Hot vs. Cold pressure washer advice

[marrt]

I have a 4 gpm/4000 psi gas powered cold pressure washer. It's nice for most jobs but it’s hard to stay dry when using. I wanted to add a heated washer and can get an add-on unit for my existing washer. However, for a bit more money I can get an electric powered washer/heater (2.5gpm/2700 psi) that may be a better solution because it might get more use (don’t have to deal with dragging out separate washer and heater). For those who have used a heated pressure washer, any idea how a heated 2.5gpm/2700 washer compares to a cold 4gpm/4000 psi washer? In other words, would I regret not getting the add on unit for the larger washer? I realize this depends a lot on what I’m washing. But I’m not using these washers for commercial cleaning…just personal use maintaining some small equipment (e.g., mini-x, zero turn mowers) and washing my vehicles.

 

[mike93lx]

Interested in feedback as I need to upgrade from a small 2k psi electric to something real

 

[IndyGarage]

I have a large hot/cold pressure washer and a smaller electric hot pressure washer. Most of the time I don't bother getting the big one out, because the smaller one with heat will do the job, but the difference in cleaning power is significant.

 

[AA/FC]

I have used many hot water pressure washers in the past but all of them have been at least 4000 PSI so I can't compare with a lower pressure hot water washer. But I will say the difference between 4000 psi cold, and 4000 psi hot is night and day! What won't budge with 4000psi cold water is instantly gone with 4000 psi hot water. Once you've washed with a hot water pressure washer you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

 

[LXCam]

I have a Honda 3200psi gas unit that does fine. But my Landa (electric pump) (diesel heated) 2700psi kicks its **** across the board. I've had that unit going on 20 years now and never once had a single problem with it.

 

[greg13]

I have never seen an "add on" unit to make a cold unit into a hot machine. I would question how well the pump would stand up to hot water since the seals may not hold up to the heat. As for hot water machines I have seen big performance differences between manufacturers, some have HOT water, some luke warm. Make sure you try the machine before you buy it. Personally I like the Mulitiquip units, the seem to hold up well in the rental fleet.

 

[mike93lx]

Are there units that can take hot water input instead of heating it itself?

 

[sgf13]

When I was in business I had a number of commercial pressure washers. I also had, and still have a stand alone heater unit "hot box". It uses kerosene and is electricaly fired. I connected it to my 3000 and 3500 belt driven pressure washers. There is no cleaning product I ever used that did better on grease and oil that the hot water did.

You need to make sure the hoses on the hot water exit side are rated to the temps. The unit produces.

Here is an example.
https://www.powerwashstore.com/P/2115/PortableOilFiredHotBox115V5gpmNoHR5030D

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Jland]

Been kicking the idea of a heated washer around but I mostly want it for road grime on the underside of my Harley and for the price, simple green sprayed on and left to soak for a bit then 3000 psi cold water... works just fine for me

 

[MountaineerMiner]

I have a 4000 psi 13hp cat gas unit with an add on diesel heater but I picked up a Craigslist special 3hp electric pump diesel heated unit that needed a new pump.

New pump on the electric is also a cat rated at 2000psi and 3gpm but I’m only running 1500 psi. The electric unit does 95% of all cleaning now. Much more convenient. I have it in a small dog box outside with a hose reel.

Only reason I get out the gas unit now is for remote work. Get the electric unit and you won’t look back.

 

[mike93lx]

I think I might be picking this unit up. Says it can handle 140 degree input, so I can feed it from a hot line in my garage.

AR630 Gen 2 Pressure Washer | AR Blue Clean 630 TSS | 2.3 GPM

Get the New AR Blue Clean AR630 Gen 2 Pressure Washer Total Stop with 2.3 GPM at The Clean Garage. Easy control, compact design, and excellent performance. Order yours today!

clean-garage.com

 

[marrt]

I have never seen an "add on" unit to make a cold unit into a hot machine. I would question how well the pump would stand up to hot water since the seals may not hold up to the heat. As for hot water machines I have seen big performance differences between manufacturers, some have HOT water, some luke warm. Make sure you try the machine before you buy it. Personally I like the Mulitiquip units, the seem to hold up well in the rental fleet.

Northern Tool has one and it gets good reviews. The water is heated after it's pressurized. However, you usually have to buy a new wand.

 

[marrt]

I think I might be picking this unit up. Says it can handle 140 degree input, so I can feed it from a hot line in my garage.

AR630 Gen 2 Pressure Washer | AR Blue Clean 630 TSS | 2.3 GPM

Get the New AR Blue Clean AR630 Gen 2 Pressure Washer Total Stop with 2.3 GPM at The Clean Garage. Easy control, compact design, and excellent performance. Order yours today!

clean-garage.com

A lot of pressure washers will take input up to 140 degrees. However, they often also specify cold water input only. Perhaps the 140 degree rating is momentary....like when your hose is laying in the Texas sun all day before you start the washer. I think all commonly available pumps rely on input water to cool the pump. Probably, the cooler the better for pump life.

