Apply Detergent on Low Pressure

It may be tempting to spray the chemical cleaner on high pressure, but doing so won't get you anywhere faster. When power washing, you should always apply the detergent on low pressure for two reasons. First, if you tried to spray the detergent on high pressure, the force and speed would simply make the solution splash off, resulting in a waste of your time. Second, chemical injectors do not typically work in high-pressure mode, but will switch from low pressure to high pressure from the wand. This transition makes the process smoother for you, so that you can go straight from applying the detergent to rinsing it off.

Reaching New Heights

Power washing higher surfaces can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to be difficult. Consider using a pressure washer extension wand or telescoping wand to help reach out of the way areas. In addition, you can always adjust your nozzle to a narrow spray pattern. This will help propel your water flow upwards, but you may still get an inconsistent spray pattern. Just use multiple passes at hard to clean areas and this will loosen any remaining dirt.

Shutting Down

When you're finishing up a power washing task, make sure you follow through with shutting down your unit properly. You should run by this checklist:

• Make sure you've flushed the cleaning detergent injection system.
• Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes before turning it off.
• Shut off the water supply.
• Disconnect the hoses and all attachments.
• Empty out all the liquids from the pump.
• Store your pressure washer in a cool, dry place.

Easy Water Pressure Fix

In a pressure washer, the plunger pump puts out a constant volume of water. Regardless of whether you've set your unit to pump out at high pressure or low pressure the same amount of water passes through. Most people adjust the pressure on the nozzle when power washing, depending on the type of pressure they want. But if you want a quick adjustment without interrupting what you're doing, all you need to do is adjust the distance between your nozzle and the surface you're spraying.

Oil Leaks

Have you had oil leakage problems with your pressure washer? Whether you're power washing your home or using it for commercial or industrial purposes, you still need to properly maintain your unit. A pressure washer that leaks oil could be doing so for a few reasons:

• Check your oil indicator to make sure that you're not filling your pump with too much oil.
• Make sure the ventilation hole leading to your crank case is not plugged.
• Make sure the oil seals on the plungers aren't wearing down. If they are, you'll find oil build-up on between your pump and the transmission.

Unclogging the Nozzle

So you've figured out how to operate a pressure washer, but now the nozzle is clogged and you don't know how to clean it. First make sure you disconnect the spray wand from the gun. Next, get a small piece of rigid wire to clear out the nozzle. A straightened paper clip will do the trick. Use water to flush out the nozzle backwards and then reconnect the wand to the gun. Now you can test out the nozzle by starting the pressure washer and pressing the trigger on the spray gun. If there's still a clog, try cleaning it again a few times. After a couple tries, if you're not successful, your best bet is to replace the nozzle entirely.

Low Water Pressure

So you're figuring out how to operate a pressure washer and there's a problem with the water pressure. It just doesn't seem to be strong enough. There could be a number of reasons why you've got a problem. Go through this list to help you troubleshoot:

• The tip may be too large or old.
• The pump inlet could be leaking air.
• Your pump or unloader may be bypassing water.
• The pipe could be too small for adequate water flow.

Using the Chiseling Nozzle

The 15-Degree Nozzle is a chiseling nozzle. Direct your spray at a 45-degree angle to the surface and use it like a scraper to remove paint, grease and dirt.

The 15-degree is best for surface preparation (removing peeling paint and mildew stains(, cleaning gutters and downspouts.

Using a Pressure Washer to Sanitize a Stable

Once the dry-cleaning process has been completed, you are ready to proceed to the sanitizing phase. You should be aware that high levels of infective material will still remain in the area.

By removing soiling from the walls and floors with products that combine detergent capacity and a biocidal activity ensures greasy deposits do not remain on rough surfaces e.g. concrete and wood. Detergent-sanitizers also reduce the time taken to clean by up to 60%, and reduce the spread of disease in washing water. Follow these steps to complete the disinfection.

*Use a brand-name detergent-sanitizer.
*Apply with a knapsack sprayer or pressure washer. The pressure washer should be set on a low pressure setting 500 psi (35 bars) using a 45 degree angle jet. Use the appropriate application rate.
*Start at the apex of the roof and work down the walls to the floor paying particular attention to corners and other areas where dirt accumulates.
*Caked soiling should be brushed if necessary to aid removal.
*Allow surfaces to dry where possible before disinfection.

