Rent a Power Washer vs. Hire Pressure Washing Services

Rent a Pressure Washer vs. Professional Power Washing

When you need to clean your concrete, siding or other exterior surfaces, pressure washing is a great option. A common decision you may face is whether to rent your own equipment or hire a pro. If you’re renting, you need to know what to look for, whether you need a power or pressure washer, and whether buying is actually the better choice. If you’re hiring, you need to know how to find the right professionals.

Often used interchangeably, power washing and pressure washing are not actually the same thing. They’re similar enough to come with many of the same advantages and disadvantages but have slight price differences. Knowing these differences is important while you look for the right option.

Rent a Power Washer or Pressure Washer

Renting a pressure or power washer costs between $70 and $300 per day. That’s lower than the price for professional cleaning, which is between $200 and $800 per project. Here’s the difference between pressure and power washer rentals:

Benefits of Renting a Power or Pressure Washer

• As much as 75% cheaper than hiring a pro
• More flexibility in what to clean and how thorough you want to be
• Choice in cleaning materials with the potential to avoid damaging chemicals

Should I Buy a Pressure Washer?

Most homeowners choose to rent over buying their own equipment because they use it infrequently. You’ll only need to pressure wash your siding, deck, or sidewalk once a year at most. You will also need to store and maintain it to keep the machine in good working condition. A benefit of purchasing is that you’ll only make one purchase that ranges between $300 and $1,800. After five rentals at $70 to $300 each, buying your own equipment becomes worth the investment.

Disadvantages of DIY Power/Pressure Washing

• Safety concerns – pressure or power washing can cause significant injuries
• Property damage that can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Power Washer Injuries & Accidents

Homeowners who use this type of equipment without care or expertise can put themselves in danger. More than 5,000 Americans visit the ER every year as a result of the common injuries related to power or pressure washing.

• Skin injuries: lacerations or bruising from contact with the strong water stream.
• Hand and foot injuries when in contact with the water stream.
• Eye injuries: from the stream repelling from the surface being cleaned.

Pressure Washing Lead Paint

Another potential hazard is the fact that you might, intentionally or unintentionally, remove lead paint from the surface. Lead paint dust is highly toxic and can cause lifelong health damage, especially among children. Hiring a pro to remove lead paint costs most between $1,200 and $5,300, but ensures everyone in your house remains safe.

Professional Pressure Washing

The safety and property damage hazards cause many homeowners to work with professionals instead. Of course, this process comes with its own advantages and challenges.

Advantages of a Professional Power Wash

• Use of the correct equipment for the job
• Expertise to use the equipment the right way
• Knowledge to change water pressure based on materials
• Ability to use a hot water power washer when needed
• Smaller chance of property damage or personal injuries

Disadvantages

Hiring a professional is more expensive than renting your own equipment. It’s also less flexible as availability is limited during the busy seasons of spring and fall.

How to Find & Hire a Pressure Washer

Given the potential dangers, finding the right expert is crucial. You need to rely on your research and best judgment on whether the expert you work with actually knows their craft.

1. Make a list of specialized pressure washing pros in your area.
2. Read online reviews on independent sites like HomeAdvisor.
3. Check for licensing and insurance information online, if possible.
4. Call up 2 to 3 contractors to ask relevant questions.

Questions to ask a Power Washing Service

• Have you taken on projects like mine?
• How much pressure will you use for this surface, and why?
• Will you pressure wash or power wash, and why?
• Will you use environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions?
• Will you be able to provide a free estimate?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you test for lead paint before you start the wash?

FAQs

Can a pressure washer kill you?

Pressure washers are dangerous but don’t typically kill people. However, you could be in danger if the wound becomes infected, which is likely with dirt and debris in the air. The Center for Disease Control recommends extreme caution with this equipment.

Do I need my own pressure washer?

For once-yearly use, renting is more price effective for those with the necessary expertise. Hire a pro if you’ve never used this equipment before.

Can I rent a gas, diesel and electric pressure washer?

• Electric machines are smaller, use less pressure, and cost less. For inside or outside use.
• Diesel and gas alternatives cost more, but also more powerful. Only use outside.

Should I hire for a high-pressure washing?

If you don’t feel comfortable with this type of equipment, or simply want to make sure the job is done right, hiring a power washing expert is the best choice. It costs more, but also ensures that you and the property are safe and intact.

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