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All power washers are not created equal, yet many people in the process of buying one simply aren’t sure how to narrow down their options or how to choose once they’ve narrowed them down. At Hydro Tek, we are always happy to help you choose the right washer but you can also use these two questions to figure out which one is right for you.

Where do you plan to use your pressure washer?

Does that sound like a simple question? The truth is that whether or not you’re cleaning inside or outside makes a big difference when choosing from various pressure washers. You’ll need to keep in mind the location you’ll generally be using your power washer to answer these two questions that will help you find the right power washer:

1. Are you cleaning on a job site that requires a gas pressure washer or are you cleaning somewhere that has easy access to an electric socket that could make it possible to use an electric power washer?
2. Do you need to move your washer around regularly and thus need it to have wheels? Or will you use your pressure washer to clean items that can be moved around so you can clean them?

Once you’ve answered those two questions, you’ll have narrowed down your options.

Choosing an electric versus gas pressure washer

If you plan to use your new pressure washer inside, then you’ll be limited with an electric model. For example, you’ll have to use a motor that runs on electricity and is outfitted with a high-pressure pump. That electric motor is going to further limit you because it won’t be portable if it must be attacked to an electrical outlet.

If you’re planning to clean outdoors, then you’ll have more options. You can use either an electric or a gas pressure washer – and these are the two most popular options. Generally speaking, an electric power washer is more affordable, but gas washers are more easily moved around, which is necessary for some applications.

You’ll also think about where the water will come from. In some cases, they’re fed by nothing more than a typical garden hose. In other cases, they’ll need a big tank to draw from. Once again, we welcome you to call us and find out the difference between various hot and cold pressure washer options.

Consider the amount of time you’ll be using your power washer on a weekly basis

Will you use your power washer for fewer than five weeks on average? If so, you might be able to use a cheaper model you’ll find in your local hardware store. However, just remember that you’re not going to get the exceptional service, customer support, or warranty you can count on from Hydro Tek.

If you’re considering investing in a commercial power washer then you likely have questions. You can always call Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 to get answers but we also wanted to provide you with some answers to the most commonly asked questions about our products.

Do I need a hot or cold water pressure washer?

Think about the surfaces you plan to most frequently wash. If they include any type of grease or oil, then you’re going to need a hot pressure washer because it will do the best job of getting through tough grease. On the other hand, if you’re likely to use it frequently to clean off surfaces that have mud or dirt caked on them, then you’re likely to want a cold water pressure washer. If you’re still not sure of which option to choose, give us a call at 800-274-9376 .

Is PSI or GPM more important?

Once again, this depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking to clean up heavy soils then GPM, which stands for gallon per minute is likely to be the most important factor to you. On the other hand, PSI, which stands for pounds per square inch of pressure, is likely to be the most important factor if you’re regularly cleaning grime that’s really stuck on.

No matter what you’ve seen on product labels or in ads, volume is going to be the factor you’ll need to consider. You need a power washer that’s going to offer you the right balance of pressure and volume. In order to choose the right option, let our experienced techs offer you the right option for your needs.

Do I need accessories for my new pressure washer?

Some people need accessories and others don’t. When you consider the options critically, you’ll see that most accessories are pretty affordable and they can help you get your work done both more quickly and more affordably. You’ll also likely save some wear and tear on your hot or cold water pressure washer.

Consider this example – most pressure washers use much more detergent than they need to. This is often caused by the detergent valve always being opened all the way. One accessory, a fixed orifice system, can help users use less detergent while still getting great results.

Or consider the hose real. This helps ensure that your pressure hose isn’t spending time lying on the ground, absorbing oil and getting damaged by vehicles or people traveling over it. With a hose reel, you can more easily handle a longer pressure hose – which means you can clean a larger area.

Get help finding the right pressure washer

No matter what your needs are, if you’re shopping for a commercial pressure washer then Hydro Tek is the company you want to work with. Call us today at 800-274-9376 and let us walk you through the process of selecting and buying the right washer for your needs.

