Questions You Should Know about Commercial High Pressure Car Wash Machine

Pressure washers have become a piece of indispensable equipment for effectively and efficiently cleaning surfaces in a variety of commercial settings. 

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Whether you’re tackling small, daily cleaning tasks or performing larger, periodic maintenance, understanding the ins and outs of a pressure washer is crucial for achieving the best results.

Or, maybe you’re on the fence about purchasing a pressure washer for your business and are looking for the right equipment to get the job done. Don’t worry! We will cover everything you need to know in this guide.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key features of pressure washers, how they work, and other important considerations when choosing the right one for your facility.

What is a Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer is a machine that utilizes pressurized water to clean surfaces. The high-pressure stream of water is instrumental in removing dirt, grime, mold, and even peeling paint.

There are a lot of different cleaning tasks that a pressure washer can be used for, such as cleaning the exterior of a building, driveways and walkways, vehicles, fencing, concrete and masonry, roofs, and brick surfaces, to name a few. 

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

Pressure washers operate by pressurizing water through a pump powered by either an electric motor or gasoline engine. The power source along with the pump system are what determine the maximum power of the pressure washer.

The cleaning power of a pressure washer can be measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). 

Think of PSI as a measure of power and GPM as a measure of water flow.

What Are the Different Types of Pressure Washers?

There are light-duty, heavy-duty, and commercial pressure washers, all with varying PSI and GPM capabilities.

What PSI Pressure Washer Do I Need?

When selecting a pressure washer, consider the PSI and GPM. Higher PSI and GPM result in faster, more powerful cleaning.

When considering PSI and GPM, pressure washers can be broken down into three types: 

• Light-Duty Pressure Washers
• Heavy-Duty Pressure Washers
• Commercial Pressure Washers

Light-Duty Pressure Washers

Light-duty pressure washers are typically used for small cleaning tasks. That being said, they can be effective choice for performing most commercial cleaning tasks.

For example, if your facility’s front walk is dirty or muddy after a recent rainfall and you want to clean it off, a light-duty pressure washer is all you’ll need.

These models max out around PSI and up to 2 GPM.

Heavy-Duty Pressure Washers

Heavy-duty pressure washers are designed for commercial use, making them the right choice for demanding cleaning tasks and larger job sites.

For example, if you’re performing periodic maintenance on the outside of your facility and want to clean dirt and grime off the outer walls, a heavy-duty pressure washer is the way to go. 

These models cap out at PSI and up to 3 GPM. 

Commercial Pressure Washers

These pressure washers are far more powerful than light or heavy-duty models. 

Commercial pressure washers are designed to tackle cleaning tasks with the highest degree of efficiency.

Take the last cleaning example we looked at, performing periodic maintenance on the outside of your facility; a commercial pressure washer will complete that task in half the time and with greater cleaning efficiency than the heavy-duty model. 

These models max out at PSI and up to 5.5 GPM.

Pressure Washer Key Components

There are several components of a pressure washer that you’ll want to become familiar with before purchasing one for yourself. 

These components are: 

1. Power Supply
2. Pump System
3. Boiler
4. Hose
5. Trigger Handle
6. Spray Wand
7. Nozzle

1. Power Supply

When it comes to the power supply there are two options: gasoline or electric.

Gasoline-Powered

Gasoline pressure washers are the go-to option for larger cleaning tasks and outside commercial use. 

Their cord-free design allows for better mobility, making them ideal for expansive areas. Gasoline models are also capable of handling bigger, tougher jobs, like washing an expansive parking lot or the exterior surfaces of a large building. 

The increased power does come with a trade-off though, as gasoline pressure washers require more maintenance and a readily available supply of gasoline. Additionally, they tend to be heavier and more expensive than electric models.

Electric-Powered

Electric pressure washers are popular choices for homeowners due to their affordability and ease of use. 

They cost less, run quieter, and require less maintenance than their gasoline counterparts. The lightweight design makes them easy to maneuver, but the drawback is the dependence on a power cord, limiting portability. 

