Best Power Washer For Your PSI Needs
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4-8 hours
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Beginner
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- 90-3,500
When it comes to selecting a power washer, PSI should be one of your primary concerns. PSI means pounds per square inch and is a measurement of the pressure of the water that will come out of the nozzle of the washer. Generally speaking, the higher the PSI and the higher the pressure, the more power associated with the washer. You will be able to remove layered paint and other materials from the surface that you're working with. However, it's important to keep in mind that if you use a power washer that is too powerful, you may damage the items that you are cleaning. Read on for a brief guide to selecting the best power washer based on your tasks.
Light Cleaning Jobs
Many people opt to use a power washer for light cleaning jobs and basic home maintenance. In these cases, you will not need a very high PSI. These jobs typically include cleaning off patios, driveways, sidewalks and other hard surfaces outdoors. Also, they are used for stripping moss and other growth. You can also use a power washer for light cleaning jobs, like a car wash. The best power washer for these cases will have a pressure between 1200 and 1400 PSI.
More Intensive Cleaning Jobs
For more intensive cleaning jobs, you'll need to bump up the PSI level of your power washer in order to have the most success. For example, you can clean oil or other tough to remove stains from your driveway. Or you will be able to clean the paint that is stripping off of the sides of your house or the vinyl siding around your home. For these types of jobs, you should purchase a washer that can produce water at pressures between 1500 and 2500 PSI.
It's always best to start with lower pressure and build your way up. If you start with a pressure that is too high, you may inadvertently cause damage to your home or vehicle. Begin with something less powerful until you get the hang of how to wash. Then, slowly increase the pressure so that you will not cause damage.
Other Considerations
There are a number of other considerations that you should keep in mind when you select a power washer for your home. First, there are generally two types of power washers. Gas-powered washers are powerful and they can be used anywhere. However, they are also heavy and bulky, making them difficult for some people to operate successfully. These types of washers can be used by contractors or for people that have heavy jobs to complete.
Electric powered washers are less powerful, but they weigh less and easier to handle. They also need to be plugged into an electrical outlet, so they have a limited range of use. These types of washers are usually useful for home maintenance jobs.
Power washers can be rented or purchased at home improvement centers everywhere. If you do not need to use a washer on a regular basis, it is usually more cost-effective to rent a washer.
