What's the cost of hiring a someone to clean your garage/driveway with Water Pressure machine?

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sugarnspic

Its a high pressure water machine that cleans in front of stores and concrete in general.. Anyone know how much it's supposed to cost for someone to clean the driveway and garage with that? I don't want to get ripped off. Thanks.

Answer
It's depend on your cleaning need..... If you will rent a pressure washer you need to clean your self and it is not very easy.. so, hire a professional.... i think they will charge approx £ 50-55 for 2-3 hours and that's not a big deal.....

12 days since fire in my home, no furnace, no hot water heater. Landlord claims we have to deal with it?

Morgan

On May 5th 2013 around 2:30 am a fire started in my home. Our family was able to get out quick and safe. After the fire department extinguished the fire they came and spoke with us, The firemen stated that the fire had been started in our laundry room do to the hot water heater kicking on and ignited a basket of clothes in front of our washing machine. The fire department stuff the water off to the hot water tank. I contacted my landlord later on in the morning and he let me know that he would be letting the insurance company know about the fire on Monday (May 6th 2013) and he sent his wife over to my home with an ionizer to help dissipate the smoke in the air. After my landlords wife had left I sucked all on the water out of the carpet left behind from the fire crew and what was left in the hot water tank that had now leaked out all over the floor and into my carpets in other areas of my home
Monday morning I found my apartment under more water because a âvalve brokeâ from pressure of the water in the pipe from the fire department shutting the water off. I called the landlord office and informed him of this. Early afternoon my landlord stopped by with many people whom did not inform us of their titles. Later on in the day a clean up crew along with a plumbing company came by to asses the situation and drop off multiple fans for drying out the walls and floor and the plumbers fixed the pipe so it would no longer leak water all over our home.
Tuesday the insurance company came to take pictures and get our story about what had happened. The man with the insurance company had asked me about the cover to the pilot on the water heater. I personally have never touched the water heater but for one time when we first moved in because it was turn all the way down and we were getting no hot water in our shower! I did inform the insurance person about a time back in February when I had been suffering from a headache and realized that it was a gas leak, I called our gas company right away and they came out determined that there was indeed a leak leading to our water heater and they shut the gas off, I had contacted my landlord the next morning and he sent a company out that day to repair. I am assuming when they had fixed the leak and re lit our pilot they did not replace the cover to the water heater at that time.
Friday May 10th some men came to my home and demolished everything in our laundry room, removed the old water heater, furnace, floors, dry wall ceiling ext. At this time a man with the cleaning company had contacted me and told me that he had spoke with the landlord and because I do not have renters insurance I have to stay in my home or leave at my own expense. The man with the cleaning company suggested that I contact the landlord to see if he had another place we could move into in the mean time while they were fixing our home, but again at my expense.
I do not have renters insurance, I know that I am stupid for this but I have now been living in a home for 12 days with out hot water, or a furnace. The crew also left 7 industrial fans along with 2 dehumidifiers and a larger air purifier that has needed to be running 24-7. Do I still have to pay my electric bill? I got the bill today and it is 4 times our normal amount and that is just for a portion of the time they have been running? I need some advice I have been unable to find what I am looking for on the internet it would be helpful if someone could point me someplace to get answers!
I understand I had not renters insurance so non of my stuff will be replaced, I am not worried about the stuff I would just like hot water and heat, although it is spring I live in Michigan and it is still really cold at night here I have a 1 year old. A lot of people have been saying that it is against the law for me to not have a furnace and hot water? Then workers have not returned for a week, everything I have found has stated that the landlord must fist with in reasonable time? is 7 days no work reasonable time? and I am sure they are not going to show up over the weekend. I know that it takes time but 12 days with out hot water isn't the best situation and we can only bum showers from family members and friends for so long

Answer
Actually since you do not have renters insurance, you will be lucky if all you must pay for is an alternate living accommodations and the electric bill.

Usually a fire in your unit is completely your responsibility which includes all costs for repairs; any equipment that must be replaced; any damage to other units that must be fixed including the structure and wall, floor, ceiling finishes, wiring, plumbing. and so on
From what you are describing, this repair could cost many thousands of dollars.

