Why You Don't Want To Use Hot Water In Your Pressure Washer
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A pressure washer has the ability to completely transform the exterior of your home. However, while they are incredibly popular, it can be all too easy to end up damaging the machine or inflicting harm on the outside of your property – from either using the wrong temperature water or too much pressure. For example, excessive pressure can easily ruin the brickwork on the outside of your house, alongside negative effects on the concrete in your driveway from using hot water. These effects are something that you want to avoid at all costs, as they are hard to reverse.
While it may seem like no big deal, using the correct temperature can actually make all the difference. Using hot water is a big no-no, not only for the upkeep of your home but for the money in your pockets as well. After all, you don't want to have to fork out a hefty sum for self-inflicted repairs. So, what's the problem with hot water? and, why don't you want to use it in your pressure washer?
Hot water could ruin the exterior of your home
Anything above 110°F you likely want to avoid. If you use hot water on your concrete driveway, there is a risk that the concrete could crack and split. The same is true if you use it on your brickwork as it erodes the mortar. While some pressure washers support higher temperatures than this, you don't want to risk inflicting any unnecessary destruction on your home. If you want to play it safe, you can always hire a professional to come and help — they will know the optimal temperatures for cleaning the different building materials used in your home.
Alongside using hot water, there are also many other areas of your home you should avoid washing with high pressure, such as vinyl siding and electric paneling — even at colder temperatures. By following the correct guidelines, you can help to keep your home well maintained, safe, and looking sparkling clean.
Hot water could damage your machine too
Pressure washers come in a variety of sizes and capabilities. If you're using one at home, then you likely have a residential option. While these are certainly useful machines, you still need to be careful. The hot water could not only damage your home, but your beloved pressure washer, too. High temperatures can have a negative impact on various internal parts, and may even erode certain components in the machine. Again, you don't want to have to fork out money for a new one, so checking the water temperatures is key.
So, how do you know the right temperature for your pressure washer? It's always best to check the users manual before you start. You can also check by looking online at your specific model. Alternatively, there are plenty of pressure washers that can give your outdoor space a good clean, without the need for any hot water, at stores like Home Depot and Amazon.