Otis Singleton
Electric pressure washers are a convenient and powerful tool for cleaning and washing surfaces, especially cars. While there are many electric pressure washers available in the market, some people prefer to build their own custom setup. This allows for specific requirements, such as wall-mounted designs, desired PSI, GPM, and horsepower, as well as the inclusion of features like total stop options and quiet operation. Building your own electric pressure washer can be a cheaper alternative to buying a pre-built one, but it requires careful consideration of components like the motor, pump, thermal relief valves, and circuit breakers.
Characteristics and Values of an Electric Pressure Washer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety Valves | Not required for electric machines as motors have a thermal cutout; outlet circuit breaker will trip in case of excess current |
| Thermal Relief Valves | Should open and close depending on water temperature; releases hot water when temperature exceeds 140º F |
| Pulsation Dampener | Not necessary |
| Power | 5hp |
| Features | Total stop option, quiet, wall-mounted |
| Circuit | 20 amp |
| PSI | 1500 |
| GPM | 3.8 |
| Tip | 6 |
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What You'll Learn
Safety mechanisms: thermal relief valves, safety valves, and thermal cutouts
When building an electric pressure washer, it is important to consider the safety mechanisms that will protect the machine and the user. Three key components are thermal relief valves, safety valves, and thermal cutouts.
Thermal relief valves are essential for pressure washers, especially when the water supply is from a garden hose. These valves activate when the water temperature reaches a certain threshold, typically 140°F. At this temperature, the valve opens and releases hot water to prevent the pump from overheating. Overheating can lead to pump failure and damage to the packing seals. Once the water temperature drops below 140°F, the thermal relief valve closes, ensuring the pressure cleaner pump operates within a safe temperature range.
Safety valves, or pressure relief valves, serve as a backup to the unloader valve. While it is rare for an unloader valve to malfunction and not allow water to bypass when the trigger gun is released, safety valves provide an additional layer of protection. These valves are designed to release at a preset pressure to prevent equipment damage and potential injury. They should be installed upstream of the first shut-off point, such as a ball valve or trigger gun, and adjusted to open when the pressure exceeds the normal high-pressure spike upon releasing the trigger gun.
Thermal cutouts are another safety feature in electric pressure washers. In the event of a dead-headed pump forcing the machine to draw excess current, the thermal cutout or the outlet circuit breaker will trip, protecting the system from overload.
By incorporating these safety mechanisms, you can help ensure the safe operation of your electric pressure washer and protect both the equipment and the user from potential harm.
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Power source: electric vs gas engine
Electric power washers are typically more suitable for residential projects and are easy to start, operate, and maintain. They are also environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and quieter than gas power washers. Electric power washers provide 300 to 3,400 psi (pounds per square inch, a measure of pressure) and 1.2 to 2 GPM (gallons per minute, or flow rate), depending on the model. They are generally safe for beginners due to their low power output, which ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 psi.
However, electric power washers may not be suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks and have limited mobility due to their power cords. They also have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting three to five years, compared to five to seven years for gas power washers. Additionally, electric power washers might require lubrication of the pump to ensure continued functionality.
On the other hand, gas power washers offer superior cleaning power, making them ideal for heavy-duty jobs and commercial tasks. They are more durable and can produce a spray ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 psi, which is strong enough to damage wood or chip brick. Gas power washers are fully mobile as they don't have power cords or batteries that require charging.
Despite their higher performance and power, gas power washers come with a higher price tag and are more challenging to maintain. They require regular maintenance, including oil changes, gas refills, spark plug replacements, and adding gas stabilizers for storage. Additionally, gas power washers are less environmentally friendly as they burn gasoline and emit fumes. They are also louder than electric models, reaching up to 100 decibels during operation.
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PSI and GPM requirements
PSI, or Pounds per Square Inch, refers to the intensity of the pressure with which the machine sprays. PSI can be thought of as the brute force of the water stream. The PSI of effective commercial pressure washers ranges from about 2,000 to 3,000. The higher the PSI, the more easily it can lift stubborn gunk and grime.
GPM, or Gallons per Minute, refers to the flow rate or the volume of water that moves through the pressure washer’s nozzle every minute. GPM can be thought of as the rinsing power of the washer. The higher the GPM, the quicker you can wash a surface clean. The GPM of effective commercial pressure washers ranges from 2.2 to 10.
The cleaning unit (CU) is the figure obtained when you multiply the PSI by the GPM. This spec gives you a good idea of the cleaning power of a specific pressure washer. However, two pressure washers can have the same CU without having the same cleaning ability. For example, a pressure washer with a PSI of 3,000 and a GPM of 2.0 will have the same CU as a pressure washer with a PSI of 2,000 and a GPM of 3.0, but their cleaning abilities will differ.
