An Overview of the Power Washer

One of the most versatile cleaning tools available for either the homeowner or the professional is a power washer. This machine is essentially a large, high-velocity pump that expels water at extremely high pressures, allowing the unit to cut through the toughest dirt, grease, and other grime that needs to be removed from a surface. There are many different types available on the market, making it easy to choose the one that is appropriate for a particular budget.

For light to medium duty applications, an electric power washer is often the best choice. It is suitable either for the homeowner, or for occasional use in professional settings, depending on the model. Lower priced units will suffice for such projects as cleaning the deck or patio, washing a vehicle, or other light cleaning tasks. Higher priced models, with increased pressure and water flow, can tackle tougher jobs, such as stripping exterior paint from a house or for cleaning heavy grease off machinery and vehicles.

When the maximum amount of power and portability is needed, a gasoline-fueled power washer may be the best choice. With an engine driving the pump, a greater amount of pressure is developed, allowing the machine to tackle the most difficult jobs. On the lower end of the price scale, the basic gasoline power washer is affordable and gaged towards homeowners, and occasional professional use. As the prices and power specifications climb, professionals become the intended buyers. Therefore, more features are added that the professional will find useful, such as the ability to pump hot water or use specialized accessories.

Once the correct machine is chosen, there are many accessories on the market designed to extend the function of the power washer. Various types of nozzles, tips, and wands are available to make a variety of tasks much easier. When water alone is not enough, an assortment of detergents can be used with the machine to better dissolve substances like grease and oil. In addition, there are attachments for specific purposes, such as cleaning out drain lines or for wet sandblasting. With all of its possible uses, the power washer is an indispensable tool to have available, and it will undoubtedly save the owner both time and money on many projects.