Electric models are generally suited for light-duty tasks, such as cleaning outdoor furniture, the front walk, and vehicles. Heavy-duty electric models are more robust and suitable for demanding, commercial cleaning tasks.

2. Pump System

In a pressure washer, the pump system performs the essential task of drawing water from an external source and pressurizing it through the use of pistons or plungers. 

The pump system’s role is to deliver a powerful, pressurized water stream to the nozzle. By doing so, pressure washers are able to effectively remove dirt, grime, and other debris from various surfaces.

3. Boiler

Some pressure washers are capable of using hot water for their cleaning tasks. In order to heat the water, a boiler is required. Most times, the boiler is a larger diesel-fired heating unit. Sometimes, however, there are electric pressure washers that are capable of using preheated water from the tap.

Note that both electric and gasoline-powered units can have a diesel-fired heating unit, and that the diesel is separate from the pressure washer’s main power supply. 

4. Hose

The hose is designed for optimal flexibility and maneuverability. It’s what transports water that has gone through pressurization from the pump to the nozzle. 

Hoses come in various lengths, typically ranging from 50 to 300 feet, offering increased reach in larger areas or increased control for tight spaces.

5. Trigger Handle

The trigger handle attaches to the hose and is compatible with different spray wands. Importantly, it serves as a safety feature, shutting off if dropped by the operator.

6. Spray Wand

Pressure washer wands tend to be designed differently depending on whether the pressure washer is electric or gasoline-powered. 

Light-duty pressure washer wands are typically made of aluminum or a similar metal, and are suitable for general and light cleaning. Meanwhile, heavy-duty and commercial wands are usually constructed with higher-grade materials, like stainless steel, and are suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

7. Nozzle

The nozzle may just be the most important part of a pressure washer, determining both the spray pattern and the pressure. 

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Pressure washers can come with one nozzle or several different nozzles, each serving a specific purpose. 

High-pressure nozzles are ideal for deep cleaning. The nozzles also vary in width, a narrow spray is for very direct cleaning, while a wide spray would be good for rinsing. So, both nozzles use the same pressure, but a wide nozzle spreads that pressure out over a larger area. 

There are also specialty nozzles, like a low-pressure, soap-enabled nozzle that allows users to apply soapy water. 

What Can You Pressure Wash?

It’s important to understand the capabilities and limitations of pressure washers on specific surfaces to ensure that you achieve optimal cleaning results without causing surface damage. 

Of course, you should always follow the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines and pressure levels for different surfaces. This is best practice for maintaining the longevity of both the pressure washer and the surfaces you’re cleaning.

You can also refer to the following sections regarding whether you can or should pressure wash certain surface materials. 

Can You Pressure Wash Concrete?

Pressure washing is highly effective on concrete surfaces. Whether it’s a driveway, sidewalk, or patio, a heavy-duty or commercial pressure washer can effortlessly remove built-up dirt, oil stains, and even mold or mildew.

Can You Pressure Wash Stucco?

Stucco can be pressure washed, but with caution. It’s crucial to use a pressure washer with a PSI no higher than if you want to prevent damage.

Can You Pressure Wash Brick?

Brick surfaces can be cleaned with a pressure washer, but you should pull back several inches to reduce the risk of damaging the grout between the bricks. 

Can You Pressure Wash Asphalt?

Pressure washing asphalt can be okay, but there are stipulations. You should use a light-duty pressure washer for rinsing applications. Avoid heavy-duty and commercial pressure washers, as they may remove gravel from the asphalt, causing potential damage.

Can You Pressure Wash Wood?

Wooden surfaces can be pressure washed, but only with a light-duty pressure washer. Higher PSI levels can lead to damage, including stripping away paint or splintering the wood.

How Much Does a Pressure Washer Cost?

The cost of pressure washers varies based on their type and purpose. 

High-pressure electric models can range from around a few thousand to several thousand dollars, while commercial gasoline models can exceed five thousand dollars. To give you an idea of how expensive pressure washers can get, remote-operated pressure washers with trailers and self-contained water tanks can exceed $20,000.

Can You Rent a Pressure Washer?

Yes! 

