Robust Power Washers for Wet Sandblasting

The process of sandblasting has been around for years. It involves the removal of layers of material from metal surfaces. There are many applications for sandblasting; however, this process is primarily used for the removal of layers of paint, rust, corrosion, and other heavy deposits to return surfaces back to the original bare metal. There are two commonly used methods of sandblasting: compressed air and wet sandblasting. The latter is the safer of the two. Compressed air sandblasters require the operator to wear protective clothing and breathing protection during use. This is not necessary through wet sandblasting which uses high-pressure power washers to achieve similar results. Additionally, the process of wet sandblasting produces to contaminating dust, making it safe for use in or around schools, businesses, commercial and industrial facilities, and more. Power washers with a wet sandblaster kit are the best choice for industrial users who require powerful sandblasting capabilities. These power washers come standard with a special venturi head, sand pickup tube, and sand point. All of these components work together to provide the user with the ability to actually remove layers of material from surfaces. The system works like this. The sand is drawn into the system through the sand point directly from a container. The head features suction capabilities to then draw the sand through the sand pickup tube into the head. The sand is then mixed with high-pressurized water in the head. The resulting mixture of sand and water is forced through the nozzle across surfaces at high pressure levels. For even greater versatility, these power pressure washers can be used with a variety of sand grit sizes and media types like baking soda or plastic pellets. The higher the grit that is used with the machine the more abrasive the sandblasting action will be. Wet sandblaster power washers feature the same variability available on any power washing machine. They can be purchased with a variety of pressure levels, flow rates, temperature options, power methods, heating methods and more. However, users should note that even hot water or steam power washers with a sandblaster kit must be operated in cold water mode with the heater off when the wet sandblaster is in use. One of the greatest benefits that the purchase of one of these machines can bring is the ability to own two machines in one. Users can benefit from the extreme cleaning power of power washers and the rust and material removal capabilities of a wet sandblaster. For commercial or industrial users that face a variety of power washing and sandblasting applications, the ideal machines are power washers with wet sandblaster kits. This combo will provide astounding results in a wide variety of applications to suit the rugged needs of the most demanding users.

