Every year, thousands of Americans are injured using pressure washers.
Yes, pressure washers are generally safe to use. However, injuries still occur. In fact, some have died using pressure washers incorrectly.
Today, we want to help you stay safe. We’re highlighting some of the best safety tips for pressure washing, including things you need to know before operating a pressure washer.
Terms to Know
Your safety starts with good preparation. Some basic things to know that will prevent unsafe operation of a pressure washer include:
PSI: Pounds per square inch, or PSI, measures how much water pressure the machine produces. A machine with a higher PSI produces more pressure.
GPM: Gallons per minute measures the flow of water. A machine with a smaller GPM number is more water-efficient. A machine with a higher GPM and the same PSI is less efficient – it’s using more water to create the same amount of pressure.
CU: Some pressure washing companies use cleaning units, or CU, to measure the effectiveness of a pressure washer. CU is PSI x GPM. Machines with higher CU numbers are more powerful.
Electric vs. Gas: Electric-powered pressure washers are less powerful than gas-powered pressure washers, but they’re easier to operate. If you have small uses for a pressure washer – like cleaning furniture in an apartment – then an electric-powered pressure washer may be the right choice.
Check the Hose
A good water supply is the foundation to a safe pressure washing experience.
Make sure your water supply meets the following requirements:
- Comes from a hose free of kinks or obstructions
- Uses a hose with an inside diameter at least 3.5”’
- Uses a hose less than 30 feet in length
To check your water supply, connect your hose to the pressure washer and squeeze the nozzle before turning it on. If water comes out of the nozzle before you turn it on, then your pressure washer should work without issue.
Understand Nozzle Safety
Most pressure washers come with a range of nozzles and settings. A red nozzle is the highest-pressure nozzle, delivering a 0-degree stream of water at your surface. It’s the most dangerous in terms of physical injury and surface damage, so be careful when using it.
Some pressure washers come with an all-in-one adjustable nozzle. Other pressure washers come with removable and replaceable nozzles. Read the user manual and make sure you understand your nozzle settings before you start.
Prepare the Area
Prepare the setting before you start pressure washing. It’s a rookie mistake to run the pressure washer without cleaning the area.
Remove debris from surfaces. Cover lights and vents with tarps or other protective materials. Get rid of tripping hazards. Move furniture. Take note of anything that could be damaged by your pressure washer.
Other Tips
Wear protective gear. Goggles, long pants, and sturdy footwear are sufficient safety equipment for basic home pressure washing projects.
Avoid using your hands. Never put your hands in front of your pressure washer. That’s how people get injured.
Avoid using ladders. Ladders and pressure washers don’t mix. Every year, people are injured because they used a pressure washer while standing on a ladder. It’s a bad idea, and the pressure can push you backward, causing you to fall.
Read the manual. Yes, many people avoid reading the manual for any appliance they own. However, reading the manual is smart. All pressure washers work slightly differently. Take a few minutes to read the manual before you begin.
Set a schedule. It’s easy to pressure wash too much – or too little. Keep track of a schedule when pressure washing your home. Generally, you should clean vinyl siding every 2 years, concrete driveways once a year, wooden decks once a year, and other pavement or brick every 3 years.
Use a 45-degree angle. It’s natural to clean a surface at a 90-degree angle, spraying directly at a surface. Unfortunately, that’s not always a smart choice. It pushes dirt into the surface and could cause contaminants to spray directly up towards you. Use a 45-degree angle instead, attacking dirt from the side to blast it away from an area.
Hire the professionals. Pressure washing is an investment. It’s not just about a clean home. Pressure washing can also protect your investment and extend the lifespan of a property. Consider hiring the professionals for your next pressure washing on Long Island. Contact Majestic Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing for a free estimate.