paulm299
Well-Known Member
From the Karcher website
12) What does my 'water pressure' need to be?
Because pressure washers are so efficient low water pressure is rarely a problem. As a general rule of thumb, if a pressure washer has a flow rate of, say, 500 litres per hour you need to add 10% to work out the minimum flow rate needed (ie in this case 550). If you are concerned about low water pressure from your tap check to see if you can fill a 10 litre bucket within a minute (10 litres per minute x 60 = 600 litres an hour). In the unlikely event that you can't, you'll need to consider a lower rated machine or an alternative water supply such as a water butt with a float system. If a machine starts to 'hunt' it is an indication that the water flow is insufficient or there is a blockage in the supply hose. Back to top of page
13) Can I take water from a water butt or other supply?
Yes. Pressure washers 'draw' water through the intake hose as they operate providing the water supply is above ground level. Although some industrial pressure washers can draw water from a depth of 1 metre it is not recommended for long periods of use because of the extra strain on the motor. Care must also be taken to avoid running the machine dry once the supply has run out. Although, the flow rate of a machine may be 500ltrs an hour for example, the machne is not usually in continuous use and will often only consume half this volume. Care must always be taken when using an alternative water supply to avoid contaminants entering the pump. There are a number of filters options available to avoid this.
12) What does my 'water pressure' need to be?
Because pressure washers are so efficient low water pressure is rarely a problem. As a general rule of thumb, if a pressure washer has a flow rate of, say, 500 litres per hour you need to add 10% to work out the minimum flow rate needed (ie in this case 550). If you are concerned about low water pressure from your tap check to see if you can fill a 10 litre bucket within a minute (10 litres per minute x 60 = 600 litres an hour). In the unlikely event that you can't, you'll need to consider a lower rated machine or an alternative water supply such as a water butt with a float system. If a machine starts to 'hunt' it is an indication that the water flow is insufficient or there is a blockage in the supply hose. Back to top of page
13) Can I take water from a water butt or other supply?
Yes. Pressure washers 'draw' water through the intake hose as they operate providing the water supply is above ground level. Although some industrial pressure washers can draw water from a depth of 1 metre it is not recommended for long periods of use because of the extra strain on the motor. Care must also be taken to avoid running the machine dry once the supply has run out. Although, the flow rate of a machine may be 500ltrs an hour for example, the machne is not usually in continuous use and will often only consume half this volume. Care must always be taken when using an alternative water supply to avoid contaminants entering the pump. There are a number of filters options available to avoid this.
£1000 fine if we use a hose .
