fbpx
Air CompressorsAir Compressors KnowledgebasePressure WashersPressure Washers Knowledgebase

Can an Air Compressor Be Used as a Pressure Washer? 4 Simple Steps

TheToolGeeks.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs.   We may earn from qualifying purchases.  (Learn More).

Can an air compressor be used as a pressure washer? It is possible to do so, but you need to attach a pressure washer to the compressor’s air hose and the garden hose. You can also use it as a pressure washer to attach the spray gun to the air compressor and the garden hose. 

Further in this article, we will discuss how an air compressor can become a pressure washer and the alternatives of pressure washers we can use. We will also discuss the limitations and the challenges of pressure washers and using an air compressor as a pressure washer. 

Can an Air Compressor Be Used as a Pressure Washer

What is Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer is a spray device with high pressures used to remove stains, paint, and dirt from surfaces. The most common use is washing cars. However, the air compressor and pressure washer are pretty similar. 

Why Use Air Compressor With Pressure Washer? 

The answer is simple; you will not have to spend money on pressure washer if you have an air compressor. Yes, we get it, one can wash things by hands (We’ve also highlighted some of the alternatives of Pressure washer below), but it requires time and effort and the results will be less efficient.

So, you can use your air compressor with pressure washer to make your work easy, fast and efficient.

Can an Air Compressor be Used as a Pressure Washer? –  Pressure Washer Attachment

Typically, air compressors have direct-drive motors, engines, air tanks, and air pipes. But, Can You turn your air compressor into a pressure washer? Yes, you can use pressure washer attachment to fulfill your purpose. Let’s see further in this article how you can use the existing air compressor as a pressure washer.

Using a Spray Gun:

The air compressors can work as pressure washers, but they do not have high pressures. The spray guns will make the air compressor pressure washer more effective. However, it is an attachment that you must connect to your air compressor and garden hose. 

To make the pressures high, you need to purchase and attach the spray guns specifically designed for this purpose. 

It is better not to use any high-pressure sprayer without first reading some basic instructions on how they work and what the techniques are required before attempting something you’re uncertain about because these tools can cause injury or even death under certain circumstances.

There are some spray guns, which you can use to make the air compressor the pressure washer. M Mingle, Guardair Pneumatic, Turbo Jet. 

How to use Spray Guns to Use an Air Compressor as a Pressure Washer?

It doesn’t take much to convert an air compressor into a pressure washer. To perform the task, it is necessary to have an air compressor, a faucet (for water supply), and a spray gun (which provides at least two intel). The standard garden hose can also be helpful.

Steps to Convert an Air Compressor as a Pressure Washer

  1. To ensure that your water flow is adequate, ensure that the gauge shows minimum pressure of 30 PSI; less than this amount will not work. 
  2. Connect one end of the spray gun to any standard hose and the other end outside on your faucet or house pipes.
  3. Next, you need to attach the air hose. Before you begin, make sure your spray gun has enough pressure.
  4. Now turn the faucet on and trigger the spray gun. Water will start flowing out of the gun. A spray gun comes with a gauge and trigger that allows you to adjust the pressure.

Air Compressor with Garden Hose Vs. With Pressure Washer – In Terms Of Pressure

Most pressure washers start at 1300 PSI and can be adjusted above if necessary. Garden hoses produce 40-70 PSI 

It is impossible to reach more than 200 psi, no matter what you do, the attachments you use, or the air compressor. This can double the job it does. This is useful when it needs a little more power than it provides. However, it cannot fully fulfill the needs of a pressure washer.

Can Garden Hose Become a Pressure washer?

As a pressure washer, you can use the garden hose, but the water pressure is not as high as the pressure of pressure washers. A pressure washer can have a pressure ranging from 1300-2400 psi. 

Even a standard garden hose will work if you don’t need high pressure. But you should consider these factors when buying a garden hose:

Length: The length of the garden hose depends on your requirements. Would you prefer the shorter or, the longer? Consider your needs when making a decision.

Temperature: Considering the temperature is critical, as it can either make or break the hose. An improper temperature can wreck the house.

Nozzles: You should consider nozzles when selecting a garden hose. It requires a proper nozzle to function.

Pressure: Since not all garden hoses can withstand high pressures, pressure is the most significant factor to consider. You should make sure your garden hose can withstand the pressure.

Can an Air Compressor Be Used as a Pressure Washer

What Can I Use As an Alternative to a Pressure Washer?

1. You Can Clean By Hands

Use soap to clean dirt. It may be an old method, but it still works. It requires soap and a sponge. The advantage of this trick or method over pressure washing is that you can perform it at any time of day. You can do most of the work a pressure washer does with your hands. 

By using a pressure washer, you can make the job easier. However, you can still put sawdust on the stain and let it sit for a few hours and then wash it off. Even though this method requires time and effort, it can save you money as well. 

To clean it, you can use soap or wash it with dishwashing liquid with hot water. For oil stains, you can use warm water and soap and then remove them by yourself. 

2. You Can Clean Using Plenty of Water

Soft washing can be the preferred washing method. You should be aware that it uses a lot of water and does the job like a pressure washer. Using this method, you can clean places that a pressure washer cannot reach because of the pressure of the water. 

By using soap and a soft washing method, you can remove the stains. In this method, you can wash with any soap. You can even use the regular garden hose for this job since it has some low-pressure. 

3. Use Warm or Hot Water to Enhance Cleaning Efficiency

The temperature of the water plays an imperative role in cleaning. Whether you are using the old method or the pressure washer, the use of warm water is always a helpful thing. It is easier to remove stains with hot or warm water.

By liquifying any dirt or grease present, hot water can increase the chances of removing them without much effort and give those surfaces a fresh look.

To remove the stain on the surface, a heat gun or scraper may be helpful. Even though these processes are not as comfortable as pressure washers, you can use them when you do not have a pressure washer. This is because you do not wish to spend the money. 

Yet, one-time spending can save you a lot of effort in the long run. 

What’s the Right Pressure for a Home Pressure Washer?

Pressure washers usually have a range of 1300-2400 psi in everyday use, which is the best range for household use. For heavy-duty projects, going above the range is okay if you need more pressure. 

However, the average pressure for houses is 1500 psi. It is exceptionally crucial for your safety that the water coming out of your hose can be blocked by an object. If it cannot penetrate through one, then there’s no point in using the tool.

You may have to hire someone to do the job if you are concerned about safety. Otherwise, you can do it yourself. Depending on your needs or capacity, you can purchase an eclectic pressure washer or a gas pressure washer. 

Conclusion

Can an air compressor be used as a pressure washer? You can do it by attaching a spray gun with the air compressor

There are some alternatives that you can use if you do not have a pressure washer. The other options can take a little more effort than usual, but they are helpful if you are unwilling to buy a pressure washer. 

But the most sensible option should be to buy a pressure washer. Because it can give the best results as compared to the attachments or the alternatives. 

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.

We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.