Water Heater and plumbing - $500 to $1000

Furnace installation - $1000

Removal of drywall and cleanup could $5000 or more

If the washer and dryer has to be replaced, this can cost anywhere from $600 to $1000

Then there is the possibility the wiring in the laundry must be replaced which could cost $500 or more depending upon what has to be replaced.

Flooring and other incidentals can add up.

Costs could be 10 to 20 thousand dollars or more

If you get away with paying a high electricity bill and for another place to live while the work is completed. That is a real bargain.

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does a pressure washer that is 3000 psi at 8 gpm clean better than one at 4000 psi at 4gpm?

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lance c

Answer
Generally the higher pressure, not the higher flowrate, indicates better cleaning power.

My sink is 2.2 GPM. Can you convert in psi?

Q. My sink says it is 2.2 GPM. I would like to connect a small countertop dishwasher on it. The owner's manual says it needs to be between 15 and 20 psi (pounds per square inch). Is it ok?

THANKS :)
Can you convert knowing that it is a STANDARD KITCHEN SINK????

Please no stupid anwers like "no, you can't convert".
The following is engraved on my sink faucet "A112.18.1 2.2 GPM (8.3 LPM) MAX".

Answer
Not a stupid answer if it's true.

This link walks you through the averages found throughout the US.
http://www.ehow.com/info_12003745_normal-water-pressure-house.html

I think you'll be fine, if want to check, an $8 gauge like in the link can be used.
This one screws on outdoor hose bibb. If you're having it delivered, ask about it.
http://www.google.com/shopping/product/6037431229349956563?sourceid=ie7&q=home+water+pressure+guage&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7TSND&sa=X&ei=j-8PUb7EEsuiqQHi14GACw&ved=0CKoBEMwD

EDIT: As Answerers 1&2 graciously indicates, and with what is illustrated in links, determine.,
1- Water pressure - use a pressure gauge, If not within spec, read first link thoroughly

2=Rate of flow (GPM) - Find a empty container( IE- one gallon), turning on hot water to fully opened, fill container while timing, if container fills in less than 27.5 seconds your flow rate is over 2.2 GPM. I doudt flow rate will be that great. (if gallon container fills in a bit under 30 seconds, you should be fine)

Compare those two numbers (pressure and GPM) to washer specifications
convert to metric if you want

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Cold water pressure up, hot water press down in sink?

pressure washer bypass valve image

Jason S

I'm have a strange thing happen in one of my two master bathroom sinks. A few background notes first.

1) I re-piped my house about 2 months ago
2) This sink is where the return valve is for the recirculating pump
3) They did NOT replace the valves in this sink

Everything had been normal until yesterday when I noticed the sink was dripping out of the faucet very slowly. I tried to twist the cold water valve tighter but still it would drip. Today I noticed that all of the sudden the water pressure / flow that I'm getting when I have the cold side on has increased but when I turn the hot water on the pressure / flow has decreased. I'm trying to figure out if I have a bad valve or if something is wrong with the recirculating valve bypass thing?

The other sink in the master bathroom is working totally fine and normal.

Thoughts?
@Stephen

Thanks for the input. I'm worried that something found it's way into the recirculating valve. Will that flush out as well?

See valve on top left of this image http://www.houseneeds.com/shop/images/grundfos_comfortvalve.jpg

Answer
It sounds like the soldering paste used to solder has found its way up to your hot water valve or beyond to the faucet If your up to it shut the valve take apart the supply up to the faucet bend it over to flush out into a bucket turn on water fill bucket If your pressure is OK the problem is in the faucet behind the washer take apart and clean

Help, I have lost water pressure.?

Crazy coll

Today I had to bypass my water softener because its drain hose became disconnected and was draining into my house. When I fixed the problem and put the water softener back in series with the lines, I lost pressure. I have about a 30 gallon Tank Mate reservoir tank and my pump output pressure gage says 60 lbs. I don't know what the problem is, please help.
Right now I have it the water softener in bypass and the pressure has not gone back up.
I have checked the water pressure in every faucet in my house including the bath tubs, that have no aerators. The pressure is definately low. I am not sure how to locate the drain valve.

