Elements of a Pressure washer
Pressure washers are known for their incredible cleaning power. This power can be utilized over a wide range of applications from residential, to contractors and heavy industry. Understanding how a pressure washer operates will help determine which one is the best for you.
Three Active Cleaning Factors
Agitation
The impact force of pressurized water hitting a surface breaks-up dirt
particles and washes them away. In many cases, water and pressure is all that
is required, especially for residential use.
soap / detergent
If pressurized water isn’t enough to get the job done alone, then adding soap will increase your cleaning power. This is especially true when trying to clean grease or oils. Soaps will chemically break the bonds between grease and grime allowing them to get flushed away more effectively.
Heat
Adding heat to your cleaning process is essential for oil and grease clean-up especially in industrial, automotive and agriculture industries. Hot water penetrates and melts grease molecules by lowering the water’s surface tension, greatly reducing cleaning time.
(Note: do not run hot water into your pump unless your pressure washer is specifically capable of doing this, recognise by “Hot Water Pressure Washer”).
measuring the cleaning performance of a pressure washer
When comparing pressure washers, it is important to look at how their performance is measured, this will determine the type of unit you require:
PSI
(Pounds per Square Inch):
Measures the pressure or force of the water coming out of the tip. Can be viewed as the speed of the water, or the stripping power. This will help determine how powerful the water stream will be.
GPM
(Gallons per Minute):
Measures the volume of water flowing out of the tip. Can be viewed as
the weight of water, or the rinsing power. This will help determine how
fast you can clean a surface.
Combined together, PSI and GPM dictate the cleaning power of the machine
key Parts of a pressure washer
Every pressure washer is a collaboration of several parts working together. Each part needs to be matched correctly in size and quality to deliver the best value in performance.
Mechanical Components
Motor / Engine
Spins the pump
ELECTRIC MOTORS
Runs quietly, minimal maintenance, and zero emissions allowing them to be used indoors.
GAS ENGINES
Delivers exceptional power and portability.
drive System
connects engine to pump
DIRECT DRIVE
The pump is connected directly to the engine.
Compact and cost effective
BELT DRIVE
Gives the pump a longer life by reducing the heat
and vibration from the engine. Used in commercial and industrial applications.
pUMP System
Pressurizes the water
AXIAL
Wobble plate system. Direct drive, ideal for many light and medium duty applications.
TRIPLEX
Features a crankshaft and piston system that delivers greater power and longer life. For medium to heavy-duty applications
Unloader System
Controls water flow in the pump
BUILT-IN
Most common, very economical
EXTERNAL
Commercial and industrial machines.
(It is recommended that the user doesn’t adjust the unloader unless trained to do so).
delivery System
HOSE, WAND AND TIPS
It is important to match up the accessories to the power of the machine. If the hoses and tips are the incorrect size, they will lower the performance and cause excessive wear on the engine and pump.
Spray Tip Nozzles
The small tip at the end of the wand is a critical part to the performance of the machine. Each tip is specifically sized to create a certain PSI and spray pattern. The tips must match the ratings of the machine, otherwise the machine will underperform.
RED Nozzle - 0°
Produces a single highly concentrated stream that has the highest impact force. This stream will cut through and break apart caked-on mud and dirt. The more powerful the pressure washer, the more care is needed to avoid damaging or destroying surfaces.
white Nozzle - 40°
Effective at cleaning off algae and mud. Wide spray pattern, allows it to quickly clean large area without much impact force.
Yellow Nozzle - 15°
Excellent for heavy-duty cleaning against hard surfaces such as concrete or asphalt. The concentrated spray pattern delivers a significant amount of force.
Green Nozzle - 25°
Suited for cleaning decks, walkways, brick and similar items. It has a balanced combination of PSI and GPM.
Black Nozzle - 65°
Largest orifice for use with soap injector which requires high volume of water to create the siphon action. Also effective for rinsing away loose debris and dirt.
