HOUSTON RICK
Member
I am in the market for a new pressure washer to clean the brick on the house, driveway, sidewalk, etc. Anyone have one they like? Thank you in advance.
Pressure Washer
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Rick,
Several years ago I had planned to buy a pressure washer. I completed a lot of research and discovered that the gasoline powered models can be expensive to own. Some of the key parts are plastic when they should be brass. Then there was the issue of Honda vs. Briggs and Stratton for the engine. I went to a local dealer who sells many brands and he estimated that the cost for an excellent (not top-of-the-line either) unit would be $1,300-$1,500!
For what it's worth - 7 Best Pressure Washers for Around Your Home in 2019
Our oldest son gave us a Sun Joe electric power washer and it has been reliable and effective in performing the tasks that you need to do:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pressure...&sprefix=pressure+,aps,157&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9
Additionally, we had our home painted several years ago. The company power washed our home first. I asked them for their recommendation. They said that they never "buy" pressure washers - they "rent" them! Surprised??
Bill
Several years ago I had planned to buy a pressure washer. I completed a lot of research and discovered that the gasoline powered models can be expensive to own. Some of the key parts are plastic when they should be brass. Then there was the issue of Honda vs. Briggs and Stratton for the engine. I went to a local dealer who sells many brands and he estimated that the cost for an excellent (not top-of-the-line either) unit would be $1,300-$1,500!
For what it's worth - 7 Best Pressure Washers for Around Your Home in 2019
Our oldest son gave us a Sun Joe electric power washer and it has been reliable and effective in performing the tasks that you need to do:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=pressure...&sprefix=pressure+,aps,157&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_9
Additionally, we had our home painted several years ago. The company power washed our home first. I asked them for their recommendation. They said that they never "buy" pressure washers - they "rent" them! Surprised??
Bill
Put me in the "rent" camp.
No upkeep, maintenance or storage.
No upkeep, maintenance or storage.
Second. If'n you do buy one make sure it is "Honda powered." The pump is supposedly the weak link, and most manufacturers use the same one, or so I have been told. Joe
Ivan the Butcher
Member
The bigger gas powered unit require more water that the house line can provide, this will damage the pump. Rent and forget!
Ivan
Ivan
Had this one a number of years. Pressure enough to get household stuff done. Never an issue with house water supply being more than sufficient to provide plenty of water for it.
Worst part is after it sets for a bit (like it has been) when I need it I have to tinker to get her fired up n running. Usually nothing mpre than clean carb/bowl and add fresh gas. I drain it when stored.
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CAJUNLAWYER
Member
Like they say the pump is the weak part. I bought a Honda powered one years ago from Lowes under the Troy bilt label with Hunda Engine. Never had a problem starting it. I've replaced the pump and hose (let the hose fall on the muffler and burnt a hole in it). A freeze plug os some sort blew out on the pump about three years ago rendering it useless and to replace it with a Hunda posered one was gonna run around 6-800. I couldn't see throwing out a perfectly food honda engine os I did a lot of research on the web about pumps, etc. BOught a new one for aru]ound $110 changes it out (VERY easy) and was off to the races. I use it three or four times a yeay to do outside work on the house/driveway/porch as well as clean my boats do renting doesn't make sense for me. If you are gonna use it for once a year cleaning-I'd rent-get the weekend special of pick up on Saturday and return Monday ans leter go at that.
Now chainsaws????? different story. Every man NEEDS to own a chainsaw
Those who have them are absolute GODS during hurricane season 
You absolutely OWN the grovelling soul that comes to you to borrow one-you can see it in his wife's eyes
Now chainsaws????? different story. Every man NEEDS to own a chainsaw
Those who have them are absolute GODS during hurricane season You absolutely OWN the grovelling soul that comes to you to borrow one-you can see it in his wife's eyes 
I had a Troy Built / Honda gas powered that I purchased from Lowe’s, worked great until My son commandeered it
So I bought one of Lowe’s cheap electric ones several years ago and for what I do with it it does a nice job, and I have used it to clean my deck.
One thing whether gas or electric the sound from them is annoying, wear ear protection.
So I bought one of Lowe’s cheap electric ones several years ago and for what I do with it it does a nice job, and I have used it to clean my deck.
One thing whether gas or electric the sound from them is annoying, wear ear protection.
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The best pressure washer on the market is made by Graco. 3000 psi. minimum.