Answer
I feel fairly confident in saying that by turning the water off and then on again you have dislodged enough sediment to clog a screen or filter. The question is which one or maybe all of them.

Start at the various sinks and unscrew the aerater at the end. ...lots of little pieces to clean out. Shower heads can also be cleaned out.

If you have a whole house filter it should be before the water softener and should not be a problem. You might take this time to change it because you have had problems that it should help to avoid.

The water softener itself has filters. Normally these should be serviced once a year and they are cleaned out. Without knowing your particular brand it is difficult to suggest a plan of attack. If you have a service contract you might have them in for service. If you have a parts schematic you might be able to do the service. Paperwork may also describe how it is done. On line you might be able to get the same.

I have worked with a Q-tip and some alcohol for this operation.

Edit____________
OK since you don't seem to be having problems elsewhere:

The other possibility is a jammed gate valve. Gate valves have a habit of breaking. They can break closed, open or partially open. In my neighborhood gate valves were often the main valve that enters the house. I avoid touching them for this reason. A broken one is a real pain in the neck if it is the first valve for the incoming water.

Household valves come in a variety of flavors. The basics are:

1 ball valves which are the most modern with a handle, can have full flow when open usually 90 deg apart.
2 gate valves which have a gate that goes up and down but no washers, they tend to be a little taller than other valves.
3 globe valves have a washer and a seat, are one directional and were once very common valves. There is a very roughly "globe" shape at the bottem and an arrow on the outside.
After this it is mosly the outside that changes...
4. hose valves have washers and a hose connection
5. boiler valves with big washer and a union attached...
and many others.
Connections can be compression, threaded, glued or sweat.

Try to work back to a position in the lines where the pressure is OK. This is hard to suggest without seeing your system. If you are not able to deal with this you will have to get a plumber to help.

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Craftsman pressure washer will not start?

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Mike

I have a practically new craftsman pressure washer (briggs and Stratton motor) that will not start. The gas is fresh and I get a shock when I touch the spark plug wire and ground it.

Answer
Does it have a valve to shut the gas off? If so, make sure it is open so the gas will flow through from the tank to the carb. You may need to take it to your local Sears store and see what is going on with it. If you let it set for a long time with gas still in the tank you may have to take the carb off and tear it down and give it a good cleaning. Gas today isn't like the old gas used to be. If it sets for very long it will gum up a carb quickly. Need to either drain all the gas out or add an additive to it if you intend to let it set for long periods of time without use. Putting new fuel in with old fuel will not work if it is gummed up inside the carb.

Accidentally put oil in the air filter in a pressure washer's engine?

Panba

Yesterday while trying to set up a pressure washer, I accidentally put the motor oil into the air filter spot. Turned it upside down to drain the oil but the engine starts and stalls. Not sure if it's ruined forever or what to do. It's a Robin engine and a Karcher pressure washer.

Answer
It is unclear to me how you would put oil into the air filter but you should never turn an engine upside down. The first thing to do is check the oil level in the crankcase. It should not be above the full mark. Remove the air filter, if it has oil on it replace it. Clean all the oil from the air box (where the filter goes) and install the new filter. Remove the spark plug and give it a few pulls. Replace the plug and start it up, it may smoke a bit but should clear out.

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Paint removal from concrete?

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Mitch3640

I have rented a 2000 psi pressure washer and it only removed about 70% of the paint from my concrete patio. Anyone know a good way to get the rest off? I need something on a machine that's abrasive, like a steel wool pad or something.

Answer
You can search for local power wash companies and get a couple of estimates to see if they can help you out.

We are hired to remove paint from patios and garages all the time. We use larger, industrial pressure washers and hot water (steam) to get all the paint off. Our machines use up to 300°F and 3500 psi. We also use chemical paint strippers to help loosen up paint during the cleaning process. The heat and stripper make a big difference over cold water power washing.

