Pressure Washer Buyers' Guide - BarnDoor Ag

How Pressure Washers Work
Pressure washers employ the use of internal pumps powered by gas or electric motors to strengthen the water pressure, which, in return, provides the power needed for a variety of cleaning applications.
The pump is the most important component on your unit, and it has two points of connection for high and low pressure. The high-pressure connection (OUT) connects to a high-pressure hose that is attached to a handheld wand. The low-pressure connection (IN) is threaded to fit a standard garden hose.

Electric Pressure Washers

Need a heavy-duty tool that can handle tough gunk and grime? You’ve come to the right place. Electric Pressure Washers (Power Washers) are specially designed mechanical cleaners for intense, outdoor cleaning applications that a garden hose alone can’t accomplish. In this guide, Joe will help you navigate the pros and cons of what’s available on the power washer market today, and decode PSI and GPM ratings so you can understand how to choose a pressure washer that’s best suited for your projects.

Each pump type has a varying range of maximum PSI, GPM and price point.

Wobble Pumps are a popular outfit on entry level electric pressure washers with a lower price point. Wobble pumps are usually not replaceable and may require you to replace the entire unit if the pump breaks.
Axial Cam Pumps have larger bearings and oil reservoirs so they can run harder and longer. However, they require regular repairs and servicing.
Triplex Pumps are found on more industrial grade gas pressure washers typically designed for contractor use. Such pump configurations are not recommended for the residential homeowner. You’ll get more PSI power and faster GPM specs out of a triplex pump, but gas powered units are significantly more expensive and heavy, and can easily damage decking, patio surfaces and siding when not used properly.
Both wobble and axial cam pumps are the most popular pressure washer pump types outfitted on machines designed for homeowners.Most pressure washers also come with interchangeable nozzles that control the wand’s spray pattern and use a ¼-inch quick connect system.

Pressure Washer Cleaning Power: What does PSI and GPM mean?
Cleaning power is measured by PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings.

PSI: Pounds Per Square Inch measures the pressure, or cleaning force, of the water jetting out of the pressure washer's sprayer. Use the PSI rating to help you determine how powerful the water stream will be. The higher the PSI the more powerful your pressure washer.
GPM: Gallons Per Minute measures the volume of water delivered through the pressure washer. This number will help you determine how fast the pressure washer sprayers will clean, and how effectively it will rinse away debris.
Joe suggests choosing the right PSI for the job using the below guidelines, and then checking the GPM to determine the speed and efficiency you desire.

PSI Guidelines
1,000 PSI and Under: Very low power pressure. Machines of this sprayer rating are acceptable for casual use around the home when time is not a main consideration.
1,000-2,000 PSI: Good for light cleaning applications on delicate or soft surfaces that can be easily damaged. This pressure range will effectively clean decks, siding, peel loose paint, and suits automotive cleaning tasks.
2,000-3,000 PSI: This is the most common range for most commercially sold pressure washers. Units in this range are ideal for power washing homes, buildings, RV’s, cars, trucks, SUV’s, boats, decks, driveways, patios, lawn equipment, engines, and more. Remove tar and grease from concrete, heavy mildew stains, oil stains, rust from steel, caked mud on equipment, dirt and grime from car engines and other stubborn grease and grime.
3,000-6,000 PSI: Heavy industrial and agricultural uses. Gas powered machines of this caliber can be used to strip paint, remove heavy grease and oil stains, and for other industrial applications.

Nozzle Selection
Quality Pressure Washers come with a variety of nozzles that change the shape and action of the sprayers. Make sure that the power washer you select uses "quick connect" functionality so that nozzles can be easily changed and the sprayer pattern can be quickly adjusted. When changing nozzles, for safety purposes, make sure that the power washer is unplugged and the garden hose water feed is turned off. Before swapping out a nozzle, pull the trigger on the wand to release any accumulated water pressure. Nozzles are classified by the sprayer stream width in degrees. Narrower nozzles produce more powerful streams. Typical nozzle types are as follows:

0º Nozzle - This nozzle shoots a pencil thin, intense jet stream from the sprayer. It is typically used for small, stubborn areas. Use this nozzle with caution - it can easily damage wood and peel paint.
15º Nozzle - Typically used for surface preparation and cleaning. Good for removing loose paint and cleaning tough stains. Use this nozzle with caution as well.
25º Nozzle - Used for sweeping away loose dirt, leaves, and mud from decks, patios and driveways.
40º Nozzle - Excellent for quickly cleaning large areas such as vinyl siding and vehicles.
Soap Nozzle - This is a low pressure tip that is used for dispensing detergent cleaners and is only available on some select pressure washer models that feature onboard detergent tanks.
Oscillating Turbo Nozzle (Sold separately) - Combines a powerful 0º stream with a 20º oscillating/rotating action. Great for turbo blasting extremely stubborn areas and is a must-have attachment for tackling tough cleaning projects.

