A pressure washer is a powerful cleaning device that utilizes high-pressure water to effectively remove dirt and grime from various surfaces. Whether it’s cleaning your car, driveway, RV, or other residential appliances, the best pressure washer can tackle tough stains and accumulated debris with ease. Industrial-grade pressure washers are even capable of handling large-scale cleaning tasks, such as agricultural machinery.
While the benefits of pressure washers are undeniable, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. With different grades of use—customer, semi-pro, and industrial—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the wide range of available products. To simplify your decision-making process, we have compiled a list of the best pressure washer reviews, offering you a convenient and concise selection to choose from
Top 10 Pressure Washers
AR Blue Clean AR383 Pressure Washer
Have you ever wondered what is the best pressure washer? Well, AR Blue Clean AR 383 surely is ranked as one of the most useful devices in this regard. It is capable of providing 1900 PSI at a 1.5 gallons per minute flow rate which is going to allow you to clean almost everything. The unit can be classified as a semi-professional pressure washer which means that it is ideal for cleaning cars, outdoor furniture, lawnmowers and what not.
It has a Total Stop System that will allow you to control the power to the pressure washer through your trigger gun. This allows you to release the exact amount of water without having to create an excess. Therefore this feature is surely going to make your water bills a lot less expensive. The unit also provides the incredibly 80% water savings in comparison with the standard garden hoses. It comes with long 20-foot hose and 30-foot power cord which will make you mobile enough to clean everything you have in mind.
The unit runs with cold water and is made out of copper, aluminum and plastic. In combination those three materials provide the most optimal weight as well as sturdiness and durability. With this unit you can rest assured that you will enjoy the benefits of quality pressure washer for a long time coming. It comes in a 11.2 x 12.2 x 28.5 inches size and in combination with the 27 pounds weight the unit quite easy to carry around with little to no effort.
Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
This Sun Joe 2030 PSI pressure washer is amongst the best solutions on the market. The possibility to provide you with such a high pressure of blasting water will enable you to get a lot of dirt out of the way without worrying about how hard it has stacked up. At the same time the unit is running on an electrical motor which has its specifications at 14.5 Amps and 1800 Watts which means that the maintenance would be little to none.
The unit will allow you to fully control the flow of water due to the trigger gun and spray wand holder. This would also enable you to properly concentrate the stream at the point that you desire to get cleaned properly. The unit comes with a detergent selection dial and is capable of carrying two different types of detergents simultaneously for further convenience. You can easily figure out what kind of work you want to carry on during this day and pre-load the detergent compartment with the appropriate cleaning solutions and simply choose which one to use during the operation process.
Being one of the best power washers on the market, this one also comes in an insignificant weight of about 31 pounds which makes it easy to carry around. There is a wheel kit installed for added convenience. The size of it is 15.6 x 13.5 x 33.9 inches. The 20-foot high pressure hose and the 35-foot extension cord will allow you to reach a lot of spots.
Simpson MSH3125-S Power Washer
There are a lot of things that a unit must possess in order to be classified as one of the top pressure washers on the market. This is one of the most powerful power washers out there. It is a gas engine unit that is capable of delivering up to 3100 PSI at a 2.5 gallons per minute flow rate. There are a lot of features that are included for the further convenience of the customer. The unit is incredibly technologically advanced which makes it really easy to start.
The compact combustion chamber combined with the overhead cam design and the uniblock construction are there to make sure that the unit does not burn an excessive amount of fuel. In fact it is rather efficient which is going to translate to lower utility bills. The power washer meets the EPA and CARB emission standards which makes it an environmentally friendly solution. On the other hand the unit has a highly efficient design that is designated to maximize the performance it delivers and at the same time minimizes the engine load.
The unit features a maintenance free oil bath lubrication system which will end the nightmares of oil changes of gas engine pressure washers. You can rest assured that the unit is going to be operating for a long time due to the highly polished and well ground stainless steel pistons. You also don’t have to worry about the power washer overheating because it has a thermal relief system which will prevent that.
