Top 5 Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing- Is it Worth the Risk?
These days, DIY projects are a rage. Thanks to the Internet, you can do most of the home improvement and maintenance projects on your own. DIY projects are not only satisfying, but they also help you save some money. You can get the supplies you need from your local hardware store or online, and you are good to go.
But some DIY projects are risky, and they are best left to the professionals. Apart from the skills they possess, they also leverage technology like field service management software which allows them to streamline the business operations. One of them is power washing or pressure washing.
Power washers are extremely powerful machines. If you really want to understand its power, consider this: A regular garden hose delivers about 50 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI). A pressure washer generates over 3000 PSI! The amount of power is huge. Imagine this kind of power in the hands of an inexperienced or untrained individual. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
So, is DIY pressure washing worth the risk? Definitely not. We’ve reasons to believe that you are better off hiring a pro when it comes to pressure washing. Here are the dangers of DIY pressure washing:
1. Personal Injuries
According to the NKY Tribune, over 6,000 people are estimated to go to the emergency room at the hospital each year because of pressure washing injuries. And 14% of those people are hospitalized after their initial injury.
As the CDC explains, the spray of the pressure washer is so strong that it can cause serious wounds to feet and hands and even cut through some heavy-duty boots. What’s even scarier is pressure washing injuries such as cuts, bruises, and scrapes seem like no big deal. But these injuries, if not treated, can lead to bacterial infections that could be fatal.
Another problem with DIY pressure washing is the potential risks of slips, tumbles, and falls when you try to reach those difficult to climb/reach spots. The pressure is so strong that when you pull the nozzle, the kickback can throw you to the ground.
2. Electric Shock
The pressure washer is electrically powered. According to the CDC, one of the top dangers of DIY pressure or power washing is the risk of electric shock. If you are operating heavy machinery like a pressure washer, you must take proper safety precautions.
3. Toxic Fumes
Many homeowners get seriously injured when they run their pressure washers in a place without ventilation. Using a gas-powered pressure washer in a closed space can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. The Center for Disease Control reports carbon monoxide poisoning as a risk of DIY pressure washing.
4. Debris
When you use the pressure washer, debris can fly in the air. If you are not holding the pressure washer at a proper angle, this debris can fly into your face or eye, causing injuries. Moreover, a lot of debris flying around means a lot of mess to clean up. You definitely don’t want to end up with an additional chore.
5. Damage to Property
The pressure blasted through the pressure washer’s nozzle is so strong that it can damage your home’s wood siding, landscaping, roof, or other parts of your home’s exteriors. The high pressure can punch holes in your vinyl siding or break windows. If you aren’t careful, you can cause electrical damage. It’s a personal injury waiting to happen. Moreover, water damage is another risk of DIY power washing, leading to mould growth or damage to the home’s foundation.
How Dancing keeps Mind sharp and Heart Healthy
Is pressure washing bad for health?
The strong spray from a pressure washer can cause serious wounds that might first appear minor. Wounds that appear minor can cause a person to delay treatment, increasing risk for infection, disability or amputation. The fast, strong spray can throw objects that strike and injure others who are close by.
Can you pressure wash by yourself?
Anyone can pressure wash a house themselves, but they’ll have to purchase at least $750 in equipment and spend time learning how to use it properly. You must own or rent a good solid pressure washer that can deliver up to 3,500 PSI of water pressure.
What is the hazard of pressure washing?
The high pressure put out by a pressure washer can easily cut through flesh and cause very serious injuries. Pressure washers cause high-pressure water injection, which is extremely dangerous. These injuries many times result in amputation or severe nerve damage.
Is it safe to power wash your house?
The Dangers of Pressure Washing a House: While the immediate satisfaction of watching a pressure washer blast away dirt is satisfying, you must exercise caution to avoid cracking vinyl siding, denting aluminum siding, blasting away unintended paint, marring the wood, or forcing water into places it doesn’t belong.
Should I wear a mask when pressure washing?
