In recent years, the use of high pressure water to clean surfaces has become increasingly popular thanks to the introduction of the pressure washer. This powerful high pressure machine offers an efficient and fast way to remove dirt and stains from surfaces, making the cleaning process much easier. In this article, we will explore the operation and characteristics of the pressure washer, analyzing the different types available on the market, to offer you a complete guide and help you understand which one is best for your cleaning needs.
What is a pressure washer?
A pressure washer, also known as power washer, is a high-pressure machine that uses an electric motor or internal combustion engine together with a pump to generate a high-pressure stream of water. Thanks to the power of the high pressure water jet, the power washer is able to remove dirt and deposits from surfaces. Different models are available to meet both domestic and professional needs. The pressure washer is therefore a machine suitable for different types of cleaning operations thanks to the variety of models and accessories you can choose from.
Pressure washer types: for domestic or professional use
There are different types of pressure washers available on the market, each with specific characteristics. To understand the operation and characteristics of the pressure washer, it is important to make a first distinction between the pressure washer types:
- Commercial pressure washers: designed for domestic or occasional use and undemanding tasks such as washing cars, bikes or cleaning gardens and outdoor areas.
- Professional pressure washers: designed for frequent use in professional fields such as those in the automotive, artisanal, construction and agricultural sectors. Professional pressure washers need more power and therefore also components that can better withstand the pressure and frequent use.
Pressure washer types: cold water or hot water
The second distinction regarding high pressure machines concerns the temperature of the water they work with. Indeed, there are:
- Cold water pressure washers suitable for both domestic and professional use in situations where a jet of water is enough for effectively cleaning dirt.
- Hot water pressure washers suitable for professional use in which the water temperature is used to sanitize or remove very stubborn dirt. The combination of pressure and high temperature effectively cleans surfaces and can remove stains such as oil, grease and other substances that are difficult to clean with cold water.
Pressure washer types: electric, petrol or battery powered
The third distinction is made with respect to the power supply of the pressure washer, i.e. the type of motor that is installed:
- Pressure washers with electric motor: generally less powerful but easier to handle. Electric pressure washers are equipped with a motor that is powered by electricity.
- Pressure washers with petrol engine: more performing and powerful but less agile when moving. These type of power washers use an internal combustion engine, such as a gasoline or diesel engine, to generate the necessary power. The petrol pressure washer is the ideal solution for tasks in areas where there is no access to electricity. Or where a lot of power is required, which cannot be guaranteed by a machine with an electric motor.
- Battery powered pressure washers: these are small models designed for domestic use.
If you’re wondering whether a gas or electric pressure washer is better, read the in-depth guide to discover the differences, advantages, and find out which option best suits your needs.
How does a pressure washer work?
Now that we know the different types of pressure washers available on the market, it is important to understand how the pressure washer works and what it is used for. The operation of the pressure washer is quite simple: the water enters the machine from the water mains thanks to the connection pipe. When the water reaches the pressure washer, it is then put under pressure by the pump, which is activated by the motor. Subsequently the water is pushed into the high pressure hose to reach the gun and the lance, finally leaving through the nozzle (or any accessory). Operating the high pressure jet is easy as it is activated and deactivated by pushing and releasing the trigger on the high pressure lance gun.
The high pressure water jet exiting the nozzle is then able to remove dirt, dust, stains and impurities from surfaces. The high water pressure acts as a force to loosen dirt from surfaces, while the jet can even remove stubborn residues such as paint or moss. To achieve the best cleaning results, it’s essential to choose the right lance: in our complete guide to professional pressure washer lances we explain how to navigate different types, materials, and technical criteria.
What does a pressure washer consist of?
After seeing how it works, let’s see the main characteristics of the pressure washer. It’s quite a simple machine, as it consists of:
- A pump, which is the main component as it allows you to have a powerful jet of water at high pressure.
- A motor, which powers the machine’s high pressure pump and which can be electric or petrol.
- A water inlet hose to connect the pressure washer to the water supply, which usually also has a filter to protect the machine from impurities.
- A high pressure tube for the ongoing water.
- Cleaning accessories that change according to the type of task and dirt to be cleaned. Usually, they consist of a spray gun, wand and nozzles, which can be interchangeable, as there are various types. There are also specific pressure washer accessories for certain applications, such as a floor scrubber brush.
- The body which can be of the standard type with a casing, or casing-free, like the body seen on the Comac EM (Easy Maintenance) versions.
- The tank for the chemical product or the Venturi system for mixing the water and the detergent.
- Wheels, which are usually large in order to facilitate the transport of the high pressure machine.
What is a pressure washer used for?
The pressure washer is an extremely useful tool that is used in different contexts and situations. It is such a versatile tool that it is difficult to clearly define its field of application in the world of professional cleaning. But here are some of the main uses of the pressure washer:
- Cleaning outdoor floors: the pressure washer is ideal for cleaning stone, concrete or wooden floors. Effectively removes not only dirt, stains and residues of leaves, but also grass or moss.
- Cleaning of vertical surfaces: with the pressure washer it is possible to clean walls, facades, fences or external walls. The powerful water pressure quickly and effectively removes the dirt accumulated over time.
- Car washing: the pressure washer is an excellent tool for cleaning cars, motorcycles, bicycles, work vehicles or ships. It removes mud, dirt and bugs quickly and effortlessly.
- Cleaning outdoor furniture and equipment: the pressure washer can be used to clean gardening tools, barbecue grills, patio furniture and even inflatable swimming pools.
- Cleaning of industrial surfaces: in the industrial sector, professional pressure washers are widely used for cleaning machinery, equipment, as well as floors in workshops, factories and production plants. High water pressure combined with hot water can effectively remove oils, greases and other difficult substances that may be present on industrial surfaces.
- Cleaning outdoor areas and patios: pressure washers are perfect for cleaning patios, decks and outdoor areas. They remove dirt, mould, algae and other impurities, restoring the beauty and appearance of outdoor surfaces.
- Pool maintenance: pressure washers can be used to clean pool walls, edges and accessories such as ladders and slides. They remove dirt, algae and mineral deposits that build up over time.
- Unclogging the drain: the pressure washer equipped with a special kit for cleaning the pipes allows you to use the high-pressure water jet to unclog downspouts and clogged domestic pipes.
- Clean the solar panels: using a pressure washer with an adjustable fan jet, lighter and more delicate and therefore suitable for this type of material.
So which pressure washer should you choose?
The pressure washer is a powerful and versatile tool for cleaning a wide variety of surfaces. With different options available, such as hot or cold water pressure washer, you can choose the one that best suits your specific needs. Remember that your pressure washer requires a proper understanding of its operation and features for effective and safe use. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and take the necessary precautions during use.
The new Comac professional pressure washers
To meet the various cleaning needs of cleaning professionals, Comac offers a complete range of high pressure cleaners. Designed for use in the professional field, they are pressure washers suitable for intense and continuous use. In fact, the Comac high pressure range includes cold water high pressure cleaners, hot water high pressure cleaners, electric high pressure cleaners and petrol high pressure cleaners.
Explore different power washer options available on the website and compare their specifications and performance to make the best choice according to your needs. Remember that a worldwide network of Comac authorized dealers is at your disposal to help you choose: contact us!
This post is also available in: Italian
