About Pressure Washing

Where do I get a pressure washer? How do I know if I am making a good purchase?Purchasing a pressure washer is very similar to purchasing a car. What you see on the outside may look like the high technology equipment you are seeking, but in reality it may be the pressure washing equivalent of to an automotive lemon. Be advised, though. In order to purchase professional equipment, you need to deal with professionals. Surveying the pressure washer stock at your local hardware store is the best way to spend your money on equipment that will eventually disappoint you. Those models are mainly for limited residential use, and they may break down quickly over time and with increased usage. Overall, it is not a wise investment if you intend to start a pressure washing business.

Also, just as in car purchasing, if you are considering looking at used models and you don’t know the owner, it is very difficult to know the history of the equipment and whether it was maintained properly or not. It is very hard to know what internal problems may exist with just a visual inspection. While it may look like it is in good condition, the pressure washer may have spent the last two winters on a back porch with a family of moles hibernating underneath it. As a result, if you want the safest and smartest investment, purchasing a new machine from a trusted professional is a good idea. Not only will you know its history, your new pressure washer will mostly likely have some type of warranty or maintenance plan that comes along with it. This will help you keep your new investment in shape.

DO talk to professionals.
DO your research.
DON’T buy used without knowing the full history.
DON’T buy from local hardware store because it’s on sale!

What is the best PSI for starting a business? What is the best PSI for residential use?One of the most common questions about pressure washing involves the PSI. A pressure washer is a wonderful investment, but you need to understand your pressure washing needs fully in order to get the best machine. While a two-seater sports car may look wonderful, for a family of five it is a completely useless piece of metal. The same idea applies here. If your pressure washer is for commercial, use a psi (pressure per square inch) of at least 3,600. Residential users do not need this much pressure for lawn furniture or cleaning the car, but the psi should be, at the very least, 2,500. While you might save money by purchasing a pressure washer with lower psi, it is a financial waste.

What chemicals do I need to purchase? Are they expensive?
While expensive chemicals may imply better results, muriatic (hydrochloric) acid works wonderfully for almost every application. Moreover, it does not put a financial strain on your wallet. Other projects may require a milder solution, but for commercial use and tough jobs, muriatic acid is the way to go.

Being Safe with Muriatic Acid
Remember muriatic acid is a highly corrosive. That means it will irreversibly damage another substance with which it comes in contact. So strict safety measures should be enforced. Below is a list of safety measures to take when using this acid:

1: VERY IMPORTANT: Always add acid to water! Never add water to acid! A violent reaction occurs of done in reverse, and it can cause serious burns!

2: Wear proper clothing. Gauntlet style acid resistant gloves are strongly recommended, as is eye protection.

3: Have a neutralizing agent and water available, such as a hose. Baking soda or garden lime can quickly neutralize the acid if spilled.

4: Since muriatic acid can damage or kill plant life, cover or wet all nearby foliage with water before application of the acid. The same mix of lime and water can be applied to the plant and/or soil to help counteract the effects of the acid.

5: Adequate ventilation is a must! Use a fan to bring fresh air to the work area. Muriatic acid is nonflammable, but the vapors are highly corrosive and irritating.

Damage prevention
Do not place muriatic acid in the chemical injector pump. Chemical injections pumps are designed specifically to operate with certain temperatures, chemicals, and pressures. The highly corrosive and caustic nature of the hydrochloric acid will cause, as mentioned before, irreparable damage to equipment.