Professional pressure washing companies operating in the residential sector almost universally rely on the homeowner’s existing water supply. This practice is the norm for standard exterior cleaning services, including house washing, driveway cleaning, and deck restoration. Understanding this logistics helps property owners prepare for the service and manage expectations regarding resource consumption. Reliance on readily available water sources is driven by efficiency and the technical requirements of the equipment used.
The Standard Use of Customer Water
The primary reason contractors utilize the customer’s water is operational convenience and financial sense for residential jobs. Transporting the vast amount of water necessary for a full-scale cleaning operation is logistically taxing and adds substantial fuel and labor costs. By tapping into the existing utility connection, the contractor maintains a streamlined operation without the overhead of constantly refilling large storage tanks.
Residential water systems generally provide sufficient flow and pressure for professional-grade pressure washing machines. These machines use specialized pumps designed to boost the incoming flow to the high pressures needed for effective cleaning. The consistent, regulated supply from a municipal line is a reliable input for the contractor’s equipment, simplifying the setup process.
This method allows cleaning professionals to keep their service fees competitive by avoiding the expense of hauling heavy water loads. It transfers the marginal cost of the water consumed directly to the property owner, who already pays for the resource. This is a fair trade-off for the convenience of an on-site service requiring minimal specialized infrastructure from the cleaning company.
How Much Water is Actually Used
Property owners often overestimate the volume of water consumed during a professional pressure washing service, leading to concerns about utility bills. The equipment is highly water-efficient, using the force of pressure, not sheer volume, to remove contaminants. A typical professional machine, calibrated for residential work, operates at a flow rate of approximately three to five Gallons Per Minute (GPM).
This flow rate is significantly less than the output of a standard garden hose running wide open, which can exceed 10 GPM. For an average residential house wash, which may take two to three hours, the total water volume used generally falls within 300 to 450 gallons. Driveway cleaning or other surface jobs may slightly increase this total depending on the size of the area being cleaned.
To put this consumption into perspective, 400 gallons is roughly equivalent to running a standard household shower for two hours or filling a small backyard pool. The total cost added to a monthly utility bill is usually minimal, often amounting to only a few dollars, depending on local water rates. This low financial impact alleviates the concern that pressure washing will dramatically inflate household expenses.
What the Customer Needs to Provide
The primary physical requirement from the customer is a fully functional outdoor water spigot, commonly referred to as a hose bib. This connection point must be easily accessible and in good working order, without leaks or damage that would impede the contractor’s connection. Contractors typically connect their supply hose directly to this fixture using standard garden hose threading.
Property owners should confirm that their water system provides adequate flow and pressure to the hose bib prior to the service date. While professional equipment can compensate for moderate deficiencies, extremely low flow rates can hinder the machine’s ability to draw water and achieve the intended cleaning pressure. The contractor usually assesses this flow upon arrival to ensure a smooth operation.
In addition to the spigot, the customer should ensure the work area is clear of obstructions, such as potted plants, furniture, or fragile decorations. Providing clear and safe access to all sides of the structure allows technicians to move their equipment efficiently and complete the job without unnecessary delays or hazards.
When Professionals Bring Their Own Water Supply
There are specific scenarios where using customer water is not feasible, necessitating an alternative supply brought by the cleaning company. This often arises in rural locations where the property utilizes a well system. Wells may not provide the necessary continuous flow rate or volume required for sustained operation, and drawing too much water too quickly can lead to pump damage or system failure.
Commercial cleaning projects, particularly those involving large parking lots or extensive building facades, frequently require the contractor to arrive self-sufficient. The sheer volume of water needed for these jobs often exceeds the capacity of a standard connection, making on-site storage the only practical option.
In these cases, professionals employ specialized equipment such as water buffer tanks or water bowsers mounted on trailers. These large reservoirs allow the contractor to pre-fill hundreds of gallons of water off-site. The tank acts as a reliable intermediary, ensuring the pressure washer has a consistent, high-volume supply regardless of the customer’s water source limitations.
Managing Water Drainage and Runoff
The final aspect of the pressure washing process involves managing the wastewater and cleaning solutions used during the service. The runoff water, which contains dirt, debris, and applied detergents, must be handled responsibly to comply with local environmental regulations. Best practices dictate that this water should be directed away from sensitive ecosystems.
Contractors often employ techniques to divert the water toward pervious surfaces, such as lawns or planting beds. The soil can naturally filter minor contaminants before the water re-enters the ground. When cleaning solutions are used, professionals may utilize specialized containment booms or recovery systems to prevent the contaminated water from entering storm drains.
It is important to prevent runoff from entering the storm sewer system, as these drains typically flow untreated directly into local waterways. Effective water management ensures the cleaning service is effective while minimizing the environmental impact on the surrounding community.