As the name suggests, pressure washers are equipment that clean or wash the surface with the help of a high-pressure stream. Many pressure washer users ask questions about its optimum pressure, and the simple answer is that it depends on the requirements. However, the exact and detailed answer that you are looking for is based on the experience of professional users and the company guidelines. It is necessary to select the optimum pressure because using the underpowered pressure washer will not effectively clean the surface. Using the overpowered pressure washer may damage the surface and remove the painting.
Why Choosing The Optimum Pressure Is Important
Choosing the optimum pressure range of the pressure washer is very important. The pressure washer purchase depends on the type of purpose that you shall be using it for. Purchasing the pressure washer with a maximum power output of 5,000 psi is a liability in terms of purchasing price and operational cost. There is a guide for the pressure range when cleaning the surface with the pressure washer.
- BBQ grills 1500 to 2000 psi
- Bikes And scooters 1500 to 2000 psi
- Vehicles 1500 to 2500 psi
- Decks and docks 2000 to 2400 psi
- Cedar fence 2000 to 2500 psi
- Boats and ATVs 2500 to 3000 psi
- Home siding 2500 to 3500 psi
- Asphalt driveway 2500 to 4000 psi
- Industrial use 3000 to 4000 psi
- Paint stripping 3500 to 4500 psi
This is the general range of the pressure when using the pressure washer.
Selecting The Suitable Pressure Washer
When you select the pressure washer, you will see them in three different ranges. The first is the 1,600 psi to about 2,300 psi, and they are good to use when you want them to clean your car or some other minor cleanings.
The next is the pressure washer type with a maximum pressure of 3500 psi. These pressure washers are the best option if you want them for household use and do not know what you might be cleaning with them.
The third type is the professional or industrial pressure washer designed for industrial usage and is too heavy to use in homes. They offer a maximum pressure of around 7,000 psi to 10,000 psi.
Selecting The Suitable Tips
Choosing the optimum pressure for the pressure washer is important and choosing the suitable tip is also equally important. If you are unsure what type of tip would be best for you, then always choose the wide-angle tips. Narrow-angle tips should only be used under special conditions.
The Role Of Volume Rate (GPM)
Although most people only consider the pressure of the nozzle in the pressure washer, the main thing is the volume of water accumulating on the surface and forcing the dirt or debris to be removed. A pressure washer with high GPM will take less time to clean the surface than lower GPM pressure washers when they are operated on the same pressure. The table shows the time taken to clean the car at a variable rate and will help to understand the effect of volume rate better.
- 15 min at 2 GPM
- 10 min at 2.5 GPM
- 8 min at 3 GPM
- 6 min at 3.5 GPM
- 4 min at 4 GPM
The table is for the general idea and does not represent the exact values.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the optimum pressure is important to effectively clean the surface without destroying it. According to the CDC, anything that has a pressure of greater than 100 psi should be treated as a potential source of serious injury. The common operating pressure in the pressure washer is about 2,800 psi. It is enough to remove the skin and the flesh off bones and completely amputate the fingers
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