Generac 6596 Pressure Washer
There are quite good reasons for which this device is amongst the top rated pressure washers. You can rest assured that the device is reliable and convenient due to the Generac 196cc OHV engine that it has. It is capable of delivering perfect cleaning performance at 2800 PSI working pressure. This would allow you to clean up almost everything that you clean up including driveways and thoroughly stacked up dirt on different surfaces.
The spray gun is ergonomic with a cushion grip handle. This feature is especially helpful because it reduces fatigue and it allows more extended usage. It has a trigger that is incredibly easy to pull. The axial cam pump has surprisingly easy-access hose connections which mean that you won’t have to kneel on the ground in order to connect the hoses every time. The unit comes with an included ¾ gallon tank that is going to provide you with all the onboard storage space that you need to keep your detergents.
The unit comes in a 23.3 x 16 x 40.3 inches size and despite the fact that it weighs about 60 pounds which makes it a rather portable solution, it is equipped with a built-in wheel kit that would allow you to effortlessly carry it around. The unit has 25 foot PVC hose connection to the rear of the spray gun that ensures even further convenience. The different nozzles are set to change the pattern of the spray allowing you to clean a variety of different surfaces.
Simpson PS3228-S Power Washer
Even though this is a gas engine unit it is still one of the best residential pressure washers out on the market right now. The commercial series of the engine that the unit comes with – Honda GX200 OHV has an oil alert that will enable you to know when there is something wrong with the oil compartment. It is incredibly easy to start and runs smoothly without sacrificing performance which makes it the perfect solution for your domestic needs.
It has an AAA industrial triplex plunger pump that includes ceramic coated pistons with modern technology that would enable you to enjoy a high pressure at the nozzle. This will allow you to clean up thoroughly stacked up dirt, regardless of the surface. Effortless and mobile maneuverability is ensured throughout the welded steel frame as well as the steel engine plate and the pneumatic tires. You won’t have to worry about carrying this unit.
The pro-style steel spray wand has 5 stainless steel, quick connect nozzle trips, set at 0, 15, 25, 40 degrees and a soap applicator which means that you can control the output with the single push of the trigger. This provides a lot of flexibility in terms of cleaning which you should surely take advantage of. You wouldn’t have to worry about bending over to change the streaming settings because you can do it with the push of the trigger. In any case this unit is capable of fully satisfying all of your domestic needs without being too heavy or hard to carry around.
Sun Joe SPX1000 Pressure Washer
This electrically powered device is, by all means, a good pressure washer to buy. The reasons for this are various. Right of the bat, the unit is ideal for light to medium duty cleaning jobs which means that you could clean up your car single-handedly with little to no effort. It has an adjustable spray wand which includes a twist nozzle to provide you with even more flexibility. The unit has a convenient maximum flow rate of about 1.45 gallons per minute which makes this residential device especially water efficient.
Other common applications that you will find this pressure washer to be very helpful with include cleaning up boats, motorcycles as well as RV’s and ATVs. When it comes to flexibility, the unit provides you with the opportunity to extend the cleaning reach with the 33-inch wand. The water stream settings also include intense 0 degree powerful spray to a gentler 45-degree fan spray. It also comes with a safety trigger lock with a total stop system that further ensures the safety of the user.
The unit comes in a 12 x 9.8 x 19 inches size and in an insignificant weight of about 11.7 pounds which makes it incredibly easy to carry from one cleaning spot to another. Besides from that, the unit features a built-in wheel kit that makes transportation even easier.
AR Blue Clean AR118 Power Washer
If you are looking for one of the best home use pressure washers, look no more because you have stumbled upon the right place. The AR Blue Clean AR118 is an incredibly convenient 1500 PSI hand carry electric pressure washer. Despite its small size, it is capable of producing up to 1500 PSI working pressure which makes it perfect for using it on all light to medium duty clearing jobs. This includes car washing, window washing, you can clean your outdoor furniture fast and easy with this little piece of machinery.
