What type of pump is best for a pressure washer?

What is the difference between a triplex pump and an axial pump?

Axial cam pumps are direct drive, meaning they spin at the same speed as the engine. They will wear down faster than a triplex pump, but provide a great deal of pressure and performance. Triplex plunger pumps are the highest quality pressure washer pumps, offering longer life and better performance.

What are the types of pressure washer pumps?

There are three primary pressure washer pump designs: axial, wobble, and triplex design pumps. Axial and wobble pumps are built with less heavy-duty components. Axial and wobble pumps usually have less repair components.

Can you put any pump on a pressure washer?

You can't replace your pump with any pump you wish, because they just won't fit. Determine if your pressure washer uses an axial or triplex pump. Axial cam pumps are less expensive and produce enough PSI to tackle most homeowner jobs, but they don't last as long.

How much horsepower does a pressure washer pump need?

For instance, in order for a gas-powered pump to put out 3,000 PSI and 4 GPM, the engine needs to have at least 11 horsepower.

✅ Best Pressure Washer Pumps in 2022 [ Pressure Washer Buyer's Guide ]

What should I look for when buying a pressure washer?

What is a triplex pump pressure washer?

Triplex pressure washer pumps have driveshafts that run parallel to the driveshaft which powers the crankshaft. These pumps are often found in professional units which have the longest amount of lifespan of all pumps.

Can I put a higher GPM pump on my pressure washer?

You need a pump rated at higher gpm. You can pair a 5.5gpm pump to that same engine, but then your max psi will go down proportionally (and you'd need different nozzles to properly match it).

How can I make my pressure washer more powerful?

In general, a pressure washer can be made more powerful by using a different nozzle. Other options are changing the pressure regulator or under loader valve, use a different gas type, or optimizing the gas engine. For maximum power, use a red 0-degree nozzle. Nozzles determine the angle of the output water stream.

Can you replace an axial cam pump with a triplex pump?

Axial Cam pumps use direct-drive mechanics and spin at the same speed as the engine, which wears down faster than a triplex pump but can still be replaced (unlike the wobble pumps found on entry-level models.) Triplex plunger pumps are more expensive but offer longer life and better performance.

What is the difference between duplex and triplex pump?

A pump that has double-action strokes in two cylinders is called a duplex pump (Figure 1.2). A pump that has single-action strokes in three cylinders is called a triplex pump (Figure 1.3).

What is difference between piston pump and plunger pump?

The difference between a piston and plunger pumps is the high-pressure seal. In a piston pump, the seal is attached to and reciprocates along with the piston. Because of this, piston pump seals wear out faster and cannot handle as much pressure compared to plunger pumps.

How long does a pressure washer pump last?

How long will a pressure washer pump last? I general, a good, properly used pressure washer pump should last for 5 to 10 years. Some cheap pumps can last significantly shorter. To get the best from your pump, be careful with overheating, cavitation, and using it with the wrong unloader valve settings.

What are axial flow pumps used for?

Axial flow pumps have a motor-driven rotor that directs flow along a path parallel to the axis of the pump. The fluid thus travels in a relatively straight direction, from the inlet pipe through the pump to the outlet pipe. Axial flow pumps are most often used as compressors in turbo-jet engines.

Are general pressure washer pumps good?

General Pumps seem very good. Those pumps used mostly on commercial pressure washing units. That's because they're cheap. They hold up pretty well on units fed with pressure and have the water heated after the pump, but they just don't last with gravity-fed hot water.

What kind of pump is a triplex pump?

Triplex pumps are positive-displacement reciprocating pumps that are configured with three plungers. They are the most common configuration of pump used in both drilling and well service operations.

What psi do I need for pressure washer?

In general, I recommend a pressure washer with 1.4 to 1.6 GPM and pressure from 1200 to 1900 psi. Start with a lower pressure, and only increase it when needed. Use a green or white nozzle.

What is the most powerful pressure washer?

With a monster 3000 PSI and 2.0 GPM (1.1 GPM @ 3000 PSI certified by PWMA), the Greenworks 5110502VT is the most powerful electric pressure washer.

What is more important PSI or GPM?

GPM is usually more important to contractors than PSI. Since most contractors use cleaning chemicals to do all of the cleaning, their job becomes one primarily of rinsing the dirt away.

What gpm is best for pressure washer?

The Bottom Line

If you're still wondering what the best combination is, we recommend starting with something in the 3000 – 3500 PSI/2.0 – 2.5 GPM range. These pressure washers are good for most homeowners, as they tend to work very efficiently and are still affordable.

How many gpm does it take to clean concrete?

To clean concrete effectively, use a power washer with a pressure rating of at least 3000 psi and a flow rate of at least 4 gallons per minute (gpm).

Are Cat Pumps good?

The industrial line of CAT pumps are designed for high flow (GPM) applications. They are known as the most reliable pump in the industry and are trusted for durability and longevity.

How do Triplex pumps work?

Typically a triplex pump is driven by an A.C. motor, which then has a crank-shaft and connecting rod assembly to convert the rotation of the motor shaft to the reciprocating motion of the pistons or plungers, in much the same way as an internal combustion engine works.

Why do pressure washer pumps fail?

The two most common reasons behind the pressure washer pump going bad are a faulty unloader valve and a clogged carburetor (in the case of gas-powered washers).