B&A Powerwashing Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

B and A Powerwashing is listing these FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) to furher facilitate our client's understanding of the primary concepts of power washing/pressure washing services. This list will help both new users as well as those that need to brush up on their current knowledge about pressure washers.

What is Power Washing/Pressure Washing?
Power washing, also known as pressure washing, refers to the growing application of high pressure water spray. Specially designed pumps produce this spray, and is a hundred times more powerful than the typical garden hose. On concrete it is used to remove unsightly mold, bubble gum, and other dirt stains. Wooden decks are returned to restore the wood's beautiful original condition. Existing gray and fatigued finishes wood can be made to look new once more. Tthe appearance of siding (aluminum and vinyl) on a house is also greatly improved through power washing by removing pollution, mildew, and other signs of neglect.

In its extreme high pressure form, water is used in many industrial cleaning applications requiring the removal of surface layers as well as dust-free cutting of some metals and concrete. High-pressure water at medium pressure, in combination with special chemicals, aids in the removal of graffiti. This process (especially when the water is hot) is used as a quick rinser of the softened graffiti. Sometimes people use a pressurized mixture of air/sand or water/sand to blast off the surface of the vandalized area, thus etching the surface and therefore making it extremely difficult for anyone to ever use high-pressure cleaning as a follow-up process. Sandblasting, when used in graffiti removals, often overcleans a surface and is capable of leaving a permanent scar on the building surface. At B and A Powerwashing, our professionals will ensure that the utmost care is taken, resulting in satisfaction every time! Click here to request a B and A Power Washing Project

What is a Pressure Washer/Power Washer?
A pressure washer is a mechanical device that uses high-pressure water to remove mold, grime, dust, mud and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, vehicles and concrete road surfaces. Equipment can be rented or bought that produces pressures of up to 5000 PSI (around 345 bar) or more.
The most basic pressure washer consists of:

• a motor which directly drives a water pump
• high pressure hose
• trigger gun

Just like a garden hose nozzle is used to increase the outflowing pressure of the liquid, this machine adds its own power to force high pressure, when a regular nozzle would slow the flow, due to its restricting nature. Note that the pump does not draw more water from the pipe to which the washer is connected than that source can provide; therefore, the water supply must be adequate for a given machine to be connected to it: its flow must be equal or superior to that of the washer, so that the pump is never starved (which can damage it).

Several different types of nozzles are available, each useful for a particular application. Some nozzles cause the water jet to be ejected in a triangular plane, while others emit a pencil-thin jet of water, which spirals around rapidly. Most nozzles attach directly to the trigger gun.

Some pressure washers, in combination with a particular nozzle, allow detergent to be introduced into the water stream, assisting in the cleaning process. Two types of chemical injectors are available: a low-pressure injector and a high pressure injector.

Pressure washers are dangerous tools and should be operated with due regard to safety instructions. The water pressure near the nozzle is powerful enough to strip flesh from bone. Objects in the water supply can be ejected from the nozzle at great velocities. The cleaning process can propel objects from the surface being cleaned, also at great velocities. Pressure washers have a tendency to break up asphalt if aimed directly at it, due to high pressure water entering cracks and voids in the surface.

Most readily available consumer units (commonly found online or at hardware stores) are electric or gas powered. The electric ones plug into a normal outlet and use/produce cold water, and typically deliver pressure up to about 2000psi. Gas powered units can often deliver twice that pressure, though due to the hazardous nature of the gasoline exhaust they are unsuitable for enclosed and/or indoor areas. Some models can generate hot water, which can be ideal for loosening and removing oil and grease.

Is Power Washing Harmful to my Home or Property?
Absolutely Not. B&A Powerwashing uses state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that all external pollutants will be removed safely, restoring beauty to your concrete, wood, brick or siding.