What size pressure washer is good for cleaning a deck?

pressure washer machines image

BigRed

Hi i am looking at buying a pressure washer to clean my deck and to clean my house i found a 2600psi for $299 and a 3000psi for $399 both have a Honda motor. I was planing on using it to clean a couple other houses and decks is it better to get the bigger one or should i stick with the 2600psi?

Answer
The cleaning power is roughly proportional to the PSI rating multiplied by the GPM. While the higher pressure might not be necessary for the tasks you are considering, the added cleaning power means you'll get the job done faster with the more expensive unit. Keep in mind that you can always add distance to reduce pressure (back away from the surface), but you can't add pressure that the unit doesn't produce.

I have tried to use an old 1500 psi unit that I already had to clean a concrete driveway, but just purchased the 3000 psi machine from a home store, and the difference is amazing. My evaluation was that the extra $100 above the 2600 psi unit was well worth the hours saved. And the Honda engine gets very good reviews from most of what I've read.

I would suggest also getting the surface cleaning attachment, particularly for your wood deck. It's not really powerful enough for a really dirty concrete drive, but would surmise that it is sufficient for the wood (you don't want that high of pressure for the wood). For cleaning concrete surfaces, I highly recommend the Turbo nozzle; it takes the 0 deg pattern and spins it in a 15-25 deg (or so) pattern so that you get the dislodging pressure of the 0 degree, but in a pattern size that allows efficient cleaning.

My washer machine manual says the water supply pressure must be between 14.5 and 116 psi. How can I tell?

Michael

I recently purchased a new washer and dryer. When the washer machine is on, the pipes make a loud bang noise on and off. Not sure what the problem is. maybe the water pressure is to high?

Answer
Most water pressure for a home is in the range of 30 to 40 psi. Usually around 32 to 35 at the pressure tank, less as it goes up to upper levels.

The banging noise sounds like an air hammer in your lines, not the washer itself. Maybe get a bucket, disconnect the hoses from the rear of the washer and let it run to get rid of any air that may be trapped in the lines.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What pressure washer do I need?

pressure washer 3000 psi electric image

Ryan K

I am thinking of buying a pressure washer to make a little extra money on the weekend. I am thinking of buying a gas engine washer with at least 3000 psi. Is this too much or no. I want to offer outside house cleaning, driveway cleaning, deck cleaning, and maybe boats. Also how much should i charge people for the services?

Answer
just don't ever get an electric one!

Whats the easiest way to remove old paint from stucco?

Mr. AL

Sand blasting is too messy. Any special tool/s ?

Answer
There is no easy way to remove sound paint (but why would you want to?). If you want to remove loose paint to prepare for painting, use a pressure washer. You want a gasoline powered one, not electric. About a 13hp engine, delivering about 5 gal./min. @ 3000 psi. You can rent these. These are dangerous, get instruction from the rental place. Do not use the 0 deg (red) tip; it will destroy your stucco.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Mower wont start was fine then died?

pressure washer 6.5 hp briggs image

Darryl Y

B&S ryobi 6.5 hp mower wont start if I let it sit then try to start it sometimes pops as if trying to start. Was working fine then I added oil I think I put too much. I changed the spark plug drained the oil and put in new oil and still wont start. please help. at this point if I try to start it in may pop on the first try to start in but then just spin after that

Answer
This is a classic case of flywheel shear-pin (key-way) breakage. What is a shear-pin? Briggs & Stratton engines have a shear-pin that is a small ½ inch by 1/8 inch aluminum pin that protects the crankshaft from damage. The pin is located in a slot between the flywheel and the crankshaft. This shear-pin might be bent or broken and will need to be replaced.

