A high pressure washer uses a gas or electric motor to power a pump that forces water at a very high velocity through a nozzle. The resulting blast washes away accumulated grime on outdoor furniture, cars, or siding in a fraction of the time it takes to scrub it manually. The power of the spray also makes it easy to remove rust, oily residues, and mold.
These machines can be used with hot or cold water and in combination with detergents, cleaning agents, solvents, or chemicals. They may be equipped with a spray gun or a lance. Some models are portable and have wheels for ease of movement, while others are larger and stand upright. In general, the bigger the machine, the higher the water flow and pressure.
The pump is the heart of the high pressure washer and is generally made by a manufacturer that specializes in pumps for industry. Comet, for example, has a vast experience in designing and manufacturing pumps of the highest quality. A good pump guarantees reliable performance and maximum safety in use.
When choosing a high pressure washer, it is important to take into account the rated power (kW) and the water flow rate. The more powerful the machine, the more intensively it can be used. The maximum rated water flow rate, expressed in l/h, indicates how much the pump is able to supply at its working pressure.
Flow rates can be adjusted using a switch on the machine or by adjusting the nozzle outlet, and this allows you to fine-tune the water jet to your specific needs. This feature is particularly useful when washing surfaces with different finishes because it allows you to apply a light mist to delicate surfaces, for example, while maintaining a high pressure stream for more aggressive cleaning on rough surfaces.
A thermal protection system helps protect the pump from overheating. It operates by automatically reducing the engine speed when the nozzle is closed, and it can be instantaneous or delayed.
The delivery hose is a key part of a high pressure washer because it must be able to withstand the high pressure of the water jet. It is often made from steel-braided hose, which is more abrasion resistant than a standard rubber hose. It also features a quick-connect system for attaching different nozzles, which provides a lot of flexibility.
Lastly, the water temperature is another very important factor to consider. If you need to wash a very delicate surface, you should choose a model with a lower water temperature to prevent damage. For more demanding surfaces, however, you can opt for a model with a higher temperature to get a better cleaning result.
