Top Things You Should Never Pressure Wash
What Should Not Be Pressure Washed?
Pressure washers are powerful tools that can make quick work of cleaning tasks. However, their high-powered streams can cause more harm than good on certain surfaces and materials. A keen understanding of where you should not use a pressure washer can save both time and money in repairs and replacements.
Reasons Why Certain Items Should Not Be Pressure Washed
Some items simply aren't designed to withstand the intense force of a high-pressure stream. Using a pressure washer on unsuitable surfaces can lead to irreversible damage. For example, older homes with deteriorating paint may end up losing more paint than anticipated if subjected to intense washing. Made to clean tough surfaces, a pressure washer applied to delicate items can strip finishes, warp materials, and damage the underlying structure.
Materials That Can Be Damaged By Pressure Washing
Softwood decks, such as cedar, should be kept well clear of a pressure washer. The force can gouge the surface and cause splintering. Brickwork, especially older mortar, can be eroded, weakening the structural integrity of the walls. Additionally, painted surfaces and either soft or fragile materials such as shingles can suffer extensive damage from power washing.
Common Household Items To Keep Clear Of Pressure Washers
Knowing the areas where you should not use a pressure washer around your home can prevent costly mistakes. Vehicles, for instance, may seem durable but can have their paint easily damaged by aggressive washing. Windows are another critical no-go zone, as intense pressure can break the glass or damage the seals, leading to drafts or leaks.
When Not To Use A Pressure Washer?
Pressure washing is an effective tool for maintaining the exterior of properties, but there are specific times and conditions when it should be avoided. Knowing when not to use a pressure washer can save property owners from unnecessary damage and maintenance costs.
Time Of Year Or Weather Conditions To Avoid Pressure Washing
The time of year can significantly impact the effectiveness and safety of pressure washing. In colder months, especially in regions prone to freezing temperatures, using a pressure washer can lead to water freezing, which may cause damage to surfaces or machinery. Thus, it is usually best to avoid pressure washing during winter unless the temperatures are sufficiently above freezing.
Weather conditions also play a crucial role. On very windy days, pressure washing can become inefficient and potentially hazardous as water spray can be blown out of control, making it difficult to focus cleaning efforts and potentially leading to overspray onto unintended surfaces. Similarly, during heavy rains or thunderstorms, it's best to delay pressure washing for safety reasons, as wet conditions may lead to slips or electrical hazards.
Signs That Your House Is Not Suitable For Pressure Washing
Before proceeding with pressure washing, property owners should inspect for signs that their home might not be ready. Signs of chipped paint, loose siding, or cracked wood surfaces are all indicators that a house might need repairs before safely engaging in pressure washing. These surfaces may further degrade under intense pressure, leading to more costly repairs in the future.
Additionally, homes with delicate exterior materials, such as older brick that might be more porous or historical homes with period-appropriate paints and finishes, may also not be good candidates for pressure washing without specialized care and guidance. In these cases, consulting with a professional could provide better cleaning alternatives.
Potential Risks Of Improper Timing
Engaging in pressure washing at inappropriate times can have unforeseen risks. Apart from causing physical damage to the property, it could also compromise personal safety through slips or falls due to wet conditions. Moreover, using a pressure washer in inclement weather may also lead to electrical issues when water comes into contact with electrical systems improperly.
By being aware of these considerations, property owners and facility managers can ensure that pressure washing is conducted safely and effectively. Evaluating the suitability of both environmental conditions and the state of the property will maximize the biggest benefits while minimizing risks associated with this powerful cleaning method.
What Is The Most Common Pressure Washer Injury?
Understanding Common Pressure Washer Injuries
Operating a pressure washer requires precision and care. While these tools are efficient for cleaning, they can also pose risks if not handled properly. One of the most frequent injuries associated with pressure washers is a laceration or cut, typically on the hands or feet. These injuries occur when the user inadvertently directs the high-pressure spray toward their body. Even at low settings, pressure washers can deliver a force strong enough to pierce the skin.
Pressure Washer Injury Statistics And Examples
Data indicates that thousands of people visit emergency rooms annually due to pressure washer-related incidents. The high velocity of the water stream can cause deep wounds, which might not seem severe initially but often have the potential for significant complications, such as bacterial infections. For example, an unnoticed cut may result in a case of cellulitis or even sepsis if not treated promptly.
Safety Measures To Prevent Injuries
To mitigate the risk of injury, it’s crucial to follow basic safety guidelines. Always use the pressure washer as intended and wear adequate protective gear, including gloves and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, it is advisable to keep a safe distance from the nozzle to reduce the risk of accidental sprays. Regularly inspect the pressure washer for faults or signs of wear that might lead to malfunctioning during operation.
General Safety Tips When Using A Pressure Washer
Beyond direct physical harm, knowing proper equipment handling is vital. Avoid unusual uses for a pressure washer that can lead to injury or equipment damage. Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's guidelines concerning maintenance and operation to prolong the machine’s life and ensure user safety. Be especially mindful of your surroundings, particularly in pedestrian areas, to avoid unintended injuries to others.
Can Power Washing Cause Electrical Problems?
Understanding The Risks Of Pressure Washing Around Electrical Systems
The allure of a clean and shiny exterior can sometimes overshadow the hidden dangers associated with pressure washer use near electrical components. High-pressure water streams used in power washing are not only effective for cleaning but can also pose significant risks to electrical systems if not handled correctly.
How Pressure Washing Can Interfere With Electrical Systems
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. When using a pressure washer, the forceful jets can inadvertently direct water into electrical outlets, switches, or even through exterior wall cracks into interior wiring. This unintentional misdirection can lead to short circuits, electrical outages, or even fires. Buildings with older wiring systems are at heightened risk since they may not have modern protective installations.
Moreover, water penetration can promote rust and corrosion on exposed electrical contacts, compromising their functionality and potentially leading to costly repairs.
Precautions To Prevent Electrical Damage
To safely use power washers, it's crucial to take specific precautions. Firstly, always ensure that any pressure washer operation is conducted at a safe distance from electrical outlets and panels. Cover these elements using waterproof materials before starting the cleaning process. It is highly recommended to have a professional inspection of exterior walls and electrical installations if they're vulnerable to the potent jets.
Secondly, familiarize yourself with the location of all electrical features on your property before beginning any project, and never operate a pressure washer during wet weather conditions. This increases the risk factor significantly, presenting a double threat of exposure to water and electricity.
Lastly, engage professional pressure washing services that understand and mitigate such hazards with stringent safety protocols.
Overview Of Potential Electrical Issues Caused By Pressure Washing
Problems arising from improper pressure washer use range from minor interruptions to catastrophic failures in your electrical system. Short circuits may lead to the frying of cables and fuses, while moisture absorbed into the building can electrocute inhabitants or create persistent damage to property infrastructures.
Professional services like those offered by Newpoint not only provide power washing solutions with advanced safety measures, but they also deliver expertise in avoiding unintended consequences associated with electrical interference. To prevent these risks, let us focus on maintaining your property, allowing you the peace of mind to focus on your business priorities. Choose Newpoint for secure, proficient, and efficient maintenance solutions that protect your valuable assets. Contact Newpoint to learn more! We offer expert and dependable commercial pressure washing in Indianapolis, Austin, Columbus, Baltimore, & Nashville.