Pressure Washers Buying Guide
Blast it clean
Gas or electric?
Gas-powered pressure washers deliver unbeatable cleaning performance, flexibility, durability and portability, giving you the freedom to clean just about anything. However, gas pressure washers can only be used outdoors because the engines generate carbon monoxide.
Electric pressure washers are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and store. Although they are less powerful than gas-powered washers, they still have more than enough horsepower for most jobs around the home.
How to choose the right model for you
Choosing a model that is powerful and durable enough to fit your cleaning needs is key. Think about the types of projects you want to accomplish. This helps determine the size and strength of the power washer you will need. Your choices are:
- Light duty - For occasional cleaning, up to 19 square feet in 10 minutes.
- Medium duty - For occasional to frequent cleaning, 20 to 79 square feet in 10 minutes
- Heavy duty - For frequent cleaning, over 80 square feet in 10 minutes
PSI,GPM and Cleaning Units (CU)
The cleaning power of your pressure washer is based on two factors: water pressure (PSI) and water flow (GPM).
PSI is the water pressure developed, measured in pounds per square inch. This is the force that breaks the bond between dirt and the surface. GPM is the water flow delivered to the spray gun, measured in gallons per minute. It gives you the power to break down the dirt and wash it away. Both PSI and GPM are important for truly effective cleaning. The higher the combination of these numbers (CU or cleaning units), the more area you can effectively clean, and the more time you save during projects.
Nozzles
When it comes to pressure washers, the actual cleaning is done by the nozzle or the tip of the washer. The spray angle of the nozzle is adjustable to fit the cleaning need.
Canadian Tire has a wide variety of nozzles and tips to choose from:
- Adjustable spray nozzles allow for an easy change of the spray pattern, from pin-point (0°) to wide fan (40°), by simply twisting the nozzle. To go from high pressure to low pressure, simply push or pull the nozzle.
- Rotary nozzles spin a pin-point spray in a circular pattern, increasing cleaning effectiveness by up to 40%. These nozzles are best for removing stubborn stains and grime off hard surfaces such as brick or concrete.
- The Max Turbo cleans twice the area of a standard turbo nozzle for gas pressure washers.
- Quick-Connect spray tips make cleaning easier by offering predefined spray patterns for quick and accurate cleaning. A variety of spray patterns include (0°), (15°), (25°), (40°) and low pressure soap.
- Briggs & Stratton Project Pro™ Nozzle System is designed to take the guesswork out of selecting the correct water pressure for the job. Four nozzles (delicate, general, max and cleaning detergent) - each preset with the perfect combination of pressure and flow - help ensure the best results for each application. The system is included with three models sold at Canadian Tire, but compatible with all Briggs & Stratton pressure washers.
Accessories
Canadian Tire carries a variety of accessories such as brushes, gutter flushers and replacement pressure hoses. You will also find a selection of detergents. Different formulas are available for boats, driveways, windows, degreasing and car washing.
Pump maintenance
Pressure washer water pumps need relatively low maintenance. The two most important considerations are to keep contaminants out of the pump and to change the pump oil on schedule (SOME PUMPS DO NOT NEED OIL CHANGES). Purge the water pump to remove impurities and debris. Change the pump oil every 50 hours of use, or once a year, using only the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Winterizing
The easiest way to help keep your pressure washer in working order is to apply an anti-freeze solution before winter storage and again before start up the next season. Pump Saver is specifically designed to lubricate the pistons and seals of your pump for longer life and also remove any leftover water residue which can cause your pump to crack over the drastic changes in temperature. It can be used in gas and electric pressure washers.