You need to remove the covering (shroud) and the fuel tank. Next off comes the pull-cord assembly. This reveals the flywheel, held on by a large 15/16th nut. To remove this nut you need to keep the flywheel from turning. To do this you will need to secure the flywheel. Strap a good leather belt round the flywheel, and, allowing the buckle to rest against small block of wood against the ignition coil assembly (it works for me). Using a long breaker-bar with either a ½ or ¾ inch square set to fit the 15/16th socket to the flywheel nut. Have someone help you to hold the mower. Turn the nut and remove the nut. Do not loose the nut!

Next, you have to remove the flywheel itself. Here is the trick. You need to hire, beg, borrow, or, dare I say it, steal a large bearing a puller. Fit the three-legged puller over the flywheel. The flywheel is not going to come off easily without some assistance. Two things you can do here.
1)Now, with pressure on the flywheel, sharply tap the top of the puller.
2)Using a small blowlamp, heat the flywheel to expand the metal, and this helps the puller to remove the flywheel from the crankshaft. Either way works well. Remove the flywheel and you either will see the shear-pin attached to the crankshaftâs groove or stuck to the flywheel.

I am going to assume you have purchased a new (I always have two handy) shear-pin from your local small engine repair store. The will cost in the region of $2.50 and look rather expensive for what they are.

To clear any rust from the flywheel, polish the flywheel inner hole. Using some very fine (preferably used) emery cloth, clean the crankshaft. Using a gas soaked rag, wipe away all traces of emery dust from both the crankshaft and the flywheel. Rub a little grease on the crankshaft and then refit the flywheel, remembering to line up the crankshaft slot with the flywheel slot. Place the new shear-pin into the slot and, using a small punch, or if you donât have one, a long 4" nail comes in handy, tap the shear-pin down until it seats fully home.

Replace the nut and washer and tighten to 65 foot lbs. Refit all other removed items, and start he mower.
Happy mowing

How to convert pressure washer into water pump?

jjsschultz

I have a briggs 6.5 hp pressure washer that I was wondering if I could convert it into a water pump to shiphon water from a river. I got the go ahead from the mayor to use river water to water grass and garden but now I need a pump to get it a few hundred feet from the river to my garden. Is there a way to convert my pressure washer into a pump the can siphon the water out for me and pump it to where I need. I'm not worried about it being high or low pressure, just want to know if i can do this.
I tried to do what shiggity said but the pressure washer requires pressurized water going into the inlet it does not siphon from the inlet on its own, i also tried to "prime" it by filling the hose with water before sumerging it into the river but still no luck.

Answer
Attach a pipe to the outlet of your pressure washer.
Add a hose to the end of the pipe.
The pipe is so that your hose won't get damaged by the pressure as it exits the nozzle.
Run a hose from the river to the water supply of your washer. Don't forget a filter.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What PSI to pressure wash red brick patio?

pressure washer 3500 image

greglovern

We have a patio made from standard red bricks. Over the years it has become very dirty and doesn't come clean by squirting water on it from the garden hose.

I'm considering buying an inexpensive pressure washer. What PSI would I need for this job?

Answer
Another option would be to hire a mobile pressure washing company to clean it for you. Professionals should have years of experience and top of the line equipment that can get the job right in a fraction of the time it would take you. Our machines are big industrial units that use up to 300°F HOT water and steam at 3500 psi to clean grime, grease, spills, dirt, etc. from just about any surface. Cold water machines force you to use higher pressure and get closer with the wand, which can result in pitting out your bricks and leaving wand marks or "snail trails" if you use a 0° tip.

If you decide to go this route, get a couple estimates from a few local pressure washers and make sure they are going to use heat and have years of experience. The cost is probably worth it to save you the time and energy of buying/renting and then doing the job yourself. Most companies would probably give you a discounted rate if you agree to have it cleaned monthly, quarterly, or annually.

You can check out our operation as an example of what to look for at http://www.acmepowerwash.com.

Type of oil required for pressure washer pumps?

Al

I have a 3500 psi simpson pressure washer. Bought in 1997 but hardly used. What type of oil does the pressure pump requires? Although I did not use it more than 30 hours but the oil level seems to be low.
Thanks,

Answer
I use straight 30 weight, but the link below suggests a special blend for the manufacturers motor.


