How to choose pressure washer to start your business | Multi PSI blog

Do you dream of starting your own exterior cleaning business, but don't know which pressure washer to choose? Finding the right model is crucial to offering efficient, profitable and long-lasting services. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the right petrol pressure washer for your professional needs.

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Table of contents

1. Before you start: what you need to know about high-pressure washers
2. The right questions to ask before going into business with a pressure washer
3. Our 3 best high-pressure washers for starting a business
4. Choosing a high-pressure washer is a question of needs
5. FAQ : Still have questions about high-pressure washers?

Before you start: what you need to know about high-pressure washers

What is a high-pressure washer ?

A high-pressure cleaner is a piece of equipment consisting of a motor that drives a pump, which propels high-pressure water through a closed circuit. High pressure is generally defined as between 500psi and psi. Above this range, equipment is considered verry-high pressure or ultra-high pressure.

What is the difference between PSI and GPM?

PSI (pounds per square inch) represents the pressure at which water is ejected, while GPM (gallons per minute) corresponds to flow rate, i.e. the quantity of water used. Although this varies according to the application, generally speaking, the dirtier the surface, the higher the GPM. For example, a psi, 4gpm high-pressure washer will be far more efficient than a psi, 2gpm model.

Residential, commercial or commercial or industrial: what are the differences?

• Residential high-pressure washers often emphasize high PSI (e.g. psi at 2gpm), but neglect flow rate (gpm). Industrial models, on the other hand, prefer a high GPM for optimum efficiency, and use more robust pumps.
• On the cost side, residential cleaners are less expensive to buy, but have a shorter lifespan. Industrial cleaners, on the other hand, are more expensive, but their robustness and ease of repair guarantee a lasting investment.
• A commercial or industrial pressure washer is designed to be repairable, with parts that are durable, replaceable or individually repairable. Residential models, on the other hand, are often made with plastic or Chinese parts, which are disposable once defective.
• Industrial models feature external accessories (unloader/regulator, pressure gauge, water outlets) that are easily replaceable, unlike residential pumps where the components are often integrated and therefore non-repairable.
  
  

Hot or cold water: which option to choose?

The use of hot water offers superior cleaning power, especially for greasy or encrusted dirt such as on trucks, heavy machinery or heavily soiled exterior surfaces. That said, for cleaning paving stones, fences, masonry surfaces or landscaping work, a cold-water pressure washer is often more than sufficient.

Direct drive or belt drive: which to choose?

 A direct-drive high-pressure washer connects the motor directly to the pump. This type of equipment is suitable for short-term daily use (approx. 1 hour per day).

A belt-driven pressure washer uses a belt to turn the pump. As there is no direct friction between the motor and the pump, this system is ideal for intensive use, several hours a day and several days in a row. It's also more durable.