While pressure washing might look easy, DIY attempts usually come with unexpected obstacles. Incorrect pressure settings can damage surfaces like concrete, wood, or siding, stripping paint or causing cracks that allow water to seep into walls.
Utilizing nozzles, like a 0-degree nozzle tip, can inadvertently damage surfaces and hurt operators. In humid areas like Tampa, where 75% of homeowners face issues with mold and mildew, cleaning every six months is vital.
However, ineffective approaches can consume more water and produce less favorable outcomes. Exposure to hazardous chemicals and improper use around electrical sockets further raises chances of injury.
Professionals, able to use commercial-grade pressure washers, can safely clean more thoroughly and with less water than a typical garden hose. Let’s talk more about details.
Common Misconceptions About DIY Powerwashing
Pressure washing, otherwise known as “powerwashing,” has become a go-to maintenance routine for many homeowners because it seems easy and affordable. Yet a few common misconceptions can cause you to waste money or time and compromise the health of your trees. Knowing these myths enables you to do what’s best for you.
With accurate knowledge, you can decide whether it’s a do-it-yourself project or time to hire a pro.
Myth: DIY is Always Cheaper
Renting a pressure washer might sound like an affordable alternative. Expenses for DIY pressure washing supplies, personal protective equipment, and possible damage from missteps can add up fast.
Professionals have access to commercial-grade equipment and techniques that provide you with a deeper clean. And the good ones (like Premier Pro) will have insurance to protect you and your home from harm.
Myth: It’s a Quick Task
Are you kidding me? It’s a huge time commitment! You’ve barely scratched the surface by selecting the appropriate settings.
Removing stubborn stains, such as oils or rust, will require the use of special stain removal formulations. Which one will work?
You could spend hours combing over reviews to make an educated guess. Then you’ll need to wait for it to be delivered or hunt for it in stores. Or you could just hire a pro and relax on the couch.
Myth: More Pressure Cleans Better
Too much pressure can cause damage to delicate surfaces. And don’t let it near your outdoor electrical outlets, HVAC units, or light fixtures!
Whenever you clean, err on the side of caution and use low-pressure settings, well below 1,000 PSI and maintain a safe distance of at least three feet.
Myth: All Surfaces Can Be Washed
Some materials, such as vinyl fencing, painted wood, and historic brick, are highly prone to irreparable harm when pressure washed.
Remediation of mold or algae, prevalent in humid climates such as Tampa, Florida, must be treated with caution to avoid loosening structural materials beneath them. Staying too long in one area can erode the surface and leave a permanent mark.
Myth: All Pressure Washers Are the Same
Consumer-grade pressure washing machines just don’t have the power or versatility that comes with professional pressure washing equipment. And if you rent industrial equipment, you’re even more likely to cause destruction.
Experts adjust settings to match the surface, ensuring effective cleaning without overloading the material.
Myth: Chemicals are Always Bad
These eco-friendly cleaning agents, when used properly, will be able to pull stains that just water can’t remove.
This is especially the case for graffiti or grease, where specialized solutions are necessary for success.
The Risks of DIY Pressure Washing
Pressure washing might appear to be an easy, DIY project, but the unforeseen dangers far exceed the convenience. We understand that it’s appealing to do some of these cleaning projects on your own.
Knowing the risks involved is key to preventing expensive accidents and wasted time.
1. Property Damage: A Costly Mistake
Pressure washers are incredibly intimidating and dangerous tools used to blast away dirt and debris with the force of water exceeding 3,000 PSI. This type of force can quickly create deep scores on wood decks, fracture concrete, strip paint or worse case scenario, shatter windows if misused.
2. Personal Injury: Safety First
The water stream from a pressure washer is even strong enough to break skin and cause severe wounds. Untrained users frequently do not understand this risk, leading to serious injuries to hands, feet, or even eyes. Some injuries have even been fatal.
3. Ineffective Cleaning: Wasted Effort
DIY pressure washing often leads to underwhelming results due to a lack of experience. Improper cleaning or residual dirt remaining from using the incorrect nozzle or technique can leave surfaces looking unsightly.
The unsightly look is only the start of the danger. This huge inefficiency wastes your time, water in gallons, and possibly hundreds of dollars on equipment and supplies. The headache is only aggravated if you’re then required to redo the work or hire a professional to correct your DIY blunders.
4. Zebra Striping: The DIY Nightmare
Another classic amateur mistake, zebra striping occurs when your cleaning is uneven and deposits streaks on driveways, sidewalks, or siding. This happens when someone isn’t closely monitoring the nozzle distance and angle from the surface they are cleaning.
If your driveway isn’t cleaned in one consistent pass, you’ll be left with nasty striping. These stripes can be very difficult to fix. Fixing this issue usually involves specialized equipment and knowledge, incurring hidden costs to your project.
5. Environmental Harm: Neglecting Runoff
DIY pressure washing poses a great risk of harming the environment. When wastewater containing chemicals or debris enters storm drains or pollutes surrounding soil, significant environmental damage can occur.
Unless you have proper plans in place, runoff created by cleaning solutions can contaminate nearby waterways or destroy surrounding greenery. In order to be responsible, pressure washing needs to be done with proper drainage practices and environmentally safe detergents a detail most DIYers ignore.
6. Equipment Misuse: Damaging the Washer
Inadequate control over a pressure washer is likely to result in harm to the equipment, too, which may require thorough repairs or replacement. Choose the wrong type of nozzle and you can permanently damage even a brand-new unit.
On top of that, if you don’t maintain the pump, it’ll wear out even faster. Failing to store the machinery properly will do unimaginable harm.
These problems negate the value of your investment. You might find yourself waiting decades for the washer to break even.
When to Call a Professional Pressure Washing Service
While DIY pressure washing may sound enticing and rewarding, there’s no doubt that skill, care and the right tools make the difference. It’s not enough to just blast everything with water, it’s about understanding surfaces, pressure levels, and safe techniques.
For DIY types willing to plan enough to be patient, you can accomplish small jobs yourself. When dealing with bigger or more fragile surfaces, relying on a pro removes the worry and guarantees the finest outcomes.
- Pool Decks
- Pool Cages
- House Siding
- Driveways
- Patios
If you need to clean any of the above, bring in the pros! A professional pressure washer ensures your property looks great and is protected for years to come.
Do you have a pressure washing project in Tampa Bay, Florida? Get your free estimate today from award-winning Premier Pro Wash & Seal!
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