".... and made a visit to the local Napa Auto Parts store looking for oil. The guy told me to use 30 weight Non-Detergent oil. He said heâs worked with many a pressure washer and they all took the same oil."

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

We have a speed clean home pressure washer, it is leaking water in the wand area?

pressure washer leaks image

Ozark Woma

we have replaced washers, there are no cracks in handle or wand, but it sprays from the wrong place, any ideas?
We found a crack, like you said probably from the cold. thanx!

Answer
If it is leaking frome the trigger area could be the valve body is cracked.
if the machine was exposed to frost.

What is the best epoxy or tape to fix leak in pressure washer hose?

paki

Where i work we use power washers to clean, machines are rated at 1500 psi, the problem is that hoses get small ruptures and instead of replacing a $110.00 hose each time i want to repair it so hose can be used again

Answer
You may be able to cut out the small section with the hole and splice the hose back together with a brass coupling piece, or several eauipment rental stores can install a hydraulic fitting for you to repair the hose. You might be approaching the cost of a new hose with the cost required to make any repairs, so you'll have to decide if it's worth the trouble.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

6HP Craftsman Pressure washer has low pressure after installing new pump. Vertical mount Unit, is leaking!?

pressure washer 6hp image

ALLAN

I am not getting any high pressure, just low pressure stream of water, and a lot of water leaking, but when trigger is released the pressure builds up and the engine shuts down! I checked for obstructions, none found! Unit is about 8 years old, 2,000PSI, 2GPM any ideas??

Answer
There should never be any water leaks that in it's self could cause low pressure..

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What comparable replacement trigger gun can I buy for a Karcher pressure washer model 2.56m?

pressure washer amazon image

Dinosaur

http://www.amazon.com/Karcher-47753890-Trigger-Gun/dp/B000JR4YQ0/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-1104667-7560941?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1180060877&sr=8-1
I have this kind now and water is coming out of the trigger area. How do I get to the o ring inside of the trigger gun?

Answer
I would call Karcher and ask them at 1-800-387-3394.

Here is the website:

http://www.karcher-usa.com/support_turnpike.php

http://karcher-usa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/karcher_usa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php

i want a power washer for my home that works well.. calling all men.?

sandras77

im 5'2" and can't reach to the top of my home. looking for a power washer. (please answer with no funny business).. i shop at home depot and lowes.
not limited to men because women have this same problem

Answer
Get one similar to this. Look for around 1600 PSI. Both places you mentioned sell them for $100 or less.

http://www.amazon.com/Simoniz-1750-PSI-Pressure-Washer/dp/B000R9Z8XI/ref=sr_1_81/103-0128198-3402255?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1185631808&sr=1-81

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Searching for users manual for coleman pressure washer model QL-3100G?

coleman pressure washer manual image

thegerbilg

Any help? The pressure wand sprays water out, but water then starts to leak out of the part where the handle connects to the wand shaft. Please help!
And yes, i did go to the website and searches for it, but noting came up.

Answer
I work on pressure washers for a living and see this daily! It's just an "O-Ring" has split and is allowing water to leak out. Find the o-ring that isn't an "O" but more of a "C" and replace it, problem solved! Sears has o-ring kits in the stores with several sizes of o-rings in it. Use the instructions included to select the right ring!

I need the users manual for coleman pressure washer model QL-3100G?

Joey

Same pressure washer was advertised under other manufacturer name but same model number

Answer
Coleman have technical service hot lines (800) that u can call and request to send u copies of manual. They can either mail u the manual or fax it to u.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Looking to buy a pressure washer to clean wood deck, and house siding.... suggestions?

pressure washer at walmart image

voyagernj

I don't want to spend a lot of money, but I want something that holds up well, and does a great job cleaning. What have you found that works well, without breaking my wallet?