At Hydro Tek, we’re always here to help clients (or potential clients) find the best pressure washer and accessories for their individual needs. We’ve previously provided answers to frequently asked questions about pressure washers, but today we want to concrete on one of the questions we get more than any other: Do I need a hot water pressure washer or a cold water pressure? We are proud to offer both options and we are here to help you understand which one will work best for your unique needs.

Situations that call for a cold water pressure system

You can be successful in cleaning a wide variety of surfaces and objects with a cold water pressure system. It works by offering a very high impact spray, as well as the soaps or cleaning chemicals you use in your system. We generally recommend cold water only in a situation where you won’t be cleaning up grease or oil. That said, if you use the right cleaners, a cold water pressure system can be successful in cleaning up both oil and grease. For more information on what chemicals and cleaning products are needed, feel free to reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 .

Situations that can for a hot water pressure system

If you’ve ever tried to wash the dishes with cold water then you know that hot water can make washing a lot easier. This is particularly true if you’re regularly dealing with things like grease, oil, or other petrochemicals. As we mentioned above, a cold water pressure system can work on these substances – but only if chemicals are used.

Hot water often makes the cleaning process much faster. It is more effective at loosening up gum, dirt, grease, oil, and other problematic substances. Most of the hot water pressure systems you’ll see will use either diesel gasoline or kerosene to heat up the water within its coil. That heating coil, along with the burner system in general, does make this type of pressure washer much heavier than a cold water system. It’s also just generally more complex and requires more maintenance compared to cold water unit.

Additionally, unless you use some type of self-contained power source like a generator or a battery, the burner system in a hot water pressure heater requires electricity, which means that it will need to be plugged in. Of course, at Hydro Tek we offer systems that run on electricity but we also offer battery-run systems.

As you can see, there are pros and cons to both option. If you’re still not sure which one will work, feel free to reach out to us at 800-274-9376 . We specialize in these systems and you won’t find a company more qualified to answer your questions.

Many people assume that one pressure washer is pretty similar to other pressure washer. Hydro Tek is here to tell you that this simply isn’t true. No matter what you buy from us, whether it’s a pressure washer, pressure steamer, mobile wash skid, or an accessory, you can count on us using stainless steel whenever it’s possible. We work hard to ensure that every product you’ll buy from us is strong, durable, and up for the challenges you’ll put it through. Following are just a few of the reasons that our equipment is the best in the business.

We abide by the ISO 9001:2015 requirements

We are proud to say that we’re ISO 9001:2015 certified. We follow the most stringent requirements set out by this set of quality standards. As a result, you can count on our products being high quality – but it doesn’t begin and end there. From the paperwork you receive from us, to the design of our pressure washers, we take every step seriously. When you buy a pressure washer from us, you should know that it’s passed a rigorous 47-point final inspection to ensure it’s up to our standards.

We manufacturer our own coils to ensure their quality

The coils included in your products are not bought by Hydro Tek, they’re made by us. As a result, we’re able to offer a lifetime warranty. That’s how strongly we believe in this product. In fact, you’re guaranteed that it won’t corrode for the life of the product – both inside and out. We utilize a double wall system to ensure that the heat of the burner doesn’t affect the quality or performance of our products.

We use durable panels

Of course our stainless steel panels are shiny and look great, but they’re also incredible durable and will provide corrosion resistance for the life of your pressure washer. You want your machine to look great for years to come, and we provide that, but we also ensure it’ll run. You’ll also appreciate our quick connects that ensure you have total access to all interior components.

You can believe in our rugged frames

When you choose Hydro Tek, you are truly choosing the ultimate in protection. One more example of that can be found in our Pro-Tect-It frames. They’re made of one and one-quarter inch heavy gauge steel, which is completed with a powder coat finish that’s durable. There’s also a built-in lifting eye that ensures you have tons of protection when you’re moving your system – not to mention the protection you need.

Of course, the above are just a few of the reasons that the pressure washers you’ll buy from Hydro Tek are the best in the business. To learn more about your options, reach out to Hydro Tek at 800-274-9376 today.

