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Pressure Washers
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:29 pm
by PSL184
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
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 7:53 pm
by ASL642
Is it for engine steam cleaning Rich?
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 8:01 pm
by PSL184
General use - Cars, driveways, patios etc

Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 11:54 pm
by bmcecosse
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!!
Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 4:20 pm
by hilllogin
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.
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:02 pm
by stiguk
machine mart do some good one,s
the one i had was ok for cars
it was cheap too
lolol
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 5:49 pm
by PSL184
Argos have a cheap one, just not sure if it will be powerful enough?
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:35 pm
by bmcecosse
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!
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 9:44 pm
by Alec
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
Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 11:11 pm
by PSL184
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 ???
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:42 am
by Alec
Hello PSL,
I have usually been disappointed in pressure washers but that is probably due to my rather impatient nature.
Alec
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:46 am
by bmcecosse
The second one looks the better bet. Generally you want ~ 100 bar (1500 psi) which the first one does not do.
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:47 am
by PSL184
Great, thanks.. I'll go for that one then.
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:52 am
by bmcecosse
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:48 am
by PSL184
OK, thanks
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:52 am
by alex_holden
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.
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:44 am
by PSL184
Thanks, good tip
Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:21 pm
by stiguk
check what spray seting it is on
lolol