Renting a commercial pressure washer is a cost-effective way of completing a short-term cleaning task. It’s much cheaper to rent for a few hours or days than buy one outright, particularly if it’s only used periodically. Renting costs typically range from tens of dollars to a couple of hundred.

Final Thoughts

Pressure washers are versatile tools that can make cleaning tasks much more manageable. Understanding the features, types, and appropriate applications will help you choose the right pressure washer for your needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about the utility and benefits of pressure washers, or want to seek expert guidance on choosing the ideal pressure washer for your facility, we encourage you to reach out to a nearby Imperial Dade facility.

Our dedicated janitorial equipment specialists are ready to offer a complimentary evaluation of your facility’s cleaning needs. 

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Frequently Asked Pressure Washer Questions

Do you have a question about a pressure washer? Have a look here to see if it is already on our FAQ page and if not, click here to send your question to our technical support team for an answer.

Need help choosing a pressure washer? Click Here.

• How Much pressure and flow do I need?
• What size spray tip do I need? I have a pressure washer rated for psi and 6 gpm. How do I know what “size” tip to buy?
• Do I need a Hot or Cold water pressure washer?
• Can you pick a pressure washer on performance alone?
• What is the difference between Vertical and Horizontal Coils?
• What is the difference between Belt Drive and Direct Drive pumps?
• What is more important, Pressure (PSI) or Flow (GPM)?
• Why do I need to worry about recycling water from my pressure washer?

How Much pressure and flow do I need?

Around the house:
To clean around your house, wash your siding, wash your car (Most Coin-Op car washes have about 700psi), or clean your deck you probably only need 1,500 to 2,000 PSI For concrete cleaning or to clean barnacles off boat hulls you would be better off with 3,000 PSI

Commercial / Industrial use:
As a commercial contractor you need at least 3,000 PSI in order to be fully productive.   Flow is important for rinsing horizontal surfaces or powering surface cleaning machines, such as our Hydro Twister. If you are cleaning vertical surfaces, or excess water is a problem, a low flow/high-psi unit is possibly the better option.

For a given amount of horsepower you can only get so much pressure and flow.   Pressure is good for cleaning, but to rinse you need flow to push the dirt across the horizontal surface.  If what you are cleaning comes off easily, but you need to push a lot of dirt -- cleaning animal enclosures or sidewalks for example -- then you need a high-flow unit.  Click here to see our Horsepower Requirements Chart.

What size spray tip do I need? I have a pressure washer rated for psi and 6 gpm. How do I know what "size" tip to buy?

The spray tip may be the most important part of the pressure washer. They range in size from 2.0 - 15.0. If the tip size is to big, you will experience pressure loss. The same thing happens if you move your thumb over the opening of a running garden hose. The bigger you make the opening of the garden hose, the less pressure you get.

If the spray tip is to small, you may experience the following:

• Higher pressure
• Higher amp draw
• Belt slippage
• Hotter water discharge
• Premature motor / pump / unloader wear
• Less discharge flow
• Here is the calculation for nozzle size:
  SQRT(/PSI)xGPM

Or in you case psi / 6.0gpm SQRT(/)x6.0

Or

/ = 1.333

SQRT 1.333 = 1.

1. x 6.0 = 6.928

Round up the 6.928 to 7.0

7.0 will be the required nozzle size for this machine.

Do I need a Hot or Cold water pressure washer?

Cold water:
Cold water pressure washers can be used to successfully clean many objects and surfaces through a combination of impact of the spray and the application of cleaning chemicals and soaps. Cold water is generally used where grease and oil are not a factor, but with the right chemicals grease and oil can  still be effectively dealt with.  Consult a Hydro Tek dealer near you for the best advice in the application of cleaning chemicals.

Hot water:
We know from washing dishes that hot water makes cleaning easier, especially if we are cleaning greases, oils, or petrochemicals. Cold water can only be as effective if the proper cleaning chemicals are also used. Hot water can often make cleaning faster by loosening dirt, gum, grease and oil.  Most hot water units use  diesel or kerosene to heat the pressurized water in a heavy duty heating coil. The heating coil and burner system makes the hot water unit much heavier, more complex and more difficult to maintain than a cold water unit. To run the burner system the unit requires electricity.  So unless the unit uses a self-contained power source such as a battery or generator (Like our SC, SS and SM series) , you have to plug the hot water unit in (Like our HG, HD & HN series).

