If you've ever used a pressure washer, you know how quickly it can overheat. This is especially true for gas models. Electric models are a bit more forgiving, but will still shut down if they get too hot. So, it's important to understand how long you can run your machine before giving it a break.
Overheating issues are exacerbated with the use of a pressure regulator which keeps the pump pressurized, increasing friction. Pumps with higher flow rates like those used for soft wash and portable sanitation will also heat up faster than low-flow pumps because more heat-generating energy is produced.
By the time the water rushes out of the coil and through the wand and nozzle, it will have reached temperatures of up to 200°F.
Give Your Pressure Washer a Break
Cooling down your pressure washer properly will require a complete shut-off. Leaving them idle isn't enough because the machine will still hold water inside the pump. As this water heats up, it will melt the seals on the pump.
Avoid overheating
This is especially true for petrol models. Electric pressure models are more forgiving than gas pressure models, but they will still shut off if they overheat. This can damage internal components and result in costly repair or replacement.
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.
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.
Medium Duty Pressure Washers: 1900 - 2788 PSI and 1-3 GPM. Best for home and shop use, clean everything from exterior siding and fences to patios and decks. Commercial Pressure Washers: Start at 3100 PSI and up to 4 GPM.
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.
In summary, the choice really depends on what you're cleaning. For general dirt or cleaning a large area, a cold-water pressure washer will more than satisfy your needs. However, to remove more stubborn substances such as oil and grease, or for a sterile clean, a hot water pressure washer is the right fit for you.
For general home use, a pressure washer with a PSI of 1300 to 2400 should suffice. However, for more demanding tasks, you might need a model with a higher PSI. Always consider both PSI and GPM to ensure you choose a pressure washer that offers the perfect balance of power and water flow for your cleaning projects.
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.
Hot water pressure washers can increase the temperature of water from 54°F to 311°F in the steam stage. The water is heated in a burner boiler in the pressure washer that features a double twisted heating coil for a space saving construction and high heating capacity.
If you experience issues with the water temperature in your Washer, please check the following. Check to ensure both the hot and cold water supply valves are turned on. Check to ensure the hot and cold water hose connections were not reversed when the hoses were connected onto the Washer.
Hot water builds up when the spray gun is unused for more than 5 minutes while the pump is running. The unloader valve recirculates water back to the pump inlet to control the pressure and temperature. If the water gets too hot, the thermal relief valve opens to relieve the pressure by dumping hot water on the ground.
2,000 PSI is enough to power to effectively clean concrete surfaces. You will have to use an aggressive nozzle, keep the tip closer to the surface and spend more time than you would when using a more powerful product, but you can obtain good results with a bit of hard work.
Typically this can range from 120 psi to 140 psi. Clinical references designate any pressure at and above 100 psi as HP. It has been established that pressure at a minimum of 100 psi can penetrate unbroken skin. These wounds require immediate medical treatment no matter how benign they might appear.
You should also never set your pressure washer above 2,200 psi when washing your car. 1,500 psi is really all you need to get a good deep clean; any pressure higher than that won't make a noticeable performance difference.
As we mentioned, one of the biggest risks is overheating. This can damage internal components and lead to costly repairs or replacements. This is not an investment you want to make twice if you can avoid it – so preventing overheating is important.
Air Flow Restriction.
If your coil is a “pancake” style, chances are the restriction of air flow is caused by build up. Soot can create a block, causing the unused fuel to burn hotter than it should be. If you are having this issue, clean off your coil.
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.
And never leave your pressure washer unattended while running. If you have to walk away for more than a minute, turn the pressure washer off. It's not good for your pump to leave it running while not in use, and shutting it off can prevent unwanted accidents.
If you choose a more powerful pressure washer, it'll cost you more. However, you may find that you don't need to spend as long on the job. But as an example, a 2100W pressure washer will use 2.1kWh, which will cost you 51p per hour.
Besides regular maintenance, there are other parts of your pressure washer that should be regularly inspected to make certain everything is working as it should. Be sure to follow these simple tips: Change your oil after every 50 hours of use. Clean or replace the air filter every 25 hours of use.