The pressure washer comes with an automatic safety valve with a pressure shut-off at the pump head for increased safety of the user. It has a three axial-piston wobble plate pump and tempered stainless steel plungers for additional durability and longevity. The unit is incredibly easy to use and is undeniably portable and mobile with the 20-foot hose and 30-foot power cord. On the other hand, the fact that you can carry it with just one hand without interrupting the working process makes this an incredibly flexible solution.
The 9 x 14.5 x 10 inches size and the insignificant weight of approximately 11.7 pounds are the proof for its portability. The unit is one of the best residential solutions and its incredible features combined with the flexibility it offers are the proof for this. It is capable of delivering excellent performance while keeping you mobile at the same time.
AR Blue Clean AR390SS Power Washer
If we had to make an electrically powered pressure washer comparison we would have quickly come to the conclusion that the AR Blue Clean AR390SS is one of the most convenient devices on the market. It is capable of delivering up to 2000 PSI of working pressure which means that it is absolutely fit for satisfying all kinds of low to medium duty clearing jobs, making it the perfect residential solution. It has a functioning hose reel so you are going to be able to use as much hose as you have to.
There is an onboard storage space that would allow you to keep all the accessories at one place which could spare you a lot of troubles in searching for them. The unit offers 80% more water savings in comparison to other standard garden hoses. It is compliant to the Pressure Washer Manufacturer’s Association which really speaks about the quality of this product.
It comes with an upgraded professional style gun, a hose and a lance for added convenience and ease of usage. The overall design of the product is incredibly convenient and fit for a variety of cleaning undertakings. You don’t have to visit a car wash every again because with this unit you will be able to clean up the exterior of your car in a matter of minutes. You can add some wax detergent to give your vehicle a shiny appeal. Other applications include cleaning the barbeque, your RV, ATV, your boat or even your driveway.
Generac 6602 Power Washer
Being a unit with some of the highest pressure washer ratings on the market right now, the Generac 6602 sure has a lot to bring on the table. This gas powered pressure washer is specifically designated to tackle even the hardest residential clearing jobs. The Generac 212cc OHV engine is rated as the largest and most powerful engine in its class. It has a PowerDial Variable-Pressure Control which would allow you to adjust the intensity of the spray as you find fit in order to clean a wide range of different surfaces without having to lean over to switch the settings.
The unit comes with a consolidated control panel which would allow you to adjust all of the controls from one single location. It has a comfortable grip handle that only adds to the great convenience that this unit brings. It has an easy to pull inverted trigger that is specifically designated to reduce the fatigue. Improved use is ensured with the 30’ high pressure hose.
The unit also features 3 quick-change nozzle tips of 0 degree, 25 degree and soap for your own personal convenience. You can change from a powerful 0 degree jet spray to the gentler 25 degree spray mode for more delicate surfaces. You can add different detergent in order to ensure proper cleaning. The hose connection is also quite easy because the cam pump is lifted high above the ground.
Powerstroke PS80519 Pressure Washer
Being an incredibly compact solution this is truly one of the best value pressure washers on the market. It offers incredible convenience due to the compact frame combined with the powerful 140 cc motor. This Powerstroke unit would allow you to use it on almost all kinds of clearing jobs. The gas powered engine ensures enough power to successfully clean your driveway, RV, ATV, boat or vehicle. It has an aluminum axial cam pump which makes the whole construction lighter.
The 25 degree and 40 degree high pressure fan nozzles ensure that you have a solution to every cleaning problem and combined with the low pressure soap nozzle it would allow you to overcome all kinds of piled up dirt. The unit features a convenient onboard hose as well as a trigger gun, wand and a nozzle storage compartment which means that you won’t have to worry about finding enough space to store these features. The Pressure Washer Manufacturer’s Association has certified this product which speaks of the high-end quality it delivers.
