Pressure Washing Tips
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is the application of high pressure water to remove tough mold, algae, dirt, grease, and grime from most hard surfaces. A Pump, along with a spray tip to create restriction, is used to generate a pressure in some cases powerful enough to cut through concrete. Pressure washing is a useful way of cleaning hard surfaces at astounding speeds.
What’s more important, water pressure (PSI) or water volume (GPM)?
Both PSI and GPM are very important for the optimal performance of a pressure washer. The pressure lifts the dirt and the water volume carries it away.
What do I do with my pressure washer in the winter?
If you live in a climate where it is below freezing you will want to run an anti freeze mixture through your system before putting it to bed at night. The ideal condition is to store your machine in a climate controlled building but not all of us can do that. The mixture should be 50/50 anti freeze and water.
How do I run the anti freeze mixture into my pressure washer?
If you have a trailer rig you may add a secondary tank with a capacity of 25-50 gallons, and have it plumbed to your supply line like your regular water tank with ball valves to control the flow. Allow the anti freeze mixture to flow through the high pressure system and with your wand pointed back into the smaller tank it will recycle its self. You will have to change this from time to time as the mixture will get too diluted. For a cart mounted machine try these simple steps. Using a old garden hose cut off the end with the male portion remaining on about a two to three foot section. Using a funnel insert it into the cut end and funnel a 50/50 anti freeze water mixture through the pump by pulling the rope start several times until the mixture comes out the other end of the wand.
Should I remove the fuel from the tank when storing my pressure washer?
For safety reasons it’s always best to remove the fuel for storage. If you do not plan on storing for longer than a month you can use a stabilizer. You should never store gas inside your home.
How much high pressure hose can I use with my pressure washer?
The recommended length is 100’ however you can run more. If you choose to use over 100’ you may notice problems with your chemical injector. If this occurs just move it closer to your gun. For every 1’ of hose you run you will lose 1 PSI.
What do the different color pressure washer nozzles mean?
0° Spray Tip – RED - This tip is not recommended for wood applications, its
stream of water is to narrow and concentrated. This tip would be ideal for concrete, and metal.
15° Spray Tip – YELLOW - This tip is a heavy duty cleaning or stripping tip. You
can use this tip for cleaning concrete, loose paint, and driveways.
25° Spray Tip – GREEN - This tip is for general washing purposes. You will
find your self using this tip for your deck, siding, and your car.
40° Spray Tip – WHITE - This tip has the least amount of impact. The white
tip is great for rinsing, cleaning out your gutters, and other sensitive jobs.
How do I clean a clogged pressure washer nozzle?
Remove the nozzle from your system, using a small piece of wire like a paper clip clear the clog. Flush water backwards through the nozzle and replace it on your pressure washer. If it is still partially clogged try again.
How often should I replace my pressure washer nozzles?
This depends on much time you use your machine. A good rule of thumb is if you notice a gradual pressure lose you should replace that tip. Not all tips will wear out at the same time.
Why should I keep my pressure washer nozzles clean?
A clogged nozzle can increase the back pressure on your pump causing damage.
What type of oil do I use in my pressure washer pump?
You want to use Non-detergent oil. You should always refer to your owner’s manual to understand what type Non-detergent oil the manufacture recommends.
I have a hot water supply outside, can I run this through my pressure washer pump?
No, incoming hot water can damage your pumps seals. Our pumps have a max inlet Water temperature of 80 degrees with a max pump temperature of 140 degrees. If your pump exceeds 140 degrees the thermal relief valve will pop to protect your pump and it will need to be replaced. However you can add an optional Hot Pump Upgrade to most of our machines that will give you a max inlet water temperature of 140 degrees with a max pump temperature of 190 degrees to be used with hot inlet water.
What does by-pass mean?
This allows the pump to circulate water so there is no pressure build up however if you leave your machine in the by-pass mode for longer than two minutes you risk overheating your pumps. We use a thermal relief valve to stop this from happening.
What is a thermal relief pressure washer valve?
This is a safety feature for your pump. It will keep the pump from burning up if left in the by-pass mode for too long. This valve is set to the max pump temperature rating. If the valve pops you will need to replace it.
Why doesn’t my pressure washer chemical injector work?
First check to see if you are using the chemical tip that came with your machine, in most cases this will be your black tip. If you are you may be using to much hose. If you are using over 100’ use a shorter piece of hose and this should correct the problem.