Pressure Washers

[Wubicon]

I'm certain this a beaten to death topic but I'm really struggling. Complete choice paralysis...

I'd like to get a pressure washer for cleaning the moldy/green tree pollen **** that collects on stuff around the house (garage siding, shed siding, front door cement pad etc.) and I'd like to use it for leaning the car as well.

From what I can tell electric power washers have come a long way and generate a ton of power, if desired. I *think* mid tier electric power washers would produce enough power for my needs. Down side seems to be they have a hesitation/pause after pressing the trigger. Annoying but I think I can live with it.

What I find concerning is longevity. Is gas worth just from a longevity POV, even if it's over powered for my use? The other thing that is less concerning but something I saw pointed out was gas pressure washers don't really like to run while not actively used. That's exactly what happens when washing a car with a mitt. The situation I do not want to find myself in is buying something for it only work a few times. I'd be much happier having something underpowered that lasts many years.

I've read a ton of reviews on various models. The problem with reviews is that for any good review, there is a bad review... Current front runner is a RYOBI 2500 PSI 1.1 GPM Cold Water Electric. Good reviews and has a 3 year warranty.

 

[Rc_Guy]

My craftsman pressure washer lasted about 27 years, not used much always had gas in it, my kid used it at work and the pump blew up, motor was still good.

Bought one from northern tool to replace it.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I've got a Greenworks 2300 psi electric machine that's been going for several years. As long as any gas job I've owned. I use it at least weekly. I feed it B&S pump saver if it's going to sit, like for over the winter.
I will confess to owning a gas job. But it's sat for ages since I got the electric. I stopped having a need to take a PW remote.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have several pressure washers - from a fairly inexpensive electric to a 13hp gas Hot pressure washer.

For general cleaning, and washing cars, electric is fine. Mine is a consumer model, cost about $120 on clearance at Menards - I think it's Worx brand. Since I got it I rarely pull out the gas ones - it's much easier and quicker to setup and use. The only thing I didn't like was the cheap 25 foot hose that came with it. I replaced it with a better one.

I have a a couple of gas 5hp model that I use for tougher cleaning. Cleaning walkways, driveway and brick - they spray harder and deliver more water. For the shop I have washers with a kerosene boiler to heat the water - takes grease and grime off better than cold water. I use those for vehicles and equipment.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I have gas and electric units, the Greenworks 2300 is my go to as well. I think it is a great machine for low power cleaning.

 

[bobg03]

I purchased a John Deere 3600 PSI w/a Honda motor in 1990 to use off my well water at 2.5 gpm . It was the closet thing I could find to a commercial unit w/o buying a commercial unit. It was $618 new. It's Now 2024 I gifted it to my brother in 2010 (he uses it more than I did and it still works as new). I had a 3800 sqft split level home, a 34' RV, a 28' enclosed trailer and an 18' boat back then

I never saw a need for one in SC when I moved. I was wrong in 2015 and the John Deeres here were more $$$ and only the Commercial unit had a Honda, So i got a Simpson 3200 PSI w/the same Honda Motor and pump as my previous Deere unit.

I use it 2X a year off my city water to clean my 1600 sq ft home (single story), concrete driveway and large concrete patio and after 10 years no issues.

 

[Hohn]

The real difference in "performance" is speed, not capability. You really only need about 2000psi to be "capable" of cleaning almost anything. Heck, some small electrics will strip paint at contact distance.

It's the flow rate that really gets you the speed and utility of the larger units. The small unit might take 3x longer to get the work done. But if that's 30 min vs 10min, and you get a smaller, more compact unit that's easier to live with, it might be a great tradeoff.

But anything bigger than washing a car is not a good choice for electric. Sidewalks, siding, anything like that-- you'll regret trying it with a little 1gpm electric. It takes so long you'll be exhausted well before the job is done.

 

[M635_Guy]

I'm literally waiting for the arrival of a new pump to replace the one that burned out on my Craftsman. I looked around quite a bit, but decided to try to repair mine with a pump from Amazon vs. spend the $400 on a new/better one.

As it turns out, I probably killed the old one when I was preparing to sell my house last year and was pressure-washing a bunch of stuff. I wasn't aware that you aren't supposed to let the machine run when you weren't using it since the pump is apparently cooled by the moving water. I don't recall letting it idle for a long period of time, but the pump is definitely dead. I guess we'll see if the Amazon thing is **** or not...

