By: David H.
Submitted: 2009-05-13 22:21:02 | Word Count: 645
Power washers are efficient cleaners. There are several types and other helpful information about power washers which potential buyers should know before buying.
Power washers or pressure washers are machines used for cleaning all kinds of surfaces. There are types used for domestic, and some for industrial cleaning purposes. These devices are powered by gasoline or diesel, electricity or hydraulics.
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Cleaning is accomplished by spraying either hot or cold water at the objects or surfaces to be cleaned. The PSI which stands for pound per square inch and GPM which stands for gallons per minute are the standard measurements of efficiency of a power washer unit. The higher the PSI and GPM means a higher pressure and density of water coming out of the nozzle of the power washer. Both PSIs and GPMs can be adjusted to suit specific cleaning needs.
Uses
Power washers are used in a variety of places. In homes it can be used to wash off peelings from old paint on the walls, getting rid of accumulated dirt on garage floors as well as for cleaning cars, outdoor machines like tractors and many others. They are also valuable for industrial concerns like car washes, machine parts and automobile manufacturers. This is along with retailers who like their products delivered clean.
Another valuable use of a power washer is in the cleaning of its surfaces so additional work can be done on them. Power washers are versatile and can wash off all of kinds of dirt, greases, grime, stains, rust and even contaminants. It can also sanitize surfaces with the use of industrial detergents and non corrosive chemicals.
Types
There are several types of powers washers. Aqueous parts washers are used primarily to clean and sanitize equipments, instruments and their components. This washer has features like conveyor belts which transport parts through cleaning tunnels where they are sprayed by hot water. The speed of the belts is adjustable and will depend on the kind of cleaning required. Aqueous parts washers are very valuable to parts manufacturers.
Like aqueous parts washers, automotive parts washers use high pressure water sprayed to clean automobile components and equipments. Aside from water, this type of washer also employs industrial detergents in order to scrub, remove paint, de grease and de carbonize automotive parts.
Ultrasonic washers are another type. It is entirely different from aqueous and automotive parts washer since it does not employ spraying to clean its equipments and parts. Instead, it creates bubbles in a mixture of water, vapor or solvent where parts are immersed. The movements of millions of bubbles create a scrubbing effect which cleans even the hidden parts. These types however are more effective. It needs to work with other industrial cleaners and applications.
Maintenance
The efficiency of a power washer depends on its regular maintenance. The nozzle, after some time, is bound to get clogged with dirt which tends to build up excessive pressure, resulting to irregular spray patterns. The nozzle should be cleaned regularly. Undetected defects in some parts can also affect other parts.
It is best to have the unit regularly checked by a technician so defective parts can be replaced. This is even before the functioning of others becomes affected. Naturally, maintenance will be an easier task when owners know enough about how power washer work. This way they can do some minor repairs on it. Getting spare parts should not be a problem. This is since parts are usually available in hardware stores.
Buying
The type of unit to buy depends on the needs of the buyer. Most industrial buyers prefer more powerful units that have more features and accessories. Domestic buyers will most likely be content with a basic unit. Whatever the preference, it is advisable to canvass other types to get the most favorable prices and terms as well as warranties, discounts, servicing and the like.
