A standard vertical shaft power washer comes with a 100-hour life expectancy, whereas a standard horizontal shaft pressure washer comes with 400 hours of life expectancy.
It depends on the pressure washing equipment you purchase. New pressure washers will be rated with a number of hours they should last. For example, if it is rated 500 hours and you use it fewer than 50 hours throughout the year then it will last you more than ten years as long as you keep it well maintained.
Pressure washers generally draw between 1,400 and 2,800 Watts, which at today's prices will cost between 34p and 68p an hour to run. Any type of pressure washer will use less water than trying to clean stubborn dirt with a hose, because they require far less water to make an impact.
No matter how powerful your pressure washer might be, it's never a good idea to leave your machine running for too long because doing so will increase the risk that it will overheat. Instead, most professionals suggest using a pressure washer in intervals of three to five minutes.
If your pressure washer or high-pressure hose show any signs of wear and tear, discontinue use immediately. Buy a new hose, do not attempt to repair your hose on your own. If the unit itself is damaged or excessively worn, take it to a repair shop or purchase a new unit.
Lifespan: The VE52 is rated to last 80-90 hours while the new Active 2.0 is rated for twice that.
If the pressure is too low, the water heats up like a pan on the stove, and the machine will burn out. Burnout damage can be hard to fix, so as soon as you notice your water pressure is too low, stop using your machine and begin troubleshooting the cause.
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.
Cons: Potential damage: In inexperienced hands, a pressure washer can cause damage to your car's paint, trim, or delicate parts. High-pressure water can strip away protective coatings and even force water into vulnerable areas, leading to rust or electrical issues.
How long is a wash cycle? A normal wash cycle usually takes between 50 minutes to an hour to complete. However, this time could be faster or slower depending on load size and the cycles or options you choose.
Per Square Foot
Many companies charge pressure washing by the square foot, typically between $0.30 to $0.80. Many pressure washing companies also charge minimums, typically anywhere between $100 and $350. Square feet can be calculated by multiplying the length of the surface by the width.
You may be surprised to learn that pressure washers actually use less money than regular garden hoses! Therefore, by hiring a professional power cleaning service instead of trying to do it yourself with your hose, you're actually saving money on your water bill.
In general, you should pressure wash your driveway at least once a year to ensure it is clean while also extending the surface's longevity.
Why Should My Pressure Washer Be Turned Off When Not In Use? If you let a pressure washer run without pulling the trigger, the water stays inside the pump. This water continues to heat up and will melt the seals on the pump.
Saves Water
As mentioned above, pressure washers only average around 2-4 GPM of water consumption. That's about the same as the sink in your home which averages around 2.2 GPM. Compared to a hose which puts out 24 GPM. The low GPM and powerful quick cleaning means less overall water usage.
If you are a homeowner, you will probably use a pressure washer for less than 50 hours per year. In this case, getting a machine rated for 500 hours will last you up to 10 years if properly maintained. However, if you are using it on the job, you will want something rated for 2,000 hours or more.
Choose Your Pressure Washer's Cleaning Power
A pressure washer rated with a higher PSI and GPM cleans better and faster but often costs more than lower-rated units. Perfect for smaller jobs around the home like cleaning outdoor furniture, grills and vehicles.
This abrupt temperature difference can lead to internal parts cracking due to rapid expansion and contractions. For these reasons, it's best to never let your pressure washer sit idle for more than two or three minutes without activating the trigger, which is why shutdown timers are so crucial to safe operation.
One way to combat this is to use hotter water than you would normally use for pressure washing. A temperature between 180 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal so that the evaporation rate will minimize the risk of icing.
For this reason you should not let your pressure washer idle, not spraying water for more than a few minutes. Without cooling the pump head the temperature will begin to climb to 200+ degrees. When it gets that hot, water seals and o-rings soften and wear quickly. Valves can be distorted and warp.
Faulty water inlet valves, clogged water filters, and kinked hoses are the most common culprits of a pressure washer that is producing no water flow. Cleaning or replacing the water filter is an easy enough task that can be done by most handy individuals given the correct parts.
If it's possible, storing your pressure washer in a heated garage or warehouse is ideal. However, even keeping it in an unheated shed or garage is much better than storing it outside. Remember, a pressure washer is an investment.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a pressure washer hinges on several key considerations. Assessing the cost of repairs against the price of a new unit is the first step. If repair costs approach or exceed 50% of the cost of a new pressure washer, it may be more economical to invest in a new machine.