Some homeowners are guilty of mistakes that damage their pressure washing machines or put their lives at risk. Pressure washers may seem harmless, but they could be potentially dangerous if misused. They are used for various purposes around your home or workplace, and you should use them carefully even when vehicle cleaning to prevent avoidable accidents. Such accidents can land you in hospital with life-changing severe injuries, all from not being vigilant from the beginning. Luckily, you can learn the following pressure washer mistakes and how to avoid falling prey to them:
1. Failure to Use Safety Gear
Safety equipment is one of the important things many people ignore when using pressure washers. The machines can look harmless, but they are compelling and with the ability to squirt water at high pressure. Water discharged from a pressure washer ejects at thousand pounds per square inch (PSI). When such pressured water meets the flesh, it can slice it open almost as severely as a saw would. Ouch!
To avoid such unfortunate incidents, take the initiative to protect yourself by adorning the proper safety equipment. Such equipment includes safety glasses for eye protection and closed shoes to cover your feet. And yes, put on safety gear even during the hot summer. Don’t be tempted to stay comfortable with open sandals at the expense of your safety. It is better to be safe than sorry!
2. Using a Gasoline-Powered Pressure Washer Indoors
Many professionals or DIYers love the convenience of gas-powered pressure washing machines, especially in areas without access to electricity. Gas-powered pressure washers are arguably more portable and effective than electric models, but they come with significant health risks. Such risks include the emission of harmful fumes (read carbon monoxide), a dangerous gas that shouldn’t be used in rooms with no proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas, and a high concentration of this gas can kill a person within 5 minutes. Do not use a gasoline-powered pressure washer indoors to be on the safe side.
3. Pressure Overload in the Pressure Water Pumps
Significant damage can occur to your precious pressure washing machine if there is a pressure overload. A pressure overload occurs when the pump generates a sealed pressurized water system. When you turn on the pressure washer without pulling the trigger to release the pressurized water, the water is redirected back into the system.
Here is the problem; the continuous redirect in the system heats the water, and eventually, the water is hot enough to damage your pump. Good luck repairing that pump, as the process of rectifying a pump burn-out will cost you more money than anticipated. Avoid turning on your pressure washing machine if you aren’t ready to use it to solve this problem.
Conclusion
Avoid committing the above common mistakes that pressure washer owners make to prevent damaging your machine. Be attentive and intentional when using the pressure washer to avoid committing errors that endanger your health and safety. Do not ignore safety measures, as they help save your life by protecting you from harm resulting from improper pressure washer use.
