How Long Do Electric Pressure Washers Last? Are They Really Worth It?
Pressure washers come in many different models and have two primary power sources; electric and gas. Gas powered pressure washers are meant mostly for heavy industrial usages, whereas electric power is used mostly for small household works and medium industrial usages. So, you may wonder how long electric pressure washers last.
Electric pressure washers typically have a lifespan of three to five years, based on how well you take care of the machine. The caliber of the pump also influences longevity since lower-quality pumps can be worn out much more quickly.
So, if you are thinking about buying a pressure washer and thinking, are electric pressure washers any good, and how long will they last? Our guide is here to help you understand everything you need to know.
What Are Electric Pressure Washers?
Electric pressure washers are those that use electricity as their power source. They fire 3,500 PSI of high-pressure water from the nozzle gun using an electric pump.
Additionally, they are frequently less expensive, less noisier, and more compact than gas-powered equipment, which makes them perfect for domestic tasks like cleaning fences and washing stains off of concrete. Since there is no machine pollution, they are also used for indoor uses.
How Long Do Electric Pressure Washers Last
The quality of the materials you use, the amount of pressure you use to complete your tasks, how well you maintain your pump, and whether you take precautions to avoid damage all affect how long it lasts.
While some will survive far longer, others may malfunction and break easily earlier. We will take a look into these factors in further detail later in this guide.
Electric pressure washers often last three to five years. A decent, well-maintained electric pressure washer pump, however, can even last between five to ten years.
A high-powered pump that comes with a decent washer has a lifespan of around 500 hours. At the same time, the life expectancy of low-cost pressure washers is just 60 to 100 hours of use due to their use of poor-grade pumps.
What Affects the Lifespan of Electric Pressure Washers
By now, you already know the factors which play a role in how long your electric pressure washer will last. So, when you are thinking about how good are electric pressure washers.
There are a few factors you need to look at, and down below, we will discuss all of these factors.
Quality of the Pressure Washer
Compared to more powerful gas-pressure washers, an electric washer is seen as a more cost-effective and accessible solution. It also requires less maintenance and costs less to operate because you don’t have to buy petrol or oil for it.
However, there are some drawbacks to low pricing, such as the fact that these washers are not as durable as those powered by gas. Electric pressure washers typically have a lifespan of three to five years and are disposable. But in rare cases, they can last for more than five years.
How Long You Use It
Pumps that come with your electric pressure washer have a specific rating of how many hours it will run. Thus, the overall lifespan also depends on how many hours you run the washer per year.
Your use requirements are an important consideration when selecting an electric pressure washer and figuring out how long it will last.
Given that people use pressure washers on average for 50 hours per year and that the washer is expensive and has a 500-hour pump, it should survive for about ten years with proper care and maintenance.
On the other hand, an inexpensive brand with a relatively low-quality pump might only have a lifespan of 50–100 hours, or around a year or two, before failing.
What Causes the lifespan of Electric Pressure Washers to be reduced
Without proper maintenance, the overall lifespan of your pressure washer can be reduced. So, it is important to know what factors can cause overall longevity to be reduced.
Overheating
A pressure washer pump can overheat and stop working if it is left in the bypass for too long. If you pull the trigger too quickly after the device has been operating in bypass mode for a while, the hot pistons might crack. All of the internal components will gradually deteriorate as the machine overheats, which may shorten the washer’s lifespan.
Not Cleaning the Pressure Washer in time
It is important to clean your electric pressure washer regularly. When the inlet filters get dirty, there can be cavitation inside the pump. Cavitation can cause less water supply to the pump, and this might be an issue.
Bubbles or holes develop inside a fluid during cavitation when the pressure rapidly falls underneath the vapor pressure. Higher pressures cause the bubbles to burst, sending forth minute shockwaves that destroy parts with time.
Tips to Increase the Lifespan of an Electric Pressure Washer
You surely do not want to keep buying new washers every now and then. Hence, make sure to follow these tips below to increase the lifespan of your electric pressure washer.
- Do not keep the pressure washer running for long. Make sure to turn it off when not in use to avoid overheating.
- Always keep an eye on the water levels; do not let it fall below the required level.
- Try not to run the electric pressure washer at the maximum pressure for very long; lower the pressure and increase it back again.
- There can be minerals and dirt buildup inside the pump, so regularly flush the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Electric pressure washers are a good investment for quick cleaning jobs around the house because they are simple to operate and don’t require any gas to return. In addition to being inexpensive, they are also simple to maintain.
Typically, electric washers may operate for an hour or longer. However, to prevent them from overheating when using hot water for cleaning, it is recommended to give them a break every 15 minutes.
Gas versions do larger tasks, such as intense cleaning, paint peeling, and commercial properties, better than electric units. They can clean harder surfaces faster since they have a greater psi than electric versions.
Conclusion
It is important to know how long electric pressure washers last before buying them. Different models of the washer have different longevity and depend on various other factors like usage, material quality, maintenance, and more.
Combining its usefulness, durability, and cost, investing in an electric pressure washer is undoubtedly worth it. However, it is also crucial that you properly maintain it and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any damage to the machine.
If you require a powerful washer for cleaning around your house, gardens, and patios, then these pressure washers are a perfect choice.
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