Can you pick a pressure washer on performance alone?

No. The first step in picking a pressure washer is determining how much performance you need to get the job done. How much pressure? How much flow? Do you need hot or cold water? Is gas, diesel or electric power better, safer, quieter, or  cheaper. Once you have decided upon these factors, discussed in the other sections, you need to pick a product. Pressure washers with the same power plant will have similar performance, for example an 11 HP gas engine unit will typically produce at least 3,000 PSI and 4 gpm So it is often difficult to decide between different products except on price.Quality is what sets one pressure washer apart from another. Two pressure washers offered by two different manufacturers may have similar performance in terms of pressure and flow but will be quite different in terms of quality of components and unit configuration. They will also vary in price. When buying a pressure washer selecting the correct performance for the cleaning job at hand is just the first step.  The second step is looking at the quality of construction and the quality of the components.

Hydro Tek machines offer advantages over other brands because of their quality construction.  Hydro Tek uses stainless steel for all the control and safety panels.   Our coils are wrapped in stainless steel to prevent rust. Our Ultimate Line uses the quieter, slower running, longer lasting belt drive pumps.  We use stainless steel and heavy duty powder coated steel tubing to make our frames resist rust and outlast the competition.   Our individual components are the best that market has to offer.  We test all our components extensively before we allow them to become part of our machines.

What is the difference between Vertical and Horizontal Coils?

Most premium pressure washers feature Horizontal style coils while vertical coils can be found on lower cost alternatives. When determining which style to purchase you should consider some of the environmental factors that can affect the burner and coil performance. When exposed to rain, Vertical coils tend to trap small amounts of water at the base of the coil where the burner is located – causing the base plate to rust and potentially causing malfunctions in the burner. Vertical coils typically position the burners closer to the ground than horizontal models leaving the burner open to environmental hazards close to the ground. On a horizontal model you will find that the coil insulation will remain in place while vertical coil insulation can sag over time. Soot is another significant consideration when determining coil orientation. On vertical models gravity can pull soot into the burner nozzles causing a clog and uneven or poor heating while on horizontal models the soot is dropped away from the burner increasing the reliability of the burner. Hydro Tek utilizes Horizontal style coils exclusively on the Ultimate and ProLine machines.

What is the difference between Belt Drive and Direct Drive pumps?

Belt-Drive: Most commonly found on industrial models, a CAT belt driven pump is ideal for cleaning applications requiring 40 + hours of use per week. The belt connecting the engine or motor with the high-pressure pump dissipates the heat and vibration, minimizes the wear and thus the repair on key components, and extends the life of the pump by reducing the RPM demand.
Direct-Drive: For applications not requiring more that 30 hours of use per week, direct driven pumps are more commonly used. The pump is directly coupled to the engine or motor causing the pump to spin twice as fast as the belt drive models. Although these models are not recommended for heavy, consistent usage they are a lower cost alternative to more expensive, belt driven models.

What is more important, Pressure (PSI) or Flow (GPM)?

When purchasing a pressure washer you should consider both the p.s.i. and g.p.m. of the machine. The p.s.i. or pounds per square inch, delivers the "punch" to a washing application and forces the contaminants from the surface. The g.p.m. or gallons per minute will flush the contaminants from the service. Choosing the right combination of p.s.i. and g.p.m. is the key to purchasing the ideal pressure washing system for your cleaning needs.

Why do I need to worry about recycling water from my pressure washer?

First, it is the right thing to do. Protecting the environment is critical to us all. By keeping the earth clean we all benefit by having a better place to live and we leave are children with a better place.

Second, in more and more areas it is becoming the law. Legislation prohibiting contaminated water runoff is on the rise and in order to avoid very hefty fines you must have a plan for containing and disposing of your dirty water.

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