Getting the right machine for the right job can be challenging. There are many variables that can affect your final choice. Additionally, if you are looking for something brand new, you may not know what you need. Any indecisiveness on your part can breed anxiety.

All of this applies to pressure washer shopping, too. Pressure washers present a unique set of problems. Also, not every single pressure washer can solve every issue. Some machines have features that others do not. It is important to know the difference and, more importantly, what you need.

Washing Equipment of Texas has put together a list of several features you need to look for to make the best decision possible. You want to get a pressure washer that can last for years. Do not get a pressure washer that will give you the wrong solution to the problem.

How powerful is it?

When evaluating how “strong” a pressure washer is, you must look at the cleaning units of the machine. The cleaning units can be calculated by multiplying the pressure and the flow rate together. The cleaning units will let you know how much work a pressure washer can do. A common mistake is only looking at pressure to measure the strength of a pressure washer. The flow rate is equally important. For example, a pressure washer with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) and a pressure of 3000 PSI will have 7,500 cleaning units. A pressure washer that has a flow rate of 5 gpm and a pressure of 2,500 PSI will have 12,500 cleaning units. Comparing the cleaning units for each machine, you will find that you will clean 60% faster with the 5 gpm at 2,500 PSI machine even though it has a lower pressure.

This means if you are looking for the right pressure washer for washing a sidewalk, you might not need a machine on the upper end of the available pressures. Some people get a pressure washer that is capable of 5,000 PSI, when they only need 3,000 PSI. While it can leave your sidewalk very clean, it may be doing more harm than good.

Be careful about having a pressure washer with too much pressure. Do not get a pressure washer that will be overkill on a job. Too much pressure may weaken the structural integrity of whatever you are cleaning. This will cost you in the long run by forcing costly structural or equipment repairs sooner rather than later.

Similarly, do not get a pressure washer with too little pressure. If you need a pressure washer for your car wash equipment, do not get a machine with the pressure of a garden hose. This could take far more time than needed and cost you more in the long run.

Know your limits. The smaller the job, the smaller the pressure washer. In the case of pressure washers, bigger is not always best.

How big is it?

Speaking of bigger, pressure washers can be massive. They can be unwieldy beasts that can take a tremendous amount of time to haul out and start to wash. When you have finished your pressure washing task, the amount of work for simply hauling it out may have been more than the actual project itself.

If you have small jobs, use a small machine. Even if a bigger washer has the power you need, factor the amount of work you will put into getting a pressure washer from one place to the next. If you find your resources taxed heavily afterward, try and get another smaller unit.

Can you afford to have a bigger pressure washer in terms of resources? Then get a bigger one. Industrial sized projects can require colossal machines. While the pressure might not be as great as other, smaller units, think about the size of the project you need to cover. If you have to hit larger amounts of surface area, invest in a unit that covers more space with less pressure. You could end up saving money in the long run.

What are you cleaning?

Do you need to pressure wash a sidewalk or a car? Or do you need to clean an entire building? To get the right kind of pressure washer, get the right kind of unit for the right kind of job. This requires putting in the research beforehand and realizing the limitations of your project.

For instance, if you are washing the inside of an industrial tank, you need to factor in the resources needed. Will you need to hire a person to clean the inside? Should you get an automatic washer to clean inside? Which one would be more cost beneficial?

Should you buy or rent?

Sometimes, you do not need to keep a pressure washer at the end of your project. The ultimate cost of the unit may outweigh what you need in the long run. If this is the case, seriously consider your price points and purchasing a pressure washer in the first place.

This is where pressure washer rentals can come in handy. This gives you the ability to clean anything when you need to for a fraction of the cost. Once you are done, simply get the unit returned. You do not have to worry about storage, paying undue costs, or maintenance costs on it.

Depending on the regularity and size of your job, this may be the best option. For instance, if you are cleaning a sidewalk on the side of your house, you might need a quick rental. WET, Inc. can take care of that by providing one of our units.

There are many other elements you may need to factor into your purchase or rental. If you think of any other factors we may need to include, let us know on our contact form. Also, if you have more questions, drop us a line. We are ready to help you with all of your cleaning needs.

About the author

Bob Lye