How to Choose and Use a Water Blaster

A water blaster is an effective way to quickly clean outdoor surfaces, to blast away grime, and even wash down a muddy bike. Here is some handy information about them, and some tips about how to use them safely and properly.

How to Choose a Water Blaster

Water blasters range in different PSI, or water pressure.
Low-pressure models are great for general property maintenance, like washing down a house or bike.
Medium-pressure models are good for bigger jobs like washing down the patio, concrete floors, or even unblocking drains.
High-pressure models, usually petrol suit the more heavy-duty jobs, like cleaning long driveways, machines, cars, boats, or surface prep.
So think about what you’ll be using your water blaster for, the size of your job, and the area you’re going to be using it on.
You’ll also need to decide between electric plug-in, battery powered, or petrol powered models.

Battery Powered

Battery models are portable, and good for light use. If using one for a long time, make sure you have an extra battery on charge.

Plug-in Electric Powered

Plug-in corded models come in a variety of sizes and water pressures.

Petrol Powered

You’ll get the most power out of a petrol water blaster. There’s no power cable to get in the way, and it’s a lot more portable. They require oil also.

Hose Length

Look at the length of the hose. They can range in length from 2 – 20 meters. The longer the hose, the bigger the area you can clean without moving the water blaster around.

Accessories and Nozzles

Some also come with a range of accessories, like a patio cleaner, a drain unblocking attachment, or a detergent mixer.

A range of nozzles is handy. They can give you wider or narrower spray angle depending on the job.

Safety

You’ll need eye protection, and ear protection if you’re using a petrol model.
Waterproof clothing and gumboots are handy, as you will get wet.

Never point the sprayer at people or animals as they can seriously injure them.
Never point the sprayer at the machine itself.
Use a petrol models in well-ventilated areas, as they give off exhaust fumes. And be careful of any hot surfaces on the engine.
Never leave a water blaster running unattended.
If you’re stopping work for a few minutes – make sure you turn it off, as water pressure can build up and damage the machine.

Proper Use

First connect up the water hose, and the high-pressure hose.

Assemble the wand with the right nozzle for the job.
Make sure there is petrol or oil, or that it is plugged in with an RCD.
Before you start it up turn on the water at your tap. Water blasters can’t run dry.
Test the water blaster out on a small out of the way area. Start at a lower pressure, and work your way up to a pressure that cleans well without causing damage.
Never aim directly at the surface you’re cleaning or at close range, as this can lead to permanent damage like streaking or etching. Instead hold the nozzle at a slight angle and keep it well away from the area that needs to be cleaned. The closer you are to it, the higher the pressure, the further away you are the more the pressure drops off.
A general rule of thumb is to start further away and work your way closer to the point where your water blaster starts to clean effectively. Then carry out the rest of the job at the same distance.
When washing down a house use a low pressure, and stay well away from the windows.
When washing a wall, start from the ground up, and then work your way back down. This will help dislodge the dirt.
Never use a high-pressure water blaster on a timber deck – it’ll ruin the timber, and open up the grain for even more mould to get in there.