If you want to try to finish it up yourself, I would recommend visiting the paint department at your local hardware store to get some stripper and a scraper or rent a floor scrubber with an abrasive pad. Anything abrasive and you probably run the risk of damaging the concrete surface.

new paint job on my car ,what soap i wash it with???

xoxlilhots

Answer
if it's less than 2 weeks old, try not to wash it. Give the paint plenty of time to cure. After that, use any kind of car wash detergent. Try to avoid a pressure washer for a month-again..the paint is fresh, and you don't want to blow the new paint onto the floor. A soft rag, and with no 'scrubber' on it...You can loosen up pretty much anything with a lot of good warm water and a rag, and some mild detergent. If you've got a lot of bugs- soak the bug goo for a little bit with a lot of water from a garden hose, and they'll come right off.

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can you change a pressure washer into a sewer jetta?

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LARRY

Answer
Yes, just install the kits to convert them into sewer jetter.Set up your pressure washer outside to get started. Attach your pressure washer hose to your pressure washer and run this hose to the inside or outside drain you want to clean. Remove your gun/wand and attach the provided ball valve, jumper hose and hose reel. Install the provided jetter hose onto the hose reel and attach the desired nozzle for the job at hand.

how to unclog main drain with pressure washer?

Dave

Answer
You can build or buy a sewer jetter attachment for your pressure washer for less than $150. A sewer jetter is a thin, high-pressure hose with a jet nozzle that pulls the hose into the drain and breaks up the clog. With a sewer jetter you typically start from the main drain cleanout outside your home or in your basement, or from a drain opening such as an inlet under a sink that's upstream of the clog. Search online for "build or buy a pressure washer sewer jetter."

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Which pressure washer gun should I buy?

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SquawkBox

I was gifted an old Sears Model #580751400 Craftsman Electric high pressure washer. The gpm is 1.6 and the max psi is 1150.
It's missing the gun assembly. I would like to purchase one, but my budget is limited. I can spend about 25 - 30 US.
Can anyone on yahoo recommend a decent/ suitable gun within my price range?

Answer
Any gun which you can connect to the washer will work equally..

What should I charge per hour for pressure washing?

Danny-Mac

Driveways, sidewalks, exterior, etc...I need to take into account driving time, gas for my car, gas for the pressure washer, and any maintenance costs.

I'm a high school grad looking to make some cash before I head off to college by providing pressure washing services for people in my community.

Answer
I'd call around to some pressure washing companies in the area and ask them how much they would charge to do a driveway. Call 4 or 5 companies and you'll get an idea of what others are charging. Unless you have a lot of experience doing pressure washing, then I'd take the number they're charging and shave like 35% off of it. Most people are weary of someone pressure washing their driveway if they don't have a lot of experience - but if you tell them your story, that you're a high school grad saving up for college, they'll be more willing to do it (knowing it's going to be less than the pros).

You need to figure out your daily expenses divided by how many driveways you would pressure wash per day. That will give you your expense per job. Subtract that from what you'll be charging and you'll get your profit per job. To make your prices somewhat consistent, take what you'll charge for a driveway and divide it by the average square foot for a driveway. That will give you a price per square foot. If you then do sidewalks or something else, you can just measure the square foot of the area you will pressure wash and multiply it by your price per square foot and voila, you've got your job cost. Since you already know what your approximate profit is, you should also be able to calculate those numbers and estimate them too.

Good luck!

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Can you use a pressure washer if you have low water pressure in your home?

pressure washer low water pressure image

Lubyloo

I want to get a pressure washer to use in cleaning the front porch, driveway, and siding of my home, but my house has low water pressure. Would a pressure washer still work in this situation? I guess I don't know how a pressure washer works - I assume it's hooked up to a hose on the house??? Thanks.

Answer
It really depends on what you call low. If its too low the pressure washer will 'hunt' or surge up and down on the outlet pressure and will eventually damage the washer unit. Your guess is correct it is hooked up with a hose to the house and a very long hose of too small a size will have the same effect as low water pressure. Check with manufacturers instructions or seek advise from the supplier but I would hazard a guess you need about 18/22 psi minimum.

Low Water Pressure in Bathroom Shower?

