Selecting the correct nozzle for your pressure washer is a big deal! Making sure you have both the right type of nozzle for the work at hand as well as one that will work with your machine is a key part of your business.
With a variety of options available, finding the ideal nozzle might seem overwhelming. That's why we've created a detailed Nozzle Chart to assist you in choosing the perfect nozzle for any job.
The Importance of Nozzle Selection
The nozzle you choose determines both the spray pattern and the pressure output of your pressure washer. Different nozzles are tailored for specific applications, and selecting the right one can boost your cleaning power while safeguarding the surfaces you're working on. Here’s a breakdown of some common nozzle types and their uses:
- **0-Degree Nozzle (Matched size):** Provides a concentrated, high-pressure stream ideal for tackling stubborn stains and debris on hard surfaces like concrete or metal. Excellent for spot cleaning and gum removal but should be used with care to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.
- **0-Degree Nozzle (Oversize):** Provides a long range shooter style water jet which can project up to 10m depending on the flow rate of your machine. Commonly used for rinsing down after cleaning or softwashing without having to use access equipment.
- **15-Degree Nozzle:** Produces a narrow, high-pressure spray, making it perfect for heavy-duty tasks like stripping paint, removing mildew, and blasting dirt from driveways and sidewalks.
- **25-Degree Nozzle:** Offers a wider spray pattern, well-suited for general cleaning tasks. Ideal for washing decks, patios, and vehicles, striking a balance between pressure and coverage.
- **40-Degree Nozzle:** Delivers a wide, low-pressure spray that’s gentle on surfaces, making it perfect for cleaning windows, siding, and delicate materials. It’s also great for rinsing off detergents and other cleaning solutions.
### Fan Angles, whats the impact?
In the above image the Pressure and Flow are all the same, the only value that has changed is the fan angle and the distance to the surface.
A 0° nozzle has a much higher surface impact pressure compared to a 40 degree nozzle because the pressure is focused on a minute area but this is where it gets interesting.
By increasing your fan angle all you are really doing is widening the fan at the point it touches the surface based on the height you would usually hold a lance. A 40° Nozzle 10cm from the surface will behave in the same way as a 25° nozzle 5cm from the surface. The flow and pressure are the same but that pressure is being exerted over a smaller area. Holding the lance further back from the surface will have the same effect as increasing your nozzle fan angle.
### All about the Flow or Pressure?
In an ideal world describing how flow and pressure works to you would be as simple as the graph above where as pressure and flow rate increases so does cleaning power on an even scale.
This isn't the case, that would be far too simple!
If we start in the centre with 10 litres per minute at 0 Bar we are easily rinsing the surface off, much like the pressure and flow rate from your garden tap at home.
But what happens if we increase the pressure to 200 Bar? This will clean the surface effectively with a balance of flow rate and pressure, we do not need too much water which cannot be kept up with by the supply and we can use our pressure washer to produce this.
If we drop the flow rate back toward zero the same effect as the pressure washer can be achieved by increasing the water flow to 100 litres per minute but this would be impossible for one man to control and the flow would be unsustainable from a household supply.
In the US there is a common equation used called Cleaning Units, this is simply the Flow multiplied by the Pressure to give a relative value for how much "Power" or cleaning efficiency a specific combination of flow and pressure a machine has.
So based on this idea
Flow x Pressure = Cleaning Units
15 LPM x 250 Bar = 3750 CU
21 LPM x 200 Bar = 4200 CU
25 LPM x 250 Bar = 6250 CU
25 LPM x 300 Bar = 7500 CU
30 LPM x 200 Bar = 6000 CU
30 LPM x 250 Bar = 7500 CU
**What does that all mean?**
Balancing flow rate and pressure has always been a bit of a juggling act between the supply available from commercial or domestic supplies, safe limits for high pressure working and the size of engines required to drive the pumps needed to achieve these specifications.
Generally speaking beyond 200 Bar the more flow rate that you can provide the faster you will work, adding pressure will eventually just damage the surface you are cleaning and the higher pressure is most efficient when using a turbo nozzles which allows the impact pressure of the 0° fan to be utilised.
There are sweet spots in pump specs that will give you the edge and generally the cleaning units system is loosely based on real world performance, but like Volkswagen's emissions figures it is open to interpretation!
### Using the Nozzle Chart
Our Nozzle Chart is designed to help you make informed decisions based on your specific pressure washer and cleaning requirements. Here’s how to use it:
1. **Determine Your Pressure Washer’s LPM and BAR:** Knowing the flow rate (litres per minute LPM) and pressure (BAR) of your pressure washer is crucial for selecting the right nozzle. This information is typically available in the user manual or on the machine itself.
2. **Consult the Nozzle Chart:** Match your pressure washer’s flow and pressure with the appropriate nozzle size. The chart provides a detailed breakdown of nozzle sizes along with their corresponding spray patterns, pressure outputs, and recommended applications.
3. **Surface Cleaner Nozzles:** When selecting an orifice size for a surface cleaner, consider the number of nozzles on the spray bar:
- For 2 nozzles: Divide the orifice size by 2.
- For 4 nozzles: Divide the orifice size by 4.
- If you have a Mosmatic your nozzles will likely be ⅛ size and 15° as standard
- If you have a Whirlaway or Watertek Surface Cleaner you will have ¼ Nozzles
### Why Choose Watertek?
At Watertek, we are committed to offering top-quality pressure washing equipment and accessories. Our extensive range of nozzles ensures you can find the perfect fit for any cleaning task. When you shop with us, you benefit from:
- **Expert Guidance:** Our knowledgeable team is ready to help you select the right products for your needs.
- **Quality Assurance:** We stock leading brands to ensure optimal performance and durability.
- **Outstanding Customer Service:** We are dedicated to providing a smooth experience from start to finish and we will do our best to support your business for years to come.
### Get Started Now!
Don't let nozzle confusion slow you down. Visit our Nozzle Chart today to find the perfect nozzles for your pressure washer. Arm yourself with the right tools and confidently tackle any cleaning task.