The 19.2 x 17.2 x 34.8 inches size, the weight of only 60 pounds in combination with the built in wheel kit make this unit incredibly easy to move around to the most appropriate cleaning location with little to no effort at all.
Best Pressure Washers Comparison Table
PRODUCT NAME | PSI | POWER | MAX VOLUME | MOTOR | DIMENSIONS |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sun Joe SPX3000 | 2030 | electric | 1.76 GPM | 1800 Watt | 33.9 x 15.6 x 13.5 |
Simpson MSH3125-S | 3100 | gas | 2.5 GPM | premium HONDA OHC | 23.25 x 34.75 x 21 |
AR Blue Clean AR383 | 1500 | electric | 1.5 GPM | induction | 28.5 x 11.25 x 12.25 |
Generac 6596 | 2800 | gas | 2.5 GPM | 196cc OHV | 23.3 x 16 x 40.3 |
Simpson PS3228-S | 3200 | gas | 2.5 GPM | OHV commercial series | 34 x 20 x 25 |
Sun Joe SPX1000 | 1450 | electric | 1.45 GPM | 1400-watt | 12 x 9.8 x 19 |
What Is a Pressure Washer?
A pressure washer is a device that is also commonly referred to as a power washer and it relates to a mechanical sprayer that utilizes high pressure in order to release steam-like water with the purpose of removing loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud or dirt from surfaces and different objects which may vary between vehicles, building or other concrete surfaces. The amount of water that is coming out of the pressure washer is measured in gallons per minute. The most common pressure washers are set to a pre-determined rate of water usage which is fixed and cannot be switched or adjusted later on.
The pressure that the machine utilizes in order to be able to pump out water at great speed is expressed through pounds per square inch which it is the PSI abbreviation. There is a difference between the purposes that the power washers are used for and therefore it is not possible to determine one universal PSI rate that would be equally best for all uses. For instance, the light-duty pressure washers that are used for a variety of trivial things are normally somewhere around 1500 to 1900 Psi, whereas heavy-duty and industrial gas-powered power washers produce from 200 to 3100 PSI. Therefore it is safe to say that the best psi for pressure washers vary according to the particulate kind.
The most generic description of the components of a power washer would include the motor which generates the pressure. The motor can be either electrical or gas-powered. Typically, gas-powered motors tend to produce a higher amount of working pressure. There is the water pump as well as the high-pressure hose and a trigger gun. In any case, working with a pressure washer is pretty straightforward and it does not require any specific skill set.
How Do Pressure Washers Work?
The thing to know is that the power washer is a lot less sophisticated than it actually sounds because the science behind it is pretty simple. In any case, it is important to know how the machines you are using work in general because this would allow you to use them to their full capacity and to properly take care of them as well. This is why here you will find a description of the parts of a pressure washer, how do they work in order to provide you with enough high-pressured water to clean up dirty surfaces.
- Water inlet. This is the hose that would connect the power washer to your main water supply. Most commonly there is going to be a filter there which is specifically designated to stop dirt and different debris from entering the washer and clogging it up all together. The last thing you are going to be wanting is for a small piece of stone, for instance, to get into your pressure washer and to come out blasting. This would surely cause damage to any sensitive surface.
- Electric motor or the alternative gas engine. Almost all of the best small pressure washers utilize domestic electricity in order to get powered up. These devices are perfectly suitable of accommodating various domestic washing demands. For instance, you could easily clean up the windows of your house, the driveway or your car without having to worry about using a towel or soap to slowly get rid of the dirt that has piled up. Larger power washers, however, utilize more powerful gas engine motors that are able to provide a lot more PSI than those smaller domestic units. They are used to supply industrial or professional needs.
- The water pump. This is the essence of any pressure water. The pump is driven by the electric motor at high speed. Once the engine pulls the pump one specific way, it would suck the water up from the faucet. Right afterward, the engine would push the pump back in its place which is going to create tension and pressure in order to blast the water away from the high-pressure hose. Most of the pumps are designed to handle approximately 1-2 gallons per minute flow rates.
