How to choose a pressure washer pump

The pump is the heart of any pressure washer. It’s responsible for generating a high-pressure water stream and is what makes your pressure washer an efficient cleaning system. If you need a new pressure washer pump, here are a few things to consider.

What are PSI and GPM?

PSI and GPM dictate the cleaning power of a pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and refers to the force of the water coming out of the machine. The higher the PSI, the more effectively the unit can clean away tough dirt and grime. GPM stands for gallons per minute. It refers to the flow rate or volume of water moving through the pressure washer every 60 seconds. The higher a pressure washer’s GPM, the faster it can get a surface clean.

When deciding on a pressure washer pump for your system, it’s important to take these numbers into consideration. Hotsy Water Blast carries pumps ranging from 500 to 20,000 PSI and 1 to 150 GPM so that you can generate the perfect high-pressure stream for your cleaning needs.

The types of pressure washer pumps

Here’s an overview of the primary types of pressure washer pumps:

• Wobble pumps are the most affordable type of pressure washer pump. They typically last between 200 and 400 hours and are most often used in pressure washers that produce less than 2,500 PSI. The biggest downside is that wobble pumps aren’t repairable because they contain a series of complex moving parts.
• Axial cam pumps are a step above wobble pumps. They generally last around 500 to 800 hours and are used in pressure washers under 3,500 PSI. Axial cam pumps are efficient and lightweight. However, they have a tendency to overheat when used for long periods of time.
• Triplex pumps deliver the most water pressure and can operate for thousands of hours without the need for maintenance. As such, these pumps are commonly seen in pressure washers over 3,000 PSI. In addition, triplex pumps feature replaceable valves and accessible pump heads for quick and easy repairs. They’re also less prone to leaks and have a short cool-down time. The biggest drawback is that triplex pumps come with a high price tag.

The knowledgeable team at Hotsy can help you decide which pump will be most effective for your existing cleaning system. We can also design and build a custom cleaning system that meets your exact needs.

Pressure washer pumps

If you need a replacement pump for your commercial or industrial pressure washing system, look no further than Hotsy Water Blast. As the leading pressure washer retailer in Western Canada, we carry an extensive inventory of cold and hot water pressure washer pumps, as well as related parts and accessories. Contact us today for more information. We have branches in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and North Dakota.