Hire a Pressure Washer vs. DIY
Exterior surfaces are exposed to constant grime, weathering and particulates. Over time, this buildup leads to dirty exteriors and wear. The more grime is allowed to collect, the dirtier your exteriors will look, and the more the buildup will eat away at the surface. Pressure washing effectively clears dirt, growth and grit from exterior surfaces. You can inject new life into your exterior, giving it a facelift without paying for expensive repairs and renovations.
Whether you want a quick facelift or need an extended cleaning job, pressure washing will easily remove the dirt. Once you've chosen to use pressure washing to clean up your project, you need to decide whether to hire a professional pressure washer or do it yourself. Picking between professional vs. DIY power washing can be tricky. Each project is different, and you'll need to think carefully about what you want from your pressure washing to ensure you select the best option for your needs.
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Renting a Pressure Washer vs. Hiring a Pro — What's the Difference?
The main difference between hiring a pro or doing it yourself is who does the work. A professional power washing job means contacting a professional service. You'll want to do your research to find a trustworthy, affordable service. Once you've found one you like, contact them and get the job set up and scheduled. After you've set the date, the professional team will visit your site to perform the work.
DIY pressure washing is more straightforward. You'll choose the best pressure washer for the job — hot, cold, big or small — and rent it for a specific time. Then, you set your schedule, complete the project with your rented pressure washer and return it after you're done. You can work on the project on your time, and you have complete control over the pressure washing. You pick the model, rental period and how the job is done. DIY can be extremely convenient if you have a larger project with lots of buildup and a packed schedule.
The best choice for your pressure washing project depends on your situation — you might not have easy access to a professional pressure washer, or your project could be too large to do alone. Pressure washing effectively cleans grime and buildup off a surface, but it can be challenging depending on the project. Ask yourself what you're willing to do and pay for your pressure washing job.
Things to Consider for Pressure Washing
You'll want to consider several factors when choosing between professional and DIY pressure washing. Finding the proper method is essential to ensure you can affordably and efficiently clean your surface. Both options can get the job done well — it's about finding the best fit for your situation. Here are some of the factors you should consider when weighing your two options:
Cost
Cost is one of the deciding factors for many people. While both DIY and professional pressure washing cost money, professional washing will cost more upfront. With professionals, you're paying for an expert's labor, equipment and expertise. They come in and take care of everything for you, so you'll have to pay accordingly.
With DIY, you'll save money on labor. If you do the work yourself, you can avoid paying for someone else's time and effort. Doing the work yourself means you only pay for the equipment rental and water — much cheaper than a professional job. You don't have to pay yourself for the work, making the pressure washing project significantly more affordable.
Equipment
Professional pressure washers bring their own equipment to the job. If you want to avoid handling and transporting a pressure washer, you should go with a professional. They'll bring all the necessary supplies and know how to use everything properly.
DIY pressure washing means renting and using equipment yourself. You'll want to find the right pressure washer to ensure everything goes smoothly. While using a pressure washer correctly takes a little practice, you should have few issues if you follow instructions and look up tutorials. If you feel up to using a pressure washer alone, you'll enjoy doing the job yourself and saving some money.
Project
The larger your project, the more likely you will need professional services. Larger buildings and areas will take more time, water and energy to complete. If you're pressure washing alone on a large project, getting a professional team to perform the pressure washing may be more convenient.
If you're more experienced with pressure washing or your project is a manageable size, DIY is likely the better choice. You'll save money and won't have to worry about keeping pressure washing equipment after the job is done. You'll also get to do the pressure washing on your terms. A medium-sized pressure wash project will be straightforward enough that you might not need professional assistance.
Material
Not all materials can handle pressure washing, while others require specific temperatures. If you need several different surfaces cleaned, it's important to ensure they can be pressure washed. Some materials require cold water or lower pressure. You want to adjust your pressure washer power and temperature correctly so you don't damage surfaces during cleaning. If you're unsure about what pressure washer to use for your project, consult your rental company. They can help you select the right model for the job.
You could also use a professional service to handle everything for you. They'll know how to manage your project and have the right equipment to clean various surfaces without damage.
