Electric pressure washers are generally seen as light-duty power tools because they do not generate the same amount of power as a gas pressure washer. On average, the power output of an electric pressure washer will produce about 1.5 to 2.5 GPM at a water pressure that ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 PSI.
Because electric pressure washers have to be plugged in, they have less mobility on a job site than a gas model. They are also less suited to heavy-duty cleaning. Pro Tip: More power means more noise.
Power washers can be powerful enough to carve into brick or gentle enough to remove a few cobwebs. For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi.
For smaller jobs, an electric pressure washer will do the trick. These typically have about 1,000 psi to 1,500 psi, with a gpm no higher than 1.5. Quieter, lighter and cheaper than gas models and virtually maintenance free, they're good for washing stains off outdoor furniture and cleaning vehicles and vehicle tires.
Many electric pressure washers can clean as well as gas-powered models—in some cases, even better. “In our most recent tests, we saw outstanding cleaning results from electric pressure washers,” says CR test engineer Dave Trezza.
Concrete cleaning calls for powerful pressure washers featuring high pressure levels of 3000 PSI. However, if you will be using the power cleaner to maintain a range of surfaces in addition to concrete, choose one with adjustable pressure levels and set it to about 3000 PSI when you need to clean concrete.
Mid-Range Power: 2,000 to 3,200 PSI
The most versatile category of pressure washers, those ranging from 2,000 to 3,200 PSI effectively clean cars (including the most well-used off-road vehicles), home siding, fences, boats and grimy garage floors. Those closer to 3,200 PSI work effectively on tough stains, too.
Medium Duty 2000-2800 PSI
This classification ranges from as low as 2,000 PSI to as high as 2,800 PSI. You can use a medium-duty pressure washer for almost any surface. They're great for cleaning concrete, brick, and wood.
2,000 - 2,900 PSI: This is a moderate strength unit used heavier residential tasks. These units are commonly sold as either electric or gas pressure washers. 3,000 - 6,900 PSI: These high pressure models are what professional pressure washers and contractors usually use.
Machine Type: Gas pressure washers can typically run for about 30 minutes before they need a break. Electric models can usually go for an hour or more. If you're using a hot water pressure washer, you'll need to give it breaks more frequently – about every 15 minutes.
Yes, if it's concrete. Concrete driveways (and walkways) can readily withstand a powerful cleaning without etching. Generally, a finer nozzle will be more effective at spot-cleaning grease stains. For mold or mildew, use lower pressure and coat the surface in suds first.
Electric pressure washers require less maintenance.
They require lubrication for the pump, and general cleaning so that cooling filters don't get blocked, but they remain easy to live with. A gas powered pressure washer uses a motor that, like any other engine, requires regular maintenance.
The differences between an electric and gas pressure washer are night-and-day. Sure, an electric pressure washer will get you through the light-duty tasks without the worry of gasoline, but nothing stands up over time to the tough jobs like a gas-powered pressure washer.
Generally, contractors or professional cleaners will find that they prefer a higher GPM machine over PSI since they use cleaning solutions to loosen grime instead of relying fully on PSI, their job primarily becomes one of rinsing the dirt away. The higher the GPM the faster it will be to clean large surfaces.
Our recommendation ranges from as low as 3,000 PSI to as high as 4,000 PSI.
If you want to clean your driveway quickly and efficiently, use a pressure washer of at least 3100 PSI. Using pressure washers with pressures ranging from 1000 to 2300 PSI will also help you clean your driveway, but it will take a long time.
Each concrete structure has a normally acceptable psi range. Concrete footings and slabs on grade typically require a concrete of 3,500 to 4,000 psi. Suspended slabs, beams, and girders (as often found in bridges) require 3,500 to 5,000 psi.
Checking your home's water pressure is a simple way to avoid costly water damage. Water pressure is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch, and represents the force at which water enters your home from the water main. Normal psi for a home pipe system is between 30 and 80 psi.
Too much pressure (generally anything more than 1,900 PSI) can damage the paint job on your vehicle. If you're determined to do so, keep the following tips in mind. In addition to using the right pressure (1,000 to 1,200 PSI), make sure you use the correct nozzle.
In general, residential water pressure ranges between 45-80 psi (pounds per square inch). If your water pressure is under 40 psi, it's considered low. A psi between 20-30 is considered very low, and under the minimum water pressure required by most building codes.
Yes, vinegar is an excellent concrete cleaner. This solution can strip surface-level messes from concrete. Due to its acidic properties, vinegar can be a powerful tool for breaking down offensive materials such as dirt, stains, and bacteria.
In some cases, yes – it will help blast through tougher messes you'd otherwise be unable to get through. However, it may not always be necessary. The benefits of using pressure washer soap can boast magnificent results, especially when cleaning up surfaces that may need a more intense cleaning.