I have a love/hate relationship with Power Washers. Over the last decade or two, I've had to use them for a variety of projects. I've owned a few, borrowed a few, and rented some. All were basic electric plug-in models.
For the actual job they do cleaning, well, they're awesome. I've refinished all sorts of outdoor projects and decks and furniture, and power washing was always the first step. And it's such a huge help! Now for the downside: they all seem to break! (well, aside from the rentals)
I don't know if there's something I've done wrong with them--not cleaning/storing them correctly. But after a season or two, they inevitably no longer pressurize the water. I'm guessing the motor breaks--I dunno. Never really looked into it that hard because I was usually in such a hurry to get going with a project that I'd inevitably throw it away, and go rent one so I could finish and move on.
So I have two questions:
1. Is there something I've done wrong that makes them all break? I stopped buying them years ago and just rent now for this reason. My father breaks them all the time, but just keeps buying new ones.
2. Is it worth it to step up to a gas-powered one? For what I'm doing, I don't think I need any more pressure--but who knows, maybe I'm missing out.
Or are the gas-powered ones even more work to maintain?
I have a lineup of summer projects coming that I'm going to need one again, and I'm debating if I should just rent again, or if I should take the plunge and try buying another--and hoping this time it doesn't break.
For the actual job they do cleaning, well, they're awesome. I've refinished all sorts of outdoor projects and decks and furniture, and power washing was always the first step. And it's such a huge help! Now for the downside: they all seem to break! (well, aside from the rentals)
I don't know if there's something I've done wrong with them--not cleaning/storing them correctly. But after a season or two, they inevitably no longer pressurize the water. I'm guessing the motor breaks--I dunno. Never really looked into it that hard because I was usually in such a hurry to get going with a project that I'd inevitably throw it away, and go rent one so I could finish and move on.
So I have two questions:
1. Is there something I've done wrong that makes them all break? I stopped buying them years ago and just rent now for this reason. My father breaks them all the time, but just keeps buying new ones.
2. Is it worth it to step up to a gas-powered one? For what I'm doing, I don't think I need any more pressure--but who knows, maybe I'm missing out.

I have a lineup of summer projects coming that I'm going to need one again, and I'm debating if I should just rent again, or if I should take the plunge and try buying another--and hoping this time it doesn't break.
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