Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Pressure Washing Hose Reel

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It is very true that having a pressure washing machine is a good thing but if you do not have a good hose reel, it is going to make the job of pressure washing not an easy task. There are many things that you need to consider when you are choosing your next pressure washing hose reel. Even once you purchase a hose reel, you is important that you know how to use it and get the one that is going to work for you.

Type of Hose You Have

The first thing that you need to consider is the type of pressure washing hose that you will be storing on the reel. Both high and low pressure hoses come in different diameter sizes. The standard pressure washing hose size is 3/8" in diameter and will hold 200 feet of hose. If you think you will install more than 200 feet, you will need to consider a larger reel. If you have a low pressure garden hose, it will require a larger hose reel because it is bulky. You also need to make sure the reel is rated for at least 1,000 psi above your power washer’s output. 

Brake System

Another thing to consider before purchasing a pressure washing hose reel is that it has a brake system on it to ensure that your hose is going to stay put when it is not being used. The 3 types of brake systems include a drag brake, cam lever and internal brake.

·         Drag brakes keep constant pressure on hoses and prevent them from unwinding once the user stops pullingthem.

·         Cam levers applies drag while the hose is in the on position but when the user wants to rewind them, the cam needs to be flipped to the off position to release the drag.

·         Internal brakes automatically apply tension when the hose is being pulled and release it when it is being rewound.

Construction Material

Professional hose reels are constructed of heavy gauge steel. If you are planning on using the hose reel with a corrosive material, you will need to choose a hose reel made of stainless steel. The professional hose reels have handle liquids at temperatures ranging from -20º to 400º Fahrenheit. These professional hose reels also can operator pressures up to 10,000 psi.

How to Operate Hose Reels

It is always best to completely unreel your pressure washing hose before you begin any type of job.Coiled pressure hose reels will constrict when pressure is applied to them. When unwinding your pressure washing hose, you should always place the end of the hose next to the reel and leave it there. After that, you can walk away from reel and pull the hose along with you to unwind it.

There are many good companies that pressure wash things for you, such as ClearView Surfaces but if you are not wishing to do the job yourself, the above tips will help you choose the correct pressure washing hose reel.