Dingo444

I actually have two questions. First, do plumbers generally use 1/2 or 3/4 inch copper pipe for residential water lines, and could the smaller of the two affect water pressure? Secondly, what are some scenarios that could cause lower water pressure in a shower or bathroom, particularly the cold water from a single handle shower? Thanks in advance for any help on this!

Answer
This is due to almost all shower heads sold now are "water savers" You might remove the head, look for a washer where it screws to the 1/2 inch supply pipe. It will have a very small hole that restricts the flow of water. I have just drilled or carved this hole to about twice its size and have water that will knock the dirt off your body!
In a normal 3 or 4 bedroom house with 2 full baths, yes 3/4 pipe coming into the water heater, 3/4 going out, normally to each bath room then reducing to 1/2 inch to each fixture. The kitchen and laundry will have plenty water pressure and volume from 1/2 inch piping. Providing that the incoming pressure is adequate.
**JD

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What is the best way to manually clean my house's siding and brick?

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david d

I do not have a pressure washer.

Answer
If your trying to do it yourself and save money, there are places that rent those power washers, we used to have one and it cleaned everything from the masonry to zapping the grime from the concrete of the driveway. I've seen a few people use something like those "brooms" that soap up, similar to the ones at those car washes. They hook up to the garden hose, and I think a lot depends on the solution you use, and what you're trying to clean.

How to remove paint from foundation of my house?

roxy

The previous owners painted the foundation of my house....it looks horrible. Its peeling and is just an eyesore. Hubby tried the pressure washer on it but thats not helping at all. Should we just re-paint it? Or is there some other way to get rid of it? We've been doing a lot of sprucing up the outside of our house and the foundation ssticks out like a sore thumb its just so horrible looking.
Thanks.....

Answer
If the foundation is cement block, you can use a jell paint removed that has thixotropic in it. It clings to vertical surfaces, and then you use a wire brush to take it off, it comes off easily, but you do not want to use bare hands.
If Foundation is wood or blocks, there is a tool called the Silent Paint Remover 1100-14, this uses infrared heat to soften the paint up, it just gets soft and rubbery and it kind of sheets and clean up is easy. This prevents damage to wood surfaces too. Ask your hardware store for jell with thixotropic in it or rent the silent Paint remover tool.
I can remember hiring some cheap labor to put on a trim of decorative bricks, and then having to use a wire brush to clean up after them. You have my sympathy.

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What size pressure washer is good for cleaning a deck?

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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.

What is a good pressure washer for cleaning decks/patio?

Trev

I am interested in purchasing a pressure washer that is durable, reliable, and can clean wood surfaces without damaging them. Gas or electric which would be able to perform the job with minimal effort

Answer
Sam's club or walmart ene can damage wood if you hold it in one spot to long .you need a small electric one.you can also rent from a rental center

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How do you wash your car engine?

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Matt

I'm curious to how you guys wash your vehicles engine? I just open the hood and go at it with a pressure washer, if you have a more efficient way please share it with me. Thanks.

Answer
i will give you some tips on how to clean your engine, the cleanness and safer way to do it.
1. cover the parts that are not to be wet, such as spark plugs, alternator, starter and fuses. You can use cloth first then cover it with plastic to make it sure.
2. clean it with kerosine first, you might use a paint brush to clean inner parts of the engine. You can use in engine degreaser if you want instead of kerosine to remove oil and dirt in your engine.
3. Then spray it off with high pressure water to remove the dirt. You can use detergent soap to clean it more especially the part that kerosine and degreaser does not remove.
4. you can dry it with cloth and spray with high pressure air to remove and dry excess water.
5. You can use wax under the hood and armorall to all black part of your engine.
cleaning your engine is one way of maintenance, you can do this as often as you want or feels like doing it. I suggest you can regularly clean your engine as often as you clean the exterior of your car. Hope this help!

anyone have any tips on getting a neglected hot tub back in working condition?

Ember Halo

we just bought a house that had a neglected hot tub on site. the water was filthy & ants took up residence. we've drained it, and cleaned it (pressure washer). what else do we need to do? do we need to get a hot tub place to come out & clean the pump & lines (it hadn't been run dirty)? what chemicals do we need & how do we use them? do we go to a hot tub / spa dealer to get answers & other services? or do they not do that?

thanks !!

