How Much Water to Power Wash a House? Optimizing Efficiency

It will usually take around four gallons of water to power wash a house. However, you need to understand that this would vary based on other factors such as size, project scope, and level of dirtiness.

To power wash a house is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to keep your house looking like new.

There have been amazing patio transformations from very dingy dark to much lighter looking like the original color.

Over time, and depending on your location and environmental conditions, there can become a significant build up of dirt, grime, mildew and even mold.

You may have tried to scrub it by hand or use your garden hose only to find out you can’t quite get it close to the way you want it to look.

A garden hose just doesn’t have the power, regardless of the tip, to remove certain dirt. You definitely cannot power wash a house with a garden hose.

If you’re planning to prep your house for a new coat of paint or just get it looking like it did when you first moved in, then you’re probably considering pressure washing it.

It is important to have a clear picture of the amount of water to power wash a house. Just how much water your home will consume and to avoid using more than what is required.

This post will help you to understand how water-efficient your pressure washer really is.

man using power washer to power wash a house

How many gallons of water do you need to power wash a house?

As stated before, it will usually take around four gallons of water to power wash a house. However, you need to understand that this would really depend on a few other factors.

This sounds very simple, but if your house is smaller, you will use less water. Obviously, you will use more water for a larger house.

There are other factors to consider when determining the amount of water needed to power wash a house.

If your house is particularly dirty, you will certainly use more water. And depending on the type of dirt, it may take much more water to power wash a house.

We used a standard-sized three-bedroom house when mentioning four gallons of water needed to power wash a house.

Depending on the overall size of your house, you will also need to make sure to select the ideal GPM (Gallons per Minute) setting in the pressure washer.  

The GPM is the flow rate the pressure washer produces.

The amount of water flowing out of the nozzle is calculated by a parameter called Gallons per Minute.

Water pressure is playing a major role behind the functionality delivered while you power wash a house.

In other words, water is providing you with all the power needed to break up stains and dirt that has absorbed into the house material.

The pressure ultimately depends on the amount of water that is flowing out of the nozzle of your pressure washer per second.

If you allow more water to flow through the nozzle of your pressure washer, you can increase the overall pressure. It also is important to know the varying nozzle tips for your pressure washer.

Nozzles come in a few sizes from smallest to largest. The nozzle size will determine the amount of water force coming out of your pressure washer.

We will highlight nozzle use later in the article.

It is recommended to test a small area with the pressure washer ensuring no damage may occur with too much water pressure.

Related Article: How to Find the Right Pressure Washer Spray: Expert Insight

Still not convinced? Just take a look at a situation where you are using a squirt gun to get rid of the dirt that is accumulated in the sidewalk. You can witness how the dirt is breaking up.

However, dirt will still remain there. That’s because there is no medium to carry the dirt. Now you can take a bucket of water and pour it.

Then you will be able to see how the dirt is being washed away. 

Instead of going through such a lengthy and troublesome process, you can think about using a pressure washer. A pressure washer will give you both pressure and water volume.

Pressure will keep on breaking up dirt and the water volume will carry it away. That’s why pressure washers deliver a perfect cleaning experience.

Related Article: Bob Villa-How to Pressure Wash a House

Save Water While You Power Wash a House 

If you are concerned about water consumption, you should take a look at these useful tips to save water usage.

Better Control Over the Pressure Washer 

If you have better control over the pressure washer, you can control the water usage. Being efficient in using the pressure washer will cut down on time and wasting water.

It takes some practice for you to learn how to take better control over the pressure washer. Spending your time practicing is totally worth it from a savings and safety point-of-view.

Basic Pressure Washing tips for beginners

When you are using the pressure washer with better control, you will figure out that you don’t need to use a lot of detergent to get the cleaning job done.

Using an efficient method of power washing during the wetting, rinsing and foaming processes will reduce time using less water and detergent.

Use the Correct Type of Nozzles

You have the ability to attach many different types of nozzles to the pressure washer.

It is important for you to learn how to use the correct type of nozzle along with your pressure washer when cleaning.

If your nozzle is giving out a wide jet, you will not be able to cut through grime. Most of your water will be wasted without getting the area clean.

You should pick the correct type of nozzle depending on the dirt you have to remove. This will reduce the overall time that you have to spend with the pressure washer.

Here are some of the most common types of pressure washer nozzles:

  • 0-degree (red)
  • 15-degree (yellow)
  • 25-degree (green)
  • 40-degree (white)
  • Soap (black)

The red, or 0-degree nozzle is ideal for homes with a lot of mildew and other types of grime build up. This red nozzle should be used on softer surfaces like a deck.

It is best to test a small area with the nozzle ensuring no damage when you power wash a house.

The different pressure washing nozzle degrees

Have Shorter Working Times 

Shorter working times with the pressure washer will help you with saving water.

Knowing the type of dirt, nozzle tips, Gallons per Minute setting, and if a cleaning agent should be used will make the most efficient use of the pressure washer.

It is best to first check to see whether the surface can be treated with a special cleaner before the application of the pressure washer.

In addition, these preparations will reduce the overall strain you put on the pump motor.

You should look at all the possible options available to speed up the process and get a better experience.

You will be impressed with the amount of water you can save with a bit of prep work and a few minor adjustments.

Final Words

Learning to power wash a house can truly offer immediate satisfaction when seeing dirt and grime instantly being removed. You will also discover the original look of the house enhancing the curb appeal of your home.

You will be able to reduce the water consumption of your pressure washer as you gradually get used to it. Being efficient in its use will save you time, water, and the pressure washer.

It can be like getting a new BBQ, it takes a bit of time to get familiar with how the grill works and what spots are best for the type of meat you’re grilling.

Once you get the hang of the pressure washer and how best to clean, the water efficiency will only improve and so will your home value.

Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!