Power Washer Tips
Pressure washers need to be handled with respect. The streams are very powerful and can cause injuries as well as damage sensitive surfaces.
Always wear protective eyewear. Outdoor pressure washers are powerful, and can cause debris or detergent to blow back into your eyes.
Always wear heavy shoes or sneakers. Power washers can cause injuries on unprotected feet.
Always start on a small test area. Pressure washers can damage wood and peel paint.
Use the minimum pressure setting necessary to accomplish the job. This prevents causing collateral damage.
Work in a sweeping motion, pushing water and debris in one direction. Have a plan where you want to move the water.

Pressure Washer Accessories
Get your pressure washer fully loaded with an extensive array of Pressure Washing accessories to boost your cleaning arsenal. Save time, labor, and have the meanest machine in the neighborhood!

Extension Wand (SPX-ESW4) – Add a 5.5’ Wand Extension to get into tight spaces.
Foam Cannons (SPX-FC34) – Blast away gunk with this cleaning solution applicator, a favorite among car enthusiasts and die-hard detailers to get their vehicles’ exteriors in mint condition.
RotaryBrush Kit (SPX-RB1) – Low pressure spinningbrush for cleaning cars, siding and more.
Gutter Cleaning Attachment (SPX-GCA315) – Cleaning leaves and twigs from your gutters is a breeze!
Utility Brushes (SPX-UB1) – Gentle bristles are perfect for cleaning patio surfaces, cars, boats, and BBQs
Quick-Connect 0-90 Degree Rotating Wand Head (SPX-RWA-34S) – Easily angles the stream to get into tight, hard to reach places.
Detergent Bottle Boost (SPX1DT) – Connects to the SPX1000 and adds detergent cleaners to your stream.
Multi-Angle Rotary Spray Wand (SPX-MARW1) – Adds wide angle flexibility to get into tight spaces.
Pipe Cleaning Jet Hose (SPX-PCH25) – Blast away drain clogs faster than any plumber.
25’ Extension Hoses (SPX-25HD) –Extend your cleaning radius withalonger hose.
Scrubbing Broom (SPX-PWB1) – Combine scrubbing power and water pressure for cleaning stubborn grime.
10-Inch Surface, Deck and Patio Cleaning Attachment (SPX-PCA10) – The spinning brush and powerful water jets make cleaning your deck or patio a snap.
Quick Connect Turbo Head Spray Nozzle (SPX-TSN-34S) – Talk about powerful! Shoots an oscillating, laser-tight stream to blast away the nastiest grime!

Gasoline Versus Electric Power Washers
For the typical homeowner, Joe recommends an electric pressure washer. They are very powerful, yet quiet and perfect for cleaning small items such as vehicles, car engines, backyard grills, patio furniture, pools, and bikes.Sun Joe electric power washers are compatible with many different cleaning attachments, plus they are lightweight and portable.Many people prefer electric because they are very low maintenance machines. Once you buy them, you are finished paying for them. You do not have to purchase gas or oil, and there are no major parts that may need to be replaced.

If you’re worried about being limited by a power cord, opt for Joe’s new cordless Sun Joe iON pressure washing system, the SPX6000C, powered by 40 Volt lithium ion technology. Now there is no job that’s out of reach, and your power supply is portable. Plus, the bucket system lets you fill up from ANY fresh water source including lakes and streams.

Compare this with the fact that gas units are much more expensive, require you to purchase gasoline, oil and still deliver the same PSI in most cases. Gas power washers are also heavy and certainly not as portable. Gasoline units pollute the air with toxic hydrocarbon emissions that you’ll be inhaling while you work.

Tackle your next cleaning project with ease by investing in an affordable, yet powerful, easy-to-use pressure washer that gets the job done. With a Sun Joe corded electric or cordless pressure washer in your tool shed, you’ll have the power to demolish every square inch of dirt- You name it. You aim it. Grime is Gone. Contact Barndoor Ag for any further assistance!