- 1). Understand that all pressure washers are not manufactured the same. Occasional use washers, electric 120 VAC wall outlet types, may utilize a very small volume pump that will only deliver a small amount of water, generally in the 1 to 3 gallon per minute range. The length of spray will also be affected by a low volume washer. In other words the effective spray range may only be 10 to 15 feet with a pressure of 800 to 1000 pounds per square inch (PSI).
- 2). Examine large industrial power washers that can deliver a high volume of water at high pressure, in the area of 1000 to 2500 PSI. These types of washers can shoot an effective spray up to 30 feet for cleaning the siding on homes. The high volume sprayers are generally a gasoline powered washer that can also be very loud since they are powered by gasoline engines.
- 3). Consider spray systems that allow you to add cleaner into the high-pressure water stream. The less expensive washers may not have an extra tank in which to add a cleaning solution. Larger washers will offer a cleaning solution tank with an "on" or "off" valve to shut off the solution to the high-pressure spray.
- 4). Add a special spray tip and suction hose that will allow you to perform wet sand blasting at high pressure. This addition can be very useful for wet stripping paint and may only be offered on the industrial types of power washers. The combination of the high-pressure water and the sand can quickly strip paint from almost any surface. The sand used in this application is specially made for sand blasting.
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