Selecting the Right Pressure Washer
What You Should Know... PSI (pounds per square inch)
PSI is a unit of pressure indicating the amount of force (in pounds) the unit would create if concentrated on one square inch of surface area. The greater the pressure, the better the cleaning efficiency. GPM (gallons per minute) GPM is a unit of flow indicating how many gallons of water will flow through your pressure washer over a span of one minute. A higher flow rate will cut down your cleaning time. PSI vs. GPM Pressure and flow are both equally important when choosing a pressure washer. The pressure is given in PSI, and flow is given in GPM. A correct combination of pressure and flow will ensure you have the most ideal pressure washing system for your needs. CU (cleaning unit) CU is calculated by multiplying the pressure (PSI) by the flow (GPM). This number is useful for comparing models. The higher the number of cleaning units, the more cleaning power your pressure washer has. Pump Pressure washer pumps are driven by the motor or engine and push the water through your pressure washer. The two types of pumps are direct drive and
belt drive. Nozzle
4 WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.P65warnings.ca.gov. Direct Drive: For applications requiring less than 20 hours of use per week, direct driven pumps are more commonly used. The pump is directly coupled to the engine or motor causing the pump to spin faster than on belt drive models. Although these models are not recommended for heavy, consistent usage, they are a lower cost alternative to more expensive, belt driven models. Is time a factor? A correctly sized pressure washer can cut cleaning times in half. Shorter cleaning time means less labor, which equals more productivity and profit. Belt Drive: Most commonly found on industrial models, a belt driven pump is ideal for cleaning applications requiring 20+ hours of use per week. The belt connecting the engine or motor with the high pressure pump dissipates the heat and vibration, minimizes the wear and thus the repair on key components and extends the life of the pump by reducing the RPM demand. The actual pressure is created by the nozzle. Different nozzle sizes (orifices) are available to create the spray angle or pressure needed to fit your cleaning needs. The wider the spray, the less concentrated the cleaning power. The narrower the spray, the more concentrated the cleaning power. Unloaders and Relief Valves Pressure washers are equipped with safety features designed to reduce pressure build-up. Unloaders and thermal relief valves prevent water pressure and temperature from reaching dangerous levels. Cold or Hot Water? Cold water pressure washers are great for cleaning dirt from most any surface: decks, siding, concrete, etc. However, cold water pressure washers cannot remove grease and oil effectively. To clean a surface that needs to be degreased, you'll want to use a hot water pressure washer. Hot water also cleans faster in most applications. What is the difference between Belt Drive and Direct Drive pumps?
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