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As you search for the right pressure washer, there are many factors you will have to consider and compare. If you are like many buyers you will be comparing the pros and cons of gas versus electric pressure washers. You can contact Hydro Tek for a personal analysis if your needs and the best power washer to meet them. In the meantime, keep reading for a direct comparison between gas and electric power washers.

Everything You Need to Know About Gas Pressure Washers

As the name implies, a gas pressure washer runs on gas. They are the original option and people who have worked with many pressure washers over the years often want to stick with what they know and what they know is gas pressure washers.

One of the biggest advantages of a gas pressure washer is that it is very mobile. Unlike an electric power washer that must be plugged in – and therefore within range of an electric outlet – gas pressure washers do not require an external energy source.

While that is an advantage in some situations, it can actually be a disadvantage in others. How? Because gas units cannot be used in enclosed areas. For example, if a person wanted to use a power washer to clean a basement, they would not be able to use a gas power washer because the fumes can be dangerous.

Everything You Need to Know About Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers are less popular than gas pressure washers but that should not be reason in and of itself to choose gas. Why? Because electric pressure washers are relatively new to the scene. As a result, it stands to reason that their gas counterparts would be doing better.

As noted above, one of the advantages of a gas pressure washer is that it can be used indoors or in any enclosed space without fear of danger from fumes. It is also generally more affordable than a gas pressure washer, which makes it a great choice for an individual. Finally, electric pressure washers are noticeably quieter than their gas counterpart, which can be a big bonus for some people.

That said, the affordability is there for a reason – there are downsides. First, gas power washers do not have the same amount of power as a gas option. For this reason, professional pressure washers are almost always gas, unless they are being indoors and electric is a must. Second, electric pressure washers are not as common and do not have as many accessories.

We Can Help You Determine Which Pressure Washer to Choose

Which pressure washer is best for you? That depends on what you will be using it for, where you will be using it, your budget, and your priorities. If the guide above still hasn’t convinced you of which one to buy, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 and we can help.

There are many reasons that people decide to use a pressure washer. If you are looking to get your cleaning job done in no time flat, then pressure washing is the right choice. If you want to ensure that you end up with a spotless result, then pressure washing is a great choice. That said, it will only look as good as you make it. Keep reading to find a few tips to maximize the results of pressure washing. Then contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 if you want to learn more about your options.

Make Sure You Use the Right Amount of Pressure

One of the most important factors is the amount of pressure you use. If you use the maximum possible pressure then you are likely to get a very clean surface very quickly – but you are also likely to damage said surface. In order to choose the right pressure, you must carefully consider the material you are cleaning and how much pressure it can handle.

That said, if you do not use enough pressure then you risk not getting the surface clean. It may take longer if you do not use the right pressure. You will measure how much pressure you are using by pounds per square inch, more commonly called PSI. The range for each machine can vary widely. For example, a commercial pressure washer can range from 3000 to 4000 PSI while a unit you’d use at home would more likely be somewhere between 1500 and 2600.

Use the Right Temperature

Next, you will need to consider the temperature. At Hydro Tek we offer both hot and cold water pressure washers. Hot water can get a surface cleaner faster, but, once again, you risk damaging it. At Hydro Tek we consider what you are cleaning before recommending hot or cold. For example, if you are cleaning the floor of a commercial kitchen then you would need a hot machine to get rid of grease.

On the other hand, if you are cleaning your concrete driveway, you are likely not dealing any debris that would require hot water. You could then use cold water, which is more affordable, uses less water, and costs less to operate.

Not Sure What Pressure or Temperature to Use? We Can Help

If you are unclear about the right pressure and / or temperature then we recommend you talk to the professionals. You will find much of the information you need in the owner’s manual for your machine. That said, at Hydro Tek we are always happy to answer any questions you have. Whether you are looking to buy a pressure washer and need assistance, or you have a question about one you have previously purchased from us, contact us by phone at 800-274-9376 or send us an email to sales@hydrotek.us.

