First time using a pressure washer? Let’s go over the basic steps to using one successfully.
1. Prepare the area
Make sure your space is ready to be cleaned. Move any other objects (patio furniture, potted plants, etc.) out of the way.
2. Rent or buy a pressure washer
If you are only interested in pressuring washing once or twice a year, renting might be the best option for you. Make sure you have any extra supplies you will need, like gas (if it’s gas powered), an extension cord (if it’s electric), and a garden hose. Depending on what you are cleaning, you may want to add an extension attachment for the sprayer.
3. Set up the pressure washer
Choose the widest spraying nozzle you can that will get the job done. Always start with the widest and work your way down. Check the manual for specifics. Make sure it is attached tightly.
Attach your garden hose. Make sure it is tight and that the hose is untangled and ready to go – you don’t want to deal with kinks in the hose once you get started.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to turn on the water before starting the engine.
Next, with the engine still off, let water run through the machine and come out of the spray gun and pull the trigger to release the pressure, keep holding until there’s a steady stream of water flowing.
Now, turn the engine on and let some water spray out for a minute to release any air that is in the system and to make sure that the pressure is good for your project.
4. Get cleaning
Area prepped? Pressure washer set up? Dressed for safety? It’s time to start washing! If you are doing a more sensitive area like siding or a roof, it’s a good idea to do a small test area just to be sure your pressure is right for the job.
“Pressure Washer is hard to pull when starting”
Answer: If you’re trying to start a gas-powered engine and it’s very hard to pull, that means there’s air in the system and you forgot to release the pressure by simply squeezing on the trigger until a steady stream of water is present.