Pressure washers look like complex machines but using them is fairly easy. It is essential for a person to know how pressure washing machines work before they spend their money on one.

Learning about the machine will keep an individual safe while it is in operation. It will also keep them from breaking the machine or ruining their home in some way. Working a pressure washer requires patience and alertness from the user. With the proper knowledge and the right accessories, a novice can become a pressure-cleaning professional in a short period of time.

Before a person buys a pressure washer, the regularity of its use needs to be determined. Pressure cleaning machines used for residential and light cleaning tasks cost less than commercial machines. They also provide greater portability and ease of use for the operator. A person should consider buying this machine if they are a homeowner or business owner looking to perform weekly or monthly maintenance on their property. Those who plan on using the machine for a cleaning business should purchase commercial machines. These durable machines have a greater flow rating than lightweight models. They are designed to withstand daily usage and lengthy pressure cleaning intervals.

The adjustability of the machine is an important feature as well. A good machine will come with a regulator, which will allow the operator to raise and lower the pressure. The amount of pressure needed depends on the area of focus. Low pressure is required for house cleanings because a high-pressure wash can peel the paint and damage the siding. Deck and fence cleanings need low to medium pressure to prevent the wood from stripping and feathering. Concrete patios, driveways, walkways, and steps can withstand high pressure cleanings. If the surface is made from brick or flagstone, you should lower the pressure to keep the mortar from cracking.

The strength of a machine is determined by its flow rate and bar. It is also determined by engine size and power. The flow rate is the amount of water - measured in litres - flowing out of the machine. The bar is the pressure behind the flow rate that gives it the ability to clean. The combination of bar and flow rate calculates the strength and performance of the machine. A standard residential washer will have a flow between 300 to 350 litres per hour and a bar between 90 and 120. Commercial washers will have much higher numbers - fluctuating between 170 and 5,000 for the bar and 600 to 1,800 litres for the flow.

Since residential and commercial pressure washers come in a variety of sizes and models, buyers should read the product details before making a purchase. This will prevent them from purchasing the wrong machine and going through the hassle of sending it back. It also keeps the person from ordering a machine that is too weak or too powerful. A person who is confused by the product contents and specs should always speak to a representative from the pressure washing company. The assistance they receive will help them get the right machine for the job they intend to do.