Pressure Washers

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:29 pm

I am looking to buy a pressure washer (steam cleaner). What do I need to look for in terms of power rating, pressure etc?
Thanks

Post by **ASL642** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:53 pm

Is it for engine steam cleaning Rich?

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:01 pm

General use - Cars, driveways, patios etc

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:54 pm

Pressure washer squirts out cold water at high pressure! Steam cleaner squirts out hot 'steam' (really water vapour) at low pressure. Not the same thing! I bought a cheapy pressure washer many years ago (sorry can't now remember where) - and it's still going strong. So my suggestion is - look around for a bargain! But very important to NOT let it run out of water - if it ever runs 'dry' that will be the end of it. Not ideal for washing cars -the pressure 'scores' the dirt across the paintwork
BTW - Pressure washing patio slabs is the most miserable job in the world ! I know - I did mine last sunday!!

Post by **hilllogin** » Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:20 pm

I believe you are looking for a pressurized washer that use high-powered compressors. Try checking it at ebay, you'll find lots at a low price.

Post by **stiguk** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:02 pm

machine mart do some good one,s
the one i had was ok for cars
it was cheap too
lolol

Post by **PSL184** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:49 pm

Argos have a cheap one, just not sure if it will be powerful enough?

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:35 pm

Powerful enough for what purpose? Mine easily cleans up my patio slabs - but only does a 2" wide strip at a time - although the effect is almost instantaneous - so the 'wand' can be moved quite quickly, but the nozzle does have to be about 2" away from the slab. BTW - the repetitive movement can make hand/wrist/elbow v painful - I learned from the past to change hands often!

Post by **Alec** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:44 pm

Hlelo PSL,
it depends on what you want to do and how much patience you have.

With pressure washers you get what you pay for, cheap ones are relatively weak and the more you pay the better they get generally. Compare pressure, which they all state but volume is another matter.

At the extreme you get water jetters that will cut steel.

Alec

Post by **PSL184** » Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:11 pm

I'm looking at this one

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/p ... WASHER.htm

or this one

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/c ... 402027.htm

Which will do? I just want general cleaning duties. Nothing industrial and I don't need to cut steel - far from it! Will the higher pressure of the more expensive one be beneficial or a hinderance. I like cheap but just wonder if too cheap is crap product ???

Post by **Alec** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:42 am

Hello PSL,

I have usually been disappointed in pressure washers but that is probably due to my rather impatient nature.

Alec

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:46 am

The second one looks the better bet. Generally you want ~ 100 bar (1500 psi) which the first one does not do.

Post by **PSL184** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:47 am

Great, thanks.. I'll go for that one then.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:52 am

It does look a good buy! But you MUST always make sure there is water flowing through the machine befor switching on. The pumps are ruined pretty much instantaneously if run dry.

Post by **PSL184** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:48 am

OK, thanks

Post by **alex_holden** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:52 am

Also don't forget to wear safety goggles when you're using it. The high pressure can kick pebbles and grit etc. up into your face.

Post by **PSL184** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:44 am

Thanks, good tip

Post by **stiguk** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:21 pm

check what spray seting it is on
lolol