Pressure Washing Guide

Midwestpro · Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject: Power Washing Safety Tips

Common sense will go a long way when operating a power washer. Just remember that it can be a dangerous tool when not used correctly. The pressure in most units will vary between 2,000-4,000 pounds per square it. That much water pressure coming out of a small nozzle hole at the end of the spray wand can do some serious damage. It can easily put a hole in vinyl siding, splinter a wood deck, blast shingle granules off the roof, and even tear open flesh. The fact that a power washer can damage your property or injure you or someone else is enough reason to put safety first.

Always point the spray tip in a safe direction before pulling the trigger on the gun. If the nozzle is not seated properly in the end of the wand, it can go flying at a high rate of speed. This could easily go right though a window or even injure someone. So always be sure all the couplers and connections are tight and secure before starting up the power washing unit.

It is also not a good idea to be standing on a ladder when power washing. Because most power washers are pressure actuated, the gun will kick each time the trigger is pulled. This kick could cause you to loose your balance and fall. Even when you are standing on solid ground be sure to have a firm grip on the wand with both hands before spraying, at least until you get use to it.

You should always wear the proper personal protection equipment when operating any machine. When running a power washer be sure you have safety glasses and even ear plugs. If you are messing with cleaners and chemicals be sure to have rubber chemical resistant gloves and a respirator with the proper filters.

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

Great tips. My first experience with a pressure washer was one that my friend uses in his business to clean out the grease in kitchens. He coached me through the dangers of the pressure washer and safety too. Gotta respect water. In the right form, it can be one of the most powerful forces in nature.

Aries · Joined: 19 Mar 2009 Posts: 24

I've seen quite a few injuries involving pressure washers. It's not the fact that they weren't good at using it, they just weren't strong enough to handle the setting it was on. That's where people screw up, when they overestimate their own physical strength when dealing with 1gallon/second worth of water.

alexer · Joined: 03 Oct 2011 Posts: 4

Nice tips. Thanks a lot for sharing.