 

[mike93lx]

A lot of pressure washers will take input up to 140 degrees. However, they often also specify cold water input only. Perhaps the 140 degree rating is momentary....like when your hose is laying in the Texas sun all day before you start the washer. I think all commonly available pumps rely on input water to cool the pump. Probably, the cooler the better for pump life.

Ah, good point.

Here's one that claims to be built for it, with a 180 max.

AR Blue Clean AR630TSS-HOT | Hot Water Pressure Washer Total Stop

AR Blue Clean AR630TSS-HOT | Hot Water Pressure Washer with Total Stop System. Hot kit seals and o-rings capable of inlet temp. up to 180º – Factory-installed option. Note: HOT models DO NOT create hot water.

clean-garage.com

 

[marrt]

I have a 4000 psi 13hp cat gas unit with an add on diesel heater but I picked up a Craigslist special 3hp electric pump diesel heated unit that needed a new pump.

New pump on the electric is also a cat rated at 2000psi and 3gpm but I’m only running 1500 psi. The electric unit does 95% of all cleaning now. Much more convenient. I have it in a small dog box outside with a hose reel.

Only reason I get out the gas unit now is for remote work. Get the electric unit and you won’t look back.

Yeah, I figure you're right. There's a number of times where I could use a pressure washer for a small job but it isn't worth the hassle. A unit permanently mounted that can be turned on at the flick of a switch would get a lot of use I suspect.

 

[redmondjp]

I have used my small Karcher electric pressure washer fed from a hot-water-rated hose straight from my laundry sink. My hot water temperature is pretty low - I'd guess maybe 120 degrees F - it didn't seem to hurt the pressure-washer any and it sure cleans better than cold water does (plus it dries off faster as well).

Where you can have an issue is when letting the pump run on bypass for a really long time - the recirculating water inside the pump gets heated up by the piston and check valve friction - you definitely would not want to do this for very long if using already-hot water at the inlet.

 

[Old-Husky-1]

I just recently joined and am looking into purchasing a pressure washer for light home use and to wash our vehicles and other items. Has anyone found an electric pressure washer where you can use either hot or cold water? Or, would I be better off buying two electric pressure washers?

 

[mike93lx]

I just recently joined and am looking into purchasing a pressure washer for light home use and to wash our vehicles and other items. Has anyone found an electric pressure washer where you can use either hot or cold water? Or, would I be better off buying two electric pressure washers?

AR630 Gen 2 HOT Water Pressure Washer | AR Blue Clean 630 | 2.3 GPM

Get the powerful Gen 2 AR Blue Clean AR630HOT pressure washer at The Clean Garage. With hot water capability and total stop system, make cleaning easy and efficient.

clean-garage.com

 

[Old-Husky-1]

AR630 Gen 2 HOT Water Pressure Washer | AR Blue Clean 630 | 2.3 GPM

Get the powerful Gen 2 AR Blue Clean AR630HOT pressure washer at The Clean Garage. With hot water capability and total stop system, make cleaning easy and efficient.

clean-garage.com

It’s nice but, above my budget. Plus, I‘m looking for something that’s portable.

 

[mike93lx]

It’s nice but, above my budget. Plus, I‘m looking for something that’s portable.

What you seek is a unicorn

 

[Stelzer]

It’s nice but, above my budget. Plus, I‘m looking for something that’s portable.

You'd get more useful feedback if you stated what your budget actually is.

 

[Renegade1LI]

You can't beat cleaning with hot pressurized water, it just cleans better. I have a mi t m 3000psi gas/diesel with a cat pump, honda gx 270 worth every penny. Especially great at removing road salt & degreasing without soap, just melts the grease off. It's a buy once cry once tool, buy a good one & they last, mines 22 yo & still works great.

 

[MileHighRover]

You can't beat cleaning with hot pressurized water, it just cleans better. I have a mi t m 3000psi gas/diesel with a cat pump, honda gx 270 worth every penny. Especially great at removing road salt & degreasing without soap, just melts the grease off. It's a buy once cry once tool, buy a good one & they last, mines 22 yo & still works great.

Old-Husky-1 stated $859 is out of his price range so you recommend a $4,000+ machine.

(checks web address to confirm I'm still on Garage Journal)

In true GJ fashion, recommendation checks out. Carry on.

 

[mike93lx]

Old-Husky-1 stated $859 is out of his price range so you recommend a $4,000+ machine.

(checks web address to confirm I'm still on Garage Journal)

In true GJ fashion, recommendation checks out. Carry on.

He recommended a hot water unit and mentioned what he had, didn't say a 4k unit was needed

 

[PCustoms]

I hooked my gas unit to the hot water bib in the garage. The on-demand heater is putting out 125F water as fast as my plumbing supplies it.

Ymmv, might not be the best for the pump but been doing it for 5yrs a few times in the winter.