Removing Graffiti From Masonry Surfaces

Removing freelance artwork and remarks from a municipalities public concrete surfaces is a never-ending process. The best option for this type of surface is to power-wash the graffiti with a 3000psi-pressure washer. Be careful in selecting the type of tip you use in the pressure wand. Too narrow of a tip (such as 0 degree) will etch the masonry surface leaving a perfect outline of the graffiti removed, which only creates another eyesore.

Using the Wash Nozzle

The 40-Degree Nozzle is a wash nozzle. Its wide spray pattern disperses the water pressure over a large area and is recommended for rinsing and moderate washing.

The 40-degree is best for washing down aluminum siding, cleaning windows, washing vehicles, spraying sidewalks, driveways and patios.

Changing the Pressure Setting on a Power Washer

Adjusting the pressure on your washer, depends on what kind of equipment you are using. Some pressure washers are equipped with a pressure regulator that lets you change the pressure. If you don't have a regulator, you can use the more common method to regulate your pressure: Change to a nozzle with a larger opening. This allows more water to come through the nozzle while reducing pressure build-up behind it.

Standing Distance

How far you stand away from the surface you are cleaning when you're power washing depends on several factors – the pressure washer unit you are using, the force of the water pressure, the gallons per minute the water is flowing at, and the surface that you're washing. As a general rule of thumb, you can stand four to five feet away from the vertical surface you're washing and then move closer if need be. Always be aware of your surrounding area and stay clear of open electrical areas.

Calculating Pipe Pressure Loss

The values in the chart below present the approximate calculations since the pipe pressure loss can be affected by other factors, including water temperature, pipe ID tolerance, type of fittings, and pipe inner wall smoothness. In addition, schedule 40 and schedule 80 pipes have different IDs and, therefore, different pressure losses.

WATER FLOW GPM HOSE INSIDE DIAMETER, INCHES
1/4" 5/16" 3/8" 1/2"
1 54 PSI 20 PSI 7 PSI 2 PSI
2 180 PSI 60 PSI 25 PSI 6 PSI
3 380 PSI 120 PSI 50 PSI 13 PSI
4 - 220 PSI 90 PSI 24 PSI
5 - 320 PSI 130 PSI 34 PSI
6 - - 220 PSI 52 PSI
8 - - 300 PSI 80 PSI
10 - - - 120 PSI

Pressure Washing Precautions

There is a lot more to think about in how to operate a pressure washer, than blasting a surface with water. Here are a few precautions to take to ensure safe pressure-washing from start to finish.

*Wear protective gloves and clothing when working with chemicals.
*Wear protective gloves and clothing when working with media temperatures over 140 F.
*Do not allow gun to freeze. Always store and transport gun in temperatures above 32 F.
*Inspect and maintain spray gun. Ensure safe operation by inspecting gun for leaks or damage before every use.

Hose Pressure Loss

There may come a time, in the midst of a job, that you realize you are dealing with hose pressure loss. Obviously this is a problem because if you don't get the pressure, you are not going to complete the job properly.

When it comes to hose pressure loss, there are several known and potential causes. These can include problems with the inner liner surface of the hose, how you have laid your hose out prior to use, the pressure washer fittings you are using, and sometimes even the water temperature. Due to gravity, pressure loss will also obviously decrease if the hose is positioned up a hill or incline.

Once you ensure that your hose positioning is good and you are using water at the correct temperature, if you are still experiencing hose pressure wash you may want to try swapping out the hose or the fixtures. If the problem persists, call your pressure washers dealer.

Pump Up Your Power Washer

When it comes to sprayers when you are using your power washer, you have your Pump-ups and your airless. Which one you choose will depend on the job you are doing and your personal preferences. Pump up sprayers are fairly inexpensive and lightweight. Tanks range in capacity from 8oz. up to 4 gallons. You can use the 1-3 gallon sprayers for applying thin viscosity cleaners, strippers, neutralizers, sealers and semi-transparent stains. You can also get these popular size units in backpack models with either a pumping mechanism or a battery powered pump.

Water Flow Issues

Are you learning how to operate a pressure washer and the water just won't start flowing? Before you get too frustrated trying to resolve the problem, check this troubleshooting reference to see if one of these fixes can help you with the problem.

• Make sure you have power available to your unit and that it is on.
• Check the gun, nozzle, and hot water coil for any clogs.
• Your unloader has a malfunction.