What PSI pressure washer do I need?

Are you overwhelmed by the number of PSI pressure washers on the market and unsure which is best for your project? If so, you are not alone! Pressure washers are great tools for residential and commercial projects, such as deck and siding cleaning, but determining the ideal amount of PSI for your business can be daunting.

Thankfully, BISON will help explain the basics of a PSI pressure washer to make sure you purchase one that suits your needs. We’ll explain what PSI means and how to evaluate the power levels of different machines. So let’s start finding a suitable PSI pressure washer for your next project!

Quick Answer

The PSI rating of a pressure washer depends on the job you wish to accomplish. For regular maintenance and light household cleaning, a pressure washer with a PSI ranging from 1500 to 1900 should suffice. On the other hand, commercial cleaning tasks might demand a higher PSI. Pressure washers with PSI between 2000 and 2900 are suitable for more difficult, heavier cleaning tasks. Professional-grade models can even reach up to 6900 PSI for the toughest jobs.

Choosing the right PSI power washer: 5 key questions

For anyone considering purchasing a pressure washer, the first question to answer is, “What PSI pressure washer do I need?”. BISON pressure washers come in various PSI ratings, ranging from 1300 to 6000 psi, each with advantages and disadvantages. To help you decide on the ideal pressure washer PSI for your needs, consider the following questions:

• What surfaces will you be using the pressure washer for?
  

• How quickly do you need to get your cleaning job done?

• How frequently do you plan to use the pressure washer? 

• Is there a specific noise level you're comfortable with? 

• What's your budget range?

PSI pressure ranges for different surfaces

When choosing a pressure washer PSI, it is essential to consider the surface to be cleaned. Different surfaces require different levels of PSI pressure. Soft surfaces, such as decks and siding, require more cleaning power than hard surfaces, such as driveways.

A higher PSI pressure washer with a water pressure of 2000-3000 PSI is ideal for hard surfaces, such as concrete and brick. Such a device can effectively remove dirt and grime from these hard surfaces. Pressure up to 1500-2000 PSI can be used for softer surfaces like wood, but it should be done with care as too much pressure can damage the material.

High-pressure cleaning efficiency

On the other hand, some people argue that lower PSI pressure washers are still effective at removing dirt and grime; they take more time and effort to use. Lower PSI ratings (below 1500) are generally well-suited for light residential applications. The low-pressure setting prevents any risk of damage while being gentle enough to remove dirt and debris effectively.

frequency of use

Investing in a machine with a higher PSI could be beneficial if you plan to use the pressure washer regularly. A pressure washer with a PSI rating of 2000 to 2800 could provide the durability and performance needed for frequent use. Such machines are built to withstand regular wear and tear, ensuring consistent performance over time.

Noise level

Machines with higher PSI ratings tend to operate at louder noise levels. For example, a pressure washer with a PSI rating of 3000 or above may produce noise levels around 85-90 decibels, similar to a lawnmower. If you prefer a quieter operation, consider opting for a machine with a lower PSI rating.

Your budget

BISON pressure washers with higher PSI ratings are usually more expensive due to their enhanced power and capabilities. For instance, a pressure washer with a PSI rating of 3000 could cost several hundred dollars. However, if your tasks are lighter and less frequent, a more affordable model with a lower PSI rating might be a more economical choice.

Pressure washer nozzle

To ensure you get the most out of your pressure washer’s performance and safety, it’s essential to carefully consider your needs when determining the right PSI level for you. Armed with this knowledge, we can now explore the different nozzles in the next section.

Choosing the right PSI pressure washer for your job becomes even more complicated, considering the various nozzles available. There are four main types, each with different characteristics and applications: Flat tip, zero degree, soap tip, and fan tip. Let’s take a closer look at each so you can make an informed decision.

Flat tip

This is the type of nozzle most commonly used. It offers a 30-degree fan spray pattern perfect for light cleaning jobs like removing dirt and mildew from siding or furniture.

Zero degrees

Also known as needle nozzles, zero degrees nozzles provide a high-velocity jet stream ideal for tough jobs such as removing grease from hard surfaces.

Fan tip nozzles

These nozzles have a wider angle than zero-degree nozzles, usually between 40 and 65 degrees. It provides a more even application over a larger area, making it ideal for removing severe burn marks on concrete driveways or cleaning the exterior of your car.

Soap nozzles

The soap nozzle is specially designed to apply cleaners to surfaces without any overspray that can cause further damage. These are best used when preparing surfaces for painting or staining and should only be used in low to medium-pressure settings.

FAQs

How much psi do I need to clean patios and walkways?

A pressure washer with 3 GPM and 3000 psi is excellent for cleaning patios and walkways. Using the maximum angled tip prevents surface degradation of these hardscapes. A pressure washer on these surfaces can give brick and concrete a new look.

How much psi do I need for a car wash?

BISON recommend a pressure washer with a pressure of 1.4 to 1.6 GPM and a pressure of 1200 to 1900 psi. Start with lower pressure and only increase the pressure when needed. Use a white or green nozzle. When washing your car, never set your pressure washer above 2,200 psi.

How much psi do I need to clean my pavers?

Generally, a pressure washer at 1600 to 2000 psi is recommended to clean pavers effectively. Higher pressure can damage pavers and paving stones.

How do I determine the PSI of the pressure washer I already have?

You should consult the owner's manual to determine the PSI of the pressure washer you already have. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, it’s best to contact the manufacturer for help. An approximate PSI can also be obtained by measuring the output rate.

What can 2000 PSI pressure washer clean?

Medium-duty pressure washers generate 2,000 to 3,000 PSI of pressure and can remove grease and grime from concrete, sidewalks, decks, and siding.

Can a 1600 PSI pressure washer clean concrete?

Concrete and asphalt require more cleaning power. You’ll need the turbo nozzle on 1600 PSI to clean hard-to-clean driveways, sidewalks, patios, and brick pavers. For wood decks and painted surfaces, switch to a gentler 40-degree nozzle.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this comprehensive guide on finding the right PSI for your pressure washer business, BISON want to remind you that there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

At BISON, we're not just a manufacturer, we're your cleaning partner. Our professional sales team is ready to guide you through the entire process of importing pressure washers, ensuring you choose a pressure washer with the perfect PSI to meet your specific needs.

Our state-of-the-art factory is equipped to manufacture a range of pressure washers, from lightweight models to powerful machines that deliver up to 6500 PSI. If you still have any questions, or if you're ready to find the perfect pressure washer, just call or email BISON team.