Anyway, if the new pump doesn't work well, I'll be in the market too. I'd be curious if HD or Lowe's stores are the ones who service the warranty on the Ryobi or Craftsman pressure washers. If it's a "call the manufacturer" thing or "bring it to an authorized service center", I'll probably just by a HF Predator since their warranty is a swap-out and they have full-brass manifolds vs a lot of other consumer pressure washers I was looking at.

(a quick search of the reviews doesn't bode well for how warranty works with the Lowe's/HD brands...)

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

I’m running a small consumer grade electric pressure washer for a couple of years now, after holding off on the purchase for many, many years because I didn’t really see the need. Now that I have it, it does everything I need it to do. What I especially like about it is the compact size and that it completely stops unless the trigger is pulled.

But: The main reason for my post is a quick reminder to check what duty cycle/ turn on duration especially the small units can handle and to determine how that corresponds with your use case.

The Kaercher K3 that I use can handle +- 30 minutes of continuous use tops, for example.

So check the manual before you decide on a (smaller) unit to make sure it will fit your needs down the road.


Kind regards,
Olli

 

[danski0224]

What I find concerning is longevity. Is gas worth just from a longevity POV, even if it's over powered for my use? The other thing that is less concerning but something I saw pointed out was gas pressure washers don't really like to run while not actively used. That's exactly what happens when washing a car with a mitt. The situation I do not want to find myself in is buying something for it only work a few times. I'd be much happier having something underpowered that lasts many years.

I don't know if all of the electric ones shut off when the trigger is released, but the gasoline engine driven pressure washers don't turn off.

Typically, they can't be left idling for long. There are different pumps and setups to allow idling.

 

[Sumboodie]

The real difference in "performance" is speed, not capability. You really only need about 2000psi to be "capable" of cleaning almost anything. Heck, some small electrics will strip paint at contact distance.

It's the flow rate that really gets you the speed and utility of the larger units. The small unit might take 3x longer to get the work done. But if that's 30 min vs 10min, and you get a smaller, more compact unit that's easier to live with, it might be a great tradeoff.

But anything bigger than washing a car is not a good choice for electric. Sidewalks, siding, anything like that-- you'll regret trying it with a little 1gpm electric. It takes so long you'll be exhausted well before the job is done.

Electric is fine if you get a decent sized one. My Landa has a 3 or 4hp motor for example.

 

[LopezBart]

Electric is fine if you get a decent sized one. My Landa has a 3 or 4hp motor for example.

And a 220V connection?

 

[mm08822]

Be careful washing a car with a pressure washer. You can lift the paint.

Make sure you can turn the pressure way down and use a wide angle tip.

 

[tncatadjuster]

2.3 gpm is enough for most jobs, and electric is fine for around the house. I turned my dad loose with the gas 3500 psi and he removed all the fines on his drive, I should of had him use the smaller Greenworks.

 

[Beerhippie]

This one:



lives in the brewery and gets used several times a week for general cleaning--especially floors. It saves us a ton of water (water is money out here).

This:



is for use outside and has power enough to take off any paint that isn't firmly tied down--house or car.

If you ever get a chance to buy one of these used:



run, do not walk, in the opposite direction. I'm trying to think of anything nice to say about it, but I'm drawing a blank. It's a total POS. The hose reel *****. The fittings are non-standard so aren't compatible with any other pressure washer parts (I made an adapter). The hose is permanently affixed and too stiff to use. It does run, but whether it produces pressure is s **** shoot.

We had a Karcher for years, but it kept getting left out and freezing the pump, The last time I tried to replace the pump, they'd changed output shaft sizes and I couldn't find any pump to fit--Karcher or otherwise.

Otherwise, the Karcher (gasoline) was a fine machine.

 

[Sumboodie]

And a 220V connection?

240v, but 120v is an option too. Have used several that worked fine.

 

[Bert_]

The little 120v ones are a joke. Something with a 3hp+ electric motor will be nice. I like electric over gas but I'm using a decent one.

 

[Beerhippie]

The little 120v ones are a joke. Something with a 3hp+ electric motor will be nice. I like electric over gas but I'm using a decent one.

You don't always need to blast the skin off a rhino. For floor cleaning in the brewery, that 120V ('Murican voltage) is plenty and any more just puts the dirt elsewhere where you don't want it.

 

[Wubicon]

Lots interesting stuff here: who services warranty/direct replacement, duty cycle (kinda thought about it with car washing) to name a few points.

I'm inclined that I do not need a ton of pressure for my uses. Many years ago I worked at a shop that had a not mobile extremely high out put electric hot water unit. I'm talking it kept a self closing exterior door open type pressure/volume. Used daily for extended periods to clean engine oil, grease, gear lube, dirt etc etc. That thing was a beast. But I don't need it. For my home uses, I simply don't need that much pressure. For car washing, I mostly want to use it as a foam cannon rather than buy a pressure washer AND a foam cannon for the garden hose. I want more pressure than my garden hose nozzle can produce but I also don't need to take the bark off a tree and I want it to last and I'm willing to pay.

I don't even really care if it takes a long time to clean off the vinyl on the garage etc because I do it once a year. Not a big deal to me. There's some great cleaners out there to use in conjunction with some pressure. If that doesn't work I can borrow/rent higher pressure units.

Voltage is also not a huge problem for me, I have a 250V connection - but I think there is something out there for me that won't need it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

With pressure washer, PSI is nice but GPM (gallons per minute) is what really gets the job done !

To get comparable cleaning power to your typical gas powered (about 6hp) PW, you will need an electric one with at least a 2hp motor, which implies 240VAC !

 

[Wubicon]

I've got a Greenworks 2300 psi electric machine that's been going for several years. As long as any gas job I've owned. I use it at least weekly. I feed it B&S pump saver if it's going to sit, like for over the winter.
I will confess to owning a gas job. But it's sat for ages since I got the electric. I stopped having a need to take a PW remote.

I think I will start looking at reviews for this guy:

 

[Wubicon]

With pressure washer, PSI is nice but GPM (gallons per minute) is what really gets the job done !

To get comparable cleaning power to your typical gas powered (about 6hp) PW, you will need an electric one with at least a 2hp motor, which implies 240VAC !

But I don't NEED that... I don't think anyone is really understanding what the true dilemma is here. What I really want, is to not buy a new gas or electric pressure washer every 3 years.

 

[danski0224]

Gasoline driven pressure washers can have a lower psi by installing a tip with a larger orifice.

I've seen a chart with gpm (dictated by pump) and desired psi.

Not the same as turning the engine down.

 

[Wubicon]

From what I have gathered it seems longevity is largely due to maintenance.

• Pump saver/protector - some product mean to clean and lubricate seals etc inside.
• Draining as much water as possible after each use.
• If you have hard water, deal with that.

Any other good tips?

 

[theoldwizard1]

What I really want, is to not buy a new gas or electric pressure washer every 3 years.

I bought a cheap, used "homeowner" PW about 10 years ago. Yes, the pump died after about 5 years. The cheap one are not serviceable. I installed a new pump on it and it has worked flawlessly since.

What usually kills PW is water freezing inside the pump. Either store it inside (heated garage) or thoroughly blow out the pump or place antifreeze in it.

 

[M635_Guy]

From what I have gathered it seems longevity is largely due to maintenance.

• Pump saver/protector - some product mean to clean and lubricate seals etc inside.
• Draining as much water as possible after each use.
• If you have hard water, deal with that.

Any other good tips?

Don't run the motor when you're note actively using the wand. Apparently the pumps are mainly cooled by that water flow, and burn up if the motor just sits idling.

It seems like something that could be designed for, but...

 

[Kscardsfan]

I have had pretty bad luck with home owner electric machines, they have too short of hoses, can't clean a heavy mess, and are in general not up to any kind of hard work. I stick with gas machines to clean around the house and change the tip out to adjust for the job. I wouldn't ever use a pressure washer on a car paint job, and I wouldn't suggest you clean the siding with a bumble bee tip, but for most stuff with the variety of tips they give you with the machine you can do it with a gas unit without damaging your stuff.

 

[Bert_]

But I don't NEED that... I don't think anyone is really understanding what the true dilemma is here. What I really want, is to not buy a new gas or electric pressure washer every 3 years.

Any of the bigger electric drive power washers will last. They have a bigger price tag though.

 

[Wubicon]

Don't run the motor when you're note actively using the wand. Apparently the pumps are mainly cooled by that water flow, and burn up if the motor just sits idling.

It seems like something that could be designed for, but...

From reviews, articles and random forum posts it seems like some are deigned for it and some aren't.

 

[Hohn]

Typically, they can't be left idling for long. There are different pumps and setups to allow idling.

This is the biggest reason gas PWs die in consumer use. Nobody reads the manual, they let them idle and the recirculation of hot water cavitates the pump or burns out a seal.
The best thing a person can do it to go to a full external-flow unloader on a small snubber tank. The external recirculation takes a LOT of heat off the pump if you need to idle it for a bit.

