Introduction to High-Pressure Water Guns: What is a High-Pressure Water Gun?
A high-pressure water gun, also known as a high-pressure washer or high-pressure water jet cleaner, is a machine that uses a power unit to drive a high-pressure plunger pump to generate high-pressure water to rinse the surface of objects. It can peel off and wash away dirt, achieving the purpose of cleaning object surfaces. Because it uses a high-pressure water jet to clean dirt, high-pressure cleaning is also recognized worldwide as one of the most scientific, economical, and environmentally friendly cleaning methods.
Types of High-Pressure Water Guns
- Small high-pressure water guns (220V): Suitable for single-phase power and domestic water sources. Used for cleaning cars, zoos, farms, and household appliances.
- Medium-sized high-pressure water guns (380V industrial power): Used for cleaning molds and industrial parts, removing graffiti, cleaning reaction vessels, removing oil stains, cleaning condensers, heat exchangers, containers, and for rust removal and refurbishment of ships and large industrial equipment.
- Large high-pressure water guns (380V industrial power, 350-500 kg ultra-high pressure): Used for cleaning cement plant rotary kilns, cleaning concrete, and removing rust and dirt from steel.
- Extra-large high-pressure water guns (380V industrial power, 500 kg and above ultra-high pressure): Used for cleaning bridges, removing rust and oxide layers from large metal surfaces, and cutting steel plates.
High-Pressure Cleaner Structure and Principle
- Configuration: A standard car wash setup includes a high-pressure air compressor, water pump, water hoses, and a high-pressure water gun.
- High-Pressure Water Gun: Water is drawn in by a pump, compressed, flows through a pipe, and then ejected from the gun. The water spray can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the nozzle. Various nozzle heads are available for replacement, thus creating the water jet. Note that the pressure used for car washing generally does not exceed 8 MPa, and is usually controlled between 5 MPa and 6 MPa.
- Plunger Principle: Some high-pressure washers have two one-way valves operating in opposite directions. When the plunger moves in one direction, pressure is created in the cylinder, drawing in liquid and causing the other one-way valve to open, releasing liquid.
- Physical Principle: This is the process of converting water’s kinetic energy into potential energy.
- Key Points: A good water seal is essential. The inlet filter must be regularly maintained to prevent clogging. The plunger head should be monitored for wear.
Advantages of High-Pressure Washers
- No Environmental Pollution: High-pressure washers use tap water or industrial water as the medium. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic, causing no pollution to the environment, making it an environmentally friendly cleaning method.
- Non-corrosive to metals: High-pressure water jets contain no acid, alkali, or other additives, so they neither corrode metals nor damage pipelines and equipment, extending equipment lifespan.
- Wide range of applications: High-pressure water jets can quickly break down and remove hardened scale and dense blockages from any part of the equipment, whether it’s the inner or outer walls of pipes or containers, building surfaces, or the adhered matrix. There are no special requirements regarding the size, shape, material, or type of scale or dirt, making it widely applicable.
- Low cleaning cost: Only water is needed for cleaning, resulting in low cost and high efficiency.
- Water and energy saving: Water jet cleaning is a high-pressure, fine-jet cleaning method. The nozzle orifice diameter is only 0.5-2.5mm, and used water can be recycled, making high-pressure cleaners water-saving and energy-efficient equipment.
Which Car Wash High-Pressure Water Gun is Best and How to Choose?
- Check the Nozzle:The nozzle of a car wash high-pressure water gun may seem simple, but it’s actually quite important. The nozzle is the most prone to failure, so it’s best to choose a nozzle made of copper.
- Check the Water Hose:The water hose of a car wash high-pressure water gun must be pressure-resistant, cold-resistant, high-temperature resistant, corrosion-resistant, and aging-resistant. Inferior high-pressure hoses are too soft and easily burst when run over by a car wheel after being filled with high-pressure water. They also age quickly over time. It’s best to choose a car wash hose made of EVA or PVC.
- Check the Water Pressure:Many people know that the effectiveness of a car wash high-pressure water gun largely depends on the strength of the water pressure. Low water pressure will severely affect the cleaning speed and results, while a high-quality car wash high-pressure water gun can generate strong water pressure to quickly and thoroughly remove dirt from the car.
- Check the Material of the High-Pressure Water Gun’s Connector：The quality of the material used for the water gun’s connector directly affects the lifespan of the high-pressure water gun. High-quality high-pressure water guns typically use all-copper materials for both the nozzle and the hose connector, while cheaper ones often use plastic, which is prone to leaks and has poor durability.
How Much Does a High-Pressure Water Gun Cost?
The price of a high-pressure washer varies depending on the brand, flow rate, pressure, and voltage. A car wash water gun is a high-end, practical cleaning tool designed for home use. It features water conservation, pressurization, and environmental friendliness, and can be widely used for washing vehicles, watering plants, irrigation, cleaning floors, washing walls, showering, and even for play. It’s a great helper for beautifying your home environment.
How to Install a High-Pressure Water Gun
Connect the Water Hose to the Faucet
① Two types of connectors are provided: a standard connector and a universal connector.
