Buy Pressure Washer: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

When you buy a pressure washer, a high-pressure water cleaning tool used for removing dirt, grime, and buildup from surfaces like driveways, patios, and siding. Also known as power washer, it’s not just a fancy garden gadget—it’s a tool that can save hours of scrubbing or even turn into a side hustle if used right. But not all pressure washers are made equal, and buying the wrong one can cost you more time, money, and frustration than just doing it by hand.

Before you buy a pressure washer, ask yourself: What are you cleaning? A small patio? A two-story house? A commercial parking lot? If you’re cleaning your driveway once a year, a light-duty electric model under 1,500 PSI will do fine. But if you’re thinking about starting a pressure washing business, a service that uses high-pressure water to clean exterior surfaces for homeowners and businesses, you’ll need something heavier—gas-powered, 2,500+ PSI, with a pump rated for 100+ hours of use. Most pros use machines with a GPM (gallons per minute) of 2.5 or higher because speed matters when you’re charging by the job.

Then there’s the cost. A decent home model runs $150–$400. A professional-grade unit? $1,000–$3,000. But here’s the catch: the machine is only half the story. You also need hoses, nozzles, detergent tanks, and sometimes a water source with enough flow. And if you’re planning to pressure wash, the act of using high-pressure water to clean surfaces like concrete, brick, or wood for clients, you’ll need liability insurance, a truck or trailer, and marketing. The profit potential is real—some UK pressure washing pros make £50–£150 per job—but only if you know what you’re doing and have the right gear.

Don’t fall for the hype. A pressure washer won’t fix a cracked patio or remove oil stains without the right cleaner. It won’t clean your roof without risking damage. And it won’t make you rich overnight. But if you match the tool to the job, understand the effort involved, and know how to price your time, it’s one of the few home tools that can pay for itself in just a few uses—or even turn into a steady income stream.

Below, you’ll find real guides from people who’ve been there—how much to charge, what equipment actually lasts, and whether launching a pressure washing business is worth the upfront grind. No fluff. Just what works.