A pressure washeris a mechanical sprayer that uses high-pressure water to clean and remove mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles, and concrete road surfaces. Equipment can be rented or bought that produces pressures from 50 bars (750psi) up to 1200 bars (30,000psi) or more.
The most basic pressure washer consists of:
- A motor which directly drives a water pump
- High-pressure hose
- Trigger gun-style switch
- Nozzle Tips (Depends on the intended applications)
Just as a garden hose nozzle is used to increase the out flowing dynamic pressure of the liquid, a pressure washer adds its own power to force high-dynamic pressure. Note that the pump does not draw more water from the pipe to which the washer is connected than that source can provide; therefore, the water supply must be adequate for a given machine to be connected to it: its flow must be equal or superior to that of the washer, so that the pump is never starved (which can damage it).
Several different types of nozzles are available, each useful for a particular application. Some nozzles cause the water jet to be ejected in a triangular plane, while others emit a pencil-thin jet of water, which spirals around rapidly. Most nozzles attach directly to the trigger gun.
Some pressure washers, in combination with a particular nozzle, allow detergent to be introduced into the water stream, assisting in the cleaning process. Two types of chemical injectors are available: a low-pressure injector and a high-pressure injector.
Pressure washers are dangerous tools and should be operated with due regard to safety instructions. The water pressure near the nozzle is powerful enough to strip flesh from bone. Objects in the water supply can be ejected from the nozzle at great velocities. The cleaning process can propel objects from the surface being cleaned, also at great velocities. Pressure washers have a tendency to break up asphalt if aimed directly at it, due to high pressure water entering cracks and voids in the surface.
Most readily available consumer units (commonly found online or at hardware stores) are electric or gas-powered. The electric ones plug into a normal outlet and use/produce cold water, and typically deliver pressure up to about 2000psi. Gas-powered units can often deliver twice that pressure, though due to the hazardous nature of the gasoline exhaust they are unsuitable for enclosed and/or indoor areas. Some models can generate hot water, which can be ideal for loosening and removing oil and grease.
This is the first post is from a series of six on
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Pressure Washing.
Part One : What Is A Pressure Washer
Part Two : How Does The High Pressure Washing Work
Part Three : What Can A Pressure Washer Used For?
Part Four : How To Use A Pressure Washer
Part Five : What Are The Different Types Of Pressure Washer
Part Six : Parts Of A Pressure Washer
Different sorts of motors are used for different types of pressure washers. It may also depend on the type and location of the applications. Most high power washers used in industrial works, commonly use gasoline or diesel motors. Because most industrial cleaning requires great amount of time, these motors could run much longer without overheating compared to their electric counterpart. And since most industrial works are done outdoors; and sometimes or mostly offsite, where there are no available electricity. The ones with electric motors are mostly used for light to moderate washing works (e.g. house, car, and small boats) and are the most excellent used for indoor applications because these motors do not emit harmful fumes.
