question on pressure washer

[rnln]

Hope someone know.

I plan on doing my concrete seal myself (driveway, front/back yard). Every time they did it, they has to pressure washer (powerful gas machine) to blow away all residue and old seal before they can spray the new seal.

Does anyone know if this pressure washer is enough for this job?
Thanks.

https://www.sears.com/sevencolo-sc02408-1600w-2000psi-1.6gpm-electric-high-pressure/p-A028941548

[dan79brooklyn]

The strongest electric pressure washer will be much weaker than the smallest gas powered one. Check the PSI differences. But I would think a powerful electric one could do the job. That one looks marginal but I’m not an expert. For the price it might be worth a try.

[Bob Kontak]

Just rent a nice one. $50-75 for the day.

I like 3,000+ pounds.

You will too.

[Nickshu]

+1 on renting a nice one.

[VincentVega]

Rent one, just make sure it runs before you leave the yard.

[red-beard]

Buy a disk for cleaning.

https://amazon.com/PowerFit-PF31023B-Surface-Cleaner-15-Inch/dp/B00JKQI0TS/ref=pd_bxgy_86_2/136-4983461-7555357?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00JKQI0TS&pd_rd_r=997655b8-49dd-11e9-8389-5995d9cc0e53&pd_rd_w=eCUVh&pd_rd_wg=d7Tjx&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=6C67FN6XVJC54V7N2N4F&psc=1&refRID=6C67FN6XVJC54V7N2N4F

[cabmandone]

If you look at different pressure washers you'll see 2000 psi @ 1.6 gpm and others 2000 psi at 2 gmp. As I understand it you want the one with more gpm. I have the unit linked below. I personally don't believe the 2300 psi rating but then again I'm used to a 4000 psi @ 4GPM hot water unit that I normally use. I do know with my pressure turned down on the bigger unit that without the heat on it still is a stronger unit.
I'd go the rental route and get one with a heater if possible.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-2-300-PSI-1-2-GPM-High-Performance-Electric-Pressure-Washer-RY142300/300405751

[cabmandone]

BTW, if you check Amazon you'll find a LOT better deals than the one you have linked. I looked at the 2nd link before I bought the Ryobi. I think I should have gone for the one in the 2nd link. I like the hose reel. These smaller units have hose with TERRIBLE memory. I like the 3rd one linked due to Pressure and GPM

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Joe-SPX3000-Pressure-14-5-Amp/dp/B00CPGMUXW/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=electric+pressure+washer&qid=1552956522&s=gateway&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Joe-SPX3001-Electric-Pressure/dp/B00LX8Z03K/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=electric+pressure+washer&qid=1552956563&s=gateway&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/Powerhouse-International-Electric-Pressure-Platinum/dp/B07H7MQQ6C/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=electric+pressure+washer&qid=1552956563&s=gateway&sr=8-6

[RWebb]

why don't we have robots for this?

[abisel]

From what I heard/learned about gas power washers was to get one with a Honda engine and a CAT pump. Such as this one:
https://www.pressurewashersdirect.com/Simpson-ALH3228-S-Pressure-Washer/p16096.html

... and look at the attachments tab. The water broom works pretty good on decks, patios, driveways, etc.

I don't think the electric power washers would have the 'power'. Plus, electricity and water don't mix very well.

[john70t]

Pre-conditioning does half the job.

Spray it down with your eco-friendly detergent and let it sit wet for 1-6 hours.

[Pazuzu]

For electric, go $150 to $200. They're all relatively equal at that price point.

I got a Greenworks electric from Lowes, it was a Memorial day sale. So, the $200 version was $150. It will take paint off of concrete, if you spend enough time on it.

I cleaned the driveway, several hours a day, 2 days a weekend for 5 weekends. Probably 40 hours run time, and it never skipped. Since then, 2 years of general use and it's still perfect.

I added brass quick release connectors, a circular floor cleaner, and a foam cannon to wash the car. I love it.


I spent that much time because my driveway had not been cleaned in YEARS, is 20x200ft, and needed me to use the super fine "turbo" fitting, sweeping back and forth 2 inches at a time. It was a MESS. We get mold and mildew on every surface here, and it was actually accumulating into black piles as I washed it off the concrete. Now that I stripped that all off, I can use the 15 inch circular fitting once a year, and do the whole thing in one day.

I also stripped 300 square feet of desk down to fresh wood, and stripped 200 feet of cedar fencing down as well. Everything it touches, it makes pretty again.

[john70t]

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

We get mold and mildew on every surface here, and it was actually accumulating into black piles as I washed it off the concrete.

Same here.
This entire neighborhood is filled with it for some reason, despite being on a southern hill.
I see it everywhere when I walk around.

Last year I power-washed the siding and now there are black mildew streaks back again.

As much as I hate to do it....I'm going chemical.
Wet 'n Forget works slowly and have to be applied without rain for a week or two to be effective.

[look 171]

Hey Ron,

Nothing beats a pressure washer when it comes to cleaning concrete driveway. GAs is the way to go instead of electric. If its full of black gunk I would mixed bleach and some soap and get a stiff floor brush and go into town. A little elbow grease may do the trick. Get some exercise while you do some come cleaning. Bleach will get rid of the algae

[fintstone]

From my limited experience...you can do most small jobs with an electric...If you have all day to do an hour's work and can get very close. You can get pretty good cleaning/pressure if you have a tiny pattern.

[nota]

Originally Posted by Pazuzu

For electric, go $150 to $200. They're all relatively equal at that price point.

I got a Greenworks electric from Lowes, it was a Memorial day sale. So, the $200 version was $150. It will take paint off of concrete, if you spend enough time on it.

I cleaned the driveway, several hours a day, 2 days a weekend for 5 weekends. Probably 40 hours run time, and it never skipped. Since then, 2 years of general use and it's still perfect.

I added brass quick release connectors, a circular floor cleaner, and a foam cannon to wash the car. I love it.


I spent that much time because my driveway had not been cleaned in YEARS, is 20x200ft, and needed me to use the super fine "turbo" fitting, sweeping back and forth 2 inches at a time. It was a MESS. We get mold and mildew on every surface here, and it was actually accumulating into black piles as I washed it off the concrete. Now that I stripped that all off, I can use the 15 inch circular fitting once a year, and do the whole thing in one day.

I also stripped 300 square feet of desk down to fresh wood, and stripped 200 feet of cedar fencing down as well. Everything it touches, it makes pretty again.

exactly why you rent a big one to do 200ft drives

I have an el for small jobs
but borrow a buddy's gas for big stuff

[gtc]

Electric is ok for spraying off patio furniture and lighter jobs. For cleaning decks or concrete, gas powered is the only way to go.

[cabmandone]

Think of it like a shower with a low flow head and one that doesn't have the restrictor. Both using 60 psi but one capable of doing more GPM at the same pressure, which one feels like it has more pressure? 2000@1.6 won't do the work that 2000@2 will do. Gas or electric makes no difference... it's the Pressure and GPM. A 2000 psi @ 1.6 gpm gas powered washer will do exactly the same work that a 2000 psi @ 1.6 gpm electric will do.
Here's a decent article https://www.goodway.com/hvac-blog/2011/03/flow-rate-is-key-when-choosing-a-pressure-washer/

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by RWebb

why don't we have robots for this?

We do, but they cost a few million per day to rent.

[GH85Carrera]

I have a gas powered one, and the disc attachment. It is still slow tedious work. It really helps to use a soap designed for cleaning concrete along with the disc. Don't expect it to just zip along and have clean concrete.