- High-pressure hose. This is your cleaning weapon. Basically, this is the tube that runs out from the washer to the cleaning attachment that you have chosen to use. The reason for which this component is so special is because normal tubes won’t be able to handle such a high pressurized water flow and this is why these hoses are reinforced with wire mesh and they have additional layers of plastic.
- The last component which is certainly not the least important one is the cleaning attachment. Those widgets are specifically designated to accommodate you every cleaning need. The attachments vary from a spinning wand spray to a rotating brush and you have to choose it for yourself taking into consideration the particular need you have at this moment. For instance, the rotating brush is perfectly suitable for scrubbing your car.
Types of Pressure Washers
There are three generic types of pressure washers. The diversification is done by taking into consideration their main features and connecting them to the type of people who might find them useful. With this in mind let’s skip right ahead and see the types and why are they different.
Consumer pressure washers
You don’t have to be an expert to guess that electric and gas-powered machines would provide a different pressure of the water. The biggest difference is within the strength and also the speed of these units.
If you have set your sight on an electric pressure washer you should know that they are perfect for cleaning up smaller surfaces like cars, boats, grills and what not. However, they won’t be able to clean large areas fast enough. The biggest advantage over gas powered pressure washers is that the electric ones do not require almost any kind of maintenance.
On the other hand, consumer gas-powered pressure washers are way more powerful than the electric ones. And by way more powerful I mean that the weakest gas powered pressure washer is more powerful than the biggest electric one.
Semi professional pressure washers
Most of those devices feature powerful engines and pumps. They are specifically designated to handle a lot more and harder work than the consumer level devices and in significantly less time. They are really fast. These machines are capable of reducing the cleaning time notably which would allow you to switch from one task to another pretty fast. On the other hand, they are a lot cheaper than professional pressure washer.
They might not feature all the extras that a professional washer would have but then again not everyone is going to need a belt drive or a dual spray lance, for instance. At the same time, they offer quality components that would do you a perfect job.
Professional power washers
When it comes to commercial-grade machinery the market is quite flexible. The electric professional models provide a great deal more options than the other grades. For instance, there are handheld pressure washers, cold water, hot water and even units that are mounted on the wall. You can’t find that in the consumer section.
When it comes to professional gas units there are three main types – those that provide hot water, cold water, and the belt-driven units. Most of this high-end machinery is used to clean huge agricultural equipment or a really large home, for instance. However this doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for normal domestic purposes, but it won’t be as convenient as a consumer level power washer.
Power Washer Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Pressure Washer
There are generally quite a few things that you would need to be thoroughly informed about if you want to know how to buy a pressure washer. Even though that they may seem like rather complicated machines, the fact is that the science behind them is pretty straight forward and you if you get familiar with some basics you should have no trouble in picking the power washer that would best suit your needs. With this in mind, the most important thing that you have to consider are those particular needs of yours that are ultimately going to determine the kind of device that you are going to buy. If you can’t do that, take a look at the lines below because this buying guide is specifically designated to make your life easier in this particular regard.
What are the things that you should consider when you buy a pressure washer? There are two basic uses of a power washer – to clean and to prepare for painting. While the first one is rather self-explanatory, the second use is a bit trickier and this is where you would have to know a bit more. In order to prepare the old surface for new pain,t you would have to get rid of the previous paint work. This is rather exhausting if you had to do it manually and on top of that you could scratch the surface unwillingly when you apply too much pressure. This is where the pressure washer comes in place. You should place the cleaning attachment close to the surface that you have the need to clean, and simply start blasting the pressurized water. This would peel off the old paint and prepare the surface for repainting. If you experience any issues in this process you should probably try using some sort of a detergent that would enable you to clean the paint easier and faster.
However, apart from that, there are three different types of grades that you may choose your pressure washer in.
