How does a pressure washer work?

Have you ever wondered about the magic behind a pressure washer, its ability to transform a dirty surface into a sparkling clean surface in mere minutes? The secret lies in its fascinating mechanics and technology. Welcome to BISON's deep dive into the world of pressure washers, in this article we will introduce "How do pressure washers work?". Whether you're a curious homeowner, a DIY enthusiast, or someone considering buying a pressure washer, this guide is made for you.

Parts of high-pressure washers

A pressure washer is a straightforward machine that simply pumps water with the help of an electric motor. It uses water from a tap and then uses pressure to accelerate the water to very high speeds through a hose fitted with a trigger gun. A basic pressure washer consists of a motor (gasoline, diesel or electric) that drives a high-pressure hose, high-pressure water pump, and a trigger pistol switch. The various parts of the pressure washer are:

water inlet

It's a hose that acts as a connector between the pressure washer and the main water supply. Its filter stops dust and foreign particles from entering the pressure washer and clogging the machine. If this debris enters your pressure washer, it can damage the entire machine. The water supply must be sufficient for the pressure washer connected to it, as a lack of water can lead to cavitation and damage to the pump elements. Ensure your water source can provide the gallons per minute your pump requires.

Electric motor or gasoline/diesel engine

Smaller pressure washers typically run on electricity, while more oversized pressure washers run on gasoline. Power generally is around 3-5 kW/ 3.5-5.5 HP. A gasoline engine is required for jobs such as workshops that are located outdoors or away from the home.

High-pressure hose

This tube runs from the pressure washer to whatever cleaning attachment you use. An ordinary pipe can't withstand the high pressure of the water flowing through it. High-pressure hoses are reinforced using wire mesh and have two or more layers of high-density plastic. Using a hose with a higher pressure rating than your pressure washer pump is essential, but it's nothing to worry about if your washer comes with its hose. Typically, pressure washer hoses have a safety margin of around 300%, so if your washer is rated at 1500 psi, your hose should be able to handle at least 4500 psi.

pressure washer pump

This is the heart of the pressure washer. When the engine pulls the pump one way, it draws water from the faucet. when it pushes the pump the other way, the water shoots out in a high-pressure jet. The water pump is designed to handle a flow of approximately 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per minute. choose and replace the pressure washer pump?

Cleaning accessories

Depending on what kind of thing you're cleaning, you can easily switch from a simple trigger gun to a rotating wand sprayer or rotating brush to scrub your drives. Powered attachments are driven by the power of water flowing through them.

Different types of nozzles are available for various applications. Some nozzles produce water jets in a triangular plane (fan shape), while others emit a thin jet of water that rotates rapidly (cone shape). Nozzles that provide higher flow will reduce output pressure. Most nozzles attach to the trigger gun directly.

How does a pressure washer work?

A high-pressure washer works by blasting objects clean with a jet of pressurized water. 

The pump accelerates the water from the garden hose to create high pressure. The pressure washer is hooked to a high-pressure-rated hose. At the end of the hose there is a water gun that looks almost similar to the pressure guns you use when washing your car. When the trigger is pulled, the water mixes with air and flows out of the nozzle.

Pressure washers are usually rated in pounds per square inch (PSI) for their ability to penetrate dirt and grime. And gallons per minute (GPM), allowing you to break down dirt and flush it away. The volume of a pressure washer is usually designed into the pump and fixed. The pressure is designed for the pump but can be changed by adjusting the unloading valve. 

A pressure washer can blast objects clean using a water jet pressurized to about 75 times the pressure of a garden hose. Alternatively, they can be sprayed lightly with a lower pressure for delicate cleaning. Most pressure washer-producing pressures from 750 to 5000 psi or higher are available.

Why a pressure washer keeps things cleaner

There's a scientific reason why water makes things so clean: its molecules are slightly electrically polarized meaning negatively charged at one end and positively charged at the other, so they tend to stick to things on their own. Detergents (soap chemicals) help water work better by breaking down oil stains and grease and making it easier for water to rinse. However, some surfaces have dirt that won't move, no matter how hard you try.

This is where the pressure washer comes in handy. It uses narrow jets of high-pressure cold or hot water to remove dirt. As the water is so fast, it hits the dirty surface with very high kinetic energy, knocking away dirt and dust like a constant rain of tiny hammers. It's just water so that it won't damage most hard surfaces. That said, it's a good idea to test your pressure washer on an inconspicuous area before starting work to ensure it won't damage the surface you're cleaning. Always read the instructions before using your pressure washer!

In conclusion

In conclusion, pressure washers are powerful machines that use the science of water pressure and flow to keep our world clean. From the home to the workshop, they deliver unmatched, efficient cleaning power. Now that you understand how a pressure washer works and the technology behind it, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a pressure washer.

At BISON, we have been at the forefront of pressure washer manufacturing in China, offering top-notch, reliable and versatile pressure washers for a wide range of cleaning needs. Our pressure washers are designed with the user in mind, ensuring they are easy to operate while providing maximum cleaning power. Our products come with different nozzles for a variety of cleaning tasks, and we make sure our high pressure hoses are rated for washer pressures and more.

Our commitment to quality and innovation means we are constantly improving our products to serve you better. Whether you need a home pressure washer or a commercial heavy duty machine, BISON has you covered.