How to use a pressure washer effectively
Want to know how to use a pressure washer and connect it to a water source correctly? Here’s the best way to do it.
12.07.2023
What can a pressure washer be used for?
A pressure washer is ideal for numerous cleaning tasks around the home and garden. Even stubborn dirt can be loosened and removed with high water pressure.
For example, if you want to clean your garden furniture or remedy the effects of weather on your house, a pressure washer is the go-to option. Of course, you can also use it to clean vehicles efficiently.
Connecting a pressure washer correctly
The connection process differs depending on the cleaning purpose and water source. In addition to fresh water from the tap, you can also use a garden pump or rainwater to supply your pressure washer.
Regardless of where you want to connect your pressure washer, it is important that it is safely secured in place.
In the following, we will show you how to use your high-pressure cleaner with different water sources.
Connecting a pressure washer to a normal tap
If you want to connect a pressure washer to a normal tap, you can use the high pressure attachment for a garden hose that is equipped with a backflow preventer. This legally required component prevents standing water in the high-pressure cleaner from being pushed back into the domestic water line. Then proceed as follows:
First connect an appropriately equipped garden hose to the tap and the pressure washer.
Connect the pressure washer to the power supply. Set the rotary switch to position 0. Important: Do not switch the pressure washer on yet.
Turn on the tap and pull the spray gun trigger with the power tool switched off. This floods the high-pressure system with water and makes it ready for operation.
Connecting a pressure washer to a garden pump
Whether you have your own cistern or a water well, with a garden pump you can easily use water sources in your own garden. To connect a pressure washer to a garden pump, you need a garden hose and a water filter. The latter reliably filters suspended particles out of the water, protecting the high-pressure cleaner from contamination and damage.
First attach the water filter to the pressure washer or to the garden pump. Then connect the garden pump to the garden hose. Next, connect the pressure washer to the power supply. Before use, start the garden pump and flood the high-pressure system by actuating the spray gun. The pressure washer is now ready for use.
Operating a pressure washer with rainwater
To operate the pressure washer with rainwater, you need a suitable suction kit. In addition, you should use a water filter to safeguard the service life of the pressure washer.
Before connecting the suction set, first remove any hose coupling attached to the pressure washer. Then screw on the water filter.
Next, prepare the suction set for use. To do this, fully immerse it in the water butt so that it is completely flooded with water. Then cover the hose of the suction kit with your finger to keep the water in the hose while connecting the hose end to the pressure washer.
Before use, pull the hose far enough out of the rainwater source that the bottom end no longer touches the bottom. Ensure that the suction kit is drawing water from a depth of no more than one metre.
Always wear your personal protective equipment when working with pressure washers. This includes safety glasses, non-slip footwear and gloves. Find out more information in the operating instructions for your product. Before using your power tool for the first time, fully familiarise yourself with it and ensure that it is in flawless condition before each use. On request, your STIHL dealer will be happy to prepare your power tool for its first job, and will also advise you on models and sizes of protective clothing that you can try on at your leisure. Please remember that personal protective equipment is no substitute for working safely.
Starting a pressure washer
After correctly setting up the pressure washer, you can start work. Before starting, you should have already flooded the high-pressure system by actuating the spray gun with the power tool switched off. As soon as no more air comes out of the spray gun, you can use the high-pressure cleaner.
Now mount the correct attachment for the task at hand. For example, if you want to perform wet blasting, connect the STIHL wet blasting attachment to the high-pressure gun.
Soiled floor surfaces can be thoroughly cleaned with the surface cleaner, and sensitive facades are best treated with a rotating wash brush.
Once the appropriate attachment has been mounted and is ready for use, you can switch on the pressure washer and get to work.
Using a pressure washer
Always proceed with caution when using a pressure washer. Start your work with a low pressure setting to carefully test the sensitivity of the material you want to clean.
Wooden garden furniture for example is significantly more delicate than metal furniture.
If you need higher cleaning performance for a specific task, you can gradually increase the pressure. Always keep an eye on the material. When using a high-pressure cleaner, you are using a powerful high-pressure jet that may damage delicate materials.
For the correct procedure for the attachment used, refer to the corresponding user manual. Familiarise yourself with all work steps in advance so that you can act confidently and safely at all times.
