Without any doubt, we all enjoy using pressure washers, as when you are using them, you feel like a navy seal or a DC hero. On the other hand, it is also not as easy as you think, as not using the pressure washer in the right way can lead to severe damage to your property.
Generally, an average pressure washer provides a power of 1000 lbs with a garden hose irrespective of whether gas engines or electric motors power it. In simple words, the higher the pressure you use, the harder it will be to use.
Most homeowners enjoy pressure washing with an electric pressure washer which provides an average power of 1200 – 1400 psi. In addition, when you use an electric pressure washer, you will have to connect it to a ground circuit to ensure that it is safe.
In this blog, you will learn how to use a pressure washer to safely clean your home exteriors and driveway to avoid unwanted injuries.
So, let’s get started!
1: Select The Correct Time For The Task
Water is the first and foremost thing you will need to get started with pressure washing. If you get water from a well, you don’t want the well to dry up. In addition to that, if you live in a city where you hardly find water for washing your clothes, then it is best if you can postpone pressure washing for a couple of months.
2: Protecting your plants
Solid washing powder can damage plants, so wrap them with tarpaulins before pressure washing. You can also provide room to use canvas or get started with old clothes for a budget-friendly pressure washing. If you are hunting for a budget-friendly option, you can also ask your local painter for a few rolls of painter’s plastics. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that you remove the plastic as quickly as possible because it is not breathable and adversely affects the health of your plants.
3: Eliminate all the debris
There is no doubt that you cannot use your expensive pressure washer to remove all the unwanted debris, and it is a waste of time, money, and energy. You can instead use a leaf blower for the job as it can perfectly remove small rocks, sticks, and all other debris with ease. When cleaning debris, never be in a hurry as it can hurt your home.
4: Do you have a sufficient water supply?
As mentioned above, you will need a lot of water to start pressure washing. You must first evaluate your water supply or save it for the day. Secondly, you will also have to find out whether your garden hose can work accordingly. It is highly recommended to use a garden hose with a diameter of 3 or 4 inches. Also, double-check the water system to ensure that water flows without obstruction.
5: Don’t forget to use a degreaser before you start pressure washing
Well, before you start pressure washing, you need to clean the surface to prevent damage and unwanted extra work. You must clean all the concrete on the driveway and walls using a degreaser. Also, when using the spray type degreaser, maintain a distance of six inches from the surface of the wall to prevent corrosion. It is also best if you can use the attachment tool that comes along with the pressure washer equipment.
A common mistake that most house owners make is they prefer to use bleaching powder for pressure washing which affects the health of their pressure washing effectively. Substituting washing powder with bleaching powder leads to corrosion inside the pressure washer and adversely affects the pump and motor of the pressure washer. So, keep in mind to never use bleaching powder with a pressure washer.
6: The Right Procedure
To get started, tighten all the hoses to prevent air from getting leaked into the pipeline and to prevent damage.
As you use the pressure washer for the first time, start slowly to keep everything safe. If using a gas-based pressure washer, keep the pressure low to prevent recoil. On the other hand, if you are using an electric-based pressure washer, adjust the nozzle to low pressure to avoid any injury.
Once you finish the initial setup, turn on the water from the faucet, and you can feel the air pushing inside the pump. Remember that you will have to be patient and slow to keep everything under control. Also, when using the pressure washer, turn it off every 3 -5 minutes to prevent overheating.
When the pressure wash is on, you will have to lock the system’s trigger to ensure that you keep the nozzle under control to avoid unwanted injuries and prevent damage to your external property.
7: Never use a pressure washer with Safety Gear
Pressure washers are loud and annoying, and water and other debris can splash back in your face. You’ll also be going to step in slick, soapy water. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and shock absorption shoes. A powerful pressure washer has the power to cut skin and leave you severely wounded. So, it is highly recommended to use it with extreme care and keep it out of the reach of children.
8: Sealing your driveway after pressure washing
Once you are done with pressure washing, you will have to ensure that you clean the system, nozzles, and all the edges to ensure that you can save the machine without any damage for the next few months. You will not use the pressure washer every week; therefore, you will have to clean your driveway with the help of a sealant before. Use a good quality sealant to ensure that you keep your driveway clean and also to make your future cleaning session easy.
Are you looking for Pressure Washing in North Vancouver and nearby areas? Look no further than AdelCo Home Services, as they have the right tools and men for the job to complete the task quickly and easily.