Does Pressure Washing Increase Water Bill?

Does Pressure Washing Increase Water Bill

A standard garden hose has been shown to use (6.604 gallons) of water per minute, whereas a pressure washer uses only (1.849 gallons) per minute. Therefore, it is clear that using a pressure washer can decrease water consumption

Thanks to current technology, pressure washing has become more efficient in terms of water consumption. Again, it is recommended to use an electric pressure washer because they are being built with energy efficiency in mind. You can read more about Electric Pressure Washers That Won’t Break The Bank here. It’s a helpful buying guide article that reviews some factors and recommendations before deciding which electric pressure washer is best for you.

How Much Water Does a Pressure Washer Use to Wash a Car?

4.4 gallons / 16.5 liters. These results are very impressive when you try to wash your car but don’t want to waste so much water down the drain. To achieve these results, I recommend using an electric pressure washer to draw water from a handled plastic container.

This unique method gives you the advantage of not relying on a garden hose to wash your car or just any other small task around your house. And most importantly you can wash your car with little water consumption.

What Is The Average Cost for Pressure Washing a House?

The average cost of pressure washing a house ranges from $183.00 to $380.00. The average price nationwide ranges from $220.00 to 380.00. 

For example, washing a house costs between $220.00 and $380.00. A house driveway costs between $130.00 and $220.00, and terraces or patios cost between $250.00 and $420.00. Of course, all prices depend on cleaning chemicals needed for the job, and also, all prices are subject to the size of the surface as well.

Do Pressure Washing Companies Use Their Own Water?

No, most pressure-washing companies do not carry their own water. However, some do, depending on the work they need to do. For example, most mobile car wash companies need distilled water to achieve better results when washing a car. This also depends on state law restrictions for water consumption regulations.

Things You Should Know About Pressure Washing Your House

Pressure washing home exteriors is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to keep your house looking like new. It removes dirt that can grind up exteriors and accumulated mold. Algae can also be pressure washed. Below you will learn how to safely and correctly pressure wash your most significant investment, your house. 

How Often Should You Pressure Wash a House?

Generally, pressure washing is recommended every two years, or as needed, aluminum, steel, vinyl, or wood can benefit from a thorough wash. It is also the ideal way to prepare a surface before painting.

However, there are a couple of exceptions. First, be sure to repair damaged areas, such as decaying wood, before cleaning. Second, don’t pressure wash if you suspect your house has lead-based paint. This is usually the case with houses painted before 1978. If you assume your house has lead-based paint, contact a professional to inspect it and ask for recommendations. 

Why Should You Use A Pressure Washer?

As I mentioned earlier, pressure washers use up to 80 percent less water than garden hoses and are up to 50 times more potent. With a pressure washer in your house, you’ll be able to wash, for example, the driveway, your car, and many other areas around your house. 

These machines have different fittings for each use, ensuring that the right amount of pressure is used for the application. Pressure washers include three to five different job-specific nozzles with twenty-five to fifty feet of high-pressure hose. A cleaning detergent is formulated explicitly for pressure washers. 

How to Prep Your House for Pressure Wash

Choose a clear day with little wind, and then you can start preparing the area as follows:

  • Close all windows and doors tightly. 
  • Turn off the electricity to open plugs. 
  • Use plastic and tape to cover the delicate lamps. 
  • Remove or protect the garden furniture and other outdoor items near your house. 
  • Use a garden hose to wet the shrubs, so the soap does not damage the plants. 
  • Trim shrubs, grass, or bushes that are in contact with or near your house – these are often problem spots where mold can accumulate, so you should have easy and adequate access to them. 

Pressure Washing Your House (In 6 easy steps)

Now is the time to start the cleaning process. Always wear eye protection when using your machine and never pressure wash while standing on a ladder. If you are not appropriately using a pressure washer, contact your local professional.

If your house has more than one floor, invest in an extension cord or telescopic wand to first get to the higher areas. You can read more about The Safest Way to Clean Gutters From The Ground here. In this article, you’ll find one of the most affordable and useful tools that many homeowners use to clean gutters in first and second-floor elevation roofs. 

So, now here are the six steps in the cleaning process to start pressure washing your house as follows:

Step 1 Connect Detergent Features

Put the siphon tube in the detergent; some pressure washers have a separate tank for the cleaning solution and then connect the low-pressure soap tip. This low-pressure tip is explicitly designed to apply the soap.

Step 2 Apply Detergent to Your House

Once your machine is connected, press the spray trigger with adequate force until the cleaner is present in the water stream. 

Then, begin applying the detergent to your house from the bottom up. Now, this is a crucial and often overlooked step. Applying from the bottom up prevents dirt from running through your house in areas that are still dry, which could cause scratching.

Step 3 Apply Detergent One Side at a Time

Depending on your house’s size, you may want to apply the detergent one side at a time. You want to make sure the detergent has time to work and has no time to dry out before you rinse. Direct sunlight can dry the solution, so plan to clean each side of the house when it’s not directly in the sun.

Step 4 Allow The Detergent To Work

 Once the detergent is applied, let it sit for about five or ten minutes.

Step 5 Start Pressure Washing Your House

Get ready to rinse now; this is where your pressure washer does the scrubbing for you. Put the nozzle in high-pressure mode by rotating the tip; depending on your pressure washer model, you may need to switch to a 25 or 40-degree nozzle. If you are cleaning a two-story house, you will need a special tip.

Step 6 Remove Any Detergent Residue

Pull the spray trigger gently to remove any detergent residue from the line. Once you have removed it, start rinsing your coating from the top down. There is a technique to do this safely and correctly. 

Here are some tips to consider first, hold the spray gun firmly with both hands. Always keep the nozzle one foot from the surface at a 45-degree angle and never spray below the horizontal siding work with a steady hand sweeping from side to side at a constant speed. Also, always avoid spraying windows directly and stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. 

Once you have entirely rinsed, repeat the cleaning and rinsing process on each side of your house. After you have followed all the steps, give your coating a few hours to dry, and then admire the results. 

Pressure washing is one of the best approaches to keep your siding fresh and your house beautiful, but don’t stop there. You can use the pressure washer to clean stubborn dirt stains from your driveway or scratches from your boat.