Sometimes referred to as power washers, should be used with prudence before unleashing the heavy artillery. These devices fire a concentrated and powerful high-pressure water spray that may injure humans and cause property damage.
If you wish to utilize the force of a grandfalls pressure washer, follow Consumer Reports’ safe operating guidelines, which are outlined below.
How Do They Work?
Pressure washers use a gas or electric motor to power a pump that blasts dirt off of surfaces like decks, driveways, and patios. Outdoor chairs, certain types of siding, and other items may be cleaned in a fraction of the time it takes to clean them using a scrub brush and water.
Consider the Risks
Many people feel that pressure washers are just glorified lawn hoses. Their nozzles shoot water at 30 to 80 times greater pressure and have strong cutting qualities, regardless of the spray setting you choose. All pressure washers, however, should be handled with caution. If the adjustable wand tip is set to the tiny spray setting or you’re using the narrowest information, an inadvertent squirt of water might land you or a bystander in the emergency room.
Is it Better to Rent or Buy a Power Washer?
To begin, remember the following: Instead of buying a pressure washer, you may rent one and avoid the hassles of maintenance and storage. Purchasing a unit will pay for itself in a few years if properly maintained. Buying your pressure washer might save you money if you use it three or more times each year, according to our experts.
Larger versions come with wheels, as well as tool and cable storage.
Nozzles Are Crucial
The most hazardous elements of pressure washers are the angle and full power of the water sprayed. There are many different brands of pressure washers. They come with either a set of color-coded interchangeable nozzles or an all-in-one adjustable nozzle, both of which enable you to vary the angle (or spray vertex) of water based on the activity (as illustrated below).
Because they can be replaced with a twist, adjustable nozzles are more convenient than replacement nozzles. Replaceable nozzles, on the other hand, allow you to tailor the spray pattern by changing the angle of the spray. To reduce the danger of damage, never use a red, zero-degree replacement nozzle or the zero-degree setting of an all-in-one (adjustable) nozzle. The task may be conducted with less danger if higher-degree nozzles or settings are used.
How to Use a Pressure Washer Safely?
Every year, tens of thousands of individuals are treated in emergency rooms as a consequence of pressure washer accidents. Furthermore, the speed of the water may tear through the skin and tissue underneath it, perhaps triggering a bacterial infection.
A zero-degree spray, which is produced by a red-colored replacement nozzle tip or the lowest setting on an adjustable type, concentrates all of the water’s force into a pinpoint blast, creating an unnecessary safety concern. Consumer Reports does not endorse any pressure washer with a zero-degree nozzle or setting, regardless of how well it cleans. If the device comes with a red, zero-degree nozzle, we recommend removing it and avoiding exact settings to avoid causing property damage or injury.
While all pressure washers produce a lot of noise, gas-powered pressure washers produce far more. As a result, if you’re working near the washing machine, we recommend that you use hearing protection. However, if you stretch the line and work far enough away from the washer, the noise shouldn’t be an issue.