Your roof does so much for your home – it protects it from the heat, rain, sun, and other elements. Without a roof, your home would not be safe or secure. While clay tile roofs can last for as long as a century, other types of tile roofs last an impressively long 50 years as well – as long as you take good care of them.

Not regularly completing cleaning and maintenance can significantly reduce the lifespan of your tile roof. If you have access to a pressure washer then cleaning that roof is much easier than you may think. Read on to learn some of the best tips for cleaning a tile roof with a pressure washer. If you are interested in buying a pressure washer or pressure washer accessories, Hydro Tek is here to help.

The advantages of cleaning your roof

Believe it or not, there are numerous advantages to ensuring that your roof is regularly cleaned. As noted above, it is the best way to extend the life of your roof. Once you have the tiles cleaned, you can re-seal, prime, and / or paint the roof and it will be absorbed much better than if the roof was dirty. These steps can help prevent moss from growing and dirt from staining your roof.

Cleaning your roof regularly also gives you a chance to find any damage that has happened to your roof. The sooner you locate any damage, the more easily it can be fixed. If you do not notice the issues, you can end up dealing with drafts, leaks, and even mildew and algae growth. This time of damage causes serious aesthetic issues as well

What you need to clean your tile roof

To clean your tile roof, you want a pressure washer that’s set between 1200 and 1500 psi. You may need cleaning chemicals depending on how much dirt and debris you have on your roof. In many cases, the water pressure is enough to get the roof clean. You’ll also need either a ladder or an extension for your pressure washer that lets you hit your mark from the ground. For your protection, be sure you are wearing long pants and long sleeves and have eye protection on.

Tips for cleaning a roof with a pressure washer

Walking directly on the tile roof can be slippery and it could cause damage to your roof. As a result, we recommend spraying it from a ladder or the ground. If you do need to step on your tile roof for any reason, make sure you step on a spot that’s try and choose the flattest possible stop. Wear shoes that have traction.

Do you need more tips on how to clean your tile roof? Contact Hydro Tek for help getting all the pressure washing equipment you need.

If you are considering buying a professional pressure washer, then you have many things to consider. It is easy to get the advice of an expert by contacting Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . You can also read on to learn more through our comprehensive buying guide.

The quality of the product is the most important thing

There are many other factors we will cover but at the end of the day, the most important thing is that you choose a pressure washer that is of the best quality. No matter how big it is, how much pressure it gives, or how little it may cost, if you buy a low-quality product you can count on it not lasting for long and for it to provide suboptimal services. Any of the products you find available from Hydro Tek are of the highest quality.

Choose between hot and cold pressure washer

It is common for the first decision to be between a hot or cold pressure washer. If you are going to be cleaning areas with dirt and grime as the primary issues, then a cold pressure washer is likely to be just fine. However, if you are going to be cleaning areas with grease and oil, you are going to need a hot unit.

Understanding PSI measurements

The main measurement you’ll see when shopping for pressure washers is pounds per square inch, most often referred to as PSI. This tells you how much pressure it offers. If you are going to be using a pressure washer for commercial purposes, then the minimum PSI you would want is likely 3000. For normal residential use, the highest you can possibly get is 2600.

You need a warranty

Once you have narrowed down your options, you will need to consider warranty. Of course, any machine that is of high quality is likely to last for years to come but that does not mean that trouble cannot arise. The reality is that there is always the potential for issues and you need to be working with a company that will back up the products they sell. As a result, a warranty is a must have.

Consider price and then make your final decision

You’ll notice that price is the last factor we mention. This does not mean that you should buy the most expensive machine there is but it does mean that you should focus first on finding the equipment that will actually meet your needs. After all, it is better to pay 10% more for something that meets or exceeds your expectations or needs, rather than saving a little and not getting the usage that you need.

If you have questions about how to compare machines or how to make your final choice, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . We are standing by to help you find the exact pressure washer that will work best for you.