Answer
Check the filters to make sure they don't need to be replaced. Decide on the chemical system you want to use. I use Bacqua Spa in mine because of skin conditions, but there are chlorine and bromide chemicals that you can use, too. Fill the spa and test the water which will tell you what the water needs. Capture a sample of the water and take it to the spa dealer who will assit you in purchasing the correct combination of chemicals. Each spa manufacturer makes their spas different, on ours we add the chemicals, allow it to circulate through the system for a certain length of time to clean the jets and feeds before we can use it. Ask the spa dealer to help you determine the model of spa that you have. Most of the time you can download a manual which is an absolute "must have" for trouble shooting, maintenance and care of your spa.

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How to repair a Karcher HDS 500 steam pressure washer or manuals?

pressure washer online image

kathyannag

I purchased a HDS 500 pressure washer that I believe burns diesel. I plug it in and the motor that pumps the water seems to blast at the first pull of the handle then slows alittle and I dont know how the igniter works to light the diesel, its 110 volt, I cant find anyone who works on these in my area. Springfield Missouri, anyone HELP!

Answer
Karcher is a good name brand. Go online to their website and on the contact us tell them what you need. Many that I have seen run on propane, but if you think it suns on diesel, then you would be better off getting Kerosene. It burns a lot cleaner. My neighbor cleans professionally and he has a big propane tank in the back of his truck that he uses to heat the water. I worked for a propane company and the ones we had run on propane too. If you have a tank on it though and are having problems with it igniting then I would change to kerosene. I write to many companies and I don't have trouble getting help from them or manuals.

What would cause a Briggs & Stratton 6 HP to spit gas into the air filter?

cobrapc

I have a 2004 6hp B&S, horizontal shaft on a pressure washer. Under a load it runs fine, but as soon as you stop the spray it starts overloading and spits gas out of the carb. Never dies, but sounds like it wants to. After a few seconds it levels back out. I was gonna throw a kit in the carb, but it doesn't seem like a carb problem.

Answer
You are on the right path, but I think it's the needle and float that are giving you the problem. The float may have be keeping the needle open too long and while the engine is running full out to power the pump, it is able to use the extra fuel but once the load is off it starts spitting fuel because it is having trouble burning the excess. You can pick up an OEM carb for under $40 online, and it will have a factory set float height as well as being all new. Get the numbers off the side of the carb and search "OEM carburetor" rather than a generic carb: it's worth the few extra dollars.

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What is the best cheapest pressure washer from walmart?

pressure washer 1400 psi image

Jason R

Answer
McCulloch 1400 PSI Electric Pressure Washer for $79.56 if they have it in stock at your local store.

small electric pressure washer maintenance?

joeynenj

i have a small Karcher 1400 psi electric pressure washer. Is there anything i can do to extend or maintain the life of the moter?

Answer
nope its a sealed unit,
nothing you can do to it

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Is a PSI 1700 pressure washer powerful enough to clean a deck?

pressure washer 2000 psi image

Anthony F

Is a PSI pressure washer powerful enough to clean a deck and siding on a house? I want to prep my deck for painting and also want to wash the siding on the house. Thanks

Answer
â¢1500 through 1850 PSI â suggested best for cleaning decking, patios, sidewalks, or garage doors


â¢2000 through 3000 PSI â propose using this for cleaning larger decks, such as marina piers, siding, stucco, or fences

http://www.best-pressure-washer-reviews.com/pressure-washer-information.html

What kind of pressure washer should I rent to power wash a deck, and what will the approximate cost be?

Job Seeker

I've volunteered to pressure wash a friend's deck that is approximately 20' L X 8' W. I want to complete the job in one day since the house is 100 miles from my home and I'm only going to stay over one night. I know that pressure washers are rated by the number of PSI (pounds per square inch). Can anyone tell me how many PSI I should get in a rental? Is my hope to finish the job in one day realistic? The deck boards are pretty dirty due to lots of trees all around. Any other advice would be welcome.