Answer
I bought a "Karcher" brand for just about $120.00 dollars and have been very pleased. It came with two wands and cleans up the most difficult embedded stains. Another feature is the siphon hose. You can apply cleaning agents (not under pressure) and then come back with the cleaning wand to lift up the dirt. Make sure you use "Quick-Snap" hose connectors for leak-less hassle-free hook-ups. I've had my washer for over 3 yrs and am very pleased. I got it at WalMart (Mexico). Good luck

Is there a nozzle that I could buy for a hose that would give me enough pressure to effectively wash my deck?

WarrenerFa

I do not want to invest in a power washer, and need to seal my deck soon. There are a few dry days coming soon, and I want to clean my deck of dirt, etc.

Are there special nozzles that would make the pressure of the water coming out strong enough to get everything off?

Answer
Hi

The inlet pressure from your household water supply is the ultimate limiting factor on the outlet pressure at the nozzle tip.
Generally household water pressure is 100 PSI at a maximum. While Pressure Washers used around decks generally operate at 800 - 2400 PSI maximum.

So you cannot get anything like the cleaning force of a Pressure Washer from a garden hose.

Now if you do not want to purchase even the lowest cost Pressure Washer from folks like Walmart for about $85.00, here are some suggestions for low cost options that should be an improvement over your typical garden hose nozzle.

Just as pinching off the flow with your thumb at the end of the hose as a kid, the more you restrict the flow at the end of the hose the more hitting force (pressure) and consequently the greater distance the water will travel.

At almost any hardware store or home center you will be able to find a SWEEPER Garden hose Nozzle. These are un-valved short nozzles with small orifices (openings) at the end, which is able to focus the water and let you use them to sweep dirt and debris forward with the water.

Another somewhat more expensive, but still relatively cheap, nozzle that has an even more restrictive orifice (opening) is an Adjust-A-Power nozzle. This nozzle has a rubber tube pinched by ball bearings to create an extremely fine focused stream. This is used by forestry services, where water supply is limited, for fire mop ups. It is also sold by some car wash specialty companies. Most Industrial Rubber companies have access to this nozzle through Dixon Valve.

Keep in mind with the lower water pressure the water flow will be greatly reduced vs. a pressure washer as well. So if the volume of water is needed to clean the surface, it will likely take dramatically longer to complete the job vs. a Pressure Washer.

Good Luck

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Can I use a pressure washer to clean my concrete in-ground pool?

pressure washer concrete cleaner image

ochodemadr

I want to prepare my pool with a pressure washer then acid wash pool and paint the pool.

Answer
Realize that you will be taking a risk if you do this yourself, you will save some money but the risk just might not justify it.
If you do it be careful, follow the advice the person before me gave and keep the washer on fairly low.

IN regards to acid washing the pool... do you know how to do this? It can really be dangerous. Make sure that if you decide to do it you have someone else out there to watch you and make sure you are alright. In my opinion the fumes from the poured acid are more dangerous to you then the acid burning you. If you get acid on you just b calm and wash it off with the hose but if you start having a hard time breathing get out of the pool! You do not want to pass out in a pool coated with acid...

My advice, whether you are in Las Vegas or not, is to find a reputable company to di it for you.

Best chemical solution to use with a pressure washer?

WenchOtheW

I will be using a pressure washer for the first time to clean concrete sidewalks and building exteriors for a large condo association. What cleaning solution should I use? Keep in mind I am trying to be cost efficient as well and I will most likely require several gallons. Thanks.

Answer
I just use bleach. It's diluted so much you can't smell it and it seems to work fine on the mold and dirt that accumulates in Florida. You have to soak the building or sidewalk first, then go back over it with high pressure. There's also Rust Out, or mix a solution of Iron Out. But bleach is the cheapest and usually the high pressure will be enough to clean whatever needs to be cleaned and you also want to be environmentally friendly.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers