Pressure Washers

Pressure washers, also known as high-pressure washers and power washers, are a valuable cleaning tool for the home or for commercial applications. While the term power washer often implies the use of heated water, the modern electric pressure washer is the most widely used solution for versatile, eco-friendly debris removal across both domestic and professional settings. RS Australia stocks a wide range of pressure washers across different operating pressures, power types, and configurations to suit light home use through to demanding industrial applications.

How Pressure Washers Work

The principle of a pressure washer is to force water at high-pressure speed through a water hose and nozzle, producing a strong jet that dislodges dirt, grime, and debris from surfaces. In an electric water pressure cleaner, an electric motor drives a high-pressure plunger pump that takes in low-pressure water from a garden hose and forces it through a small orifice in the nozzle, converting volume into velocity to generate the cleaning force.

Most pressure washers also allow detergent to be added to the water supply, further increasing cleaning power for grease, oil, and stubborn deposits. The nozzle type and orifice size determine the pressure and spray pattern, allowing the jet to be adjusted for different surfaces and cleaning tasks.

How to Choose Pressure Washers

Selecting the right pressure washer depends on the cleaning tasks you need to perform, the surfaces involved, and how frequently the machine will be used. Consider the following factors:

• Operating Pressure: Measured in bar or PSI, operating pressure determines the cleaning force of the jet. Light domestic tasks, such as garden furniture and car washing, require lower pressure, while concrete, heavy equipment, and industrial surfaces need a high-pressure washer with a significantly higher rating.
• Power Source: An electric pressure washer is the most common and practical choice for home and light commercial use, offering quiet, emissions-free operation. Petrol-powered models suit outdoor or remote applications where a power outlet is not available.
• Flow Rate: Flow rate, measured in litres per minute, affects how quickly a surface can be rinsed. Higher flow rates paired with high-pressure deliver faster, more efficient cleaning across large surface areas.
• Nozzle and Accessory Compatibility: Look for washers with interchangeable nozzles and accessory options such as surface cleaners, extension lances, and detergent applicators, as these extend the range of tasks the machine can handle.
• Duty Cycle and Build Quality: For frequent or professional use, select a machine with a duty cycle and motor rating suited to extended operation. Consumer-grade models are designed for intermittent use, while commercial units are built for continuous or daily deployment.

Applications of Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are used across a wide range of domestic, commercial, and industrial environments, wherever fast, effective surface cleaning is required, such as:

• Domestic and Garden Cleaning: Electric water pressure machines are widely used around the home for cleaning driveways, patios, decking, garden furniture, fencing, and vehicles. The electric pressure washer is the preferred choice for home use due to its ease of operation and low maintenance requirements.
• Commercial Vehicle and Fleet Washing: High-pressure cleaners are used in transport depots, fleet maintenance facilities, and car wash operations to clean vehicles quickly and thoroughly, removing road grime, mud, and chemical residue from surfaces and undercarriages.
• Industrial and Manufacturing: In these environments, industrial workplace safety requires that operators follow strict pressure handling procedures and use appropriate PPE, as high-pressure jets pose a serious injury risk at close range. High-pressure washers are extensively used across industrial sectors in Australia for hydro-demolition, stripping paint from metal surfaces, and sanitising large-scale food processing equipment.
• Construction and Civil Works: Pressure washers are used on construction sites to clean concrete formwork, remove laitance from freshly poured slabs, and prepare surfaces for coatings and treatments. Hydro-demolition using an electric water pressure cleaner is also used to remove deteriorated concrete without the vibration damage associated with mechanical breaking.
• Agriculture: Farm equipment, livestock facilities, and irrigation infrastructure all benefit from regular high-pressure cleaning to remove mud, manure, and organic build-up that can harbour bacteria and accelerate corrosion on machinery and structures.

Buy Pressure Washers Online from RS Australia

RS Australia is your reliable source for high-quality pressure washers and cleaners. We stock an extensive range from Karcher and PREVOST. Our selection spans various types and sizes at competitive prices, ensuring you find the perfect electric pressure washer or automatic pressure washer for your application.

We also carry other facilities cleaning and maintenance products, such as floor squeegees and wire brushes, to meet all your cleaning and site maintenance requirements. Buy pressure washers and other accessories online with next working day delivery. For more details on delivery services and fees, please refer to our Delivery page.