You can use an air hose as a pressure washer by connecting it to your garden hose and letting the air from the compressor pressurize the water.
Once done, use a spray gun to distribute the water evenly over the surface you want to clean.
Do you happen to have an air hose lying around in your garage but no pressure washer to complete a cleaning job?
If so, you might be wondering if you can use the air hose as a pressure washer.
With pressurized water, you could complete the task quickly and efficiently.
Pressure washers are specialized tools that simplify the task of cleaning different surfaces.
But, if you have an air hose, you do not necessarily need to buy a pressure washer.
In this article, we will show you how you can convert your air hose into a pressure washer.
Related Reading: Can Hot Water Be Run Through a Pressure Washer?
Table of Contents
The Difference Between an Air Hose and a Pressure Washer
There are a couple of differences between the two items.
An air hose can produce compressed air at various levels of pressure, but typically around 200 PSI.
Similarly, pressure washers output pressurized water at approximately 1,000 PSI, but you can find units that produce higher or lower levels of pressure.
The main difference between the two options lies in the way they connect to your faucet.
The pressure washer is the simpler choice as it can be easily screwed onto the faucet.
On the other hand, if you plan to use your air hose as a pressure washer, you will need to attach it to your faucet using a pressure washer attachment specifically designed for air hoses.
Related Reading: Is 2000 PSI Safe for Washing a Vehicle?
What You Will Need to Use an Air Hose as a Pressure Washer
Using your air hose as a pressure washer is a simple process, but you’ll require some equipment to get started.
Firstly, you will need an air compressor that can generate between 40 to 50 PSI.
Additionally, you will need a spray gun with a double inlet, a garden hose, and an outdoor faucet.
It’s important to note that the length of a garden hose can affect the flow and pressure of the water. Longer hoses usually result in lower flow and pressure. Typically, household faucets have a pressure of 40 to 60 PSI.
You need a pressure washer adapter to connect the air hose to the water supply.
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How to Use Your Air Hose as a Pressure Washer
With all the equipment gathered, follow these steps to turn your air hose into a pressure washer.
- Build up the pressure: Before you start allowing the water to flow, you need to have your air compressor up to the appropriate pressure level. Check the gauge to see if it’s showing at least 30 PSI. Anything below this pressure will affect the flow of the water.
- Attach the hose: Connect your garden hose to the faucet.
- Put on the spray head: Place the spray head onto the hose. Make sure that it is fitted firmly and securely. Of the two inlet choices on the spray head, choose the bottom one for the garden hose. This option is better to enhance the water flow through the head.
- Attach the air hose to the spray head: Get your air hose and thread it onto the upper inlet of your spray head. Check that it is fitted nicely and securely. Look again at the air pressure level on the compressor.
- Fix the air hose to the compressor: Fix the air hose to the airline connection of the compressor. Push the hose onto the attachment. Keep pushing until there is a popping noise. If you find there is an issue with the flow of air, then double-check the connections.
- Let the water flow: Turn on your faucet and start the water flow. Squeeze your spray head’s trigger to ensure the water is coming out. The flow should be at an average speed. Anything less may indicate a connection issue. If there is a problem with the flow, check the connection at the faucet and the spray head.
- Turn on your compressor: Now that the water is flowing, increase the speed at which it is being outputted by turning on your compressor.
- Start your power cleaning: With everything running fine, point the shower head towards the area that you want to clean. You may find that the pressure from your compressor varies while you are cleaning. Just allow the air pressure levels to build back up and then continue with the job.
Related Reading: Running a Pressure Washer off a Well: What You Need to Know
Use Caution When Using an Air Hose as a Pressure Washer
Using an air compressor and hose can be dangerous, posing a risk of injury.
It is important to be mindful of the potential risk of blowback when utilizing compressed air for cleaning.
This refers to the possibility of parts of plants or trees, alongside other debris, being blown in your direction.
This can result in severe injury if the debris enters your eyes and ears, or cuts into your skin.
There is also the possibility of the compressed air itself affecting your health.
Any opening in your body allows air to enter, which can cause harm.
Sound can also damage your hearing due to air compression.
Some countries prohibit using compressed air to clean, while in the US it is allowed only at a pressure of 30 PSI or lower, with personal protective equipment required.
Continue Reading: Pressure Washing Safety: What Should I Wear to Be Safe?
Final Thoughts
If you have an air hose and compressor at home, you can use that as a pressure washer.
You will need to get a pressure washer attachment for your hose to do so.
To clean using an air hose, all you need is to attach the hose to your faucet, along with a spray head and an air compressor.
It is important to note that the recommended air pressure for this task is 30 PSI, which is also the maximum level allowed in the USA due to safety concerns related to the use of compressed air.
For your safety, please wear protective gear such as goggles, ear covering, and gloves due to the risk of debris being blown back.
I have a pressure washer and prefer using it to clean everything from the patio to the pool deck.
Although it is certainly possible to use an air hose as a pressure washer, it may be best to buy a pressure washer for your outdoor cleaning.
Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!
Continue Reading: Using an Expandable Hose with a Pressure Washer: Definitive Guide
