For hard surfaces, such as concrete and brick, a higher PSI pressure washer with 2000-3000 PSI of water pressure is ideal. Such a device can effectively clean dirt and grime from these hard surfaces.
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.
A 3000 psi pressure washer has the ability to produce up to 3000 pounds of force per square inch, making it an incredibly powerful. A 3000 psi pressure washer is a high-powered cleaning machine that uses pressurized water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from surfaces.
The 3000 psi machine can put out 5 gpm while the 4000 psi machine has to be cut back to 3.5 to 4gpm in flow. The 3000 psi machine has 14.4 (lb) of impact force which relates to 10 to 20% faster cleaning than the 4000 psi while using a similar amount of horsepower and fuel.
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).
The higher the PSI the more durable your concrete will be and will thus be resilient to cracking. The average residential project uses a minimum of 2,500 to 3,000 PSI; however if you're concerned about cracking then we recommend talking to your concrete contractor about stronger products on the market.
The concrete will achieve approximately 70% of its required strength in 7 days, which would be about 2800 to 3000 PSI. That is sufficient strength for you to drive a standard family vehicle on the concrete. Always use caution if you are driving off a corner or edge of new concrete.
If you're still wondering what the best combination is, we recommend starting with something in the 3000 – 3500 PSI/2.0 – 2.5 GPM range. These pressure washers are good for most homeowners, as they tend to work very efficiently and are still affordable.
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.
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.
Medium Pressure – Rated from 2,000 to 3,000 PSI. High Pressure – Rated from 3,000 to 6,900 PSI. Ultra-High Pressure – Rated from 7,000 to 50,000 PSI.
3,000 PSI. The residential workhorse of concrete, 3,000 PSI can be used for driveways, patios and sidewalks. Its durability will help shrug off the freeze-thaw cycle of harsh winters. This is a fine choice for any general construction use.
Basically, 3000 psi is the flat slab of a home that has the dimension WxLxD (about 6″). This means that that slab of concrete will hold 3,000 lbs per square inch. Example: Semi-truck with a full load in a 40-foot trailer would weigh in at 115,000 lbs.
You need a high-quality pressure washer that can deliver about 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI, the faster and more effectively you can clean your driveway.
Best for Concrete
If you need a commercial-level machine for removing graffiti, washing stained concrete, or other heavy-duty tasks, then you need a model like the DEWALT 4,400-PSI Gas Pressure Washer. This tough piece of machinery is designed for professionals.
The quick answer is yes, power washing can degrade a concrete surface.
Our recommendation ranges from as low as 3,000 PSI to as high as 4,000 PSI.
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!
Heavy-duty- These produce water pressure levels of between 2,900 and 3,300 PSI. They are perfect for cleaning big sections of concrete and can also reach the second floor of a story building.
A 4000 PSI pressure washer is ideal for heavy equipment, concrete surfaces, brick walls, construction sites, stripping paint and lifting oil stains. Again, a 4000 PSI pressure washer should not be used on house siding; 4000 PSI is strong enough to cause some serious damage!
“Most standard pressure washers will use between 2 to 4 GPM.” That comes a total of 120 to 240 Gallons Per Hour. To bring that into perspective, a standard bathtub holds about 80 gallons of water. If you were to clean your house for 1 hour straight, you'd be using the equivalent of about 2 to 3 baths.
Choosing a Pressure Washer
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi).
3000 PSI concrete is widely used in residential applications such as sidewalks, patios, and driveways if you aren't expecting to drive or park heavy equipment on it. 3500 PSI is less common in sidewalks and patios.
So, what is an ideal concrete PSI for common structures? Most residential projects, such as sidewalks and driveways, require 2,500-3,000 PSI. Structural components like beams and footers require a PSI of 3,500-4,000. Concrete in this range is also a good choice for concrete slabs for storing RVs or other heavy loads.