Pressure Washing Frequently Asked Questions
0º – red nozzle: Narrow and powerful stream of water. Used for blasting and removal of very difficult stains, paint prep, caked mud, tough dirt. BE VERY CAREFUL: THIS NOZZLE WILL ETCH CONCRETE AND DO DAMAGE TO SURFACES
15º – yellow nozzle: Uses a small angle of spray for focused cleaning. Good for somewhat difficult to remove dirt.
25º – green nozzle: Uses a medium angle of spray for washing sensitive and soft surfaces (deck, fence, aluminum etc.)
40º – white nozzle: Largest angle of spray used for light cleaning surfaces quickly and for rinsing.
65º – soap (black) nozzle: Soap tip is used in conjunction with the cleaning fluid. This is the only nozzle that can be used with cleaning solutions.
15º – yellow nozzle: Uses a small angle of spray for focused cleaning. Good for somewhat difficult to remove dirt.
25º – green nozzle: Uses a medium angle of spray for washing sensitive and soft surfaces (deck, fence, aluminum etc.)
40º – white nozzle: Largest angle of spray used for light cleaning surfaces quickly and for rinsing.
65º – soap (black) nozzle: Soap tip is used in conjunction with the cleaning fluid. This is the only nozzle that can be used with cleaning solutions.
Use only cleaning solutions that are power washer approved. Most common biodegradable soaps work well when diluted.
Applying chemicals under High pressure will cause excessive foaming and overspray to unwanted areas. Apply chemicals under low pressure using black soap nozzle.
The ratio that the chemical is diluted varies the most common ratios fall between 12:1 and 18:1.
NO! Hot water can cause damage to the o-rings and pump.
NO! Water that is drawn from a lake may contain debris that will cause the pump not to perform correctly. Also, it will shorten the life of the pump since they are not designed to draw water from a stationary source.
See your Vortexx owner’s manual for the exact type of oil.
Refer to your Honda Engine Manual.
The recommended max length is 100 feet. The unit will operate at lengths beyond this, but performance will somewhat decrease, and chemical injection may not operate satisfactorily.
1. Always disconnect your spray wand from the gun before cleaning your nozzles!
2. Clear the nozzle with a small rigid piece of wire such as a paper clip.
3. Flush the nozzle backwards with water.
4. Reconnect the wand to the gun
5. Restart the pressure washer and depress the trigger on the spray gun.
6. If the nozzle is still plugged or partially plugged, repeat number 1-4.
7. If the previous procedure does not clear the nozzle, replace with a new nozzle.
2. Clear the nozzle with a small rigid piece of wire such as a paper clip.
3. Flush the nozzle backwards with water.
4. Reconnect the wand to the gun
5. Restart the pressure washer and depress the trigger on the spray gun.
6. If the nozzle is still plugged or partially plugged, repeat number 1-4.
7. If the previous procedure does not clear the nozzle, replace with a new nozzle.
You should always run gasoline out of equipment if it will be stored for long periods of time, if you plan to store the unit in your basement, or transport it in a vehicle. You should never store combustible materials in your home.
Store your pressure washer in a clean, dry place that is well ventilated away from open flames or sparks. If you plan to store your pressure washer in a shed or unheated garage, be sure to winterize before the first frost. If you plan to store it in a basement, you should remove all gasoline from the engine. Also if you plan not to use your Vortexx Pressure Washer for over 3 months or if it will be subjected to freezing temperatures use AR Pumpsaver to protect your pump.
Both are important to achieving the best results. But the true test of a pressure washer is measured in Cleaning Units (psi x gpm). Imagine two streams of water under the same amount of pressure. The first stream contains twice the water as the second. As a result, the higher the cleaning units, the easier ability to break the bond between the surface and the stain. The PSI delivers the “pressure” which breaks dirt loose, while GPM will “flush” the contaminants away. Multiply the PSI with the GPM and that gives you the cleaning units (CU), this may varies to your specific need.
On every unit except the homeowner and homeowner plus there is a red cap on the pump that needs to be replaced with either a black or black and yellow part that comes in a bag attached to the pump…simply unscrew the red cap and screw on the part provided.
You attach chemical hose to the brass nipple between unloader and quick connect.
The black plastic pin with the screw is an extra part for your handle just in case you get over zealous when pulling up the handle.
Although your pressure washer has many uses with the nozzles that are provided. There are ways to cut down on the time of your project as well as the effort needed to complete the project. Depending on what job you are trying to complete, there are accessories designed to make your pressure washer work at its peak performance. Ask Vortexx customer service representative or your local Vortexx dealer about our full line of accessories.