Most people have either witnessed or experienced what it’s like to pressure wash a house, car, or something else. However, did you know there are some serious mistakes that you can make while pressure washing that can actually cause significant property damage or even self-injury? If you’re interested in House Washing in Texarkana TX you can contact Riverside Soft Wash.
A pressure washer is a very innovative tool that was created to be a useful tool for home cleaning projects. No matter what kind of project you have in mind, whether it’s cleaning between the Winter and Spring seasons, or just trying to clean up a mess after a messy job.
It’s expected that by 2024, global sales of pressure washers will reach over $3 billion. That being said, pressure washers have become a standard piece of equipment for homeowners, businesses, and your typical DIYers all over the country.
Not many people know this but you don’t need extensive training to operate a consumer-grade pressure washer, however, it does require focus, paying close attention to your surroundings, and a level of caution to prevent any potential injuries or damage to properties.
You can stay safe and make operating a pressure washer simple by remembering these six most commonly made mistakes that are made while using a pressure washer as a beginner. To learn more about those six mistakes keep reading below.
Accidentally Forgetting To Angle The Spray
While going through the process of pressure washing you should always approach whatever surface you are going to be spraying by cleaning it at an angle. The main goal, while pressure washing is to be able to lift the dirt up and off of the surface, so that way it can be easily washed away.
If you make this mistake, and you spray directly at the surface that is dirty, you will likely just end up driving the dirt much deeper into whatever kind of surface you are attempting to pressure wash. This is especially true for surfaces that are porous such as concrete or wood.
If you happen to run into some stubborn stains that just won’t come off or ground-in dirt, you should move the spray nozzle around in different directions to hit the surface from more than one angle at a time, however, you should always spray with some kind of angle to essentially scoop away all of the dirt and grime.
If you do end up not spraying the pressure washer at an angle, it is likely that you will end up with dirt flying directly back and around you. Therefore, unless you want a mouth full of dirt and debris, never forget to spray at an angle.
This is especially important if you’re not wearing protective eyewear because the dirt could potentially fly into your eyes and that can be dangerous. Which sets us up for the very next mistake to avoid.
Never Using Safety Equipment
The kid inside of you probably sees a pressure washer and sees one big squirt gun to have fun with, however, these devices are most definitely not toys and should be used with absolute safety in mind.
Pressure washers discharge water at around several thousand pounds per square inch (PSI) and this narrow stream of water can in fact slice straight through human flesh with ease, almost as effectively as being cut with a saw.
And because of the high pressure that drives out the water, it can embed dirt and other contaminants very deep into the tissue, which usually can result in unwanted infections. Another very common mistake that can occur especially on hot Summer days is forgetting to wear closed-toe shoes.
It’s true sandals are a more comfortable option during that time of year, however, just a minor mishap can have you on your way to the Emergency Room. And you should never forget to wear your eye protection like mentioned before, this can’t be stressed enough.
Accidently Using The Wrong Nozzle
A lot of people get this step wrong when it comes to pressure washer safety, you should always make sure you’re using the correct pressure washer nozzle tip before you start pressure washing. Not only will it keep you safe but it can make the job more effective depending on what you are trying to clean.
There are a lot of mixed opinions about what you should and shouldn’t pressure wash. However, typically you can really pressure wash just about anything you need to, as long as you are using the proper pressure washer nozzle.
The nozzle is what changes the overall angle and the spread of the water being sprayed, this is what affects the PSI that comes out of the wand. The wider the angle the lower the pressure will be.
Of course, you shouldn’t pressure wash glass dishes or china but if you take the time to plan ahead and take the needed precautions to stay safe, you can essentially stay in control of the risk of injury or property damage.
If you are unsure if you are using the right nozzle, you can simply do a test spray using a piece of scrap metal or the sidewalk, or in any area that you know won’t be noticeable if it’s the wrong nozzle.
Spraying Up Against Siding
If you are going to pressure wash the side of your house, remember to never directly spray the pressure washer up into the siding itself. This is because siding channels water downward, coming from the roof down to the foundation.
The siding is purposely left open this way at the very bottom because the water needs to penetrate the barrier and with damaging anything, drain out. If you spray upwards at the siding from below you will be forcing water directly into those gaps in between the house and the siding.
Your best option is to simply stay on the ground and make sure you use a solid or telescoping extension wand. Refrain from climbing up a ladder. This is potentially dangerous because pressure washers have a pretty significant kick back that could send you falling off the ladder.
Specifically use extension wands that have a noticeable downward angle or even a slight curve. This will ensure you’re able to spray directly from top to the bottom or even just across the overall face of the house siding.
Pressure Overload
Pressure washer pumps yield a closed system that’s made up of pressurized water. Whenever you end up pulling the trigger on the pressure washer gun, that pressure is then released. However, what exactly happens when you are not pulling the trigger?
The pressure isn’t able to build up in just one spot, therefore it has a by-pass valve that redirects the water away from the pressure washer gun and puts it back into the system. This solution has a downside though, the water that is redirected is ceaselessly heated while it’s circulated throughout the system.
Over time, the water gets so hot that it can cause damage to the pump, which can lead to the pressure washer failing early on and needing to be repaired or replaced. Never turn the pressure washer on until you are sure you are going to use it.
Operating a Gas-Powered Pressure Washer
Gas-powered pressure washers are much more powerful and are portable unlike the corded electric models, which makes them a popular choice amongst many professionals and DIYers, especially those that are in areas that don’t have electricity.
However, since they can produce carbon monoxide, they should always be used while using the proper ventilation. You should always refer to your pressure washers manufacturer’s manual and stick to what they recommend for the model you have when using a pressure washer.