To clean concrete, exterior siding or an asphalt driveway, you'll want at least 2,000 to 2,800 psi and 2 to 3 gpm (4,000 to 8,400 ECUs).
To get the job done right, you need a pressure washer rated at least 3,000 PSI with a flow rate of at least four gallons per minute (GPM).
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.
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.
This number can vary depending on the pressure washer you are using – so it's important to know what kind you have. Most residential pressure washers have a GPM rating of one to two, while the best commercial pressure washers can range from three to six GPM.
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.
Yes, you can increase the GPM on a pressure washer safely by following these steps: Choose the correct nozzle for the job. Adjust the pressure regulator to the correct setting. Do not exceed the machine's maximum PSI rating.
Our recommendation ranges from as low as 3,000 PSI to as high as 4,000 PSI.
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.
Most homeowners find that pressure cleaning this area is the most effective and efficient way. You need 3000 psi (pound per square inch) to clean a driveway. Some will say that 1500 psi will do the job, as most pressure cleaners sold for domestic use can only go up to that.
There's no doubt that electric pressure washers from 1,300 to 2,300 psi can wash a concrete driveway, but it'll take longer. If you have a large driveway with lots of stains, you'll want more power to do the job faster. I chose the 3,100-psi gas pressure washer and cut the job time in half.
Most people believe that concrete is solid and almost invincible. However, using a pressure washer with the incorrect tip or using too much pressure or a combination of the two can etch concrete.
That's why many jurisdictions have a maximum allowable pressure of around 3,000 PSI. However, this is just the bare minimum. Newer electric units can often go up to 4,500 or 5,000 PSI without any real risk of damage to your home, but you should always exercise caution when using water at this high of pressure.
Experienced contractors recommend between 2000 and 3000 PSI and a flow of at least 2.5 GPM to clean dirty concrete effectively. With that in mind here are our top recommendations for cleaning concrete: Gas-powered models come in several sizes for home use.
The quick answer is yes, power washing can degrade a concrete surface.
As a guide, a concrete driveway with a medium level of dirt would pair best with around 3000 PSI and 4.0 GPM to get the best, most effective and time-efficient clean. Pressure washing your driveway can help reduce wear and tear on the concrete and boost the appearance of your home without breaking the bank.
Powerful pressure washers with too much PSI will damage concrete when power washing. Most residential driveways require no more than 3000 to 3500 PSI for proper and thorough concrete washing. Heavy-duty commercial pressure washers and other power washing equipment are too strong for the average residential driveway!
PSI Pressure range for Different Surfaces
Different surfaces require different levels of PSI pressure. Generally, for most residential uses, an electric pressure washer (less than 2000 PSI) will suffice. Soft surfaces, such as decks and siding, usually require more cleaning power than harder surfaces such as driveways.
Tackle your next outdoor cleaning project with this RYOBI 1600 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer. The portable and lightweight design makes it easy to move around your yard. The included 12. surface cleaner makes this a great tool for cleaning sidewalks, patios and driveways.
Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it.
Often more affordable than higher strength concrete, 2,500 PSI can be useful for driveways and walkways. However, some may choose a stronger concrete, like 3,000 PSI, to avoid excessive cracking. A good use for this concrete is a walkway on the side of a home that doesn't receive excessive traffic.
Higher GPM will help you get the job done faster. For most homeowners, identifying your ideal PSI (whether low or high) is a good start. Once you have the PSI you need, then look for higher GPM numbers to get better efficiency.
Water flow (gpm): A gallon per minute (gpm) of 1.2 to 2.5 is enough for most home and automotive tasks. Nozzle options: Make sure you have different spray patterns and angles.
To calculate PSI from GPM and pipe diameter, proceed as follows: Calculate the cross-sectional area of the pipe using the given diameter. Divide the flow rate measured in GPM by the area and take the square of the result. Multiply the value from step 2 with the density of water and divide by 2.