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So what's this pressure washer gizmo thing?

Likely, if you are bothering to read this, you have an idea what a pressure washer is already!  But let's not make assumptions.  I always prefer to start at the beginning.  In our last blog, we explored HOW a pressure washer makes things clean.  Now we will define-- WHAT is a pressure washer?

Pressure washers can come in different shapes, sizes, colors, PSIs, GPM, prices and more.  Don't worry about all that right now.  Let's just look as the basics.  A pressure washer is a mechanical device that uses a pump to create a high-pressure stream of water to clean targeted surfaces.  Pumps may be powered by a gas engine, electric motor or diesel engine.  However the pump is powered, it is a positive displacement pump that forces a certain amount of water through an outlet.  The flow of water is restricted per the nozzle.

           Did I lose you?  Picture this.  Remember when you were a child and you played with the water hose. You might put your finger over a portion of the end of the hose in order to create a strong water flow.  Nozzles act like this on pressure washers. 


The more narrow the diameter of the nozzle-- the more velocity exits the pressure washer.  However, this isn't to encourage improper nozzle usage.  An incorrect nozzle can create excessive wear on the pressure washer!

Pressure washers create PRESSURE (duh) and FLOW.  Both of these are critical to the cleaning process. This is so important that we will explore it in our next blog post.

Another important part of the pressure washing experience is soap or detergent.  Depending on your pressure washing needs, the temperature of water can be another important factor.  For certain pressure washing tasks, hot water is needed.  Hot water pressure washers are designed with a burner system that continuously heats the water at approximately 240 degrees F (ouch!).  There are even steam pressure washers!

There you have it ladies and gentlemen... a summary of what a pressure washer is.  Check back with us for our next blog post which will explore what pressure and flow is and explain what a cleaning unit is.  Thanks for tuning in.  Support our blog please-- comment and share!  

Dirt Killer Kranzle 855Sheller
Dirt Killer Pressure Washer-- Model K1122TST- One of the most popular pressure washers on the market today!

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