Light-Duty Pressure Washers
These particular devices are almost always used for domestic purposes as they are not capable of providing highly pressurized water. However, some of the best cheap pressure washers fall within this category and they are definitely worth it if you don’t have a use for a larger device. These models are normally capable of providing up to 100 bar of pressure and they are perfectly suitable for cleaning a variety of objects like garden furniture, gardening tools, motorbikes, bicycles or rubber bins. They are perfect for cleaning the barbeque after usage or to clean up the inside of you lawn mower once you are done with it.
Light to Medium Duty Power Washers
Now, light to medium duty pressure washers are a bit more powerful which allows you to use them for significantly larger objects such as cars and lorries, boats, wooden fences, spa pools, outside and inside hot tubs and many more. The ability to produce a higher pressure normally comes from the fact that they include larger engines and larger water pumps which allow them to pressurize the water better. Nevertheless, these semi-professional units are also perfect for the same things that the light-duty pressure washers but they are more expensive.
Medium to heavy duty pressure washers
This is the most powerful pressure washing solution on the market. They provide pressure levels of up to 130 bar and they are ideal for cleaning brickwork, deckings, patios, concrete driveways. Another very popular usage for this kind of pressure washers is to clean up farming equipment and especially farm machinery. However, even though those professional machines are capable of completing simple domestic tasks, we do not recommend getting one unless you have a specific need. They are a lot more expensive and it won’t be worth if something goes wrong and you don’t have the need for this machine anymore.
You should also be aware that there are a lot of different detergents that are specifically created to be highly compatible with pressure washers. This would allow you to use them in order to create faster and more proper results. You can use a detergent that has wax in it to give your vehicle a shiny appeal.
You should also put your safety, or this of the people surrounding you first. Safety should always be a top priority, having in mind what kind of pressure these machines are capable of providing. Keep in mind that some of the devices are used to peel off paint off of surfaces. Now image what kind of damage this pressure would do to you if it blasts in your way. This is why it is essential to work from a distance and take full advantage of the long high-pressure hose.
In any case, obtaining a pressure washer is undeniably going to bring a significant amount of assets on the table. You will quickly see that those applications we have listed above are few amongst the many that you will find afterward. These devices are perfectly optimized for delivering high pressured water which has a great abundance of appliances. You can start cleaning your driveway faster and more effective in comparison to using the broom to get it tidy. Not only will you be able to get rid of stacked up and piled dirt, you will manage to do this in a timely manner which means that you can quickly move on to the next task.
Pressure Washer Maintenance Tips
Now, it is essential to know that even though these machines operate mostly with water and are generally used for clearing purposes, they would also need the occasional maintenance. However, due to the fact that there are two generic types of pressure waters, the maintenance is rather different. For instance, electric motor power washers require little to none maintenance at all due to the fact that everything runs on clean energy and they are significantly less sophisticated. However, gas-powered pressure washers have an actual gas-powered engine, so as you might have already figured out they would require a bit more attention.
With this being said, let’s skip ahead to the actual practical maintenance tips that would surely give you a heads up when it comes to keeping your pressure washer in proper condition.
Make sure that you always have a clean air filter in your engine.
This is one of the most important things that you should be doing if you want to prevent dirt and other harmful debris to enter the engine. Imagine the damage a piece of little rock could do if it gets into the high pressured hose and gets blasted out towards the window of your car. It is highly advisable to clean your air filter whenever you use the pressure washer for about four hours of continuous work and replace it every one hundred hours or after about three months.
Keep in mind that pleated, paper air filters cannot be cleaned without inflicting damage on them so you would have to replace them. If you are using foam filters you can clean them up with hot water and an insignificant amount of dish detergent. Once your filter has dried out entirely you should saturate it with new engine oil in order to prevent further pollution of your filter.
Clean the fuel filter several times throughout the year.
