Author: Alberto R. Hayes

Pressure washers are very powerful cleaning tools. Hence, these machines can deep clean your property swiftly and efficiently. Nonetheless, their extreme pressure can cause serious injuries and even death.

Every year, hundreds of people get hurt while pressure washing. Hence, you should take power washer safety seriously. Fortunately, injuries related to pressure washers are 100% preventable.

By simply following the list of precautions we have here, you and everyone around you will be safe during your cleaning sessions. 

Learn More About Your Machine

Not all pressure washers are the same. Every model varies. That’s why you must read the user’s manual of your unit to learn how to properly operate it, as well as its accessories. 

Likewise, you have to know the right way to turn it off if you’re in a hurry. If you have an electric pressure washer, check if it’ll work well with an extension cable. Lastly, learn the right troubleshooting steps if in case you encounter a problem with your unit.

Here are some safety tips to remember before using your pressure washer:

• Before each use, check the oil level of the engine.
• Do not overfill the engine with oil. Doing so can damage the components of your equipment, such as the spark plug. Also, the oil may overflow into the air filter, which can destroy your washer.
• Turn your water supply first before your machine to avoid damaging its pump. 
• If you need to refuel, wait for the engine to cool down first. Never refuel when the engine is running hot.
• One of the most vital parts of your washer is the high-pressure hose. Do not try to repair it yourself if it’s damaged. It’s highly advisable to buy a new one instead.
• Do not change your spraying tip or pattern while you’re spraying or you’ll injure anyone around you and the washer.
• Ensure that your position and balance is stable while pressure washing.

Wear Safety Gear

Pressure washers let out highly pressurized water. If you aim it accidentally aim it at your foot, it can easily lacerate your toes. For this reason, always wear a non-slip pair of closed-toe shoes. Or better yet, wear work boots.

Moreover, you must protect your eyes and body from flying dirt and debris by wearing safety goggles and full-length pants. Wearing work gloves is also recommended. Aside from protecting your hands, these will also provide you with a better grip on your equipment’s handle.

Additionally, if you have a gas-powered unit, you may want to consider wearing ear protection. These machines are quite loud in comparison to their electric counterpart.

Continue Reading →

One of the questions people usually ask when shopping around for a pressure washer is the amount of pressure they truly need. 

The measurement of a pressure washer pressure is pounds per square inch or PSI. And the level of PSI you need will depend on your intended purpose or what you plan to wash. 

For instance, removing salt, dust, and other particles from your vehicle will require less pressure. Meanwhile, you want a more powerful pressure to get rid of the oil stains on your driveway. 

Moreover, you also need to consider the GPM or gallons per minute of a washer. This factor is just as crucial, but most buyers tend to overlook it. GPM is the measurement of the amount of water your unit puts out per minute. Keep in mind that the more water, the quicker the cleaning process will be.

So if you’re in the market for a pressure washer but have no idea of how to choose the right PSI, then this article is for you. 

It’s All About The Right Pressure

You’ll be able to determine the most applicable size of pressure washer you to buy by knowing the amount of pressure required to clean various items, materials, and surfaces.

• Electric pressure washers with 1,500 PSI. These light-duty machines are specifically created to clean cars, scooters, bikes, and barbecue grills. This much pressure will ensure that you won’t have problems with paint chipping. 
• Gas or electric pressure washers with 2,600 PSI. Medium-duty models with this amount of PSI can do everything that light-duty ones. However, they’re also effective at ensuring the cleanliness of your patio furniture, fence, and deck or patio.
• Gas pressure washers with 3,000 PSI. Gas units with this amount of pressure or more will work great for your boat, siding, and asphalt driveway. These mean machines can take care of them effectively and much faster.
• Gas pressure washers with 4,000 PSI. Powerful units like these should be used with extreme caution. The last thing you want is to end up in the emergency room. These washers are ideal for eliminating old graffiti and paint prep. They’re  mostly utilized by the pros and may not be the best option for residential use.

