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Differences between Cold and Hot Water Pressure Washers

Pressure washers are incredibly useful in many settings, whether industrial, commercial, or residential. If you need to clean up a building site or spruce up the exterior of your family home, a pressure washer provides a lot of power behind your cleaning effort. But when it comes to getting the right pressure washer, which should you go for? There are benefits to both hot pressure washers and cold pressure washers, so let’s show you the differences between the two and which would be beneficial for your situation.

Hot Pressure Washers

Hot pressure washing is best for when you need to to clean oily or greasy surfaces. Because hot water is better at removing stubborn stains from surfaces, especially with detergent, this is a better choice for you in many environments. For example, if you need to clean automotive parts or food stains in a restaurant environment, a hot pressure washer will work harder at removing these stains. It also has additional uses in different environments. For example, you can use a hot pressure washer to help you degrease surfaces. For example, if you work in the automotive industry and you need to degrease an engine bay quickly using a hot pressure washer, it can do this with ease. It’s also possible to use a hot pressure washer with cold water. If you don’t like the idea of using hot water or you need to save energy, you can use the same unit for cold water pressure washing by turning off the boiler. While cold water is effective for cleaning most dirt, using hot water is more efficient because it speeds up the process. While hot pressure washers are easy to use and benefit a multitude of circumstances, they are more expensive and bulkier. They require more maintenance as a result but they are costlier than their cold-water counterparts.

Cold Pressure Washers

For most uses, cold water pressure does the job. The process of cold pressure washers is straightforward where the mechanical force of the water on a surface will break up stains and dirt. It’s useful for washing away debris and mud, especially on tyres. If you want to speed up the process, you can add detergent. However, if you need to clean greasy or oily surfaces its hot water counterpart is better. While cold water pressure washing is very suitable in many situations due to its portability, it isn’t as effective as cleaning grease or oil as hot water. But cold water pressure washers are suitable for a wide range of applications. They are less expensive than hot pressure washers and require less maintenance. They are also more portable and compact, making them ideal for a wide variety of standard cleaning tasks. For those that need to clean the exterior of their home or give the car a very quick wash, a cold water pressure washer does the job.

As you can see, there are benefits to both in terms of cost and efficiency. For those that need to operate on a budget and have general cleaning duties, a cold water pressure works fine. However, those that need to clean something quickly, especially with grease or oil, a hot pressure washer is the better option. To get an expert opinion on which Pressure Washer is right for you, contact us today.

Quick Questions

Why is my pressure washer not building pressure?

Check the nozzle first, then inspect the water supply, pump oil and unloader valve. Clogged or worn parts are usually to blame.

Why is the pump leaking water?

Seals or O-rings have probably worn out. Replace them before the leak gets worse and damages the pump internals.

Can I fix it myself?

If it’s basic, yes. You’ll need some tools, patience, and the right parts. For bigger problems or cracked housings, call a pro.

What’s the most common pressure washer pump issue?

Low pressure wins by a mile, often from something simple like a dirty nozzle, restricted water flow or a clogged filter. It’s easy to fix if you know what to look for.

When should I replace the pump?

If the repairs cost as much as a new one, or it has cracks or bad internal damage, replace it. We’ll help you pick the right one.

Why is it pulsing or surging?

It is usually caused by a blocked nozzle, air leaks or worn pump valves. Clean, tighten and inspect the parts before running it again.

Why is my pressure washer not building pressure?

It is most likely a clogged nozzle, air in the system, or a worn-out unloader valve. Start by cleaning the nozzle and checking your water flow. If that doesn’t solve the problem, inspect the pump and unloader.

Why is my pressure washer leaking water from the pump?

Usually, it’s worn seals, cracked pump casing, or loose fittings. Check for visible drips while the unit is off and replace any seals or damaged parts. If it’s leaking from behind the pump, the oil seals might be the culprit.

Can I fix a pressure washer pump myself?

Yes, if it’s a minor issue, like replacing O-rings, unblocking a nozzle, or swapping a valve. But for internal pump problems, like damaged pistons or crankshafts, it’s often cheaper and faster to take the pump to a pro.

How often should I check or change the pump oil?

Check the oil every 20 hours of use or before each big job. Change it every 50–100 hours, depending on the type of pump. Always use pump-specific oil (not motor oil).

When should I replace the pump instead of repairing it?

If the cost of parts and labour is close to the price of a new pump, or if there’s cracking in the pump housing, replacement is the better call. We can assess it for you and give you an honest recommendation.

Why does my pump keep overheating?

It’s likely running dry, has poor ventilation, or is using the wrong type of oil. Before starting the machine, make sure water is always flowing, clean the air vents, and keep the oil fresh and topped up.

Talk to us at Melbourne Jetter Centre