 

[mike93lx]

I hooked my gas unit to the hot water bib in the garage. The on-demand heater is putting out 125F water as fast as my plumbing supplies it.

Ymmv, might not be the best for the pump but been doing it for 5yrs a few times in the winter.

Good pumps seem to often have inlet temp ratings around 120-140 degrees.

 

[fatfillup]

Pressure washer guy here. If you have any grease and oil to deal with, a small hot water unit will beat a big cold water every time. A big hot water is even better
As to pumping hot water, I won't sell a machine to do that. Yes they say it can take 140 degree water but your packing life will suffer and if the operators allow it to run in bypass more that a very short time, the packings will be toast quickly. I don't want pissed off customers.
As someone stated, on a hot water machine, the water is heated after it is pumped so no damage to packings.
For most residential uses, cold water is fine, for GJ folks, that does not apply
I always say hot water always cleans better then cold water. On some applications, the difference is minimal, on grease and oil, this difference is huge.
For me, I like a small gas engine cold for around the house and an electric/diesel in the shop,

 

[Renegade1LI]

Old-Husky-1 stated $859 is out of his price range so you recommend a $4,000+ machine.

(checks web address to confirm I'm still on Garage Journal)

In true GJ fashion, recommendation checks out. Carry on.

If I read correctly the op was asking advice hot vs cold. I merely offered my opinion based on what i have, I also don't belive he mentioned a budget. To me a hw pw is a expensive long term investment and I believe in quality over price. Just my opinion.

 

[fatfillup]

to anyone pumping hot water through their machine, don't let the machine run in bypass. That is machine running and trigger shut off. The water inside the pump will heat up quickly and destroy the packings. Also, keep the water to about 120 degrees. Note, if the machine has auto start stop, you will have better luck as it won't run in bypass, the motor will turn off.

 

[Old-Husky-1]

AR630 Gen 2 HOT Water Pressure Washer | AR Blue Clean 630 | 2.3 GPM

Get the powerful Gen 2 AR Blue Clean AR630HOT pressure washer at The Clean Garage. With hot water capability and total stop system, make cleaning easy and efficient.

clean-garage.com

 

[mike93lx]

Hi, I saw the post for this product. Unfortunately, it’s above my budget.

You already replied with that

Your budget doesn't matter much as what you want doesn't exist.

You also mentioned portable, which that unit is

 

[Old-Husky-1]

You'd get more useful feedback if you stated what your budget actually is.

Hi, my budget is between $575.00 and $675.00.

 

[mike93lx]

Hi, my budget is between $575.00 and $675.00.

That's very specific.

I dont think you will get over about 100 degree input at that range. Need to increase it or give up on hot water.

 

[Stelzer]

Hi, my budget is between $575.00 and $675.00.

Not gonna happen

 

[PCustoms]

Hi, my budget is between $575.00 and $675.00.

Sorry, my solutions are under $400.

 

[Old-Husky-1]

I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the following…

Mi-T-M® Commercial Electric Pressure Washer H-8082 - ULINE

Blast off dirt and grime. High pressure spray cleans stubborn clay and mud. Totally enclosed fan-cooled electric motor. Crankshaft pump. Solid ceramic pistons. Relief valve protects pump from overheating. Indoor/outdoor. Quiet operation. 120 volts Cold water. Requires 3/4" Garden Hose . Dual...

www.uline.com

 

[PCustoms]

I think I’m going to pull the trigger on the following…

Mi-T-M® Commercial Electric Pressure Washer H-8082 - ULINE

Blast off dirt and grime. High pressure spray cleans stubborn clay and mud. Totally enclosed fan-cooled electric motor. Crankshaft pump. Solid ceramic pistons. Relief valve protects pump from overheating. Indoor/outdoor. Quiet operation. 120 volts Cold water. Requires 3/4" Garden Hose . Dual...

www.uline.com

Probably the last place I'd buy a pressure washer from.

 

[mike93lx]

Probably the last place I'd buy a pressure washer from.

Uline is legit, but usually isn't the cheapest, although I tend to find they aren't usually way off the mark

Mi-T-M CM-1400-1MEH ChoreMaster&reg 1400 PSI Electric - Cold Water Hand Carry Pressure Washer

Buy Mi-T-M CM-1400-1MEH Direct. Free Shipping. Check the Mi-T-M ChoreMaster&reg 1400 PSI (Electric - Cold Water) Hand Carry Pressure Washer ratings before checking out.

www.pressurewashersdirect.com

 

[PCustoms]

Uline is legit, but usually isn't the cheapest,

Uline is the McMaster of shipping materials.

Unless I had a corporate budget to burn I'd be looking elsewhere for just about anything they sell.

 

[mike93lx]

Uline is the McMaster of shipping materials.

Unless I had a corporate budget to burn I'd be looking elsewhere for just about anything they sell.

I know, but sometimes even McMaster is the place to buy from.

I needed a full face respirator a couple years ago and Uline had a great price, plus gave me confidence that it would be legit 3m