You love your pressure washer from Hydro Tek but did you know that there are a number of accessories that can make it even more effective and easier to use? Like every pressure washer we sell, our accessories are made with the highest standards in mind and with only the most durable materials. You can count on our products to work just as hard as you do. Read on to learn more about accessory options and then contact us at 800-274-9376 with any questions you may have.

The Hydro Twister Convertible Undercarriage Surface Cleaner

If you regularly clean the undercarriage of surfaces then this convertible undercarriage surface cleaner may change the way you get jobs done. It’s perfect to clean off crop seeds and dirt from tractors, to get slime and oil off a boat hull, to remove mud from off-road vehicles, to get rid of grease from under cars at repair shops, and to rid motorhomes and trailers of road grime.

The Hydro Twister Roof Cleaner

The Hydro Twister Roof Cleaner does just what it sounds like – it cleans mildew, dirt, and algae from roofs. Made with rust-resistant stainless steel, this accessory will stand up in even the harshest conditions. It comes with a pressure reduction valve, wheels that won’t mark, ball valve to shut off water, and a pressure gauge. You can adjust the width and height of the wheels without using tools for added convenience.

Hose Reels

We offer hose reels that can be mounted just about anywhere you want them to. They then offer a quick and easy way to store and discharge the hoses for your pressure washer. Our options can swivel as much as 180 degrees, which allows you to unroll your hoses from any direction you need to. When you’re ready to go, just reel the hose on to the drum with the handle we provide. You then just set the lock pin and you can take off! Our universal mounts are made in the U.S. and come to you fully assembled.

Muck Scupper and Sledge Pump

Why invest in a sludge, slurry, or water evacuator when your pressure washer can do the trick with the right attachment? Or muck scupper and sledge pump is made from stainless steel that’s durable and won’t break, rust, or corrode. It was made with heavy industrial use in mind, and it fits easily into even the tightest corners. Use it like you’d use a scraper to loosen up muck.

Our design works at an angle and has been shown to perform as much as 45% better than similar sludge pumps. You can extra vertically up to two stories and the rate is as much as 15 times the flow rate of a pressure washer without this attachment. It comes with a 15 foot discharge hose but there are other lengths available. Just reach out to Hydro Tek for more information.

Are you interested in building your reputation not just as an exceptional cleaner but one that’s eco-friendly? In California this can be a huge selling point for your clients and we have just the way to accomplish your goals: investing in a water recycle system. The products we offer let you catch the water wash before it goes out into the environment. This helps prevent chemicals from getting into the water supply, and that water is then filtered and can be reused – which allows you to conserve water on every job you do. It’s really a win-win and Hydro Tek is here to help explain your options.

The portable water wash recycle system

When you work with Hydro Tek for your water wash recycle system, you’ll have two main options: portable and stationary. Each has their own advantages and there isn’t one in particular that works best for everyone. Our portable option attaches to your truck or trailer mount and is very easy to learn to use. It helps you comply with the storm drain regulations and is simpler and more affordable than you think.

The included vacuum and filtration system has six different stages of filtration and can process both water that has chemicals or soaps and just plain water. The waste water is captured through a vacuum and the water is then treated and pumped back to your water tank to reuse. If you’d prefer – and it’s permitted – you can also have the treated water diverted to the sewer or to landscaping. Any heavy solids collect in the v-section and are easy to remove through a simple dump valve.

When you purchase this portable water wash recycle system along with our power washer and our trailer or tank skid, you have a complete mobile wash, recycle, and recovery unit. This is a great choice for savvy cleaners who want to not just comply with storm drain requirements but actively protect the environment and conserve water.

The stationary water wash recycle system

Your second option is our stationary water wash recycle system. It uses filter cartridges that can be cleaned and reused or replaced. You’ll appreciate that this stationary recycle system includes a multi-media, automated system that ensures you get the performance specs you need for industrial / professional cleaning.

This unit is often used for exterior washing but isn’t suited or detergent washing. It’s a top choice of people in rental yards, detail shops, contractors, and auto repair shops. There are three stages of inclined gravity separation which ensures it’s easy to get to the sludge drains. In short, this is a great option for those who don’t need a water wash recycle system that works on the go.

