Trades Worker Pressure Washing Guidelines Pressure Washing
Lesson Progress
0% Complete

1. Equipment Selection

Complete these steps for proper equipment selection.
! WARNING – Pressure washers can cause damage to personnel and equipment.
! CAUTION – Do not point high pressure water gun at yourself or other co workers.

Step Action
1.1 Choose a pressure washer that fits your needs.Note: Pressure ranges from 1200 PSI to 5000 PSI.
1.2 Note: A low pressure model is better suited for a more delicate surface like aluminum siding.Note: A high pressure model is better suited for a harder surface like concrete or
brick.
1.3 If a detergent is needed, verify there is a detergent reservoir.

2. Equipment Set-up

Complete these steps to set up the pressure washer.

Step Action
2.1 Protect or relocate any delicate or breakable objects in the work area.
2.2 Connect the pressure washer to a water source.
2.3 Fill the detergent reservior, if needed
2.4 Verify all PPE is available and used.
2.5 Attach the appropriate spray tip to the pressure washer gun.

Note: Pressure washers come with multiple tip attachments, choose the tip angle that works best for the task.

3. Start-up

Complete these steps to start up the pressure washer.

Step Action
3.1 Verify the machine is ready for startup. Check:

  • Machine is level
  • Oil Level
  • Coolant Level – (when required)
  • Gasoline Level
  • Broken pieces are not present
  • Burner use – (Kerosene level)
  • Water Filter
3.2 Verify the work area is free of potential hazards.
3.3 Remove tip and trigger spray gun to relieve pressure before starting.
3.4 Start the pressure washer and allow it to warm up.

Note: Some pressure washer models may need trigger held in on startup of machine to relieve pressure and ease start-up
3.5 DO NOT rinse.
3.6 For hand washing, use Chlor*rid DTS directly from container.

4. Washing the Surface

Complete these steps to pressure wash the surface.

Step Action
4.1 Attach the appropriate spray tip to the gun
4.2 Hold the gun with both hands.
4.3 Hold the gun about 45 degrees to the surface
4.4 With the gun held tight, squeeze the trigger.
4.5 With the trigger squeezed, keep the gun in motion.
! CAUTION – Surface damage can occur if the gun is held in one place too long.
4.6 Repeat washing steps until the surface is clean to the desired requirements.

Note: Removal of dirt and debris versus removing paint will require different effort and techniques. Check level of surface preparation requirement with your foreman or coating PDS for cleanliness requirement.

Note: A smaller angle spray tip may be needed to perform a more detailed cleaning
of the surface.
4.7 If burner is used, make sure to turn the burner off and run cold water
to cool the unit before shutting down the pressure washer. Feel the
nozzle to ensure the system is cooled down.
4.8 If a detergent injector was used, flush all lines with clean water to
remove soap residue.
4.9 Turn OFF the pressure washer.
4.10 Disconnect the water supply.
4.11 Roll up the hoses and store neatly.
4.12 Allow the surface to dry.

5. Troubleshoot Equipment

Complete these steps to troubleshoot the pressure washer.

Problem Corrective Action
Low Flow Verify the spray nozzle is free of obstructions.
Low Pressure Verify hoses (water supply and gun) are not kinked.
Leaks Verify O-Rings are in place and in good condition.
Verify all hose connections are tight.
Winterization Cold temperatures cause freezing, low flow, low pressure and leaks.
Winterize the machine during cold conditions.

  • Use environmentally friendly antifreeze and run throughout the machine.
Previous Topic
Back to Lesson