QUICK! Need to get a pressure washer today

[StageLeft]

I have read a few google threads. I have never had need for a pressure washer but our deck is a mess and needs a cleaning. I honestly don't know what else the hell we'll ever use it for.

I've read that the 1500-1800 range PSI is enough to clean a deck but that these cheaper electric units are a pain in the ass and often crap. Should I man up and spend $250 on a gas unit? Thing about that is honestly it will be used like 1-2 times/year and I'd still have to drain the gas from time to time and all that.

 

[skyking]

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/176-4871639-7648569?asin=B0013DEKHC&ci_src=15781033&ci_sku=B0013DEKHC&AFID=Performics_Google%20Product%20Listing%20Ads&LNM=Primary&ref=tgt_adv_XASD0001

Karcher makes a good pump, better than most.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Call around at your local hardware stores. Many place have them for rent.

 

[boomerang]

I've got a cheap electric one that I bought on sale at Home Depot about five years ago. I think I paid $85 or $90 for it.

I use it for exactly what you're going to use it for. Nothing more. It's held up fine.

 

[StageLeft]

Maybe I should rent one. I have to say I cannot find a cheap washer, even a low end gas one, that isn't being ripped apart by reviews. Closest I can find is 4/5 after quite a few reviews for a craftsman gas.

Most reviews are either 1-2 stars or 4-5. Kind of very hit or miss depending on luck.

 

[SooperDave]

Home Depot rents them. They also sell the rentals for a fair price in my area. And Craigslist usually has a bunch for sale.

 

[PottedMeat]

Got kids? Hand them scouring pads and a bucket of soap and water. Sit in lawn chair drinking beer. :awe:

 

[Anubis]

yea i suggest renting one Gas > elec for them IMO, they are really easy to use

 

[EagleKeeper]

If you get gas unit, a pair of earmuffs or even decent headphones will help.

You do the deck, sidewalks, driveway.

Then the siding of the house and outer windows can be worked on. Gutters can be washed out.

Earn the colds ones.

 

[robphelan]

pressure washers are one of those tools that you don't need very often so it makes sense to rent them.

I bought one from craigslist 1.5 yrs ago and have only used it 3 times. you have to be careful, because since they're used infrequently, you don't want to let gas sit for long periods of time in them.

 

[SunSamurai]

Ahh the good ol pressure washer. I sprayed down many a home in my time.

Protip: Buy a full body rain suit and waterproof hat if you do any home washing above waist level. And as another user said, use all the gas.

 

[fatpat268]

Careful, a pressure washer can and will ruin a good wood deck.

Been there done that.

 

[oogabooga]

I bought the Electric "Snap-On" Pressure Washer from Costco, rated for 1800PSI.

It was a POS. From what I understand, it's just some cheap brand snap-on sticks it's name on to collect royalties from or such. The electric shoulda tipped me off, but since it was Costco I gave it a shot (figuring worst case, disgruntled return).

It might hit 1800 PSI at it's max pressure on the most narrow setting (I doubt it very much), but at any fan setting and it was like using a garden hose.

Unfortunately from what I hear that's not too uncommon with electric. I've heard better things about the Karcher pressure washers, and might try one of those. But other than that, I'd probably look for a cheap gas one.

 

[DrPizza]

I found the opposite to be true - once I had a pressure washer, I looked for things to clean. I'm somewhat surprised that no one has mentioned washing their car with it. After mowing the lawn at my old house, I'd wash the sidewalk to get rid of any lingering grass clippings. I washed the siding on my house about twice a year. I washed the porch deck before repainting it, cleaned the deck on the back of the house each year, etc.

Now, we carry a 55 gallon drum for water to the races each weekend so we can keep our son's bike clean after each moto (using the pressure washer.) May need two 55 gallon drums to keep up this year with 2 sons racing.

 

[DrPizza]

also note, just as important as the pressure is the volume of water that's being delivered at that pressure. i.e. 1500psi at .5 gallons per minute is going to suck compared to 1300psi at 3 gallons per minute. This is very often the case with electric pressure washers.

 

[vshah]

gas or electric is a tough call. if i were you i'd look for a hybrid one :awe:

useful edit: my dad has a bosch electric one in india. you plug it in and wait a few moments for the pressure to build, but that thing is STRONG. gets mud off the land cruiser no problem. not sure the actual specs on it

 

[SunSamurai]

The pressure washer I used was gas powered. I wouldn't touch an electric one. I mean... water... electric. *cough* Things are going to get wet.

You shouldn't spray your deck at full fucking blast unless you're stripping it and resealing it. Not the fault of the pressurewasher.

I wouldn't pressurewash a car unless you have soft water.

 

[olds]

Rent one. I have an electric Karcher and it's pretty much useless as a pressure washer. It's ok for rinsing off the quads but it would never clean a deck or sidewalk.

 

[Eli]

Man up!

Honda engine. I know nothing of pumps.

But you know you want another engine powered piece of equipment.

 

[Mermaidman]

Any tips for pressure-washing a house? Is it a bad idea to direct the spray in certain areas? I'm afraid of spraying under the eaves and getting water in the attic (through the vented soffits).

BTW, I have a cheapo electric Karcher for which I paid $100 about 10 years old. It's works mostly. Occasionally, the pressure is intermittent, but if I turn the power off and back on, it works properly.

 

[CADsortaGUY]

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/176-4871639-7648569?asin=B0013DEKHC&ci_src=15781033&ci_sku=B0013DEKHC&AFID=Performics_Google%20Product%20Listing%20Ads&LNM=Primary&ref=tgt_adv_XASD0001

Karcher makes a good pump, better than most.

I have a similar model but I got it 5 years ago. I just used it last night on some oil stains on the driveway - works great. My only complaint is that they recessed the hose hook up so it's a pain to get the hose attached. Other than that, I've washed the house, driveway/sidewalks, cleaned vehicles, gutters, etc with this thing. Never let me down. I think I picked it up for around $150 at the time - pretty good investment.