 

[tncatadjuster]

My electric stops when I close the trigger. All good, it does make a strange sound like a female tennis player hitting a rally.

 

[danski0224]

From reviews, articles and random forum posts it seems like some are deigned for it and some most aren't.

FIFY.

I'd wager that almost zero consumer (box store) and semi-professional (~$2k range) cold water, gas driven pressure washers are designed to be left running without water flow for any length of time... which is likely to be less than a minute at a crack.

I do recall running across a limited number of pumps available that were designed to be run without water flow through them, and inexpensive they weren't.

The unloader bypass is routed back to the tank that is on the trailer or truck that the water comes from... instead of a loop back into the pump. These are high 4 and into 5 figure pro setups.

You can remove the bypass loop and route it into a small buffer tank on the box store or semi-pro setups. It might be easier to just shut it off though.

 

[RimRider]

I have Dewalt DWPW2100 corded electric pressure washer. I have been using it for 2 years and no issue. I advice you to buy this.

​

 

[ronkz650]

I have a small Hotsy electric powered hot water pressure washer I bought 25yrs ago. Hot water works much better than cold. Unfortunately prices have risen beyond reasonable levels for a personal use machine. When I got mine the price was decent enough to justify.

Hotsy Hot Water Electric Pressure Washer 500 Series

Hotsy's 500 Series of hot water electric pressure washers is affordable, rugged and long lasting. Now with a bigger frame, flat-free tires and ergonomic handle.

www.hotsy.com

 

[Beerhippie]

I have a small Hotsy electric powered hot water pressure washer I bought 25yrs ago. Hot water works much better than cold. Unfortunately prices have risen beyond reasonable levels for a personal use machine. When I got mine the price was decent enough to justify.

Hotsy Hot Water Electric Pressure Washer 500 Series

Hotsy's 500 Series of hot water electric pressure washers is affordable, rugged and long lasting. Now with a bigger frame, flat-free tires and ergonomic handle.

www.hotsy.com

I've looked into hot water washers--what we used to call "steam cleaners"--for greasy kitchen stuff, but the prices... astronomical. I'm sure a lot of that is due to safety concerns.

 

[Wubicon]

I have Dewalt DWPW2100 corded electric pressure washer. I have been using it for 2 years and no issue. I advice you to buy this.

​

I was looking at reviews of various models and stumbled into this guys build:
Might work good for your Dewalt too.

 

[danski0224]

I'm sure a lot of that is due to safety concerns.

No, it's because they can.

 

[lund]

The real difference in "performance" is speed, not capability. You really only need about 2000psi to be "capable" of cleaning almost anything. Heck, some small electrics will strip paint at contact distance.

It's the flow rate that really gets you the speed and utility of the larger units. The small unit might take 3x longer to get the work done. But if that's 30 min vs 10min, and you get a smaller, more compact unit that's easier to live with, it might be a great tradeoff.

But anything bigger than washing a car is not a good choice for electric. Sidewalks, siding, anything like that-- you'll regret trying it with a little 1gpm electric. It takes so long you'll be exhausted well before the job is done.

I second this. The most important feature is GPM for cleaning larger areas. 1.1 GPM electric will take a while. Electric is great one way though: for infrequent use you have one less gas engine to have problems and maintain. The pump will have more or less the same issues. You do not want it to freeze in the winter etc. Electric is easier to carry into the basement though (no gas fumes, lighter, smaller, ...). Most electric pressure washers are going to top out around 1.2 GPM. I have such a Ryobi model and it seems fine for what it is. But that is likely not enough for home siding, walkways, etc unless you are ok with spending a long time doing the jobs.

 

[Bert_]

This is the biggest reason gas PWs die in consumer use. Nobody reads the manual, they let them idle and the recirculation of hot water cavitates the pump or burns out a seal.
The best thing a person can do it to go to a full external-flow unloader on a small snubber tank. The external recirculation takes a LOT of heat off the pump if you need to idle it for a bit.

If you don't want to spray and leave the pump running the easiest way is to just add a dump valve at the wand. Water still flows through the pump but it just runs on the ground at low pressure.

 

[M635_Guy]

If you don't want to spray and leave the pump running the easiest way is to just add a dump valve at the wand. Water still flows through the pump but it just runs on the ground at low pressure.

I'm trying to picture what that is/would look like - do you have a link or pic?