If you are considering using a pressure washer then you have a tough choice ahead of you: Should you buy one or rent one? It all comes down to how often you will use the machine and for what purpose you will use it. Remember that even if you are renting it for just one reason, if you purchased it you could use it for many other uses whenever you needed to.

Read on to learn the advantages of both options. If you have questions contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 . We are here to help you find the perfect pressure washer for your unique needs.

Reasons you may want to rent a pressure washer

One of the top reasons people choose to rent a pressure washer is because they have never used one before. They do not want to invest in a pressure washer if they have never used it and are not convinced that it offers the impressive cleaning capabilities people say it can. In this instance, it may make sense to rent a pressure washer first so that you can see firsthand just how helpful it can be.

People also say they prefer to rent because they think it is more affordable. This is not often the case. If you are planning to use it more than once per year, then it is likely a better investment to purchase the pressure washer. Likewise, if you buy one you can use it much more than you do when you must rent it. You can even rent it out to be used by others in the community, which reduces your overall costs.

Finally, some people choose to rent a pressure washer because they do not want to deal with maintenance. The good news is that these units are not particularly difficult to maintain. We can always help you find the right maintenance schedule that’s affordable and easy.

Reasons you may want to buy a pressure washer

First of all, buying a pressure washer can be a great investment. You are spending once and will then have a unit to use for years to come. You do not have to go to another location to pick up a rental and you do not have to worry about having it back by a certain time. You also will no longer need to hire cleaning companies. You can clean your car, your driveway, the exterior of your home or business. The options are truly endless.

Second, if a pressure washer is going to be used on a regular basis then it simply makes sense to buy one. Third, if you are going to use it on a regular basis then you will appreciate that buying your own means you can pick the type of unit, the pressure washing accessories to use, the water recycle system, and much more. Contact us at 800-274-9376 now to get the process started.

If you are in need of a commercial pressure washer it is essential to choose the best option on the market. However, if you have never purchased a similar product in the past then you may not know what to look for. You can always contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 to learn more about your options. You can also read on to learn about the four things you will need to decide on as you consider your options.

1. Quality is the most important aspect

The first thing to consider is simple common sense: You want a pressure washer that is of high quality. You also want to ensure that any pressure washer accessories, water recycle systems, trailers, and tank skids are of high quality as well. The best way to ensure this is the case is to work with a company like Hydro Tek that specializes in pressure washers. Our entire reputation rests on the quality of these specific machines. As a result, we do not work with anything but the highest quality equipment.

2. Deciding on a hot or cold pressure washer

There are two main categories of pressure washers: Hot and cold. If you are looking to clean areas that are dirty and grimy then cold water is likely to work perfectly. However, if you are dealing with an area that is greasy and oily then you will need the grease-cutting capabilities of a hot water pressure washer.

3. You’ll need to make a choice on the appropriate pounds per square inch (PSI)

As you shop for a pressure washer, the options you can consider will mention PSI. This is a number that helps you instantly see how strong a particular machine is. It stands for pounds per square inch and shows you how much pressure each machine provides. For residential uses, the top choice will run around 2600 PSI. Commercial applications start at around 3000.

4. Consider the warranty

The fact of the matter is that buying a pressure washer is an investment. At Hydro Tek we are proud to offer the best deals on the highest quality machines. That said, you do not want to end up investing in this sector only to find that, through no fault of your own, there is a problem with the operating system. Just as you would with any purchase of this amount, you should be able to count on a warranty to protect you from such situations.

If you are ready to shop for the best pressure washer for your unique situation then we are ready to work with you. Contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 or send us an email to sales@hydrotek.us. We are here to answer your questions and help you find the best possible unit for your needs.

One of the advantages of pressure washers is that they do not necessarily need any type of cleaning agent. Why? Because the pressure is so strong that simple water can clean off the majority of surfaces. However, for a surface with mold, mildew, or another substance that may require a little more than pressure, cleaning agents may be needed.

