The Dirt on Pressure Washers

Have you ever heard that too much information can be a bad thing?  By now, you may be swimming in PSIs, GPMs, CUs, cold water, hot water and more.  So let's summarize what we've covered already in order to help you choose a pressure washer . -- A pressure washer is a mechanical device that creates a high pressure stream of water to dislodge dirt.  Their pumps may be powered by gas, electric or diesel engines. -- Pressure is measured by pounds per square inch (PSI).  GPM is gallons per minute.  Multiplying these two numbers provides you with Cleaning Units (CUs).  Different pressuring washing tasks require different PSI, GPM and CUs.  (See this chart) . -- A home pressure washer is defined as a unit used for less than 100 hours per year.  Ideally, this unit as a PSI between 500 and 4,000 with a GPM of 1.0-4.0. -- A semi-professional/professional pressure washer is defined as a unit that will be used for up to 1000 hours per year....

Hello loyal readership!  Today, we will delve into the somewhat simple decision of whether to go with a COLD or HOT water pressure washer .  This decision largely depends on your particular usage needs.  Cold water is sufficient for many household tasks.  Additionally, the cleaning job is always enhanced when using the correct cleaning chemicals and accessories such as a rotary nozzle or even a flat surface cleaner for large open spaces. When dealing with grease, oil or petrochemicals-- hot water is the way to go.  But hot water pressure washers are more complex than cold water units.  Most of them have two power systems: the pump-motor that creates high-pressure water and the burner-coil that creates heat!  Pump-motors can be either gas or electric powered.  The burner coil will require electricity regardless as to whether the pump-motor is gas or electric-powered.  This is an important distinction and can impact how you are about to ...

Found this great video about the Kranzle pump.  Truly, the Kranzle pump is superior .  Here's exactly why!  (If you are still in the dark about how the pump impacts the pressure washer , have no fear!  We will cover that).  We'll be back with our series on pressure washers soon!

Now that we have a basic understanding of PSI, GPMs and cleaning units-- how does one begin to decide which unit is best for their needs?  Glad you asked.  Let's talk HOME, PROFESSIONAL and INDUSTRIAL units. First, let's talk home usage.  If the pressure washer will be used for 100 hours or less per year, you can invest in a less expensive unit specifically designed for the home.  Often, these will be a cold water gas unit (2700 PSI or below or 5.5 HP or less) or an electric unit (1500 PSI or below with 15 amps, 110v). If you are like me, you are likely wondering how many hours one normally uses a pressure washer around the house.  Market research shows that the average home owner uses their pressure washer 20 or less hours per year.  A consumer pressure washer is designed to last about 250-400 usage hours.  They are manufactured to be sturdy yet with less expensive parts than professional use.  This keeps costs down but keep in mind that r...

When researching pressure washers , you'll come across a statement on nearly every unit that mentions PSI and GPM.  The PSI is the "pressure", that is-- pounds per square inch-- and is generally measured from 1000 up to 3500.  GPM is gallons per minute. The more flow, the more impact; this is a direct relationship. With all that being said-- how can one compare units with varying PSIs and GPMs?  By determining the "Cleaning Units" of a particular model.  Multiply the PSI by the GPM to calculate the "Cleaning Units".  This will create a standard number in which two units can be compared . Kranzle Dirt Killer Comparisons- Information provided by 855Sheller             Now that you can quickly determine Cleaning Units (CU)... how can you determine how many CUs you need to get the job done?  We have a chart for that!  These are not hard-and-fast rules but just handy guidelines. Task Min PSI...

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...