What size PW do I need?

P

pinpointdan

New member
I am looking into upgrading our pressure washer. For the longest time we have been using a 4000psi 4gpm cold water unit. As most of you know, for house washing and flatwork(with our surface cleaner) this works ok, until we get to oil or something. And I think just having heat would speed everything else up and make things cleaner.

I've never used a hot water pw so I have no idea what to look for as far as specs go. I hardly ever see anyone on here mention anything higher than 3500 psi but the gpm is higher.

Basically, for residential house and driveway, and commercial, mainly flatwork what is the least I need to take care of business? Not looking to scimp on quality, just looking for the base point so when looking I can know what not to go below.
 

Don't worry too much about psi. Volume is what will make you money. If you can afford 8+gpm hot water thats the way to go. If you have an extra $10,000.00 then you need a 10gpm 2900psi dual burner mac daddy unit.

happy shopping
 
Sorry kind of new at this and don't know alot. Maybe someone else could fill in the gaps. I just know from looking at them it seems like a better idea in a down economy to upgrade exsisting equipment, then to dump it and buy a whole new setup. Maybe Bob at PressureTek or Tracy at Sunbrite Supplies could tell you what would work with your particular machine. I do know this, I've not talked to anyone that actually liked the stuff from Northern after a few uses.
 
I'm not sure you should even consider using a hot unit for residential work. I've heard they can damage lawns and ornamentals.
I don't know myself, I only use cold units.
 
Buy a hot box. Pressuretek has some nice ones.
 
Daniel,
Living just south of you I can honestly say I know what works in our area. I use a 5.5 gpm unit that can put out 200 degree plus temps, it works quite well with the roughest commercial applications with my 30" surface cleaner. As far as residential, on the driveways I've done I heat the water up to get my cleaner good & soapy, run warm while cleaning, & rinse with cold. You can't go wrong with the hot unit; you won't regret it. As far as Northern, I go to the one in the 'boro when I need couplers, hoses, or something like that. There are far better machines built out there if you've got the money.
 


Jason,

Good post. All good info. I have 2 of the set-ups, you described. I use hot water(the hottest possible) cleaning concrete.
 
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