How Does a Pressure Washer Work? [Parts and Process]

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If you have used a pressure washer before, you know how effective it can be at cleaning. If you have tried scrubbing and using detergents unsuccessfully, just turn to the pressure washer. The pressure washer is able to clean dirt that is ingrained in the fabric. Thanks to the high pressure flowing water, the pressure washer helps push dirt from crevices and facilitates to help you clean more efficiently. So, how does a pressure washer work exactly?

A pressure washer is not sophisticated as you may think, as the technology involved is rather simple. It is essentially a water pump that is powered by electricity and uses a motor to pump water out. It takes in water from the ordinary tap, accelerates the water pressure, and spits it out. There are different attachments used at the mouth of the hosepipe for different cleaning purposes. Here are the parts of pressure washers and the role they play on the system.

Water Inlet: The water inlet serves as a connection to the source of water. It may be connected to the tap or to any other source of water. The inlet comes with a filter to ensure that solid dirt does not get into the washer.

How Does a Pressure Washer Work

Pressure Washer Engine: Smaller pressure washers, such as those used at home, run on electricity. However, larger pressure washers are connected to gasoline engines. If you comparing gas and electric, know that gas engines may be ideal if you will be working in a place where there is no access to electricity.

Water Pump: The water pump is the center of the pressure washer. The pump is driven by an electric motor which is turned into action by electric power. The engine then pulls the water pump one-way, sucking water from the faucet. Once the water is inside the pump, the engine pushes the pump in the opposite direction where water squirts out with high pressure.

High-pressure Hose: This is the tube that allows water to flow out. An ordinary tube cannot handle the amount of pressure in the water flowing out. A high-pressure hose which is reinforced with a wire mesh is used. Most high-pressure hoses have more than one layer and are made with durable material. Do not exert more pressure on the hose than indicated. If your pump is rated 2000psi, stick to the recommended pressure. Although most pressure hose pipes can withstand up to 300 percent more pressure, it is good to stay within the limits set by manufacturers.

Cleaning Attachment: The type of cleaning attachment you’ll use depends on what you are cleaning. You can easily switch from a single trigger gun to a wand spray or even a rotating brush.

To Summarize

The functioning of a pressure washer remains as simple as you have seen. It is made up of a few mechanical parts that facilitate high pressure flowing water. The pressure in the water is the secret behind the effective cleaning pressure washers. You can use different cleaning attachments to suit your purpose. If you are wondering how does a pressure washer work, you have your answer. It is as simple as water getting sucked in and pumped out.

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