Industrial Pressure Washers, Hoses, Lances and Nozzles Guide

Industrial Pressure Washers

Also called power washers, pressure washers use pressurized water to clean grime, mould, mud, dust or loose paint from various surfaces and objects including buildings and vehicles. When it comes to industrial cleaning jobs, choosing the right pressure washer is paramount, especially since there are so many different types of washers on the market. First of all, it is important to keep in mind what kind of surface you are planning to clean, the type of grime you want to get rid of and the size of the job. 

Commercial Jobs 

Industrial pressure washers need to be sturdy enough for commercial jobs such as cleaning graffiti, removing paint and washing away debris from construction sites. Many commercial jobs require gas-powered washers with a power of between 3200 and 4200 PSIs or 2.8 to 4 gallons of water per minute. Here are a few features to look for in industrial pressure washers: 
 

• Sturdy pneumatic wheels with steel hubs. 
• Commercial triplex pump. 
• Variety of spray nozzles and tips. 
• Heavy-gauge steel frame that comes with a solid-steel axle. 

Terms Worth Knowing 

Pounds per square inch (PSI) 
Water pressure is measured in pounds per square inch or PSI. A PSI rating shows you how much water pressure is required for a job. In cases of stains, the more powerful the chemical bond, the more water pressure is required to remove it. 

Gallons per minute (GPM) 
Water flow is measured in gallons per minute or GPM. A GPM rating refers to how much area a pressure washer can clean in one minute. The higher the GPM rating, the more water the washer uses and the faster it can clean an area. 

Cleaning units 
Cleaning units refer to a pressure washer’s efficiency. The cleaning units of an industrial pressure washer are calculated by multiplying its water pressure in pounds per square inch by gallons per minute used. 

Different Types of Pressure Washers and Accessories 

Electric vs gas-powered pressure washers 

Industrial pressure washers are either powered by electricity or gas. Many homeowners prefer using eclectic pressure washers because they are affordable, lightweight and easy to use. Plus, they are quieter than gas-powered equipment. On the downside, electric pressure washers require access to electricity and have a shorter life expectancy than their gas-powered counterparts.  

Gas-powered pressure washers tend to be better for commercial use since they are more powerful than electric pressure washers. They also have a longer lifespan and can be repaired if they happen to break down (electric pressure washers are often easier to replace than repair). Plus, they do not require a power socket, which makes them more versatile than electric pressure washers. 

Industrial pressure washers are built with high-quality material including pro-grade pumps and sturdy engines that work with hot, warm and cold water (many electric pressure washers do not offer this option). Gas-powered pressure washers can be mounted on walls or even trucks. They also come in the form of portable units with wheels. 

What to Look for in Pressure Wash Hoses

High-pressure hoses can take a beating. Nevertheless, like all other pieces of equipment, they eventually wear out and require replacement. Here are four things to take into account when selecting a pressure wash hose.  

Length 
If you are planning to use your pressure washer across large areas, a long washer hose can make the job a lot easier — this could be particularly important in the case of industrial pressure washers. Choosing an overly short hose can leave you carting your pressure washer around a large job site. Meanwhile, an overly long hose can get in the way if you use your pressure washer for cleaning small areas. In addition, if you own an electric pressure washer, a long hose can make it easier to use the device away from a power outlet.  

Diameter 
Pressure wash hoses come in three different widths: 1/4”, 5/16” and 3/8”.  

• Small pressure wash hoses (1/4") for consumer-grade gas and electric washers with pressures up to 3,200 psi. 

• Medium pressure wash hoses  (5/16”) for gas and electric washers that sit somewhere between consumer and commercial grades and come with pressures up to 3,600 psi. 
• Large pressure wash hoses (3/8”) for professional-grade gas washers with pressure up to 10,000 psi.  

Material 
Pressure washers are usually made from one of three materials: PVC plastic, rubber or polyurethane. All of these materials have different durability and flexibility levels. 

• PVC plastic hoses are sturdy but not very flexible.  
• Rubber hoses are heavier and more flexible than PVC plastic hoses. They usually do not curl or kink but can leave black streaks on concrete or other surfaces.  
• Polyurethane hoses feature a steel-braided interior covered by a flexible plastic casing. They are a firm favourite with professionals since they deliver the flexibility of rubber without leaving marks on surfaces.

Connections 

Industrial pressure washers come with two connections — one to a pump and the other to a spray gun. Pressure wash hoses connect to a pump either by snapping or twisting. There are more options when it comes to connecting pressure washers to spray guns. These include Female M22, Female QC plug, Male M22, Male QC plug and female 3/8 inch NPT. If the spray gun features a male thread, you need two Female M22 connectors, one for the pump and the other for the gun. If your pressure washer features a male quick-connect plug, you need a hose with a 3/8” female snap coupler. 

Pressure Wash Lances 

Made from metal or plastic, a pressure washer lance is a pipe that is connected to the rigger to deliver pressurised water. Pressure wash lances come in a variety of lengths and feature connections to fit different hand-guns. There are two main types of pressure wash lances: single lances and double lances. Single lances feature one tube and double lances come with two tubes (one for low pressure and one for high pressure) and an adjustable valve.  

Pressure Wash Nozzles 

Pressure wash nozzles help to create the water pressure that cleans surfaces. They work on the principle that restricting water flow from a pressure source increases its speed and leads to more force in the spray. Pressure wash nozzles usually come in different colours — red, black, green, yellow and white — each one features a different angle of water spray.

These include: 

• Red pressure wash nozzle: Spray pattern of 0 degrees with a narrow, concentrated stream. Best used on stubborn stains and hard surfaces such as concrete. 
  
  
• Yellow pressure wash nozzle: Spray pattern of 15 degrees with a powerful stream. Best used on stubborn dirt and grime on sturdy equipment such as farm machinery. 
  
  
• Green pressure wash nozzle: Spray pattern of 25 degrees with a moderately powerful stream. It is ideal for washing vehicles.  

• White pressure wash nozzle: Spray patterns of 40 degrees with a wide, low-pressure stream. It is perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces such as windows and decks, as well as large areas such as driveways. 
  
  
• Black pressure wash nozzle: Wide spray radius and a low-pressure stream often used to apply soap.

Pressure Wash Brushes 

Pressure wash brushes can be attached to industrial pressure washers instead of nozzles to deliver a deeper clean. They can also reduce the time it takes to clean a surface or an object. The resistance of pressure wash brushes varies depending on whether they are used in residential or commercial settings. In addition, there are different pressure wash brushes for cleaning different surfaces such as walls, floors or vehicles. 

 

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