Understanding GPM

The water volume flushes the stains and filth that the water pressure has broken up. Similar to PSI, a pressure washer’s GPM rating varies depending on the model. An electric-powered washer usually uses a max of 2GPM. On the other hand, gas units can consume up to 5GPM.

Basically, you’ll be able to finish your chores much faster the more water you have moving through the washer’s nozzle per minute. A higher GPM means there’s plenty of flowing water to remove dirt and stains, resulting in quicker cleanups.

Think of it this way, you have a powerful squirt gun in hand shooting away at clumps of dirt on your driveways. Although it’ll be able to break and lift the filth, it’ll remain there. However, it’ll wash away once you pour a five-gallon bucket of water on it. So when you combine the gun’s powerful pressure and the bucket’s volume, you’ll be presented with a superb cleaning device.

Pressure washers are just that. It’s a combination of high pressure and high volume, allowing you to wash surfaces efficiently in as little time as possible. So when you’re out shopping for a unit, make sure to check out its GPM since its role is just as crucial as PSI.

Continue Reading →

A pressure washer is an indispensable and convenient cleaning equipment that you can invest in. It allows you to deep clean your home’s exterior, vehicles, and more, without the need to scrub manually and get your hands dirty. 

You can find a plethora of power washers available, and each one comes with particular tools. You need to replace these components if you want to maximize the performance of your machine. This is especially true when it comes to pressure washer hoses. 

If you don’t have a durable hose, you may see yourself making several trips to your local garden shop to purchase a new one. Using a regular garden hose will not do. You need the best and most reliable pressure washer hose that can withstand extreme conditions.

Why Should I Replace My Power Washer Hose?

Hose is one of the most crucial parts of your pressure washer. It’s the component that delivers water to your target object or surface. These washer tools come in various textures and sizes with high-quality ones delivering water at an accurate pressure.

Your power washer delivers a narrow water stream at extremely high pressure. This means that the surface you’re targeting is going to be hit with plenty of kinetic energy which will remove and wash all the grime and dirt away. 

The engine of pressure washers can be powered by either electricity or gas. Both of these engines are attached to a water pump that drives water in. A water inlet or hose connects your machine to your garden tap. This comes with a filter to prevent all sorts of tiny particles from penetrating and damaging your unit.

When you power wash, you’re bound to deal with a high amount of pressure. Hence, it’s advisable to get a kink-resistant, long-lasting hose to ensure that it will leak or break under extreme pressure. Additionally, purchasing a hose specifically for washers can save you money instead of getting yourself a new power washer. 

You can find some flexible hoses out there, and it’s vital to pick the right kind for your pressure washer. You’ll be able to power wash more efficiently if you attach it with the best hose. Investing in one is worth every cent since you’ll be able to tackle those dingy and greasy surfaces with ease.

Continue Reading →

Keeping your house clean involves hard work and plenty of time. Fortunately, you can rely on pressure washers to take out the hassle of keeping your outdoor space grime-free and tidy. 

However, some homeowners get somewhat disappointed with their purchase for not being able to take care of those hard to reach spots. Some even feel that their power washer is not strong enough. On the other hand, some feel that the only solution is to use a ladder. 

But there’s no need to put yourself at risk or buy a new unit. You may simply need to upgrade your wand to a telescoping pressure washer wand.

How Does A Telescoping Wand Work

A telescoping wand is a pressure washer accessory extender. It ensures that you’re safe on the ground while washing your 2 or even 3-story residence.

A lot of telescoping wands employ fiberglass as their main material. Hence they’re lightweight, cheaper, and designed for cold water. Meanwhile, those made from aluminum are heavier. Nonetheless, they are more durable and ideal for professional purposes. 

An extension wand comes with a high-pressure hose along the inside of its pole that joins to its tip. This enables you to set its length from being completely retracted to fully-extended, or to whatever length you need it to be. 

Continue Reading →

PNCIMA stretches from Canada’s northern border with Alaska south to Bute Inlet on the mainland, across to Campbell River on the east side of Vancouver Island and the Brooks Peninsula on the west side of Vancouver Island. Its western boundary is the base of the shelf slope.

Continue Reading →