The Dirt on Pressure Washers

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...

Hello world!  Welcome to my new blog!  My name is Amy and I created this blog as an informational tool for those wishing to learn more about pressure washers .  Pressure washers-- or power washers as I incorrectly called them before I was in the know-- may not seem like the most exciting of subjects.  That is, until it is time to purchase one .  Purchasing a pressure washer can be confusing!  Such a big purchase requires research and this blog is here to help take you from I-don't-know to in-the-know.  First things first: most know that a pressure washer is intended to make things clean.  But HOW does a pressure washer make things clean?  Knowing the HOW can help YOU make important decisions on what washer will fit your needs. Pressure washers clean messes such as this above by creating a high pressure stream of water that attacks the surface with kinetic energy-- therefore dislodging dirt mechanically and washing it away with the cons...