Pressure washers have been on the market for at least the past 10 years. It is during this period that they have grown to become popular amongst home owners. In essence a washer is a machine with the ability to turn ordinary low pressure water into high pressure water that can be used to clean surfaces. In most cases home washer units increase ordinary hose water flow's pressure by some twenty times.
The market for pressure washer units is extremely broad making it possible to find all types and models of water blasters as they are also known. The two main distinct categories of water blasters are those that are gasoline powered and those that are electric powered. It is almost a rule that gas powered washers are designed to have more power and are hence used for heavy industrial duty purposes. These typically release high pressure water at levels as much as 4000psi at 3.5 GM. This is extremely powerful.
Industrial Lawn Mowers
Gas powered washers are usually mounted on wheeled frames to allow easily mobility around the job site. They have an on board gas tank and sometimes water tank which can supply long hours of continuous use before any refill is needed. Gasoline powered water blasters are typically used in open air industrial sites to do rugged jobs such as pain stripping and removal of grease and oil from heavy trucks and machinery. They produce a lot of noise and toxic fumes in the process making them less appealing for home users. Besides they are very expensive running into thousands of dollars per unit.
On the other hand electric pressure washers are traditionally associated with home use. These are safe to use around the home and are light to medium duty machines. They are used to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios, grills, garages and cars. Due to their low pressure output ranging between 1500psi and 2500psi they can safely clean home surfaces without causing any damage. Heavy industrial duty gas powered units can easily gouge wood for example if used directly on delicate home surfaces.
Electric powered washers are good for home environments also because they do not make a lot of noise and produce no fumes. They have a double insulated electric cord which is plugged to ordinary home electricity supply points. Price wise they are also affordable making it possible to find certain good models for under 0.00 and in some cases even for under 0.00. These have no pumps and hence have less maintenance issues.