Contractors and professional cleaners tend to prefer a higher GPM machine over PSI as they use cleaning solutions to loosen grime, so their job primarily becomes one of rinsing the dirt away. The higher the GPM, the faster it will be to clean large surfaces.
When determining the PSI and GPM requirements for your electric pressure washer, consider what you will be using it for. The PSI requirements can vary based on what you need to clean. For example, it'll take less pressure to clean dirt and salt from your vehicle than it will to clean oil stains from your garage floor.
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Wall-mounted design
If you're looking to build your own electric pressure washer and want to go for a wall-mounted design, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. This design approach offers both convenience and space-saving benefits, but careful planning is required to ensure a safe and effective setup.
Firstly, you'll need to identify a suitable location for the wall-mount. Ideally, this should be a sturdy and durable wall that can bear the weight of the pressure washer unit. Consider the proximity to a power source as well, to avoid the need for long extension cords, which may be unsafe for outdoor use. Once you've selected the location, carefully measure the space to ensure your custom-built pressure washer will fit neatly.
The next step is to build the pressure washer unit itself. You'll need to source or fabricate a durable housing for the unit, ensuring it has the necessary mounting points to securely attach it to the wall. Consider using a lightweight and rust-resistant material, such as aluminium or a composite plastic, to reduce the strain on your wall and increase longevity. Ensure the housing is large enough to accommodate the pump, motor, and any other necessary components, with sufficient ventilation to prevent overheating.
When it comes to the internal components, you'll need to select a pump and motor that suits your desired pressure and flow rate. Consider the intended applications of the pressure washer to determine the required specifications. You may also want to include a pressure regulator to control the water pressure and a detergent tank if you wish to use cleaning solutions. Ensure all components are securely mounted within the housing, with appropriate vibration dampening measures in place to reduce noise and prevent damage.
Finally, you'll need to address the water supply and power connections. The water supply can be attached directly to the unit with a standard garden hose, or you may wish to install a dedicated water line, depending on your intended usage frequency. For power, you should consult a certified electrician to ensure a safe and reliable connection. They can advise on the correct wiring and any necessary circuit breakers or fuses to protect against power surges. Ensure a reliable means of switching the unit on and off, with easy access to the controls, and consider including a safety lock to prevent accidental activation.
By carefully considering these aspects, you can effectively design and build a wall-mounted electric pressure washer that suits your specific needs, all while maintaining a safe and convenient setup.
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Hose and wand setup
When it comes to setting up the hose and wand for your electric pressure washer, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide whether you want a wall-mounted setup or a free-standing one. If you opt for wall-mounted, you'll need to install a custom metal shelf in a corner to place the pump on, and then plumb the pump to a spot on the wall where the hose and wand can be easily accessed. This is a great option if you want to be able to wash your car in the middle of winter without having to move the setup around.
For the hose itself, it's important to get one that's long enough to reach your intended washing area, but not so long that it causes a significant drop in power to the pressure washer. A longer hose will result in less power being delivered to the washer, which could lead to burning up the washer or a decrease in PSI. So, it's a balance between having enough length to manoeuvre and not exceeding the capacity of your washer.
As for the wand, you'll want to look for one with an ergonomic design that's comfortable to hold and easy to control. Some wands come with a trigger that starts and stops the pump automatically, which can be convenient if you don't want to be constantly turning the engine on and off. Additionally, consider any attachments you might need, such as a brush attachment for more effective cleaning or a soap dispenser for applying soapy water.
When assembling the hose and wand, follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Ensure all connections are secure and tight to prevent leaks. It's also a good idea to test the setup before full use to ensure everything is functioning properly and there are no leaks or blockages. Regular maintenance of the hose and wand is also important, including checking for wear and tear and keeping them stored properly when not in use.
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Frequently asked questions
Building your own electric pressure washer can be cheaper than buying one, and you can customise it to your needs. For example, you can build one with a total stop option, that is quiet and wall-mounted.
Safety valves are generally not required on electric machines as most motors have a thermal cut-out. However, it is important to ensure that your outlet circuit breaker is functioning, so it can trip in the event a dead-headed pump forces it to draw excess current.
A pressure washer typically includes a pump, hose, wand, and soap dispenser or foam cannon attachment. It is important to ensure that you have a heavy-duty extension cord and a 20-amp circuit to power the washer.
Online forums such as Reddit's r/pressurewashing and The Garage Journal have communities dedicated to pressure washing and DIY electric pressure washers, where you can find advice, recommendations, and photos.
Building your own pressure washer may be more costly than expected, especially if you want a powerful washer with high PSI. Additionally, electric pressure washers may not be as effective as gas washers for certain applications, such as cleaning cars, and may require additional attachments.
