How to use a pressure washer

Pressure washers are used in the home for a variety of reasons.

Cleaning large surfaces like a deck, driveway or the outside of a home could take a long time to do with a hand. A portable pressure washer with water tank are a tool that combines the cleaning power of water with high pressure to deliver an effective wash in a fraction of the time.

Like any tool, to get the most out of a pressure washer, you need to learn the way it works. Following is a guide that can teach you the fundamentals of using a pressure washer.

What is the process of a pressure washer

How a pressure washer gets its pressure

A pressure washer uses the water from an ordinary outdoor garden hose. The hose is connected to the machine and a high-speed pump inside it raises pressure to be used as a highly rough stream. The strength of the spray is controlled by the spray nozzle.

What are the different pressure washers?

The nozzles are ultimately what provide the proper cleaning power. There are five common sprayers that are differentiated by how concentrated it is.

The red nozzle creates an extremely thin and powerful stream of water, which is ideal for the most challenging staining.

Yellow nozzles are one level lower in its intensity and is best to remove mildew and paint.

The green nozzle is a general purpose cleaning nozzle.

The white nozzle comes with the largest spray, making it best for lighter-duty cleaning and rinsing.

This nozzle in black is only the one which works with soap. Additionally, you can purchase a Turbo spray nozzle or one that is a multipurpose nozzle or an surface cleaning attachment, which is ideal to clean patios, decks and more.

Steps for using a pressure washer with water tank

While the best directions for the use of your pressure washer should be included in the purchase, this outline will give you an overview of the procedure.

1. Clear the area you’ll be cleaning to make sure all delicate items have been taken away. Remove dirt and other debris and cover everything that can’t be moved with the use of a tarp.
2. Be sure to look around the area, so that you are aware of outlets, windows and vents.
3. Select and connect the proper nozzle for the job.
4. Attach your garden hose and pressure washer, and make sure to give the machine a good whirl to make sure everything is securely fastened and the machine is safe to use.
5. Don’t forget to wear safety goggles to stop debris from falling back into your eyes.
6. Turn on the water supply via the outdoor water spigot.
7. Press the trigger on the wand to release the air that could be present in the line.
8. Follow the specific instructions of your machine to start your machine.
9. Before you use to spray, check the strength that the spray is able to emit in a secure area and adjust as needed.
10. You can now begin cleaning.
11. After shutting off your pressure washer and turning off the water supply, make sure that you press the trigger to let any water pressure to drain before disconnecting the hose and other components.

Pressure washing tips

• Pressure washers consume a lot of water. Be sure to provide adequate drainage where you’re working, or else things could quickly get messy.
• The most crucial aspect to cleaning safely is using the correct nozzle for the task. Make sure you choose wisely, since the wrong nozzle could damage siding and wood.
• Beware of spraying on painted surfaces, windows or outdoor fixtures. Also, avoid spraying electrical lines.
• If you’re closer to a surface, the more intensely the pressure washer will clean. Always start your cleaning from an area that is a few feet away. If you need greater intensity then gradually bring the sprayer closer to the surface that you’re cleaning.
• Don’t make use of a pressure washer if you’re working on a ladder.
• When cleaning vertically, you should move between top and bottom, in a side-to-side pattern.
• Work in small areas with clearly stated goals.
• If you are tired, take a break.