How to use electric pressure washers

Pressure washers – how to use them properly

Hey how is it going, Roger here.

Well I am back to my first love, pressure washers. Today I am going to talk a little bit about how to use electric pressure washers. Many people feel nervous to use pressure washers on the whole, and their nervousness is justified. Pressure washers can cause serious injury if not used properly, and you can also damage property and the pressure washer itself, if you do not follow some safety and usage guidelines.

In this article we will look at the best practices of using a pressure washer. As you probably already know there are two basic kinds of pressure washers, electric pressure washers and gas powered pressure washers. The electric pressure washers usually have lower power and are designed more for regular home use, while the gas powered pressure washers have more power and though used often in homes too, are more for commercial use.

Basic safety guidelines for using pressure washers

Never point the pressure washer nozzle at other people, pets, property, electric sockets or power lines. This is the first and most important rule. The pressure of the water that comes out from a pressure washer is so high that it can strip flesh off to the bone. Never even by mistake point it at other people. The pressure washer jet can damage wood, glass and even metal so be very careful not to point it at something by mistake. The pressure washer water jet can reach a considerable distance so it can accidentally make contact with live power lines and other electrical connections, sockets and boxes. Be aware and careful about this potential life threatening hazard.

Always wear safety goggles when pressure washing, as the water jet can send small particles flying upwards and into your eyes. You need to wear safety glasses when you pressure walk a sidewalk as small loose stones can pose a serious eye injury risk. Even while pressure washing other things like grills, bikes, wood boards etc. it is advised to wear safety goggles. In certain cases like low pressure washing and cleaning of cars you can still do it without safety glasses, but in all other cases safety glasses are a must. 

Never pressure wash from a ladder or a precarious position as the recoil from the pressure washer water jet can throw you off balance. especially when you press the trigger for the first time in a high powered pressure washer, the recoil can push you backwards and cause an accident if you are balancing precariously or standing on a ladder.

Switch off the pressure washer completely when you are doing things like attaching or detaching the hoses or changing nozzles. In fact, after switching off the pressure washer, press the spray wand trigger once so that any residual water pressure is released, only then go about making adjustments, attachments etc. This is essential to prevent injury to your hand, face or eyes. 

Get rid of the zero degree nozzle as it is too dangerous and not needed. The zero degree angle nozzle for pressure washers concentrates the spray of water into a pin pointed jet that can penetrate wood and cause severe injury. These nozzles are typically red in color, and I strongly recommend that you do not use them and if your pressure washer came with this nozzle you should dispose of it and not use it. A zero degree spray can cut through most surfaces and if by mistake for even a moment it gets pointed int he wrong direction, it can cause serious injury to the one using it or a bystander. The zero degree nozzle is not actually needed for any kind of pressure washing cleaning as the other nozzles used properly are able to do everything that a zero degree nozzle achieves.

Consumer Reports is also strongly recommending not using the zero degree nozzles in pressure washers. Here is a video that tells you about its dangers.

Of course last but not least is the critical need to keep all children away when pressure washing. I believe it is a good idea to not just keep children away but safely out so sight when you are pressure washing.

Some simple guidelines for effectively using a pressure washer

• Make sure your water outlet is providing enough continuous water. All pressure washers have specific water requirements measured in gallons per minute. This ranges from 1.5 gpm to 3 gpm.
• Before powering on the pressure washer make sure all hoses are properly secured and tightened.
• You should also make sure that there is no way for any air to enter the hoses or the pressure washer.
• Remove all kinks in the water hose so that the pressure washer gets a smooth supply of water.
• Start by keeping the pressure washer at the lowest pressure position.
• Before starting your actual pressure washing, let out all the air in the pressure washer by pressing the trigger of the pressure wan.
• Make sure the pressure washer trigger is locked to off and only then adjust all setting and put nozzles etc.
• When you are starting your pressure washing job, start from a distance of about five feet and get closer to reach the optimal cleaning distance that will not cause any damage to what you are cleaning.

There are other maintenance and finer pressure washing tips that I will be discussing in the next article, so stay with me. Enjoy your pressure washing and find some good pressure washers made in USA here.