If you want a pressure washer you can use for a commercial business, you’ll need to know what to look for first. This is because in almost all aspects, pressure washers for commercial use are very different than those used for domestic use.
The most significant difference is the power of the tool, which is expressed in pounds per square inch, or PSI. While pressure washers used for household chores should never be above 3,000 to 3,500 PSI, those made for commercial use can be much more powerful, even in the 7,000 PSI range if that’s what you need.
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How Are Commercial Pressure Washers Different?
The main difference between domestic and commercial pressure washers is the numbers that you’ll be researching when you start shopping for your pressure washer. Business pressure washers have higher PSI and GPM numbers, and they are normally heavier and sometimes a bit more cumbersome to handle.
As an example, let’s take a look at the Simpson PS4240 commercial pressure washer, which boasts the following features:
- 4,200 PSI and 4.0 GPM
- High-quality hose that is 3.8 inches wide and 50 inches long.
- Has a weight of 141 lbs.
- Perfect for cleaning parking lots, sidewalks, warehouses, and much more.
In fact, this gas-powered pressure washer can accommodate all types of heavy-duty jobs for your retail store, school, corporate office building, or hospital. It even has a water tank that holds a whopping 1.6 gallons of water.
Naturally, commercial pressure washers are a bit more expensive than domestic ones, mostly because they are so much more powerful and accommodating. For instance, the PS4240 pressure washer costs a little under $980, which is not inexpensive. It is, however, one pressure washer that you can rely on year after year to help you power-clean a variety of structures.
If you’re curious about the uses for a commercial pressure washer, consider that they can be used for the following cleaning jobs:
- Buildings.
- Cars and boats.
- Decks and patios.
- Walkways and aisles.
- Yards and properties of different sizes.
Just think of commercial pressure washers like domestic ones – only more powerful and much better able to accommodate a variety of large, heavy-duty projects.
Properties of a Commercial Pressure Washer
A commercial pressure washer usually has certain features that don’t apply to domestic pressure washers, and they include the following:
- Longevity. Domestic pressure washers aren’t usually made to last a very long time, whereas commercial power washers have bodies made of sturdy anti-corrosive alloy and therefore last for many years.
- Safety features. Commercial pressure washers are the only ones that offer the capability to automatically shut off once the power gets too low. Domestic pressure washers don’t have this feature.
- Size and productivity. Commercial pressure washers are bigger and have the ability to cover much larger areas when you’re cleaning. This means you can clean more areas in a smaller amount of time.
- Water temperatures. While domestic pressure washers use cold water, many commercial washers have the ability to use other temperatures as well.
The main thing to remember is that commercial pressure washers are made better, are much bigger, and have much more power than pressure washers made for residential use. This is why you should never purchase a residential pressure washer for a business or a commercial pressure washer for home use.
Always stick with what the manufacturers of the pressure washer intended them to be used for because this is the best way to make sure you don’t end up with a pressure washer that either won’t meet your needs or is too strong to be safe for the objects you’re cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding commercial pressure washers that may help determine which type you need:
Should I choose a gas or electric pressure washer?
A: The choice is up to you, but most of the top commercial pressure washers are gas-powered. Nevertheless, you should do your research beforehand on the pros and cons of each so that the choice is easier for you.
Should I rent or buy my commercial pressure washer?
A: This is a personal decision, but most business owners find that purchasing their own pressure washer simply makes more sense, especially because they tend to use it on a regular basis. In the long run, renting the washers might end up being too costly.
What PSI should I be looking for when researching commercial pressure washers?
A: Many gas-powered commercial pressure washers have a PSI of around 4,200, so that is a good number to stick with. Nevertheless, some business owners aim for a higher number because they know that the jobs they’ll be asked to do are substantial and heavy-duty.
Do I even need a pressure washer for my business?
A: Pressure washers aren’t a must, but they definitely make your cleaning jobs much faster and simpler. They save both time and money over the long run, so you’ll never regret your decision to purchase one.