Considerations When Purchasing Power Washers

There are power washers available for virtually every application and budget. As such, it is very important to understand all of the options available before purchasing a machine. The first consideration prospective customers must evaluate is their application for the power washers. Machines ideal for home users are often cold water models with performance and durability than is necessary for less demanding home applications. Consider the actual performance of power washers in determining the most suitable machine. The level of performance is a direct result of the power washers’ pressure level, flow rate, and maximum temperature. Pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch, or psi. There are three main ranges for pressure levels. Low-range pressure levels vary from 750 to 1500 psi. These power washing machines are ideal for lighter applications where a risk of scratching delicate surfaces must be considered. Mid-range pressure levels reach from 1500 to 3000 psi. This pressure level is ideal for commercial and moderately-demanding applications. Lastly, high-range pressure levels exceed 3000 psi. These high pressure power washers are ideal for industrial applications where the removal of stubborn grease and other substances from brick, concrete, industrial equipment, industrial flooring, and more is required. As buyers progress towards higher pressure models, they should expect a higher price tag. Water usage, as related to power washers, is the flow rate, articulated by gallons per minute or GPM. The higher the GPM, the more water a machine uses. Low-flow power washers generally use between . 25 GPM and 2. 5 GPM, while high-flow models range from 2. 5 GPM to well over 5 GPM. Each of which has their pros and cons. Units with low flow rates are much more efficient in their use of water and have a lower risk of damaging surfaces. However, these machines also lack the cleaning power and speed afforded by higher flow rates. Temperature levels have an immense impact on the power, speed, and performance of power washers. Cold water power washers are much less expensive than heated models, yet they lack the additional cleaning power afforded by higher temperatures. Therefore, for users who require power that surpasses that of cold water machines, hot water and steam models are ideal. Hot water power washers can reach up to 210 ºFFor every ten degrees Fahrenheit that the temperature is increased, the cleaning power is improved tremendously. Hot water power washers can reach up to 210 ºF. However, steam power washer can reach temperatures up to 330ºF. Models using the power of wet steam offer the most effective power washing capabilities, as they disinfect and sanitize while thoroughly cleaning and degreasing. Users looking for the best of all worlds would be best suited with a triple-function or tri-mode machine, that can operate independently as a cold water, hot water, or steam power washer. Varying power and heating methods allow users to find power washers that suit their needs and budgets. Electric, gasoline, and propane motors are all options for powering power washers. Electric powered machines are beneficial for use indoors, as they are much quieter and do not generate any exhaust. However, these machines limit the mobility of users, as they must be used in close proximity to an electrical supply. Gasoline and propane powered units afford users greater mobility for exterior applications. For hot water or wet steam power washers, consumers can choose among an assortment of heating options, including electric, no. 1 or no. 2 heating oil, kerosene, diesel, propane, or natural gas. These heating options are generally left up to the preference of the user. However, the quality of the heating coils must be considered. Stainless steel or heavy duty schedule 80 heating coils are less prone to failure than less-expensive aluminum coils. Mobility is another essential consideration. Power washers can be configured as mobile units with wheels, trailer mountable units, wall mountable units, or stationary units. Power washers built with wheeled configurations are ideal for the most mobile users. For added portability, consumers can choose gasoline or propane powered mobile units, for use where an electrical supply is not available. Stationary units are ideal for industrial users who require a permanent power washing addition to their facilities. Many manufacturers offer additional features on their power washers. The addition of an automatic shutoff feature will provide users of electric power washers decreases the chance of overheating in certain types of power washers. This feature controls the start and stop of the motor during periods of inactivity to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the pump and motor. For larger applications, many power washers can be configured with two-gun or multi-gun operation, allowing more than one user to operate a single machine. In addition, power washers can be customized for specific applications. Wet sandblaster power washers are designed to blast high-pressured water and sand or other media across surfaces to remove corrosion, paint layers, rust, heavy deposits, or more. Phosphatizing power washers are constructed with metal surface pre-treatment applications in mind. These machines prevent corrosion and rust on metal surfaces, while preparing these surfaces for subsequent applications of powder coating or paint primer. With the multitude of options and features available on pressure washers, research and evaluation are integral tasks in finding the right power washing equipment to suit your needs.

8 Tips For Hiring A Power Washer

We all want to make the right buying decision when making a purchase on anything and hiring a contractor is no different. Your home is your largest investment and you aren’t going to trust just anybody when it comes to home improvements. When hiring a power washer you need to be sure you are dealing with a reputable and professional company.
Allowing an inexperienced contractor pressure wash your home, roof, deck, or concrete can end up causing you more troubles than it’s worth. The more information you can get on a particular power washing company the better. Making an informed and intelligent decision when hiring a power washer can be made easier by following these simple guidelines.
1. Always be sure to ask for proof of insurance. A power washer being operated by an inexperienced contractor can result in damage to your property. Also in the case of an accident or injury you don’t want to be liable for anything.
2. Be sure to ask for references or past customer testimonials. If their customers are not saying good things about them how can you expect great results?
3. Ask the power washing contractor if they guarantee their work and if they do ask if they can put it in writing on the estimate sheet. A quality pressure washing company will not have anything to hide so it shouldn’t be a problem. Be sure it’s a 100% satisfaction guarantee in case you are not happy with the work.
4. Don’t be afraid to research some of the methods and techniques used by a power washer and then ask the contractor what their methods are. A company that knows what they are doing will only use contractor grade cleaners, and low or soft pressure to wash vinyl, wood, and roofs. Anything much more than 1000 pounds per square inch of water pressure can damage these surfaces very easily. Just remember that only garden hose pressure should be used on roofs, 1000psi or less on wood, and 500psi or so on vinyl or else water can be forced underneath the bottom lip and behind the siding.
5. Ask the contractor if his company power washes full time. A company that does this type of service for a living is probably a lot more professional and serious about it than a part time or weekend warrior type of contractor. Part time may be a sign of a fly-by-night company or one that is new and just starting to test the waters. You may not want a company like that testing methods on your home.
6. Be aware of crafty marketing claims. A common one in this industry is the “hot water” claim. Hot water is most commonly used for commercial pressure washing. It is not necessary and can be damaging in residential work. You never want to use hot water on any wood surface because it will splinter and cause the wood to fur.
Never use hot water on your shingle roof because it can soften the shingles and wash away excessive amounts of shingle granules (the small gritty particles that cover your shingles and help to protect them). Hot water can also warp your vinyl siding resulting in permanent damage. The bottom line is hot water should not be used in most residential type services. An experienced power washer can achieve exceptional results using cold water and the right cleaners and methods without the risk of damage. The hot water claim is just a marketing gimmick.
7. Be leery of an unbelievable low price. We are all tempted by a low price because we want to work within a budget. But some contractors use low pressure washing prices as the bait in order to land a job. They are hoping you are basing your buying decision on price alone and if they are the cheapest, they will get the job.
8. Unfortunately once they get the job they have to take shortcuts in order to make a profit. Professional power washing is not as cheap as some unethical power washers would like you to believe. Make sure you are paying for the level of quality you expect.
Follow these few simple guidelines to make an informed and intelligent decision when choosing a power washer for your exterior cleaning needs. You’ll be more relaxed and at ease knowing you’ve hired a professional to clean up your largest investment.

