The amount of water used by a pressure washer depends on its pump design. However, comparing it to other common water sources can offer some perspective on its efficiency.
GPM and Water Usage
Some pressure washer models use between 1.2 to 4 gallons per minute (GPM). For comparison, a regular garden hose uses 8-9 GPM, and kitchen sinks average about 2 GPM. Professional pressure washers, which are large and towed on trailers, can use 8 to 20 GPM.
To measure water usage accurately, you should look at GPM values alongside PSI, which indicates the force of the jet stream and cleaning power. Higher PSI means more power but could lead to increased water use. Nevertheless, residential units typically maintain low GPM rates, around 1-2 GPM or approximately 50 gallons per hour, and upgrading PSI doesn’t lead to significant changes in water use—models continue to operate around 3-4 GPM.
Efficiency Comparison: Pressure Washer vs. Garden Hose
A pressure washer is more efficient than a garden hose in terms of water usage. The average pressure washer uses 1.24 GPM, while a typical hose uses 8.55 GPM. Subsequently, using a pressure washer over a garden hose can save up to 70-75% of water, which is significant when considering environmental impacts and conservation efforts.
Water Savings Table
- Device – GPM
- Pressure Washer – Average 1.24-4 GPM
- Garden Hose – Average 8-9 GPM
In conclusion, using a pressure washer for heavy-duty jobs not only saves water but can also be faster, as these machines deliver water pressure significantly higher than garden hoses. For better water management and efficiency, investing in an energy-efficient pressure washer with adjustable settings is recommended.