Minimum PSI for Pressure Washer
- Thread starter MDSPHOTO
- Start date
G_P
Well-known member
I would go no lower than 1500psi but higher is better.
94yj
Well-known member
also get the best gpm= gallons per minute and the higher the gpm and psi the better also depends on what you are going to be using it for also
94yj
Well-known member
please post a link
94yj
Well-known member
sorry figured they would have more than one that is why i asked for a link
PBCampbell
Well-known member
It's just an electric of unknown manufacture at Hamacher Schlemmer. I'd read that warranty really well before purchase.
PBCampbell
Well-known member
They appear to be a purveyor of overpriced gimmicky wares. As I see no link to the particulars of said warranty, I'm not sure how you inferred that I had read it. As an "educated" person I've no doubt that you are aware of the vagaries and unstated exclusions pertaining to retail level warranties. A "lifetime" warranty upon a limited lifetime mechanism (a wobble pump) begs the question as to what the warranty will cover. I eagerly await the next round of insults resulting from my "uneducated" response.
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
I'm not sure what PSI mine is. I can tell you that it is strong enough to eat a wood deck if the nozzle isn't set right or if I get too close. My wife also figured out it will quickly remove decals from a vehicle.
Seems like the spray pattern or tool makes more difference than PSI or flow rate.
Seems like the spray pattern or tool makes more difference than PSI or flow rate.
honcho
Well-known member
You didn't mention what your deck and dock are made of but be careful using any pressure washer on wood products. Yes, a pressure washer will clear away all the grime, mildew, etc....but pressure washing can destroy the wood fibers deep and hasten the deterioration of your deck, dock, fence etc......
Similarly, if you want to pressure wash your siding, make you pressure wash from the top down and not force water up underneath the siding only to hasten mold and mildew formation. If you have wood or wood product siding, pressure washing can destroy the wood fibers there as well.
Driveways can generally take more abuse, but too much pressure can damage the surface as well.
As another member mentioned, it's gallons per minute that are important too. There are lots of small pressure washers that deliver 1500-1800psi but on 1-1.5gpm. 1200psi is plenty, especially if you have 2 or more gallons per minute.
If you're looking at electric pressure washers, I can heartily recommend the AR 620/630 electric pressure washers. High quality pumps, more than 2 gpm. Only downside is that they require 20amp electrical service. I've run them off 15 amp service but they will regularly trip the breaker of a 15amp circuit.
Similarly, if you want to pressure wash your siding, make you pressure wash from the top down and not force water up underneath the siding only to hasten mold and mildew formation. If you have wood or wood product siding, pressure washing can destroy the wood fibers there as well.
Driveways can generally take more abuse, but too much pressure can damage the surface as well.
As another member mentioned, it's gallons per minute that are important too. There are lots of small pressure washers that deliver 1500-1800psi but on 1-1.5gpm. 1200psi is plenty, especially if you have 2 or more gallons per minute.
If you're looking at electric pressure washers, I can heartily recommend the AR 620/630 electric pressure washers. High quality pumps, more than 2 gpm. Only downside is that they require 20amp electrical service. I've run them off 15 amp service but they will regularly trip the breaker of a 15amp circuit.
Dock is made out of super thick PTL and deck is composite made by Timbertech. I guess I always thought that electrics would be too weak compared to gas powered, so will have to look into that. Thanks to all for the great advice!
Kainedogg
Well-known member
Lowes had a 3000psi unit with a Honda motor for $399. I got an open box item for $319 and grabbed the 3 year warranty for another $45. Has 4 different nozzles for ease of use. For the porch I grabbed a rotating cleaning device that simply attaches to the wand. I use it on siding, porch, patio, driveway and furniture in the garage, I don't want to touch. Almost wish I had gone a little bigger.
G_P
Well-known member
Dont ever use the pinpoint stream nozzle on wood. It acts like a waterjet cutter!
According to this article, http://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/stories/169-How-to-Revitalize-Your-Dingy-Old-Deck.html, you need at least 2400 PSI to clean a deck. It's just important to be careful when pressure washing to not damage the surface. Like honcho mentioned, these pressure washers can do serious damage to surfaces if used incorrectly.
For driveways, you may also want to purchase a water broom or surface cleaner. It will make the cleaning much easier and efficient for you, and you will end up with a more uniform clean in the end.
For driveways, you may also want to purchase a water broom or surface cleaner. It will make the cleaning much easier and efficient for you, and you will end up with a more uniform clean in the end.
rsanter
Well-known member
I used to have a 2300psi unit and it worked good at the time.
After a few years I got a 3500psi unit and how well they worked was night and day as to what it would blast off of stuff
Bob
After a few years I got a 3500psi unit and how well they worked was night and day as to what it would blast off of stuff
Bob
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
GPM (gallons per minute) is what gets the job done !
DavidGeller
New member
Dock is made out of super thick PTL and deck is composite made by Timbertech., so will have to look into that. Thanks to all for the great advice!
jeepinerdeep
Well-known member
My dad has a 1800psi electric and I have a run of the mill big box store 2500psi gas. He borrows mine for everything except his vinyl siding and his car. Just anecdotal.