This relates to gas-powered pressure washers because as we have pointed out already they require a lot more maintenance than those who run on electricity. You should follow the power washer owner’s manual to check if there are some specifications regarding the clearance of the oil filter. Keep in mind that the location of this filter might vary so you should once again refer to the manual. If there is something that is clogging the mesh screen inside of the fuel filter you should opt to replace it before you proceed with using the pressure washer again.
Check the engine every time you use the machine.
This is another very important thing that you should be doing and it once again refers to gas powered power washers. This is due to the fact that the electric ones do not have an engine, but rather a motor and they don’t have oil. Anyway, before each use you should be checking the oil level of the device. The color for fresh oil should be golden or amber-colored. It will get dark when it becomes older so you should consider replacing it once it gets too dark. The general rule of thumb is to consider an oil change once every 50 hours of work or at least once every season.
Make sure to clean the water inlet screen.
You should be checking for this every once in a while to make sure there is not dirt or debris buildup. If there is, run it over with water and allow it to dry up properly before putting it back to the pressure washer. If you manage to find any damage on the screen you should replace it before you use the washer again.
Take a look at the usable parts.
Before each use of the pressure washer make sure to inspect the high pressure hose, the trigger handle and the hose connections for damages. If so, take the necessary steps to repair them.
Make sure you prepare it properly for more extended storage periods.
Once the winter falls and you no longer have the possibility to use your pressure washer you should take a few steps before storing it away for the next few months. Make sure to add fuel stabilizer to the fresh fuel. This is going to prevent damage and buildup in the carburetor. In order to prevent the water pump from freezing you should mix a solution of 50 percent anti-freeze and 50 percent water and run it through the pump. This will undeniably prevent the pump from freezing.
All of the above mentioned tips are almost mandatory for every owner of a pressure washer. If you follow those you will quickly find out that your device is going to be operating as intended for a long period of time. You are also going to evade having to take the power washer to a technician which is undeniably going to be costly. In any case, some of the tips are going to add to the durability of the device. If you live in a colder region for instance, and you forget to add the anti-freezing solution once you have stored your device, the pump is likely to freeze which would render it unusable and you would have to change it.
You should keep in mind that the proper maintenance of the pressure washer also means that you can rest assured that the device won’t malfunction during normal operation and potentially cause damages. Keep in mind that this device is blasting water at a very high pressure and health should always be put above all else. Therefore properly maintaining it is something that you should not, by all means, take lightly.
Pressure Washer Problems and Troubleshooting
Here are some of the most common problems and some of their solutions related to pressure washers.
Pressure washer won’t start
If your device refuses to start, the spark plug might turn out to be defective. Every small engine pressure washer has an ignition coil which is providing the spark for the spark plug. If the coil itself is bad the power won’t get to the spark. You can look at the coil as a small induction generator. You can check for the spark by taking a look between the electrodes. The spark should be bright and visible and if it is not you should replace the spark plug.
Poor operation of the pressure washer
If your washer runs poorly, a few things might be causing it. The carburetor might be clogged or you might be using bad fuel. If bad fuel was stuck in the float bowl for too long most of the harmful ingredients are likely to have evaporated and thus living a thick and sticky layer of varnish. This fuel is fully capable of clogging up the jets and ports in the carburetor which makes it hard to burn thus reducing the pressure that the engine can produce. The only possible solution for you is to drain the old fuel that is remaining in the device, detach the carburetor and clean it up thoroughly. If this does not work you should consider replacing the entire carburetor itself.
Lack of pressure in the power washer
If you are experiencing low or no pressure than the pump assembly might be worn out or it may need to be rebuilt. If the pump is old enough it should surely get replaced. If the pump is newer, however, you should try to fix it but also consider replacing it if it turns out that the repair is too expensive. It is always to buy a new component than to fix an old one.
The washer is leaking water
If the pressure washer is leaking water the problem may once again lay within the pump. If so, please refer to the aforementioned step. However, the water might be coming from the thermal release valve. If the pressure is left running without water spraying out of the nozzle the pump is likely to heat up and when it reaches a certain temperature, the thermal release valve is going to open up in order to release the hot water and let cooler water inside.
