Pressure washers perform countless jobs. However, regardless of their versatility, some factors dictate their fitness for the job.
Users prefer a model that provides a high-quality pump, a good Rated Voltage engine, and other such specifications. However, they often overlook the two most important factors. The GPM and PSI.
Although, the terms look insignificant. But they outline the overall performance of a pressure washer. The following explanation helps understand how.
PSI
PSI refers to Pounds per Square Inch. It indicates the spraying intensity of the pressure washer. You can try to understand the PSI as the stripping power of the washer. High PSIs clean the toughest grime easily.
Commercial pressure washers have more PSIs. Typically, their PSI level ranges from 2,000 to 3,000. However, some extremely powerful washers offer up to 5,000 PSI as well. Pressure washers with 1200 PSI or more can handle most home cleaning jobs.
Note: Higher values of PSI may send the debris flying off. Therefore, ensure safety precautions before beginning.
GPM
Next comes the GPM which refers to Gallons per Minute. A GPM value indicates how many gallons of water the pressure washer uses in a minute.
GPM values spell out the rinsing power of the pressure washer. Commercial pressure washers usually have a GPM of 2.2 to 10.0. However, domestic pressure washers mostly have GPM values ranging from 0.2 to 4.0.
GPM values between 1.5 and 2.0 can handle most washing jobs. Hence, buying a pressure washer with more GPM for residential cleaning leads to water wastage.
How are GPM And PSI Values Constitute to Cleaning Units?
The product of PSI and GPM gives an efficiency figure called the cleaning unit. Cleaning units provide an efficient overview of a washer. Thus, enabling a quick and accurate selection.
For instance, consider a pressure washer with 2000 PSI and 4.0 GPM. Then the CU of the machine is 8000. Similarly, if a washer has 2500 PSI and operates at 2.0 GPM, it will have 5000 CUs.
Hence, the higher the CU faster and more effective the cleaning process.
Which PSI And GPM Values Should You Pick?
Picking the optimal values of PSI and GPM is important whether you are considering a unit for commercial or residential cleaning.
In the case of domestic level projects, lower PSI values work well for two reasons. Firstly, higher PSI is expensive and likely doesn’t fit in a budget. Secondly, occasional use requires more maintenance as the unit stays mostly idle.
The ideal GPM level for residential cleaning is about 1.5 GPM. However, some gas-powered pressure washers offer more GPMs like 2.8 which is apt for most applications.
A higher GPM and PSI remain the top preference for commercial washers. Mostly commercial pressure washers offer up to 7000 PSI. However, a unit of 3000 PSI can handle most commercial projects. For cleaning heavily soiled paths, higher PSI units are available as well.
Commercial pressure washers usually have up to 4.0 GPM. Higher levels of GPM lead to water wastage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, factors like pump strength and engine power are the top performative factors of a pressure washer. But PSI and GPM dictate its cleaning efficiency. Hence, having the optimal levels is important as well.
Extreme levels of GPMs and PSIs result in surface damage and water wastage.
