Pressure washers are one of the handiest tools a homeowner can use. They can be used for everything from cleaning out your dog kennel to preparing a house for a new paint job. And you can rent a great piece of all-purpose cleaning equipment from your local Rental Stop store right here in the DFW area.
What Do I Need A Pressure Washer For?
The answer to that question is simple: just about everything. When most people think of renting pressure washers they conjure up images of professional painters dangling off ladders in order to prep flaking surfaces for a facelift. The truth is that pressure washers have a number of possible uses that encompass just about any outdoor cleaning task you can imagine. Some of the most popular everyday uses of these inexpensive rentable machines include cleaning cars, driveways and walkways, gutters and downspouts, siding, outdoor furniture, dog kennels, garage floors, lawn mowers, garden equipment, and trash cans, and other soiled receptacles. Add to these a few of the more industrial uses, such as preparing surfaces to be painted and washing hard to clean areas and equipment where grease, heavy dirt and oil buildup occurs, and it’s easy to see why renting a pressure washer from time to time is an excellent idea. Remember, it’s really a cost-effective maintenance solution for the upkeep of your home, property, vehicles, tools, and a whole lot more.
How to Choose the Right Model for You
Many things need to be taken into account when renting the right power washer. If the washer use is limited to some spring cleaning (washing off your home’s siding, cleaning off the driveway and walks, etc.) you’ll probably be okay with a lower end, direct drive washer. If you plan to use a rented washer more frequently, say more than 100 hours per year, you’ll probably want to step up to a more agricultural or industrial rental model. Most cheaper residential models simply won’t hold up over the long run when exposed to more vigorous use.
Other things to pay attention to are the GPM and (PSI) of the units you’re renting. This refers to the gallons per minute of water that are dispensed and the pressure per square inch with which the unit expels that water. Generally, the higher the GPM, and more importantly the PSI, the more powerful and effective your pressure washer will be. The final consideration you’ll need to make is whether you want a gas or electric model. Electric washers are fine and efficient, especially if you’re fairly certain you’ll only be using the washer where outlets are accessible. However, if you plan on toting the washer around and want a more portable unit, renting a gas run model is well worth the extra money it will cost you.
Power Washer How To’s
The main thing to remember when using a pressure washer is simply that these units, even the smaller ones, pack a punch. I’ve seen an inexperienced painter strip not only the paint off of old wood siding with an industrial grade power washer, but a size-able portion of the wood as well. The key is start out at a good distance away from the object you’re washing, then work your way closer until you get the effect you’re looking for. Also, start with wider spray nozzles or settings and move to smaller ones only when you’re sure you need more power. Smaller nozzles and settings mean more pressure and more focused point of attack, so it’s better to play it safe and start bigger before working your way down. Once you get the hang of it, however, working with one becomes a breeze and pretty near to second nature for the operator.
Rentals are available at your local Rental Stop Store in the DFW area.
I am convinced it’s worth the investment? Don’t fret. Rental Stop usually have a fleet of these beauties on hand, and they can be cost effective to rent one for a few weekends a year. Good luck with your projects.
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