Power Washer advice before I buy one?

[tranger2]

This site is a form of google for me. I learn more, not just about firearms, but almost anything else. I am about to purchase a power washer for residential use; to wash cars, clean driveways, clean the side of the house before I paint, etc.

I have seen some models at Sams and Home Depot with a Honda motor, 2800 psi, for about $299.

I was told to stick with a Honda motor. Any advice or bargains out there?

 

[Shoot Summ]

I bought a $299 from Lowes a couple of years ago, Troybilt, also got $50 off so it was $250. Not a Honda motor, supposedly a crappy pump, yet I have gotten great service out of it, definitely got my money's worth at this point. So it is likely what I would buy again based on my experience. This is not what most guys will tell you, buy a Honda motor, get a Cat pump, spend a lot more, no need to IMO.

 

[CBarCRanch]

Sometimes you can get a steal out of the back of a pick up from a guy selling brand new units for about half. You can usually bargain them down another 100 or 200.

 

[mtnboomer]

Honda motors are great - except when they don't work, then they cost twice as much to fix. I have a small engine mechanic's certification and I won't touch a Honda motor. I'm not saying I'm the greatest mechanic in the world, but I've never been able to fix one correctly. That said, They run great and are great motors.

You may also want to consider how often you will use the washer. A couple times or more a month, go with a gas motor. A couple times or more a season, consider an electric washer.

 

[Defcon Shooter]

From 25 years of racing off road motorcycles the best way to do power washers is to buy a Karcher electric for 100.00 and throw it away every year. The high dollar units work great until they ingest a piece of trash or wear out a pump then they cost almost as much a as a new one. With cheap electric you get good pressure and it works great until it does not then just replace it. Way less aggravation and less expense

 

[MacFromOK]

I have a gas powered power washer that will take your skin off.

Yeah... my advice was going to be "don't put your hand in the spray near the nozzle."

Cut a gash in the side of my little finger as a teenager, quick & clean as a razor.

 

[ronny]

There are only 2 approaches to buying a pressure washer. Defcon offered one and it's a pretty good suggestion. The other option is to buy a "good" one, take care of it, and expect it to last for years of homeowner use.

Sam's often has some pretty good ones for a decent price.

 

[Perplexed]

Do any power washers offer the option of soapy water under pressure? Seems the ones I've looked at only dribbled soapy water at very low pressure, with clean water at high pressure.

 

[skyhawk1]

Most "home units" only put out supply hose pressure for the soap, Like everybody says its all about what you use it for and how often. I prefer Honda engines my self, easier starting and last a lot longer if taken care of. Big thing is to make sure after use you put light weight oil or paint sprayer preservative in the pump if you are not going to use it for a while. Most "inexpensive" pumps will rust inside and ruin in a few months

 

[dennishoddy]

Do any power washers offer the option of soapy water under pressure? Seems the ones I've looked at only dribbled soapy water at very low pressure, with clean water at high pressure.

Mine has two chambers for soap or liquid wax or whatever, valve to switch between the two.
It lost pressure after the first year. Thought the pump was toast, but got online and found out there are several little cartridges within the pump that control the pressure.
Called the pump MFG and got the cartridges sent to me at $30 bucks or so.
Full pressure now. Honda engine.