It is not at all difficult for anyone to use a high-pressure washer today. However, previously, only professionals were able to do it. Now this miracle machine is available to everyone. But does everyone need it? In this article, we will try to figure it out.
To Buy or Not?
To understand why you might need a household pressure washer, we turned to the experts at Activate Pressure Washing. People who do this professionally understand all the pros and cons like no one else.
Of course, household car washes are primarily used for washing cars. Water supplied under pressure allows you to wash your vehicle most gently. It is called “contactless”. The flow of liquid at the outlet of the nozzle reaches a speed of over 100 m/s (360 km/h). And therefore, the dirt is simply knocked off the surface. But this is not the end of the scope of application of car washes. They:
- wash fences, walls, garden paths;
- wash garden equipment;
- spray garden trees and vegetable gardens with chemicals;
- clean surfaces from old paint and rust;
- clean sewer pipes.
Sounds very tempting. However, is it really like that in practice? Most people simply do not have enough time to use a high-pressure washer regularly. It is much easier to order a complete exterior cleaning for your home once a year than to do it yourself, spending the whole day off. Therefore, the unit risks becoming another unnecessary interior item. However, if you are serious, then read on; we will discuss the basic principles of selecting household pressure washers.
Types of Equipment
Currently, the market offers a wide range of mini-washers. Buy what you can afford! There are no fundamental design differences. Despite this, they are divided into three classes:
- Compact entry-level mini-washers. Often equipped with pumps. They are made of plastic. They can create pressure up to 120 bar. Not suitable for washing cars. The jet pressure is not enough to wash away ingrained dirt. Their productivity is low, reaching up to 400 l/h. It makes sense to use such mini-washers when you need to clean a bicycle, garden equipment, and paths.
- Mid-level mini-washers. They can create pressure up to 150 bar. They work continuously for an hour. And even more. Pumps are made of metal, plastic, and silumin. Well-suited for a car enthusiast with 1–2 cars in their garage. Lightweight and compact.
- High-level mini-washers. Perhaps they can be considered professional equipment. They create pressure above 150 bar. Productivity from 600 l/h. They can work for a long time without needing to be switched off.
Obviously, the choice depends on your goals and the expected volume of use. Additionally, devices can be used in both household and professional settings. A household washer can work for an hour or two a day. A professional model, albeit with breaks, works the entire working day. When there is no excellent need to use a high-pressure washer for an extended period, do not purchase a professional device. It will be expensive to maintain.
Basic Parameters of High-Pressure Washers
First of all, it is worth paying attention to the type of water intake. The lion’s share of mini-washers can take water not only from the water supply, but also from a separate container. However, when it takes liquid from a container, the outlet pressure is much lower. And this can cause problems when washing a car. That is why you should only take water from a container when it is not possible to connect the wash to the water supply.
One of the main parameters is the maximum pressure. It characterizes the ability to cope with old dirt. Mini-washers with a pressure below 120 bar do not wash away dirt that has “eaten into” the surface. Washers with a pressure exceeding 150 bar are used with caution. Such pressure can damage the paintwork.
Maximum performance determines how quickly the wash will complete the task. With high performance, the stream expands. The contact spot of the stream with the cleaned surface is larger.
Conclusion
Not everyone needs a high-pressure washer, especially a professional one. Most people rely on the services of professionals for external house or yard washing. However, if you are burning with enthusiasm and want to clean yourself, then choose equipment that suits your needs. It is not worth overpaying for power that you will not be able to use.