What You Need to Know Before Buying a Pressure Washer

Most people aren’t experts at buying pressure washers. Fortunately, we are.

At Majestic Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing, we know how good a professional pressure washing can make your home look. Our experts work quickly to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from the surface of any home or business. It makes a property look great – and it extends its lifespan.

Many of our customers invest in pressure washers – and that’s okay! Having a consumer-grade pressure washer can help you tackle small messes around the home.

However, not all pressure washers are made alike. Some pressure washers are better than others.

Some power washers have less power than a garden hose. Others are nearly as powerful as our commercial-grade cleaners.

We want to help. Today, we’re highlighting 5 things you need to know before buying a pressure washer.

Gas vs. Electric

First, you have a decision to make. Do you want to buy a gas-powered pressure washer or an electric-powered pressure washer?

Some of the pros and cons of each include:

Gas-Powered Pressure Washer

Gas-powered pressure washers deliver water at a higher pressure, and they’re ideal for larger areas (like driveways). They also tend to be noisier, heavier, and more expensive.

Pros

Better coverage for large areas (like decks, siding, and driveways)
Effective cleaning without needing chemicals
Easily removes tough-to-displace stains, contaminants, and other problems

Cons

Noisy
Heavy
More expensive
Must winterize the pressure washer in colder climates
Increased risk of injury to yourself or damage to a property

Electric-Powered Pressure Washer

For smaller homes, condos, or jobs, an electric-powered pressure washer can be affordable and easy to use. Even the best electric-powered pressure washers don’t have the same power as their gas-powered cousins, but you still get effective cleaning at a reasonable rate. Expect to pay between $100 and $350 for an electric-powered pressure washer.

Pros

Easy to use
Ideal for small decks, patios, furniture, and other tiny tasks
Light and quiet
No exhaust emissions or gas smell
No need to winterize
Easy to store

Cons

Lower water pressure
Longer cleaning times
Weaker nozzles
Must remain plugged in during use

Based on your unique pressure washing needs, choose the right pressure washer for you.

Understand Nozzles

You attach different nozzles to your pressure washer to adjust the angle and intensity. The nozzle sits at the tip of the pressure washer wand. Specific types of nozzles vary between brands, and some brands use different colors. However, all nozzles let you adjust spray and intensity in different ways – all with a piece of plastic or metal.

Some things to know about nozzles include:

Adjustable vs. Replaceable Nozzles: Some pressure washers have adjustable nozzles. You twist the nozzle to customize the intensity and the angle. Other nozzles are replaceable, which means you swap different nozzles for different jobs. Generally, all-in-one adjustable nozzles are more convenient.

Types of Intensities: Most pressure washers come with red nozzles for the toughest cleaning jobs. These nozzles have a highly-concentrated spraying angle (listed as 0 degrees). They direct a highly-concentrated stream of water at the surface. Your pressure washer should also come with a black nozzle (for low pressure and gentle washing), a white or grey nozzle (40 degrees, for surfaces that are easy to damage), a green nozzle (25 degrees, for general tasks), and a yellow nozzle (15 degrees, for heavy-duty tasks).

Ultimately, all-in-one nozzles are an easy choice for the home handyman. However, people with more extensive pressure washing needs may opt for replaceable nozzles for added customizability.

Other Tips for Buying a Pressure Washer

You’re almost ready to buy your first pressure washer. Other tips to consider include:

Compare Reviews Online from Multiple Sources: Don’t trust the manufacturer’s official website. Browse the top-rated pressure washers online. Read reviews from people in the business. Check Reddit and other sources for independent information.

Take Safety Precautions During Use: Wear goggles, long pants, and sturdy shoes when operating your pressure washer. Yes, it’s tempting to run your pressure washer in a bathing suite and flip flops, but it increases the risk of energy.

Test the Pressure Washer on a Random Surface: Before pressure washing your deck or patio checks, test a small corner of your deck – or better yet, a random piece of wood. It’s a good way to test the intensity of your pressure washer before doing permanent damage.

Ask Locals What They Use: Ask a neighbor or friend what type of pressure washer they use. One pressure washer online might be ideal for cleaning swamp stains off your deck in Florida, but it doesn’t work as well in New York.

Avoid Washing your Car with a Pressure Washer: Most experts don’t recommend pressure washing a car. Instead, a hose works better. Pressure washers can easily damage a car’s exterior. If you need to pressure wash your vehicle, make sure you know what you’re doing.

Schedule Pressure Washing on Long Island Today

Majestic Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing serves all of Nassau and Suffolk Counties on Long Island with effective pressure washing.