Answer
In my opinion a 2000 to 2550 PSI unit would do the best job for you.
This would give you enough cleaning power to not be all day getting it done, and gentle enough to not rip the wood apart from extreme pressure.
Start on a surface not easily seen until you get used to the machine, and use straight even strokes slightly overlapping as not to streak the deck

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How to quiet a small gas engine.?

pressure washer direct image

tonymonton

I bought an 11HP Craftsman pressure washer. The engine is a Briggs and Stratton, Intek model. This is an awesome pressure washer. But, it sounds like a dragster (ok I'm exaggerating). I called Briggs tech support and they said they were working on a solution, but it may take 2 years. I will lose a lot of hearing in 2 years, and my neighbors may set my house on fire when I go on vacation (I'm still exaggerating).
I was thinking of running it in my garage with the doors closed and running extra hose. This would probably work, but the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning is too great to try it I guess.
So, does anyone know of a solution to this, aside from buying an electric model? I don't want to part with this machine. :(

Answer
Only way to quiet the exhaust is to fabricate a larger and thicker muffler or buy one that is larger that you can modify to fit the original bolt pattern and exhaust port size. I've done it on a few customers lawn equipment and with a skilled tech in welding is not that difficult although somewhat involved in layout and design. If the original muffler for the unit has a piece of pipe coming off it for exhaust, you could try attaching another muffler to it for say a small motorcycle or minibike of the same diameter pipe. Surprised the Briggs people would take that long to come up with a solution.
Another simpler solution is to build an insulated open-top box of plywood and foam insulation board to surround the washer with and direct the sound upwards---open top is necessary as it needs air flow to operate the engine or run it in a shed or garage if possible to deaden the noise. You'd have to ventilate the garage somehow or hook up a heat resistant hose to the exhaust and duct it outside with a blower like auto garages do.

Cleaning up steel house siding?

mom-to-be

My husband wants to clean up the (steel) siding of our house. It's white and it's very dirty collecting dust for years before we moved to the house last year. What is the best way to do this? Should we use pressure washer? Or just use a ladder and a mop/scrubber (though we wonder how we'll reach the high areas since it's a two story house)? Anything else? We're worried if we use pressure wash, water can seep in between the siding into the house too, never done this before. Anyone have any experience?

Answer
Talk to a pro. If you pressure wash, just take care not to direct the water into gaps, or else the wood sheathing can get wet, never to dry again (especially depending on where you live and what the climate is). The beauty of aluminum and vinyl siding is supposed to be that you can just pressure wash it, and never have to paint it.

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

pressure washer 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

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should pressure washer have much pressure when quick disconnect is not on wand?

pressure washer spray tips image

mowerman

do the tips increase pressure or is all from the pump?

Answer
It has full pressure. The tip allows whatever product you are spraying to flow, thus "using" pressure and decreasing it until the pump can rebuild it. The tip merely allows different patterns of spray.

How can I remove spray paint from my drive way?

da_panther

Woke up this morning to a nice vandalism of my driveway, and some not so nice things written on it. What is the best way to get rid of it? Lowe's recommended some chemical stuff, can't remember then name, and pressure washing it. It got the first "layer" off, but you can still see the words. Any advice?

Answer
I think most likely Lowes would have recommended is MURATIC ACID but (i) you will probably have to find it at ACE HARDWARE, a Mom & Pop Hardware or a local paint store like Duron. Also I would recommend you research and be extra careful when using Muratic Acid to protect your hands with heavy duty gloves (that you might need to toss if the acid were to damage), eye protection from goggles or safety googles as well as wearing old clothes. If that doesn't work, I would personally recommend you renting a commerical grade gasoline powered pressure washer (again you might try Duron or paint stores) that professional painters get all their supplies and paints from bec the pressure is so POWERFUL if not used carefully moving the tip side-to-side, it can rip the surface just like a sandblaster esp on paint. Believe me I once let my 11 year old son handle it on our asphalt driveway to remove grease and guess what? After it dried, you could see how the stroke marks but luckily once we painted the asphalt with coal based sealer over the entire driveway it covered the blemish from the pressure washer being so powerful. Good Luck!

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