Cleaning with a pressure washer is a breeze since it easily removes dirt, filth, and algae. In addition, your property’s and equipment’s worth can be increased by using a pressure washer.
Investing in a pressure washer might be a wise decision if you value your time, but if you inadvertently destroy it, you can be disappointed and lose a lot of money and time.
After operating your pressure washer for a time, you must give it a break. Otherwise, it will either stop working or get permanently damaged. Knowing your pressure washer’s working limit is crucial to extend its life and make it more efficient.
If you are still confused, keep reading to find out how to use an electric pressure washer properly and How Long Can You Run A Pressure Washer?
How Does A Pressure Washer Work?
Even though it looks complicated, a pressure washer is a virtual machine. A motor or engine drives a pump, which forces water through an orifice using a motor or engine tip. This fast-moving water is perfect for blasting dirt and filth.
Water is pumped through the tip of the pump each time it turns on. Therefore, you need greater force as you pump more water through the hole. Higher pressure means quicker water movement and more forceful dirt removal from the surface you’re cleaning.
Check out this video if you want to dig into the operation of a pressure washer:
How To Use An Pressure Washer Safely
- Learn ways to use your machine by reading the handbook. It will also provide information on replacement components, customer support, warranties, and troubleshooting techniques.
- Zero degree nozzle is the highest-pressure (red) nozzle that sprays a highly narrow stream of water, making it the most dangerous in terms of injury and property damage. There are very few cleaning jobs that require anything remotely as powerful as this.
- Be sure to protect yourself by using protective gear. Try safety goggles, work gloves, enclosed shoes (ideally steel-toed boots), ear protection (mainly when using gas pressure washers), and trousers when it comes to safety gear for the workplace.
- Prepare your surroundings by cleaning them up. Your windows should be closed, and your outside lighting and vents should be covered. All tripping risks should be moved out of the path. This includes furniture, hoses and cables, toys, potted plants, and children.
- Hands off, please! Keep in mind that you should never put your hands or any other part of your body in the path of the pressure washer spray. Likewise, do not spray it on someone else’s face. Use a pressure washer only with older teenagers who are aware of the dangers.
- Do not use ladders! Using a pressure washer might result in a painful fall due to the kickback force. Instead, use extension wands to reach high places. You may also hire a professional cleaning service.
What Is The Effect Of Idle Running A Pressure Washer Machine?
Leaving a pressure washer pump in the bypass for too long might cause the unit to overheat and fail. Therefore, you are generally not recommended to leave the machine in bypass mode for more than a few minutes.
The heated pistons might break if you depress the trigger too soon after the machine has been in bypass for a lengthy period. In addition to damaging the pressure washer pump irreparably, overheating the machine can also cause severe damage to you and the pressure washer itself.
According to the manufacturer, when the pressure washer is left in bypass mode, it may achieve temperatures of more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures can cause considerable injury, including severe burns.
When the pressure washer is not in use, make sure it is turned off not to overheat.
How Long Can You Run A Pressure Washer?
While spraying, your pump and engine are both functioning. When you let off of the trigger, the pressure inside your pump builds up until you release it. As long as you don’t overheat the machine, you can run it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Many people use their machines for an hour or longer without stopping. If you don’t allow your machine some time to rest, they say, there’s nothing wrong with it. The pump and engine will overheat, and either your components will be destroyed, or the machine will be grounded after a few days.
Don’t believe them. If you have a faulty machine, it is not only a waste of money but also a risky threat. The unique approach to get the most out of a machine is to take good care of it.
How Long Will A Pressure Washer Pump Last?
As I did some research, I found out that you get what you pay for when it comes to pressure washer pumps.
Cheap pressure washers tend to have lower-quality pumps, which is why they’re so cheap. It is estimated that these pumps have a lifespan of between 60 and 100 hours. Pumps in higher-quality pressure washers have a lifespan of 500 hours or more.
Households use their water pressure washers on average for 50 hours a year. Therefore, a low-cost pressure washer’s pump should last a year or two for the average household. On the other hand, a more expensive pressure washer with a higher-quality pump may last up to 10 years.
FAQs
What is the best way to keep the pressure washer from becoming damaged by heat?
To limit the amount of damage that your pressure washer may suffer if subjected to thermal damage, you can take specific measures. If the pump’s temperature becomes too high, a thermal valve can be added to shut it off automatically.
How long can you run a pressure washer without water?
There are dangers in using your pressure washers without water. Pumps need water to cool them down, or they might overheat and fail.
Conclusion
Sometimes when we’re using our pressure washer, we’re sidetracked by a phone call or some other reason. We should always turn off the engine at this point and restart it after our other tasks are done.
The cost of the pressure washer, your understanding of how it works, and how well you care for and maintain the machine all play a role in the longevity of your pressure washer pump. You should read the instructions and take appropriate care of your pump to get the most out of it!