No matter why you’re searching for a hot water pressure washer, whether you’re buying it for your home, your business, or something else entirely, Hydro Tek wants you to find the exact right product for your needs. Here are five features that you’ll need to compare when you go in search of the right washer for your needs. Still have questions after reading this guide? Call us today at 800-274-9376 .

Take a look at the burner options

The burner on your hot water pressure washer supplies the heat to the unit. The type of fuel it uses will vary from diesel to kerosene. There may be other fuel options available depending on exactly what you’re buying. Note that the burner can raise temps of the water that’s coming in by 130 degrees F. In some cases, you may be able to get a wet steam that’s 250F – which is hotter than boiling. As you’re shopping for your pressure washer, compare the burners to see how hot they can get.

The size of the burner fuel tank

The fuel tank supplies fuel for your burner. In most cases, you’ll find tanks that range in size from four to ten gallon capacities. There’s no right size – it all depends on what you need and how you’ll be using your pressure washer. For example, having a bigger tank does mean you won’t have to fill it up as often, which can be an advantage, but it also means that the total unit will be much heavier, which can be a disadvantage.

The type and size of the heating coil

Many of the components of your hot water pressure washer are heavy and when you combine them all, you could be dealing with a very heavy product. However, the heating coil is actually where most of the weight of your washer comes from. If you’re looking for a professional pressure washer, then it may be worth it to get a heavy one. Most people who are buying a washer for home don’t want the added weight of a heavier option.

The type of fuel

Your two main options will be gas or electric power. They’ll keep your pump going and ensure you’re running smoothly. If you need a lot more power, then gas is likely to be more affordable. However, it can be easier to use electric power and it can result in an overall lower weight to your completed unit.

Do you want a trailer or a push card?

The larger your heating coil, the heavier your burner, and the bigger your fuel tank, the larger your cart frame will need to be. In the case of the largest option, a trailer is likely to be mounted and it can be pulled by truck from one site to another. On the other hand, lighter units can be pushed around with four wheels while others have two. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to reach out to Hydro Tek and let us clear them up for you.

If you need to get something sparkling clean then it’s likely you need a hot water pressure washer. At Hydro Tek, we run across potential customers all the time who are interested in this option but aren’t sure exactly why it’s a good idea or how it works. You can always reach out to us for more information, but the following three key elements are the core of why these hot water pressure washers work so well.

1. Heat

When you want to remove dirt and grime, there may be no better option than heat. While cold water pressure washers have their own unique purposes, the heat in hot water pressure washers creates a molecular action that’s high-speed and results in cleaning agents being more active. The heat also lowers the surface tension of the water, which allows it to penetrate grime at a molecular level. In short, the heat helps the water do its job much more easily and thoroughly.

2. Agitation

Think about washing dishes in your kitchen sink. You may let them soak in soap and water for a while, but you know that it’s not enough. Instead, you need to get in there and scrub them with your hands. That scrubbing is what we refer to as agitation. The great thing about pressure washers is that they create the agitation by adding impact from the water volume and water pressure. It then hits the surface that you’re trying to clean and creates the agitation you need without having to grab your rags and put in the elbow grease yourself.

3. Soap

Also referred to as detergent, soap actually breaks down the chemical bond between dirt and the surface you’re cleaning. It all begins when the molecules of the grease and oil attach themselves to the dirt and then keep that dirt trapped or bounded to the surface you’re trying to clean. When you use soap (or a detergent), they include softening agents. Actually, you’ll see them technically referred to as “surfactants” which is just a shorter way of saying “surface active reagents.”

They actually emulsify the grease. What does emulsify mean? It’s the process where two or more liquids, such as oil and water, that normally repel each other no longer do. In fact, they actually mix. When the oil and water mix they form what’s called an emulsion. The dirt will still be clinging to the oil and grease like it has been, but it will now be carried away with the wash water.

If you have additional questions about how pressure washers work, you can always turn to Hydro Tek, your source for commercial and residential pressure washers and more!