About Pressure washers

A pressure washer is a device which ejects a high pressure jet stream of water that is used for removing persistent stains, loose paint, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete surfaces. It uses a simple mechanism where the high power stream of water is generated via motor which powers the water pump and produces a high velocity water stream. For proper functioning of the water pump, here should be adequate water supply connected to it, otherwise the water starvation would lead to cavitation of motor and thus lead to damage.

Different types of nozzles are designed for various applications and thus ensures efficient cleaning guaranteed for every use. In some washers there are provisions for detergent to be added for more penetrated cleansing action. In most of the consumer washer, they are powered by electric- or petrol. An Electric washer is plugged into a normal outlet, connected to the water supply, and deliver a pressure up to about 2,000 psi (140 bar). Petrol washers can deliver twice that pressure, but due to the hazardous nature of the engine exhaust they are deemed unsuitable for enclosed or indoor areas. Some models can generate hot water, which can be ideal for loosening and removing oil and grease.

 

At extreme high pressure, these washers are used in many industrial cleaning applications which requires the removal of surfaces of different layers of oil and grease and for dust-free cutting of some metals and concrete. For exterior applications, the use of gas or propane powered washers are considered as they provide greater mobility than electric ones, and they do not require the use of an electrical outlet, which often restrains the mobility, For indoor applications, electric washers produces no exhaust and are much quieter than gas or propane washers and thus are more preferred than their alternatives.

Nowadays the majority of pressure washers connect to an existing water supply, like a garden hose, but there are some models available in the market which stores water in an attached tank. Usually there is an on/off button that controls the water stream and many models allow the user to adjust the water pressure according to their need.

They are used for removing graffiti off the wall with the help of a mixture of sand and water, which etches the surface and often removes a permanent mark. Apart from this, they are used in airports, specifically in runways to remove rubber and oil from tarmac in order to provide friction to the planes so they don’t skid off the runway. There are several other uses to it which are both domestic and industrial use as well.

One needs to be careful while operating these devices as the pressure is high and if not used with excessive care, this can also lead to damaged surface of whatever it is applied on. Any time a rigid surface, such as asphalt, concrete or metal, needs to have a coating applied the surface is first prepared by the process of hydro cleaning. Hydro cleaning has been used to prepare for the application of such coatings. Coatings are used to protect concrete from rain and salt, and to create a smoother surface for human use. Concrete can also be covered with carpet or tiles using a heavy duty glue or mastic. Asphalt and concrete can be painted to communicate acceptable travel patterns, potential hazards, or for aesthetics. Hydro cleaning is used to remove such materials off.

It is a great equipment which have made a tedious job into a very easy and fun to do process.