Time
Time is related to your project size. How much time can you devote to pressure washing? If you're short on time but want to get the pressure washing done immediately, a professional can do it quickly. Professional pressure washers will complete the project according to your timeline.
DIY pressure washing can take longer, especially if you need to get used to pressure washing. However, doing your own pressure washing allows you to work at your own pace. You can manage the job how you want to instead of handing it off to strangers and hoping for the best. You'll have the most control over the pressure washing time and work if you rent the equipment rather than hiring someone else to complete it.
Benefits of DIY Pressure Washing
DIY pressure washing is an excellent way to take control of your power washing job and save money. You can enjoy a clean surface or exterior in no time when you invest in a reliable pressure washer rental. It's often a cost-effective, convenient way to get your facility clean without unnecessary expenses. Consider your project scope, budget and time to see if DIY pressure washing is right for you.
Here are some of the benefits of handling your next pressure washing job yourself:
- Flexibility: Renting a pressure washer for your job is much more flexible than using a professional service. When you book professionally, you need to schedule your project around when you and the professional team are free. With a rental, you can rent the pressure washer for as long as you need. You'll work with only your schedule and will have complete control over how and when the pressure washing gets done.
- Easy use: Pressure washers are relatively straightforward to use once you've read the instructions. It might take a minute or two to get the hang of it, but they're easy to use with a bit of practice. Follow any instructions and look up supplementary videos if you need more help. You'll get an excellent clean without struggling with dozens of complex, confusing components.
- Efficiency: Pressure washers are incredibly water-efficient. DIY pressure washing means saving on labor and avoiding excessive water costs. Using your own water means you save on getting a professional to bring a water tank. Pressure washers use less water than you might expect, so you can do the work yourself without worrying about high water bills.
- Lower cost: Hiring a pro means paying for a complete professional service. While this can be more convenient than DIY, it also costs more. Although you might save with professional service by choosing the cheapest company, you run the risk of a poor professional job that you'll have to clean up yourself. Renting a pressure washer is significantly less expensive than paying for the full service.
- Less commitment: Using a pressure washer rental means you avoid having to store a pressure washer when you don't need it. While pressure washers perform well, most facilities don't need a pressure washer constantly on-site. Buying an expensive professional pressure washer isn't practical for most people. If you only need a deep cleaning occasionally, and the pressure washer sits unused most of the time. Save your space for equipment you consistently need, and return the rental pressure washer when you're done.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pressure Washer
Hiring a professional pressure washing service has its own benefits. Weigh the pros and cons of each against the other to find the process that will work with your needs. Professional pressure washing can be advantageous as long as you use a reputable service. Potential benefits of a professional pressure washing service include the following:
- Insured: Professional pressure washers are usually insured. Insurance helps protect the company, its workers and your property in case issues arise during the job. If you DIY your pressure washing job, you must pay to fix any mistakes or damage. If you pressure wash carefully, you shouldn't have a problem. However, if you're worried about not having insurance, go with a professional.
- Professional cleaning agents: Professional pressure washers may have advanced cleaning products not available for rental pressure washers. Pressure washing uses water to clear away buildup forcefully. It works effectively on its own and provides a quality clean. If you're looking for a longer preventative clean, you'll want to use soft washing, which involves using a cleaning substance and water to wash away grime gently. For that, you may need professionals and their cleaning soaps.
- Less work for you: While DIY pressure washing allows you to work around your schedule, getting a professional service means you don't have to do the work at all. Pressure washing can be enjoyable to do on your own, but hiring someone else to perform the pressure washing is often more convenient. Professional pressure washers will arrive when scheduled, complete the job and leave once their work is done.
- Potentially safer: Pressure washers are powerful. If you aren't careful when using one, you could easily cause damage or injure someone. When you hire a professional, you don't have to worry about causing damage or injuries. Professionals have the training and experience to clean carefully. If you're not used to using a pressure washer, it might be better to let someone else handle it.
What Can You Pressure Wash?
