Today I am going to clear the confusion about pressure washer nozzles that you have in your mind right now. You will also learn about the pressure washer nozzles color code.
It is really important to match the nozzle with the type of cleaning you are going to perform. Choose the wrong power washer nozzles and you can end up in:
- Peeling the paint off your favorite car!
- Damage your patio, lawn or furniture (Possibility of making a sweet hole!)
- Punching through the driveway requiring heavy repair
Choose the right nozzle and you are ready for a perfect wash. The GMP or PSI will not be a problem with a perfect nozzle.
Here are My Top Nozzles. But, Massive Discussion is Right Below.
How Does a Power Washer Nozzle Work and the Importance of Nozzle During Pressure Wash
So, wondering how does that small thing create such a force? Let me explain. I was in that condition too, earlier. You might be thinking there is a high-pressure motor for water pressure, then what?
Remember when you used to water your garden with a hosepipe? And you needed to water something that is 15 feet away but could not reach it. You pressed the head of the pipe blocking ¾ of the opening. And boom! The water is increasing with high pressure and covering the distance. The same theory applies here, the nozzle’s orifice.
More velocity means more distance. The pressure is constant though. When I was in engineering school I read about this orifice issue. Simple issue, make the outlet of water smaller so that the water exit with high velocity, according to the Law of Motion by the great Mr. Isaac Newton.
The Types of Pressure Washer Nozzles
There are basically seven types of nozzles, which come with different color codes. Personally, I use two or three of them. I am going to share my experience with you. First, let’s get to know the 7 types of pressure washers:
- The 0⁰ nozzle. It shoots a jet of water in a straight line. When it reaches the surface it covers a very small area, similar to the size of a soda bottle! I get bored with this nozzle. So tiny coverage! Even it does not fan out the water. Point and shoot job!
- Then the 15⁰ nozzle. It creates a 15⁰ water jet spray at the nozzle. Definitely a larger area coverage and as we learned earlier larger area means less velocity so as the water pressure.
- Now the 25⁰ nozzle which comes with an even larger sheet or a fan of water than the 15⁰ nozzle. And larger coverage area means less pressure on the surface.
- The 40⁰ nozzles come with more coverage area than 25⁰ nozzles resulting in lower pressure on the surface making it a gentle spray.
Let’s Look into this Pressure Washers Tips Color Code:
More Details and Uses and details of pressure washer nozzles color code are discussed below:
The 0⁰ nozzle-Red Tip Nozzle: High Pressure Water Nozzle
- I rarely use this. Neither in the factory, I work nor at my house! It covers so little spray area that it can take so much time to clean something. It can sometimes be very unsafe as it has a great amount of pressure on that spray area.
- You can use it to clean areas that are high and hard to reach. Good for cleaning crevices or sidewalks.
The 15⁰ Nozzle-Yellow Nozzles
- This nozzle is very good for the targeted area where you have a stubborn stain, rust, thick layer of mud. We use this nozzle on my work in the paint industry where sometimes the paint gets caked with the storage vessel. I hope you know the pain of it.
- Use on concrete, brick and other porous materials
The 25⁰ Green Nozzles-The All Rounder
- Probably this is the most popular and widely used nozzle tip for home use.
- I use this spray tips on painted surfaces, siding, fences and on these outdoor power tools like lawn mowers.
- The pressure and coverage area is so great that it became so versatile for use.
The 40⁰ White Nozzles-Soft Wash
- You probably can understand now that the higher angle makes the pressure soft on the surface. This nozzle is used for window or glass cleaning widely.
The 65⁰ Black Nozzles-Pressure Washer Soap Nozzle
- Thinking about using water and detergent at the same time? This nozzle is the choice for you. The larger angle combining with larger orifice generates enough pressure to pull detergent with water. It will make your cleaning a lot easier.
In short, here are pressure washer tips chart and color code to get you through:
Pressure Washer Turbo Nozzle
- Turbo pressure washer nozzle makes the water jet to rotate by the combination of 0⁰ blasts and the spray area of 25⁰ nozzles.
- It creates a round cone shape when it reaches the surface.
- Also known as pressure washer rotating nozzles
Pressure Washer Adjustable Nozzle
- A complete pack of nozzle just in a single nozzle! Rotate it to change the blast angle depending on the job you are performing.
How to Choose the Perfect Nozzle
It can be difficult while selecting the perfect nozzle for a specific job. Yes, I faced the same problem too. But now I am going to make it easy for you with some simple considerations.
If you are new with a pressure washer you will feel the thrill! It’s like accelerating a motorbike. More gas more power! But wait, don’t let the fun damage your stuff. Maintain a distance at first. You will understand how the distance and pressure are working together. Usually doubling the distance will halve the pressure.
So use your common sense at first. Start with a wider angle nozzle. Change your distance till getting the perfect wash without damaging the stuff. Try to follow the power washer tips sizing chart.
If you can’t be satisfied with your washing only then change to a more intense nozzle. This will give you more pressure to complete the job. But always start testing on a small area.
And remember to play with your distance to maintain the desired pressure. That’s the first thing you can do. It’s always better washing without damaging!
How Can You Take Care of Nozzle?
Do you have a pin? You should. Use it every time before you start using the nozzle. This will keep the head clean from any clogging at the tip. Nozzles are prone to blockage, so keep them clean.
However, you can witness your pressure washer nozzle leaking water. This is a rare case. Proper cleaning can prevent this type of issues. But, if you have a damaged seal you must order a new o-ring gasket.
FAQ
1. What nozzle to use on pressure washer for car?
While you wash your car with a pressure washer use a 25⁰ nozzle. This is an ideal size for gaining the perfect water pressure without damaging the paintwork.
2. Are pressure washer nozzles universal?
Yes.
3. How to get nozzle off pressure washer?
There is a collar right below the quick connect nozzle. Just pull the collar backward and the nozzle should come out straight. Follow the same procedure to setup the nozzle.
Final Thought
Some user face difficulties with nozzle selection. If you have gone through this guide you are not going to be one of them. The first couple of times are difficult. You are going to end up with wrong ones. But proper knowledge on this is going to save you.
Where did I Collect This Information From?
- Definitely from me and my friend’s user experience. These topics are just a gist of our years of experience.
- And then there is Wikipedia!
- And if you want to know more about the working of a pressure washer Atlantic Pressure Washer resource page can be of your help. We have covered most of these in our blog section though.