Enhance Your Power Washing Business With Pressure Washer Accessories

Once you’ve made the initial investment of a good, powerful pressure washer it will benefit you to take some time to explore all of the pressure washer accessories available. Pressure washer accessories can optimize the list of services you can offer customers and put you ahead of your competitors. Pressure washer accessories, such as GFCI cords and plugs, brass couplings, hose restrictors, good pressure gauges, winterizing kits, battery boxes, unloader valves can extend the life of your existing equipment. They can also just simply make your job easier and more professional looking. To expand the list of services you offer, consider adding a sand blaster (medium to heavy duty equipment is available) or sewer jetter (can clean pipes and tubes from 1” –6” in diameter) to your system. Chemical injectors are a necessity when you need the extra cleaning power of chemicals. There are high or low-pressure chemical kits with adjustable chemical injectors. There are metering valves, nozzles for distance or maximum pressure, and systems that save your pump, lance, hose and gun by having the chemicals by-pass them. Add the service of duct cleaning to your repertoire, and shine above the competition even more. Made to be corrosion-resistant and with self-lubricating bearings, the Swiss made carbide swivel duct cleaner is one great pressure washer accessory. Working with hot or cold water, duct cleaners clean any kind of duct, vent, chimney, or chute. And don’t forget the market for cleaning restaurant hoods and trash chutes and even kegs and barrels. Some surfaces can be cleaned with pressure and cold water alone, but many cleaning jobs will go faster with (and some downright require), hot water. If you don’t yet have the power of hot water, it should be one of your next pressure washer accessories. There are many types to choose from that can be added to existing cold water pressure units. If you want to help the environment, there is another good pressure washer accessory to help you do so. The “wash water filter system” protects the environment by re-using wash water that has been filtered. When power washing floors, driveways, or any flat surface, this system harbors, collects, and then filters the dirty water. Using portable dams and drain covers, and a closed vacuum, state-of-the-art filter, and holding tank system, this wash water filter set-up makes sense economically and environmentally too. For ease, comfort, and professionalism, there are pressure washer accessories such as foot valves (lets you operate the pump from a distance), extension wands and brush attachments, carts, skids, hose reels, magnetic starters, and so much more they are hard to list here. It will benefit the pressure washer owner to know of the many accessories available and their applications. For instance, by checking out the accessories available, you would learn that simply adding a rotary nozzle would increase cleaning power and efficiency for large, flat surfaces. A rotary nozzle uses centrifugal force and is 200% more efficient than a 25° flat fan nozzle. Rotary nozzles come in small (2,500 psi), medium (3,000 psi), large (4,350 psi) and extra large (5,000 psi), and there is a stainless steel, super-heavy-duty (7,350 psi) rotary nozzle. Of course, the pressure washer accessories list includes replacement parts—from engines and pumps (and parts for them), through to tires for hose reels and hardware for all mechanisms.

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