A pressure washer comes in handy when dirt won't easily come off a hard surface like your patio, deck, driveway, or walkway. Using plain water under high pressure does the trick. If you are wondering how to start a Dewalt pressure washer, we researched to provide you with a step-by-step guide.
Starting a Dewalt pressure washer is easy. Just follow the steps below:
- Ensure the water strainer is free of dirt or particles.
- Connect the garden hose to the washer and the other end to your water supply.
- Connect the pressure hose to the machine's water outlet.
- Attach the appropriate nozzle for the job you will be doing.
- Squeeze the gun's trigger to release air from the hose.
- You are ready to use your pressure washer.
You can start your Dewalt pressure washer in several easy steps. Keep reading to learn how and to find out about the safety measures you need to observe when using the washer. You'll also learn what to do if someone is hurt by a pressure washer and how to store the machine correctly.
How To Start A Dewalt Pressure Washer
There's nothing complicated about starting a Dewalt pressure washer. It's fairly easy, as you will find out by following the step-by-step guide below:
Assemble The Parts
- Place your pressure washer on a flat surface. Check the water strainer and remove any dirt or debris.
- Attach one end of your garden hose to the washer and the other end to the water supply. Do not connect to a potable water source.
- Attach your high-pressure hose to the machine's water outlet.
- Attach the nozzle that's suitable for your cleaning job. Pull back the collar at the end of the gun to secure the nozzle.
- Release the air inside the hose by squeezing the washer's trigger.
- You are ready to start your pressure washer.
Check out this set of pressure washer nozzles on Amazon.
Start Your Pressure Washer
After attaching the necessary parts to your pressure washer, you can now use it. Since there are two types of pressure washers—gas and electric—you'll find the steps for each below:
Gas Pressure Washer
- Check that the fuel valve is open.
- Set the choke by moving it to the left.
- Push the throttle to the left.
- Turn the switch to the on position.
- Pull the cord to start the engine and close the choke.
- You can now use your pressure washer.
Check out this video to see a demonstration of how to start a gas Dewalt pressure washer:
Electric Pressure Washer
- Plug the machine into a grounded outlet.
- Ensure the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) is set.
- Turn the switch to the on position.
- You can now use your pressure washer.
Check out this video to see a demonstration of how to start an electric pressure washer:
When you finish using your pressure washer, turn the switch to the off position if the washer is electric. Also, unplug your washer from the electrical outlet. For the gas washer, switch off the engine.
Afterward, release the pressure by pressing the trigger. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hose from the gun and unit. Next, disconnect the garden hose and let out as much water as possible. Detach the nozzle from the gun and put it back into its holder on the unit.
You can find this pressure washer hose on Amazon.
Safety Measures For Using A Pressure Washer
The force with which the water jets out of a pressure washer is very high. You should not underestimate the harm it can cause you or those around you. Therefore, you need to observe certain safety measures when using the machine, including:
Wear Protective Gear
Before using your pressure washer, make sure to put on protective gear. You should wear boots, safety glasses, gloves, long pants, and ear protection. By doing so, you protect yourself from the high-pressure water and flying particles.
Be Alert For Possible Hazards
It's essential to scan the area before using your pressure washer. Keep children and pets away to avoid accidentally spraying them. Check and remove all obstacles that can trip you while you're pressure washing.
After scanning the area and ensuring no one is near, you should still keep a keen eye on your surroundings. A pet or other person can appear suddenly. Remember, high-pressure water can cause serious injuries and can be fatal.
Avoid Using Gas Pressure Washers In An Enclosed Place
Don't use your gas-powered pressure washer inside an enclosed area like a building. The fumes the gas produces can be toxic.
Carbon monoxide from gasoline can cause health problems such as nausea, dizziness, headaches, and confusion. If you have to clean inside a building, use an electric pressure washer instead.
Use Wand To Work On High Areas
Don't use a ladder to wash high areas. The force from the washer is strong enough to push you backward, causing you to fall. Instead, use a telescoping wand. Check out the video below that demonstrates how to use a telescoping wand.
Keep Extension Cords Away From Water
If you have an electric pressure washer, keep the cord away from the water to prevent potential electric shock. Try to keep it as far away as possible from the item or surface you will be washing. It is essential to use a heavy-duty extension cord that's suitable for use on wet surfaces.
You can find this outdoor extension cord on Amazon.
What To Do If Someone Is Hurt By A Pressure Washer
Even if you're careful when using a pressure washer, accidents can happen. If someone is injured, you can call 911 if you need urgent help. But, if the wound is not severe, you can do something about it.
First, quickly wash your hands using soap and water. Next, take a clean cloth and apply pressure to the wound. If the wound is bleeding, wait until the bleeding subsides, then pour clean water on the wound. Wash the wound with soap and water and wrap a bandage or clean cloth around it.
If you can't manage to clean the wound, leave it open. You should only wrap it if it is clean. For serious injuries, such as deep wounds, take the person immediately to a hospital.
How To Store Your Pressure Washer
You will need to store your pressure washer in a clean, dry, ventilated area. First, remove all the gas until the fuel tank is empty, and drain as much water from the hose.
If you'll be storing it for a long time, like during the winter, you should inject some pump guard into it. This will lubricate it and prevent corrosion.
Check out this pump guard on Amazon.
This video explains how to winterize your pressure washer before storing it:
How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost?
On average, pressure washing a home costs between $250 and $400. Ideally, you should pay between $0.1 to $0.5 per square foot. You can estimate how much you are likely to pay depending on the size of the area you need pressure washed.
The cost can be dictated by where you live. For example, if you live in Phoenix, the average cost is $190, while in New York, the cost is $375.
Most credible professionals use top-grade products, which are expensive. Therefore, they may charge a high price to cover their costs. Generally, the labor cost varies, and a professional will charge you between $25 to $100 per hour.
In Closing
Pressure washing can make your driveway, walls, or any other hard surface around your home look sparkling clean. The high pressure can get rid of stubborn stains that normal washing with soap and a brush cannot remove.
Following the steps provided in this post, you can easily start your Dewalt pressure washer, whether it's electric or gas.
The pressure or force with which the water comes out of your washer can cause injuries and sometimes be fatal. Thus, it is important to observe safety measures. Also, proper storage can increase the lifespan of your device.
The cost of hiring a professional for pressure washing depends on several factors, such as the size of the area to clean, your location, and labor cost.
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