. Also, objects or debris near the nozzle or in the water supply can be ejected from the nozzle at great velocities and cause serious harm to the user or others in the area. Additionally, when the high pressure water hits a surface, it can cause loose debris such as paint chips or pebbles on the surface to leave that surface rapidly, causing damage to you as it flies away and hits you pretty much any place on your face or body.