The standard set of nozzles that come with a pressure washer will allow you to clean several types of surfaces. The following description of each nozzle tip will serve as a basic guideline for you to choose the proper nozzle for the job. Pressure washing nozzles are measured in degrees. 0° is a thin, straight stream of water while a 60° is a wide fan pattern. The nozzles are usually color coded for easy identification.
The red-colored nozzle is the most powerful and often used for concrete cleaning. This should be the least used nozzle of all, but it does have its place in power washing with it’s small, very concentrated stream of water. Even with a homeowner’s grade pressure washer, this nozzle could slice right through skin, siding, or wood. So be careful! This nozzle will provide a long, concentrated stream of water that is useful for things like knocking down wasp nests or spot cleaning tough stains and debris from concrete and metal. The super concentrated water stream is like writing with a pencil so using this nozzle is not very time efficient. More damage to property is done with this nozzle than with any other so again, BE CAREFUL!
When the dirt is thick, the yellow-colored nozzle is the one you will want to use. A 15° spray pattern will do some serious cleaning; however, it can still scar wood or vinyl siding. This nozzle is great for cleaning dirty concrete, brick, or anytime you need to rinse heavy debris off of a hard surface. It packs the punch to make cleaning the dirtiest surface possible with any pressure washer.
This green nozzle has the widest range of cleaning capabilities. The spray pattern is still concentrated enough to clean concrete and brick if you hold it close enough to the surface; yet, gentle enough to clean wood and siding if held slightly further from the surface. Gutters, aluminum trim, siding, brick and concrete can all be cleaned with this nozzle tip. The green-colored nozzle has a 25 degree spread with about 16″ width at 36 inches above the surface, which is ideal for a soft wash rinse. Keep in mind a soft wash rinse requires a straight line between the tip, and the surface. If you arc the spray up, you will eliminate all pressure from your power washer.
Decks, cars, fences, stucco, and virtually anything else that need a lower pressure approach to cleaning will benefit from this nozzle. Its wide spray pattern reduces the impact of water on the surface and if used properly, will not scar or etch softer surfaces.
This black nozzle is used to activate a chemical injector on your pressure washer. Most chemical injectors are engaged by a loss in pressure. The black nozzle’s opening is much larger than the rest of the colored nozzles. This allows the pressure washer to sense a “drop” in pressure and initiate the chemical flow through the hose and out the end of the wand. This tip can also be used when extremely low pressures are needed. The larger opening reduces the pressure so dramatically that it’s not much different than a shower nozzle.
It is wise to always start with the least amount of pressure possible and work your way up to whichever nozzle is best suited for your particular application. For a free consultation on your exterior cleaning project, feel free to call or click here.
When you buy a set of pressure washing tips, you’ll notice they come in different colors. Why is this? What does the color of a tip mean? Today, we clear up what these different colors mean, and why they are so important to pressure washing properly!
The different colors of the tips indicate the angle of the spray fan pattern that will come out when you turn on your pressure washer.
When your water and detergent mixture moves through the gun or lance, it fills the space. When it gets to the end, the tip you choose to use determines the final pressure and pattern that the water has for use in the cleaning application. These can range from round jets, to soft and wide fans of spray.
The colors of pressure washing tips are simple, easy ways to quickly identify the output you’ll get for them. Different colors reduce the amount of time spent making a decision, and also let you know you’ve got the right tip for the task with only a glance.
So why do we need to differentiate?
Well, different patterns serve different purposes. Without a nozzle, you would only get one type of stream out of your spray gun or lance – full bore and direct! The nozzles allow you to use the right spray pattern for the right purpose. So what spray patterns do different colored nozzles have?
Red nozzles are 0-degree nozzles. These are powerful, direct nozzles that provide a focused stream of high-pressure water. This is used on heavy, ground-in stains and dirt, and should be used sparingly. It can easily damage siding and lighter surfaces!
Yellow nozzles are 15-degree nozzles, built for use in heavy-duty pressure washing. If you’re looking to clean a messy concrete pad, a garage, or a sidewalk, this is the nozzle to use. Perfect for knocking off caked on dirt, although you need to be cautious as it can damage paint if used too close.
Green nozzles are 25-degree nozzles, and are great for use in general cleaning applications. Hard stone, brick, concrete patios, decks, and outdoor furniture are all easier to clean with this moderate-pressure, somewhat focused spray fan.
White nozzles indicate a 40-degree spray fan. By producing a wider fan with less pressure behind it, these nozzles can be used with more fragile surfaces, or objects that you could be concerned with blowing away by the pressure. From vinyl house siding, to stucco walls, to patio furniture, it is perfect for light cleaning and even just rinsing off soap or detergent.
Black nozzles, also sometimes referred to as soap nozzles, have a wide 65-degree fan. This creates a wide, gentle stream, which also helps to increase pressure within the hose. This pulls detergent from the detergent tank, and makes it easy to apply soap quickly and widely.
There are enough specs that are part of selecting a tip that, for some people, they assume that the colors mean more than they do. We heard them all over the years. Here’s what the colors DO NOT indicate:
There are a number of misconceptions for the coding over the years, and we feel the need to drive it home – all the color of a pressure washer tip indicates is the spray angle.
Choosing the right color of the pressure washing nozzle, whether a quick connect nozzle or otherwise, is only part of the process of getting the best wash with your pressure washer.
You need to make sure that you are using a nozzle that is rated properly for your pressure washer itself. Nozzles are manufactured to work with specific PSI ratings and pump power.
You can find the nozzle specs by looking for the stamping on the side of the nozzle. It should be a five-digit number – for instance, 25035. This is a combination of the fan pattern and nozzle size. In this case, it indicates a 25 degree fan pattern, and is a size 3.5 nozzle.
So what happens if you’re using the wrong size? Well, a nozzle that is larger than specified for the machine will not produce the full pressure potential. This means it will take longer to accomplish the cleaning. For instance, if your machine is calling for a size 4.0 nozzle and you use a size 5.0, the power will be reduced by around 25% – you’ll get the job done, but it may take longer and may require more water or detergent.
On the other side, a nozzle that is smaller than specified will create more pressure behind the nozzle due to the smaller orifice but the same volume being pushed. Over a period of time, this resistance can cause increased wear and tear and potential pump failure. It’s important to make sure the nozzle size and the nozzle color are right for your washer and the job you’re doing!
Pressure washing and power washing equipment is made to be easy to use, that’s why the nozzles are color coded! Understanding why they are colored a specific way is key to making sure you get the job done, and done right! Check out these nozzles, tips, quick connect couplers, and our great selection of pressure washing equipment today!
The company is the world’s best High-Purity Metal Chromium, Bulk purchases Chromium Additive, Custom Ceramic Foam Filte price supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.