Pressure washing can kick up dust, mold, and other airborne particles. For individuals with allergies or respiratory sensitivities, wearing a mask can provide a layer of defense against these irritants.
What are the reasons to avoid DIY pressure washing?
By DIY pressure washing, I’m assuming you mean undertaking a cleaning job and operating the pressure washer yourself. There are several reasons to avoid this activity if you’re a newbie, as it can lead to unintended consequences and potential hazards. Some of the main concerns include damage to surfaces, safety issues, environmental impact, and the risk of violating state policies.
- Damage to surfaces due to incorrect nozzles and pressure settings: Using the wrong nozzle or improper pressure settings can cause significant damage to various surfaces, such as wood, concrete, or brick. The high-pressure water stream can strip paint, splinter wood, or etch into concrete, resulting in expensive and time-consuming repairs. Professional pressure washing companies have the knowledge and experience to choose the correct nozzles and settings to avoid surface damage.
- Safety concerns: Pressure washing can be a dangerous task if not done correctly. The high-pressure water stream can cause injuries if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes. Furthermore, there’s a risk of falling or slipping on wet surfaces, especially when working on ladders or roofs. Professionals have the necessary safety equipment and training to minimize these risks.
- Damage to the environment: DIY pressure washing can have a negative impact on the environment as it consumes a large amount of water and may cause pollution. The water runoff can carry chemicals, debris, and other pollutants into storm drains, ultimately contaminating local water sources. Professional pressure washing companies usually have eco-friendly cleaning solutions such as water reclamation systems to reduce environmental damage.
- Risk of violating state policies and receiving fines: Some states and local municipalities have specific regulations regarding pressure washing to protect the environment and public safety. DIY pressure washing might inadvertently violate these policies, leading to hefty fines and penalties. Hiring a professional pressure washing service can help ensure compliance with local and state regulations.
- Dangers of incorrect chemical or detergent handling: When using pressure washing chemicals or detergents, there’s a risk of mishandling these substances, which can lead to various issues. Inexperienced users might use the wrong type of cleaner, mix chemicals improperly, or apply them in excessive amounts. These mistakes can result in damage to surfaces, harm to plants and landscaping, or even pose health risks to individuals and pets if the chemicals come into contact with skin or are ingested. Furthermore, improper handling and disposal of chemicals can contribute to environmental pollution. Professional pressure washing companies have the knowledge and expertise to select the appropriate cleaning agents and handle them safely, minimizing potential hazards and ensuring an effective cleaning process.
If you still decide to pursue DIY pressure washing, consider the following points:
- Invest time in learning the proper techniques and safety measures before starting. There are numerous online resources available, including tutorials, forums, and articles, that can provide valuable information related to pressure washing.
- Seeking guidance from someone experienced in pressure washing can be highly beneficial, as they can provide hands-on advice and help you avoid common mistakes.
- Learn about your local state policies and environmental guidelines.
In short, while DIY pressure washing may seem like an affordable and easy solution, it can lead to a variety of issues and unintended consequences. To avoid potential damage, safety concerns, environmental impact, and legal complications, it is recommended to hire a professional pressure washing company to handle the task.
However by taking the time to educate yourself and practice under the watchful eye of an expert, you can minimize the risks associated with DIY pressure washing and achieve a more successful outcome.
In conclusion
You might like to see your home clean and in top shape. And a DIY pressure washing project might appear to be the right way to go about it. But, it’s not worth the risk because there are too many downsides to it. Pressure washing is a job that’s best left to professionals
Author Bio:
Akhil Rajan is a Customer Success Specialist at Zuper, an intelligent workforce management platform for service-oriented businesses. Working with customers on a daily basis, he has a deep understanding of their needs and pain points and so he is able to contribute to the marketing strategies for Zuper with the content he writes. He writes on topics like how to increase workforce utilization, how to reduce the service turnaround time and increase workforce efficiency, customer adoption, cost reduction strategies, etc – to name a few. He is often found buried in books or playing chess in his free time.