How to Operate a Pressure Washer Correctly

This article is for those who have not had the experience of using a pressure washer and would like some general guidence on its opperation

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pressure Washer
• Tape
• Plastic Bags

1. Pressure washers can either be driven by an electric motor or a gas powered engine. Depending on which one you are using will determine some common sense steps and precautions in its operation.

2. Cover all electrical parts on the machinery or property that you will be cleaning. You can use plastic bags and tape to protect electrical outlets or other devices from water. You may also use rubber bands or string to tie off the plastic to keep it in place.

3. Keep your pressure washer (Gas or Electric) at least 15 feet from your work area for a number of reasons. If your PW is close to the work area it will get in your way and you may trip over it and could be a hazard. Your PW could be overwhelmed with water which could damage an electric motor or you could get water in the gas and destroy a gas engine.

4. If you are using an electric PW make sure you plug into a three-wire grounded electrical extension cord attached to a proper outlet that is also grounded. If you are using a gas powered PW remove any combustible material and anything that may melt from the extreme heat produced from the exhaust

5. Attach a garden hose to the inlet low pressure side of your PW pump. Use the largest inside diameter hose you have so you do not starve the pump for water and make sure all connections are water tight to prevent air from getting into the line that may cause cavitation that could impede the performance and could possibly damage your pump. It is very very extremely very important that you do not run your pump with out water going to your pump it will damage the pump.

6. Unwrap and layout all your hoses and attachments that you will be using.

7. Turn on the water supply to the pressure washer

8. Make sure the fuel is in the on position in the case of a gas powered PW and in the on postion. In the case of a electric motor powered PW make sure it is plugged into a grounded three-wire receptical and extension cord if needed.

9. Hold the trigger and point the PW wand in the air without a tip on the end. Now start the PW or turn on in the case of a motor driven PW.

10. After your PW is running steady let go of the trigger and this will stop the water and add your tip of choice and begin pressure washing mindful of the power that water under pressure can have to protect yourself and the items you are cleaning.

Resources

• Pressure Washing in Sugarland TX

[paulo55]

on 10/10/2009 Great article! Excellent information! 5*