Once you have come to that conclusion, you must then decide what cleaning agent is best for your pressure washing project. There are three main options: Soap, detergent, and chemicals. Each has pros and cons, which we will cover today. If you have additional questions, or want to find the best hot water pressure washer for your needs, contact Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 today.

Pressure washer soaps

Soap is the safest of the tree options because it is made from biodegradable or recyclable materials. Common ingredients are fats, sodium, and glycerin. The materials are mixed together in a high steam and the result is soap. Soap is the safest option but also the least powerful, which is why it is often the choice for smaller maintenance jobs.

For example, it may be used to clean the exterior of a home if the only things you are up against are grime and dirt. One of the biggest advantages of soap over the other choices is the fact that it can just be washed down the drain without worry about the environment, thanks to the fact that it’s made from natural materials.

Pressure washer detergents

Detergents are similar to soap with one big difference: They are not made from biodegradable materials. Detergents are most often used than the other two options. They are made from chemicals and combining specific synthetic materials. Detergents are most commonly used for hard-to-get-rid-of substances.

They are also great at getting rid of molds and mildews. It is better than soap on gutters too, and any areas that have been damaged by hard water. However, the main disadvantage is that some type of water recycling or water recovery system is required since it cannot simply be washed down the drain.

Pressure washer chemicals

These are the strongest option and are only used for very specific, difficult jobs. These chemicals are so strong that they cannot be introduced through the pump. Instead, they have to be injected via chemical injector. These are used for very difficult jobs such as mold and mildew that has been allowed to grow for years.

If you are ready to buy a pressure washer, or you already have one and do not know what cleaning agents to use, turn to the professional. You can reach Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 now for help. We offer a full range of hot water pressure washers, cold water pressure washers, trailers, water recovery systems, and much more.

Is it really that important to keep your driveway clean? There are plenty of people who would say no. At Hydro Tek we encourage our clients to think hard about the benefits of power washing their driveways on a regular basis. Here are five reasons it’s worth it. If you need advice on the right hot or cold pressure washer then we are here to help.

1. Cleaning your driveway can prevent damage

If you clean your driveway with a pressure washer on a regular basis, then you can prevent the growth of algae, mold, and moss. If any of these substances are allowed to grow, they can result in significant damage that results in costly repairs. Regular washing can prevent them from growing or, if they do begin to grow, can get rid of them before they cause serious damage.

2. A pressure washer provides fast and effective cleaning

When you use a hot water pressure washer to clean your driveway, it will be cleaned fast and thoroughly. For example, compare a pressure washer with a hose. It can take forever, especially for those with large driveways. A pressure washer gets the job done correctly within minutes and uses much less water to do so.

3. Your driveway will look brand new

When you deep clean your driveway, you can restore it to its original appearance. If it has been awhile since you have washed your driveway, then it is likely that grime and dirt have built up. It may seem that this is just normal wear and tear that happens over time, but the truth is that a simple cleaning could restore your driveway to look brand new.

4. You can skip the chemicals

If you want to get your driveway as clean as you can with your average garden hose, you are going to need a lot of tough, chemical cleaners – and you still won’t get the results you’d get from using a pressure washer. What’s more, you don’t need chemicals with a pressure washer – all it takes is water in most cases. If your driveway has a lot of mold or mildew, then you may want a cleaner but there are biodegradable options that will get the job done.

5. You’ll be improving your home’s curb appeal

When you or a guest drives up to your home, the driveway is one of the first things they see. You may not think about it much, because you drive on it every day, but if your driveway is old and grimy, it could be leaving a bad impression on those who visit. You will be surprised by how much better your house looks when it’s the backdrop for a newly cleaned driveway.

Do you need help selecting the right power washer? Do you need assistance finding the right accessories, trailers, or water recyclers? Reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 and let us help you today.

