High pressure washer: quality service in compact packaging

Mini-sinks for some time outgrew relate exclusively to professional equipment. The release of a variety of models facilitates the choice of a high-pressure washer for home use, because the range of application of the device is wide: in everyday life, in garden plots, in garages and in small industrial enterprises.

The high-pressure washer is simple and consists of several elements: a housing, an engine, a pump, a detergent container, a hose with a set of nozzles. The principle of operation of the washing is reduced to the following processes: water from the container / tap is supplied to a special tank, where the pump raises the pressure and directs the jet to the spray pump. Using the output nozzle, you can adjust the type of jets, pressure and determine the area of ​​the treated surface. Thanks to special nozzles, inaccessible places are easily and simply washed.

Types of sinks

When classifying equipment, various attributes can be used.

Appointment of technology

Depending on the technical parameters, technical classes are distinguished that are optimally suited for everyday life or for use in the enterprise.

• Household high pressure washer - the compact model has a low cost and is used at home (in the garage, in the garden). According to technical specifications, you can use the device repeatedly for a week. Plastic parts of the pump allow continuous operation of less than 30 minutes. Approximate indicators: water pressure - up to 120 bar, productivity - from 350 to 429 liters per hour, average engine power - 1.8 kW.
• Semi-professional models are determined by the optimal price / quality ratio. Important parts of the pump are made of metal alloys, so the devices can work for several hours almost daily. These are the best models for operation in small enterprises or at home (if there are several cars and a lot of garden equipment). Main characteristics: water pressure - about 140 bar, productivity - about 460 liters per hour, engine power - an average of 2.1 kW.
• Professional equipment is assembled from high quality and expensive parts. Designed to serve large areas. The continuous operation period is approximately 4-4.5 hours. These models are better, since some can heat the water, are equipped with autonomous gasoline engines, which is why it is used in large enterprises, in car services, in construction sites. A high pressure washer is sold with the following technical characteristics: water pressure - about 160 bar, productivity - 600 liters per hour, power - up to 3 kW.

There are no clear restrictions on which model to purchase, but it is unlikely that it will be rational to buy a powerful unit for washing one machine a couple of times a week.

By the method of arrangement of equipment

Mobile models are powered by electricity and are easy to move thanks to the wheels. Most often, this technique is produced for use in everyday life.

Stationary units are placed in a strictly defined place and used in car washes.There are models that are mounted on walls or mounted on a special frame (can be put on top of each other). Wall-mounted high pressure washer has a high level of outlet water pressure, which allows you to quickly clean surfaces from any contaminants.

Autonomous models (gasoline high pressure washer) are suitable for home and garden care.

Main technical parameters of the sink

When choosing a device, you need to imagine which indicators pay more attention and how they can change.

Sink resource

This characteristic means the period of uninterrupted operation of the equipment or the number of cars that are recommended to be washed during the day in order to maintain good working qualities for a long time.

This parameter is usually described in the instruction manual (for example, 1, 3 or 5 machines per day). Subject to this recommendation, manufacturers guarantee high-quality washing for a certain period (usually from 3 to 5 years). Compliance with the time of continuous use of equipment also significantly affects the life of the equipment. For expensive models, this is about 1 hour, for a simple class - no more than 20-25 minutes.

Performance

The indicator characterizes the consumption of water in working condition (one minute or one hour). Domestic models consume about 370 liters of water per hour per hour, and a professional mini-wash spends 2-3 times more (from 720 liters per hour).

The higher the productivity, the less time is used to wash the machine. It also depends on the parameters of the pump.

Water pressure

The characteristic determines the strength of the jet of water. Moreover, the higher the indicator, the better and faster cleaning can be done.

For domestic use, models with a pressure of 70-100 bar are sold. At a high pressure washer with water intake from the tank, the pressure of the water jet at the outlet decreases and can reach about 50-80 bar. With these indicators, a high-quality water wash will take about 20 minutes.

In professional equipment, the water pressure is 150-180 bar and washing one machine takes from 5 to 10 minutes.

The optimum pressure is 120-130 bar. It is recommended to purchase sinks that have the ability to adjust this parameter.

Pump housing material

The washing pump is the main part (its value in the price of the device is about 70%), therefore the reliability of this particular component determines the quality of the product as a whole.

