Pressure Washer question

[aaluck]

I am trying to pressure wash a dock. It is too far from my house to run a hose but I have plenty of access to water via the pond.

Has anyone used a pump from a water supply to feed a pressure washer? If so, can you tell me what size (HP) needed to get enough water to the pressure washer. BTW the pressure washer uses 3.6 GPM. I was lookin at this one which will provide more than enough water but not sure how this all works together.

https://a.co/d/cY0LO1P

 

[GreensvilleJay]

OK, that pump will supply 1,000X more water than you need ( OVERKILL !!! ) and unless you have a way to 'dump' 99% of the water, it'll probably overload and quit.
I use a 'pony' pump, about 5GPM (typically seen on tow behind fertilizer sprayers). Mine is 12 volt as no 120 nearby. They do make a 120v line powered one.
BIG issue is you MUST filter the water before going to the pressure washer.if you don't you'll probably need to rebuild your busted pump. PWs are designed for CLEAN water...

 

[85Hokie]

I too pump from a lake to pressure wash - While I am not sure it is 1,000 more than needed - it will be plenty based on the rating of that pump.

Most of those type pumps have a "relief" valve built in that allows water when pressure gets high to release.

The thing you really want to be careful of it the cleanness of the water. I have a brand new Honda pump and was pumping in the spring and it keep slowing down to a dribble - the water had so much algae in it that it clogged the inlet screen. I would have a "filter" of some sort on the backend of the pump and before the pressure washer.

 

[torch]

I'll reiterate what others have said: filter, filter, filter!!!

I draw my outdoor water direct from the lake. I have a coarse screen filter to get the big stuff, followed immediately thereafter by a fine screen filter. Both are equipped with backflush valves because they plug up so often. That's fine for the lawn sprinkler, etc, but I have a third filter on the inlet to the pressure washer itself.

Filters are cheaper than new pressure washer pumps.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

oopsy, bad math , hay it's dark and I'm hungry !
amazon pump is 3500 GPH, PW is 3.5 GPM, so just 60 times overkill ......
still it's bad to pump more than you can use as it will clog the filters up faster

 

[Flintknapper]

You might be able to use a 275 gallon 'tote' as a water supply. At 4 gpm it would provide a bit over an hours power washing time (at PW full capacity). Used 'totes' typically sell for $75.00-$100.00 in my area.

If you have a place to fill with fresh water and something that will transport that much weight, it might be a solution for you depending on how much pressure washing you need to do.

 

[aaluck]

Most of those type pumps have a "relief" valve built in that allows water when pressure gets high to release.

I will look and see if it has that. Thank you

I use a 'pony' pump, about 5GPM (typically seen on tow behind fertilizer sprayers). Mine is 12 volt as no 120 nearby. They do make a 120v line powered one.

Do you have a link to the one you use. Heck if it works for you it should for me.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I will look and see if it has that. Thank you


Do you have a link to the one you use. Heck if it works for you it should for me.

You can also use an ordinary PTO driven sprayer pump. Cheap and readily available but you will need to add the pressure regulator for another $25. Just filter well and the pressure washer will think its city water

Dan

 

[aaluck]

You can also use an ordinary PTO driven sprayer pump. Cheap and readily available but you will need to add the pressure regulator for another $25. Just filter well and the pressure washer will think its city water

Dan

View attachment 116186

View attachment 116185

I actually already have that for my sprayer.

So your saying to just hook a hose (in/out) on each end and I'm done?

What pressure regulator do you suggest and what PSI setting?

 

[TheOldHokie]

I actually already have that for my sprayer.

So your saying to just hook a hose (in/out) on each end and I'm done?

What pressure regulator do you suggest and what PSI setting?

If ypu have a 3ot PTO sprayer jist hook the spray gun/ boom supply to the pressure washer just like you would a garden hose. Your sprayer already has a pressure regulator - set it to 40 - 50 PSI. Fill tje tanl with tap water and you are good to go.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

cdn link...https://www.princessauto.com/en/115v-pony-pump/product/PA0005771233

'proven pumps' is the manufacturer
reminds me neighbour still has it and my IBC tote ! as long as he drains the tote, pump in basement , I'll let him store it !