If you own a pressure washer or if you want to buy one, to use it in a home or professional environment, it will be very useful to know some advice on its correct operation: from the ignition, to the care, up to the periodic maintenance operations necessary to keep your pressure cleaner at maximum efficiency.
Follow our tips and find out how to make the most of the full potential of your pressure cleaner.
HOW THE PRESSURE WASHER WORKS
If you’ve ever wondered how a pressure cleaner removes even the toughest dirt, here is a summary description of the basic operating principle, accompanied by a practical diagram.
The pressure washer is connected to a water source (1) from which it draws cold water which, passing through a suitable filter (3), is introduced into a pump (10) driven by an electric or endothermic engine (11), i.e. combustion engine. If the water source supplies drinking water, it must pass through a "Backflow" device (2) necessary to prevent any backflow before reaching the pump.
Simplified technical diagram illustrating the steps just described.
The pump produces a high-pressure jet at the outlet, which is regulated and limited by a by-pass valve (12) before passing through a hose (13) and ending its path by exiting through a rigid lance (14) in whose head a nozzle (15) is fixed. A detergent from a tank (7) can be added to the water flow. The detergent can be introduced upstream (8) or downstream (9) of the pump.
If the detergent is added upstream of the pump (usually on machines with an internal water tank), this is called high pressure detergent delivery. In this case, the detergent is simply sucked in by connecting the hose (9) to the pump suction. The advantage obtained is that there is no pressure drop, but the foam effect is limited.
If, on the other hand, it is added downstream of the pump (8), we speak of low pressure detergent delivery. In this case, generally, the pump is supplied directly (6) from the water source (1): the detergent is sucked in through a Venturi system and an excellent foam effect is generated. However, the detergent is sucked in by a small nozzle that generates a drop in the pump pressure.
HOW TO USE THE PRESSURE WASHER SAFELY
The pressure washer allows, both in home and professional environments, the most varied uses: it can clean pathways and courtyards, but also sewers, gutters, machinery and vehicles; but some general precautions must be followed in order to use it without taking risks.
READ MORE: CLEANING THE GARDEN: IT’S EASIER AND QUICKER WITH A PRESSURE WASHER
Here, then, is a list of basic tips for a correct and responsible use:
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Safety first
Comply with all local safety regulations and directives. It is true that you can clean almost anything with the pressure washer, but you cannot wash people, animals, live appliances or objects that are too delicate.
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Read the instruction manual
Before starting the pressure washer, read and understand the instruction manual carefully.
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Pay attention and common sense
Do not use the equipment under the influence of remedies, drugs or alcohol. The pressure washer is not intended for use by children or persons whose physical, sensory or mental abilities are reduced.
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Warnings for the electric motors
Disconnect the electric power before performing any work on the electrical components. Do not use the machine if the power cable or some of its important parts are damaged and if there are visible water leaks.
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Respect the environment
Use your pressure washer only with biodegradable detergents and in the indicated quantities: excessive use of detergents has no benefit on cleaning operations and unnecessarily damages the environment.
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Check the operating temperature
Do not use the hot water pressure washer at higher temperatures than those indicated in the instruction manual. Water at too high a temperature could ruin the seals and damage the unit.
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Warnings for the endothermic engines
Do not use the pressure washer with internal combustion engine in closed areas and always check that the drains are not near vents, people or animals. Do not use the pressure washer with inappropriate fuels.
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Warnings for hot water washers
Do not touch the boiler and other hot parts, to avoid the risk of burns. Do not use the hot water pressure washer in combination with accessories not suitable for high temperatures. After use, run the pressure washer for a couple of minutes in cold water.
READ MORE: COLD WATER OR HOT WATER PRESSURE WASHERS: HOW TO CHOOSE
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THE PRESSURE WASHER
Taking care of your pressure washer and carrying out periodic and routine maintenance, allows you to maintain its operation efficient and high performing at all times, extending its life and saving money for any repair work.
Here is, therefore, a series of operations to be carried out at each use, on a monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis:
At each use
check the soundness of the hose, spray gun, filter, lance, power cord and fittings. If one or more items are damaged, contact a qualified repair technician.
Every month
check and, if necessary, clean the filters (with water and/or an anti-limescale detergent) and the nozzles (with the needle supplied), replacing them if you do not obtain appreciable results. Also check the correct oil level.
DISCOVER OTHER USEFUL TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR HIGH-PRESSURE WASHER
Every 3 months or after 200 hours of use
have the hydraulic circuit, pump oil level, pump attachment, filters and nozzles checked by a qualified technician.
Every 6 months or after 500 hours of use
have the suction and delivery valves, the unloader valve checked, and the pump oil, filters and nozzles replaced.
Follow these simple instructions for routine maintenance and you will obtain a better performance over time and constantly satisfactory results, moreover, you will keep your pressure washer high-performing and efficient for a long time, without running into unexpected repairs and failures.
