Is it hard to start a pressure washing business?

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asked Dec 16, 2023 in laundry/Cleaning by slywolves (2,160 points)
Is it hard to start a pressure washing business?

2 Answers

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answered Sep 6, 2024 by Vapirusky (52,230 points)
It can be hard to start a pressure washing business as you'll need to get the pressure washing equipment and get a contractors license or pressure washing license and business license to make you legit.

A pressure washing business will normally have a net income ratio of between 5.6% and 8.4% of revenue, however some pressure washer businesses have net profit margins of typically between 20% and 30%.

You'll also need to advertise your pressure washing business to get the business going.

You can start a pressure washing and cleaning business with a pressure washer such as cleaning sidewalks, patios, driveways, homes, business etc.

A hot pressure washer is best as you can get more cleaning jobs that pay more and get attachments such as concrete cleaning attachments that increase the work you can do with the pressure washer.

Most states will also require you to have a contractors license or pressure washing license before starting the pressure washer business.

To prevent damage to a pressure washer always be sure to always turn the hose on or water on before starting the pressure washer as running the pressure washer without water can and will damage the pressure washer pump and lead to the pressure washer pump seizing up.

It does hurt to start a pressure washer without water as starting a pressure washer without water can damage the pump and seals and components.

Always turn the water on and then start the pressure washer to avoid damage to the pump and components.

Also if not using the pressure washer within a minute or so you should shut the pressure washer off.

Operating a pressure washer without water can cause the pressure washer pump to overheat and seize up.

The difference between a pressure washer and a power washer is a power washes uses heat and pressure to clean things and a pressure washer uses only cold water at high pressure to wash things.

Other than the difference in temperature used the pressure washer and power washer are the same thing but one uses heat and the other doesn't.

Pressure washing is usually less expensive than power washing because it uses less water and isn't as intense as power washing.

Power washers are better for large jobs, while pressure washing is more suited to smaller tasks.

In inexperienced hands, a pressure washer can cause damage to homes or even to your car's paint, trim, or delicate parts.

High-pressure water can strip away protective coatings and even force water into vulnerable areas, leading to rust or electrical issues.

Pressure washers are incredibly strong, and can break skin and cause other injuries.
A pressure washer should never be used on any living thing—no humans, pets, or plants.
Don't use a pressure washer while working on a ladder or on your roof—the recoil could throw you off balance.

Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi).

Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi).
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answered Dec 9, 2024 by Margorita92 (2,300 points)

Well, I know from my own experience that finding steady clients early on can be tough—advertising and word-of-mouth take time. And you’ll need to be careful with maintenance and avoiding damage, since pressure washers are powerful tools.

If you’re thinking about growing the business later, scaling could require extra planning. Resources like VC fundraising tools and guides can help if you decide to expand into bigger operations or related services.

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