PSI, meaning pounds per square inch, is the amount of pressure a pressure washer can produce when cleaning. Pressure cleans spray water under pressure depending on the nozzle. The nozzle determines the amount of water and pressure leaving the machine. Also, the stain or dirt you plan to wash off develops a bond with the surface. This bond dictates the amount of pressure needed to remove the stain. We explain how to select the right PSI for your pressure washer.
Finding the best PSI for a pressure cleaner
Water pressure isn’t fixed for all pressure cleaners. It also changes if the surface to be washed changes. So what PSI is best? It depends on the amount of pressure the machine can take and the water flow.
1. How much pressure can the pressure washer take?
Every pressure cleaning machine comes with a specified pressure unit. You can already tell the highest amount of water pressure the cleaner can produce when buying. However, you don’t have to wash using that pressure throughout. Downgrading is possible if you change the nozzle attachment. Different nozzles produce different water pressure. It allows you to handle each surface with the correct pressure and not ruin it.
So, when selecting the PSI, you choose to pick a really high-pressure level even if your projects don’t need that currently. You never know when your pressure washing will need it. You don’t need to upgrade to a more powerful machine when that time comes, as the current pressure cannot remove the necessary stains.
On the flip side, if you are sure your pressure washing projects don’t exceed a specific PSI, there is no need to get a higher one. It will cost you more money to buy knowing you won’t use it well. Go for it if you can satisfy your cleaning needs comfortably with a 2500 PSI rating. Avoid anything above that, especially when on a budget.
2. The flow of water the pressure washer can take
GPM or gallons per minute is the amount of water going through the nozzle every minute. The water flow washes away dirt or other particles once the pressure dislodges them. If the amount of water leaving the washer is high, it means the pressure is low. The situation is ideal for stains or surfaces that require fewer pressure levels. However, the pressure washing process is quick since more water flows out. Place your thumb at the water exit point to increase the PSI rating. It forces the water pressure to increase and can now handle stubborn stains. You get the perfect cleaning tool by combining PSI and GPM. The thumb rule works a bit differently from the nozzle. If you choose to replace the nozzle to increase the PSI, the GPM reduces. The nozzle restricts water flow to build more pressure.
Conclusion
Choose the ideal PSI based on the pressure and water amounts. Choose a higher PSI when buying a pressure washing machine since you can downgrade. Alternatively, select the PSI you’ll never exceed when doing various tasks. Having an already high-pressure rating level is beneficial. But you can tweak it by having your thumb at the nozzle and still have adequate water flowing out.