② Standard Connector: This is mainly used to connect to threaded faucets. First, unscrew the filter screen in front of the faucet; then simply replace it with the standard connector.
③ Universal connector: This is used to connect to 14-21mm faucets. First, secure the universal connector to the faucet; then connect the standard connector; subsequently, you can connect to the tailpipe.
Connecting the front water hose to the water gun
① First, pull the outer sleeve to the bottom.
② Then, insert the connector (or nozzle) nipple into the quick-connect fitting to the bottom.
③ Finally, release the outer sleeve to allow it to spring back to its original position.
④ The connection method may vary depending on the brand of the high-pressure water gun; it’s best to consult the water gun’s instruction manual.
Does a High-Pressure Water Gun Damage Car Paint?
High-pressure water guns use high pressure to propel water out, cutting like a knife; therefore, water sprayed at high speed can be damaging. Excessive water pressure can damage car paint. It can cause abnormal wear and tear, and if the paint is already slightly damaged, a high-pressure water gun can enlarge the damage or even peel off entire sections. Furthermore, sand and gravel on the car’s surface can scratch the paint under the impact of the high-pressure water jet.
How to properly use a high-pressure car wash gun
Installation
Standard Connection Installation Sequence: Faucet — Standard Connection — Water Connector — Water Hose — Water Stop Connection — Water Gun
Universal Connection Installation Sequence: Faucet — Universal Connection — Water Connector — Water Hose — Water Stop Connection — Water Gun
- Turn on the water valve and adjust the nozzle of the water gun to different angles to create an umbrella-like, diffused, or direct spray pattern.
- Press down the water gun handle to purge air from the water hose. Water will then be available for rinsing.
First, moisten the car, then brush it, and finally rinse it.
Wet a cotton brush, apply car wash liquid, and lather the car body from top to bottom to remove dirt.
Dry the car body with a cotton towel or PVA synthetic cloth.
After use, drain the water from the water gun and water hose.
High-Pressure Water Gun Car Washing Precautions
- Do not point the water gun nozzle at people, animals, etc.
Before use, check for any damage to the water hose and ensure the water gun is in good working order.
Before washing the car, wet it, spray on cleaning products, scrub with a sponge, then use the adjustable pressure water gun to rinse the car body, rotate the spray gun to rinse the wheels, and finally wipe it dry with a soft towel.
After washing, drain any remaining water from the hose, ideally allowing it to air dry completely before storing it in a storage area.
If any problems occur during use, immediately stop the machine and disconnect the power before checking to avoid accidental injury.
What to do if the high-pressure water gun isn’t spraying water?
- Check the power supply: Check if the high-pressure water gun’s power supply is working properly. If it’s battery-powered, check if the battery has power.
Check the water source: Check if there is water at the water source. If using a water tank, check if the water level is too low.
Check the high-pressure water gun: Inspect the high-pressure water gun for blockages at the inlet and nozzle, as these could prevent water from being dispensed.
Common High-Pressure Washer Faults and Repairs
Abnormal screeching sound during operation
This is mainly caused by insufficient lubrication in the motor bearings. Add regular grease to the motor’s lubrication port. This is uncommon and can be addressed during routine maintenance.
Unstable pressure in the high-pressure washer
Unstable pressure is primarily caused by air being drawn into the high-pressure water pump or inlet pipe. Check the water pressure and ensure the inlet filter is not clogged. If the filter is clogged, remove and wash it with water.
Pressure Drop After a Period of Operation
The pressure of a high-pressure washer may drop after running for a period of time. First, check if the high-pressure nozzle is severely worn. High-pressure nozzles for ordinary pressure equipment generally don’t show wear because they undergo heat treatment. However, this is less likely for very high-pressure equipment. Secondly, check the pressure regulating valve and the internal sealing components of the water pump.
Abnormal Noise from the High-Pressure Water Pump
Abnormal noise from the high-pressure water pump is caused by air being sucked into the pump, a damaged flow valve spring, or a damaged crankcase bearing. If this occurs, contact the manufacturer for assistance.
Crankcase Lubricating Oil Turns Cloudy or Milky White
During regular maintenance of the high-pressure washer, observe through the sight glass. If the crankcase lubricating oil turns cloudy or milky white, it indicates that the oil seal inside the high-pressure water pump is not sealing properly or is damaged. If not replaced promptly, impurities in the water will severely damage the crankshaft and connecting rod, ultimately leading to the complete failure of the high-pressure water pump.
Oil Leakage at the Bottom of the High-Pressure Water Pump
Oil leakage at the bottom of the high-pressure water pump is due to a damaged oil seal inside the pump. This requires immediate replacement. During operation, the crankshaft and connecting rod of the high-pressure water pump undergo continuous reciprocating motion, requiring oil for lubrication and cooling. Therefore, the high-pressure water pump cannot lack lubricating oil.
Normal Pressure Regulator Valve Pressure but No Water from the High-Pressure Water Gun
During use, we may encounter situations where the pressure regulator valve pressure is normal, but the high-pressure water gun does not dispense water, or the water jet from the high-pressure nozzle is irregular and dispersed. This indicates that the high-pressure nozzle is clogged with foreign objects and needs to be removed and cleaned.