Do you need help with the amount of water pressure you need from your pressure washer machine when you want to carry out tasks around the house? And you need to learn how to lower and increase the PSI on your pressure washer machine? In this article, we’ll give you two methods on how to lower PSI on pressure washer.
PSI is short for pounds per square inch, and it often goes with your pressure washer’s GPM, which is gallons per minute. PSI and GPM are responsible for the water pressure level and water flow amount of your pressure washer. Now that we know the basics let’s get into how to lower PSI on a pressure washer.
Table of Contents
Lowering PSI on pressure washer
Below are two different methods to use when adjusting the PSI level on your pressure washer.
Method 1: Lowering PSI through the Nozzle
Nozzles are usually placed at the end of your wand. They are also referred to as the tip of the wand. Nozzles come in different orifice sizes. These sizes determine the amount of water pressure released from the wand.
Typically, the smaller the nozzle size, the higher the PSI, while the larger the nozzle size, the lower the PSI. Therefore, your pressure washer needs to select a nozzle size that matches your machine’s PSI and GPM so as not to cause damage to the pressure washer.
What is the difference between the PSI and GPM of my pressure washer? And how can I tell the correct nozzle size for my wand? These are easy to remember. PSI is the water force your pressure washer machine produces, and GPM is the water amount flowing out of the wand.
You only need a nozzle size chart to get the accurate nozzle size for your pressure washer. You can easily find the charts online. Reducing water pressure through the Nozzle is the most straightforward way to lower PSI on a pressure washer.
Method 2: Lowering PSI with the unloader valve
This method is more complicated than reducing PSI using a nozzle. However, it also does the job; if you prefer going through the unloader valve, go ahead.
For this method on how to lower PSI on pressure washer machine, you will need a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure level and the unloader valve. You want to ensure no pressure from the unloader valve by unscrewing the valve before you fix your hose to the pressure washer pump.
Once there’s no pressure, fix your hose, and switch on your pressure water machine. Press on the trigger of your wand while gently turning the unloader valve to increase or lower PSI.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Are all pressure washers PSI adjustable?
Yes, you can adjust your pressure washer’s PSI, but it is dependent on several factors, such as:
1. Make and model: Different models have different methods of PSI adjustment.
2. Water pump design: Different pumps or multiple pumps allow for PSI adjustment.
3. Nozzle and tip design: The type of Nozzle used changes the spray pattern and the level of PSI it can handle.
4. Accessories: Even the type of accessories you add will change how to lower PSI on pressure washer.
What is the best PSI for my pressure washer?
The range of PSI available changes depending on the size and model of the pressure washer. You need to know for what you will be using your pressure washer and your budget. Here is an idea of the range of PSI you can get:
1. Low price models: max 2000 PSI
2. Mid price models: 2000 – 3200 PSI
3. High price models: 3200 – 4000 PSI
Conclusion
Whatever work you want to use your machine for, it is essential to know that every task requires a different water pressure level from your pressure washer. Also, the distance you hold your wand from the surface of whatever item you clean when releasing water is important. This is all you need to know for how to lower PSI on pressure washer.
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