I bought a new pressure washer from Harbor Freight for like $80 and the thing has been rock solid. Its and electric and very light and easy to move around. The motor stops when you release the trigger which is nice. It has plenty of power.
I bought a Troy bilt from Home Depot 8 years ago and it's still going strong. Biggest thing I've found is use non ethanol fuel and you won't have starting problems. I know someone will say they use ethanol and have never had a problem but trust me, stay away from ethanol.
I winterize the pump in the fall and have never had a problem.
I winterize the pump in the fall and have never had a problem.
cherrypointmarine
Member
I bought one from Costcos , has a Honda engine , labeled Yamaha . Works great , came with the attachment to do sidewalks and such . If I know it's going to sit a while , I add stabil to the gas . Then I start it up and turn the gas off at the petcock . When it stops there is no gas anywhere except the tank . Gas now-a-days doesn't last long , and if it sits , it goes bad and will ruin equipment .
oneounceload
Member
Mine is a Honda-powered one I got from Sam's Club. Used it a lot more where I used to live because of more mold, retaining wall blocks and screening around the pool./ It vibrated itself one time right into the pool, I immediately jumped in and got it out, let it dry completely for a day or two, and it went back to work just fine. If you won't be using it very often, remember to put Stabil in the fuel tank. Here in Florida, another nemesis besides mold is the lovebug and it is that time if year. One has to be careful if you use too fine a stream as mine will cut right through the clearcoat. Mine runs at 3500psi.
I have a pressure washing trailer with 2 cold machines & 1 steam machine.
Many homes I have gone to have been scared up by home owners or other companies.
Do a search for companies in your area & check reviews.
Pressure washing is an art.
I like General Pumps directly driven by Honda motors
Many homes I have gone to have been scared up by home owners or other companies.
Do a search for companies in your area & check reviews.
Pressure washing is an art.
I like General Pumps directly driven by Honda motors
Tex1001
Member
I have the Excell 2.5 GPM @ 2500 PSI. Has the Honda GC160 engine. You have to really hold on tight when you squeeze the trigger. My wife says it will take the chrome off a bumper hitch. I sprang for the 50 foot hose. I got it at a pawn shop eight years ago for $250 OTD.
(Oops. I was running on memory. A records check indicates $120 OTD.)
There are two different pump designs- elliptical and parallel. The parallel is the better one. Some pumps are oilless and others need pump oil.
Some words of warning. Do NOT let the pump operate for more than a minute or two without releasing pressure for a few seconds. Water temp will skyrocket.
When you start the engine, unload the pump (Squeeze the trigger).
Do NOT operate the pump without the water supply on. You will grenade the pump internally.
For storage, drain the water and charge the pump with a light oil.
(Oops. I was running on memory. A records check indicates $120 OTD.)
There are two different pump designs- elliptical and parallel. The parallel is the better one. Some pumps are oilless and others need pump oil.
Some words of warning. Do NOT let the pump operate for more than a minute or two without releasing pressure for a few seconds. Water temp will skyrocket.
When you start the engine, unload the pump (Squeeze the trigger).
Do NOT operate the pump without the water supply on. You will grenade the pump internally.
For storage, drain the water and charge the pump with a light oil.
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pmosley
Member
I just bought a 3100 PSI Generac from Factory Pure - shippped diectly from the manufacturer for less than $300 - i shopped for almost a month to replace my old Craftsman unit.
Best deal going in my opinion.
Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk
Best deal going in my opinion.
Sent from my LGMP260 using Tapatalk
Geronimo Jim
Member
Wet and forget. Spray in on and in a few weeks it is clean.
No need for pressure washer! It works .....honest.
No need for pressure washer! It works .....honest.
My business is pressure washing. We don’t do residential anymore, but still get a lot of calls. Robspeire is 100% correct. Inexperienced people with too much machine can do more harm than good.
For no more than the average home owner will use it, get a good one with a Honda motor and look for something in the 2-2500 PSI range that delivers about 3 gallons per minute. All the pressure in the world is worthless without adequate flow.
I would sacrifice some PSI for higher flow.
For no more than the average home owner will use it, get a good one with a Honda motor and look for something in the 2-2500 PSI range that delivers about 3 gallons per minute. All the pressure in the world is worthless without adequate flow.
I would sacrifice some PSI for higher flow.
