A pressure washer is a powerful and versatile tool. Users can easily adjust the amount of pressure water released to suit their cleaning needs.
PSI and GPM are the measurement units to keep in mind.
The amount of pressure expended by this equipment is measured in terms of PSI (lbs per sq. inch). GPM (gal per min.) refers to the amount of water sprayed by the tool per minute.
A higher rate PSI and GPM rate would indicate faster cleaning times.
Sizing Up the Situation
Water Pressure
Before investing in a pressure washer, first look into the different tasks you’ll have up against your cleaning equipment.
Learn about the various surfaces and materials that you’ll be handling. This will give you an idea of the required amount of pressure you’ll be needing for each task.
Once you have an idea of the PSI range required for the different tasks you’ll accomplish, choosing the right pressure washer will be easy. You might think that you’ll score a great deal by getting the pressure washer with the highest PSI range, but it will go to waste if you’ll only be needing pressure of about 1500 to 2600 PSI.
Water Volume
While higher water pressure will make it easier to break up tough dirt and grime, the water volume will eventually flush away the filth. The more water (higher GPM) expended by your machine, the faster it will be for the dirt to flow away.
Remember to assess the cleaning situation before heading over to your local hardware store to buy a pressure washer.
Make sure that it provides an adequate range of water pressure required for your cleaning tasks. Choosing equipment that is overqualified for the task at hand isn’t a good investment either.
Remember that GPM is also as critical as considering PSI when buying a pressure washer.
Combine these two factors of water pressure and water volume, and you’ll have a powerful cleaning tool that’ll get rid of grime and stubborn stains.