You know you want a pressure washer but how do you decide which one is best for your needs? A simple way to get an answer is to work with Hydro Tek. We specialize in these products and that means we know them inside and out. All you have to do is go over what you plan to use your power washer for, answer a few questions, and consider the advice we give you.

In the meantime, you can also consider a few essential factors to make the right decision. Once you have considered the choices, feel free to reach out to us at 800-274-9376 or sales@hydrotek.us for additional assistance.

Do you want maximum power? Maybe not

The water pressure used by a hot- or cold-water pressure washer is measured in pound per square inch, which is indicated by psi. The average gas-powered model is going to have more power with ranges between 2,000 and 2,800 psi. Compare that to electric models, which generally have between 1,300 to 1,700.

It is common for a person to assume that the higher the pressure, the better it is for their needs but this is not always the case. If you are going to strip paint off of vinyl siding, then a gas option is likely to be ten times faster and a gas option is going to clean a concrete patio about three times faster than the best electric pressure washer on the market.

However, a gas model is going to be more dangerous than an electric model. It requires more skill to handle the higher pressure, and when set to the wrong settings, electric models are more likely to splinter, etch, or otherwise damage the surfaces they are supposed to be cleaning.

Noise is important to consider

Next, consider how important noise is for you. A gas pressure washer model is going to produce 85 decibels at the minimum. At this noise level, hearing protection is highly recommended. On average, an electric model produces 78 decibels of sound when they are running. When the trigger is released, the motor stops and they are entirely silent.

As you compare these sound levels, consider two things. First, we are comparing the quietest a gas pressure washer can run at – 85 dBa – with the average sound of an electric model. Second, note that gas pressure washers are loud the entire time, whether in use or not. Electric models only make noise when in use, which means they can be used in residential areas with only a few brief moments of sound.

Contact us now and we can help you find the right choice

There is no reason to wonder which pressure washer to get, or to worry that you did not make the right decision. At Hydro Tek we have years of experience with these products and their accessories. Reach out today at 800-274-9376 or sales@hydrotek.us and let us help you find what you are looking for.

If you are planning to buy a pressure washer then you will have a number of factors to consider and decisions to make. However, for many people there is no more challenging choice than that between gas and electric. At Hydro Tek we offer a wide selection of pressure washers and accessories. There is no single model that’s perfect for everyone and so it is up to you to decide what will work best for you.

Today we will go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of each option. If you have additional questions, please reach out to us at 800-274-9376 or sales@hydrotek.us. We are here to use our years of experience to ensure you get exactly what you need.

The pros and cons of a gas-powered pressure washer

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a gas-powered pressure washer is the fact that they are portable. They are not hooked up to any cords at all, which means that they can be used anywhere there is enough ventilation. They are also the more powerful option, which makes them a top choice for those who want a power washer for commercial or industrial needs.

The main disadvantage of a gas-powered pressure washer is that it cannot be used in an area that does not have ventilation. For example, if you need pressure washers to clean out buildings, then gas-powered is not the right choice. If you need to clean out a basement, closed garage, bathroom, etc., then you will need something without fumes. Gas powered options are also more expensive upfront and more expensive to run than electric options.

The pros and cons of an electric-powered pressure washer

The other main fuel source is electric. These are extremely quiet machines, which make them a much better choice for residential needs. Though they are not portable enough to be used anywhere (they require an electrical outlet to be plugged into) they do not give off fumes, which means they can be used in enclosed places such as basements and bathrooms.

The fact that electric-powered pressure washers are more affordable to purchase and run is an advantage as well, but it comes at a price. These units do not have as much power capacity as a gas model. They also do not last as long and they require more maintenance. However, they are often the choice of a person or company that plans to use them occasionally.

Still not sure? We can help you decide

If you are still not sure if a gas or electric powered pressure washer is best for your needs then there is good news: We are here to help. Contact Hydro Tek today and we can go over our catalog with you. There are other factors that can be considered, which we are more than happy to discuss. Call now and find the perfect pressure washer for your needs.