In household models, plastic is most used. The advantages of the material are obvious: reasonable cost, low weight, resistance to moisture (corrosion does not form). The main disadvantages are instability to the action of high temperatures (water should not be hotter than 40-50 ˚С) and fragility. In the event of a crack, the equipment cannot be repaired. Most manufacturers use durable plastic, which ensures a long service life of the equipment with proper operation and quality care.

Of course, the use of brass and aluminum is a guarantee of reliable operation, but significantly increases the cost of the device. Most often, metal cases are used in professional equipment.

And also the material from which the pistons are made matters. The best options are cermets and steel.

Collapsible pumps allow you to find faults and repair them yourself (and it turns out very cheaply).

Filters

All devices are necessarily equipped with a fine filter. This part softens the water and prevents damage to the internal mechanisms of the device by debris or small abrasive particles.

Mini-sinks with replaceable or permanent filters are sold. Of course, a permanent filter is considered the best, since it does not need to be changed, but you just need to periodically rinse under running water.

Detergent container

Manufacturers produce models in which cleaning compounds are added to water in three ways: there is an integrated tank, a special connection through the pipe, using an external nozzle - a foaming agent.
If the use of funds is not provided, then the washing process will be longer, and the result will not be of such high quality.

Hose length

This characteristic is important because it determines the comfortable conditions for cleaning. To make it convenient to wash the machines, a 4 m long hose is enough, but for gardening or washing the facade it is advisable to purchase models with a hose no shorter than 7 m.

Hose winding methods (drum, holders on the sleeve) determine the convenience of use and storage of equipment.

Water intake

A similar function is in demand in the absence of the ability to connect to the central water supply. To work, you need to lower the hose into a container (special tank, well) and water will be pumped automatically. A high pressure washer with water intake may have lower productivity, as part of the power will be spent on pumping fluid. But such models do not need centralized water supply.

Professional models are equipped with water heating systems. This mode saves water and detergents. With hot water it turns out better and faster to wash the surface. However, it should be borne in mind that such sinks are significantly more expensive.

Nozzle set

Standard equipment provides for the usual nozzle and “mud cutter”. Some additional elements can be purchased separately, and the assortment from different manufacturers differs significantly (from 5 to 20 types of nozzles).

These devices are used to facilitate washing: of individual parts of the machine - the bottom or arches, facades / windows of houses. Some models are used to clean sewer pipes, garden equipment or tools.

additional characteristics

First of all, sinks with a gun equipped with the “total-stop” function deserve attention. In this case, only when the trigger is pressed down is water supplied and the engine running. This option helps to reduce water consumption and prevents premature wear of washing components.

Devices that provide water cooling of the motor, are able to work for a longer period and better remove difficult to remove dirt.

Device Operation Rules

This technique must be used with care, as a jet of high pressure water can easily break glass objects, damage your eyes. Observance of safety measures will allow to avoid troubles:

• it is necessary to exclude the possibility of using the sink by children;
• do not allow water to hit people, animals, working mechanisms;
• hold the washing gun tightly in your hands;
• it is recommended to wear safety glasses to prevent dirt from entering the eyes;
• Do not use the device at air temperatures below 0 ° C;
• Before winter storage, the remaining water and detergent are poured out of the tank. Gasoline high pressure washer is freed from fuel;
• the residual pressure from the gun is relieved (it is necessary to monitor the leakage of all water from the nozzle head).

Which high pressure washer each owner decides for himself. First of all, it is necessary to determine the frequency of its application. If you plan to occasionally wash one car, then a device with a pressure of 100-120 bar is enough, but if you need to service several cars or different garden equipment, you need to pay attention to more powerful models.

The best choice for a summer resident is a high-pressure gas washer, as it is easier to care for the paths / facade of the house and you can easily pick up a washing platform anywhere in the area.

Also, to understand which high pressure washer is better, you need to compare the characteristics of similar models from different manufacturers.The rating of high pressure washers is led by Bosch. The following manufacturers also entered the top 5: Karcher, Huter, Patriot, Champion. This is explained not only by the quality of equipment, but also by the developed network of warranty service.

Regular use of the sink will not only allow you to easily and quickly look after the machine, but also extend the service life of its coating, so the majority of car owners recognize the validity of acquiring a suitable model.