If you're going to rent a pressure washer, you need to know what you can clean. Pressure washing shoots high-pressure hot or cold water at a surface. It uses water's force and cleaning power to remove grime and make surfaces look brand new. Before using the pressure washer, you'll want to ensure you're spraying hard surfaces that can withstand the water's force.
Here are some surfaces you can usually pressure wash:
- Automotive parts
- Asphalt
- Brick
- Concrete
- Decks
- Driveways
- Decks
- Engines
- Exterior facility walls
- Factory floors
- Garage floors
- Non-wood siding
- Outdoor furniture
If you need to rent equipment for an upcoming pressure washing project, check to make sure you can pressure wash it. While pressure washing is effective at cleaning the right surfaces, you want to keep everything in good condition and avoid pressure washing damage.
What Should You Avoid Pressure Washing?
Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what you can pressure wash. Pressure washers are extremely powerful — they smoothly clear grease, grime and oil from surfaces and components. Spraying the wrong thing can lead to expensive repairs and unwanted issues. Always check the equipment's instructions and avoid pressure washing the following items:
- Air conditioners
- Asphalt shingles
- Damaged asphalt, bricks or concrete
- Electrical panels, meters and wires
- Gutters
- Lead paint
- Old mortar
- Windows
- Wood siding
If you're unsure if something can be pressure washed, it's better not to pressure wash it. Avoid pressure cleaning anything delicate or old — this could cause the surface to degrade faster. Additionally, you can do a quick pressure wash test in an inconspicuous area if you're unsure. However, even a test can damage a surface or object if it isn't meant to be pressure washed, so use caution.
What Pressure Washer Should You Rent?
If you've decided to DIY your pressure washing job, you'll need to pick a suitable pressure washer for the project. The right temperature and size model is essential for a quality finish. Pressure washing must fit the job to help protect surfaces and materials from damage. You'll want to do some pressure washer research to find the model that's best for your project.
You can separate pressure washers into three main categories to make it easier: hot, cold and power. Different jobs require different water temperatures and power to clean the surface. With the right pressure washer, you'll have an easier time protecting surfaces from damage and cleaning them thoroughly.
Cold
Cold water pressure waters effectively cut through most buildup. However, cold water is less effective at eliminating grime and particulates than hot water. You'll want to choose a cold water pressure washer if you're cleaning a temperature-sensitive material like plastic or wood. Since they're slightly less effective than hot water pressure washers, they're often less expensive too. You'll get an effective clean and protect your surfaces from temperature damage with a cold water pressure washer.
Hot
Hot water pressure washers are excellent for more challenging jobs. The heat and force cut through the grime easily. Hot water is ideal for cleaning up oil and grease messes — the added heat helps loosen particles and forces the contaminants off your surfaces.
Hot water pressure washers are perfect for blasting away buildup and creating clean surfaces. While hot water pressure washers often clean most jobs better than cold water, you want to avoid using them on temperature-sensitive materials and surfaces. Heat can damage and warp sensitive areas if you apply it, especially with force. Ensure your job has no temperature-sensitive surfaces before renting a hot water pressure washer.
Power
Two main contributors to pressure washers' cleaning strength are water pressure and output flow. The more pressure and output flow, the bigger the cleaning job your pressure washer can handle. Selecting a model with too much output flow or water pressure can damage sensitive surfaces — water at high pressures is extremely powerful. It can blast away paint and warp material under the right conditions.
Talk to your rental store to find the right water pressure and output flow for your needs. You'll get the right amount of power for an effective clean without damage.
Rent High-Quality Pressure Washers From The Cat® Rental Store
The Cat® Rental Store offers high-quality pressure washer rentals for your cleaning needs. Our hot water pressure washers and cold water models come in several sizes to accommodate projects of all types. Renting from us ensures you get unmatched quality, flexible rental terms and excellent reliability. Our extensive line of rental products comes with any assistance you need without unnecessary expenses. Our rental terms work with your needs, allowing you to enjoy professional equipment easily.
When you work with The Cat Rental Store, you get the best rental equipment for the job and enjoy a stress-free process from start to finish. If you're interested in renting from our available options or want a quote, contact us at 1-800-RENT-CAT. Find a rental store near you and explore our professional rental options today.