These are just some of the problems that might happen, but we have selected them to get troubleshot because they are most common according to customers. If something of this kind happens always consider to try to repair the problem instead of simply replacing the malfunctioning part because this would undeniably save you some money. However, if the problem is beyond repair you should always replace it because you must make sure to keep the safety first at all times.
Electric or Gas Pressure Washer?
Now, as we have clarified it already there are two main types of pressure washers – those that run on electricity and those that run thanks to gas powered engines. There are certainly a lot of merits to both of them but the main thing you have to take into consideration is the purpose that you are going to be using them for. This is why we have made a differentiation between both types, explaining when one of the options is more convenient than the other and vice versa.
- Electric pressure washers are convenient in a lot of different situations. They are primarily designated to be used for residential purposes and the most powerful pressure washers that run on electricity are not going to be able to provide you with near as much pressure as the gas powered engine washers. However, this is not their intention and purpose, to begin with. Electric pressure washers are so convenient because they require almost no maintenance, they are not a significant expense and they are small and compact which makes them incredibly easy to carry around. They are perfect for cleaning up your outdoor furniture, your windows or your car, for instance.
- Gas powered engine pressure washers, on the other hand, are intended for more commercial and industrial use. While this does not relate to all of the models because there are also residential pressure washers that run on gas, their main intention is to satisfy bigger cleaning demands. They are also able to provide a significant amount of pressured water which makes them usable for different solutions apart from cleaning. For instance, you can peel of old paint in order to prepare the surface for a new paint job with a proper pressure washer. This is absolutely impossible with an electrically powered power washer because they simply cannot produce such high amount of pressure. On the other hand, those units are heavier and they require a lot more maintenance and are not always the perfect solution for your domestic needs.
As you can see both types of pressure washers have a lot of merits to them and you should simply decide what kind of necessity you have. This will ultimately decide which one is better suited for your needs.
Top Pressure Washer Brands
As in every industry, there are certain manufacturers of pressure washers that simply stand out from the pack. Their name solely is enough to make a concise choice because you are familiar with the quality that the particular brand represents. Let’s take a look at some of the top pressure washer brands.
- Karcher. This brand has specialized in producing machines capable of providing you with means of gentle treatment or powerful cleaning. Their products offer the perfect solution for every imaginable cleaning task. The company has decades of professional experience in the manufacturing of high-end machines that surely live up to par.
- Generac. The company is producing all sorts of pressure washers ranging from domestic appliances capable of satisfying your current cleaning residential needs to high-powered gas engine pressure cleaners that are specifically designated for industrial usage. This allows you to choose from an abundance of machines and compare their specifications.
- AR Blue Clean. This manufacturer has been in the business for over 50 years and they have an international reputation that speaks for the excellence and high-quality products that they sell. Their product list offers versatility with the wide range of accessories and delivers high performance without compromising the safety and the durability of the machines.
- Simpson. The company was started the early 1960 and they have been designing, engineering and manufacturing top notch pressure washers ever since. With the 50 years worth of professional experience, the company is well aware of the importance that power, performance as well as reliability have and aim to produce machines that deliver this exactly.
- Crafstman. The Craftsman’s brand was established in the remote 1927 and since then they have put in tremendous amount of dedication in order to produce products that live up to the highest expectations and criteria. They have over 80 product categories and more than 6000 products that would enable you to freely choose from one of the biggest abundance of cleaning machinery there is.
- DeWalt. DeWalt is a company that has a rich history in the manufacturing business. They have been producing pressure cleaners for a significant amount of time and they are perfectly aware of the role that quality plays when it comes to customer’s choice. Ever since its launching the company has thrived in innovating and bringing new things up on the manufacturing scene. This has helped them into establishing themselves as one of the leading companies in this particular field.