While there are many reasons to consider washing your home yourself, there are also many dangers of DIY pressure washing. The Northern Kentucky Tribune reports that you can purchase a pressure washing machine for around $250, and about 15% of homes have one.
You may be worried about your home or business looking good, but often DIY projects can be dangerous. Hiring a professional pressure washing service can provide you with many benefits. At Shine©, we know what we are doing, have the right equipment, and use superior cleaning solutions that work right the first time.
The Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing
1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists carbon monoxide poisoning as a risk of DIY pressure washing. You want to make sure you use the right type of pressure and know how to use the heavy-duty power washer you are operating. It’s important to protect yourself, your family, and your home from this danger.
2. Personal Injuries
There are so many risks of personal injury when you attempt DIY projects. In fact, according to the NKY Tribune, it is estimated that over 6,000 people each year go to the emergency room at the hospital because of pressure washing injuries. An additional 14% of those individuals are brought in for further hospitalization after their initial injury.
What’s even scarier about pressure washing injuries is that most people do not get proper treatment for the cuts, scrapes, and bruises they experience. It just seems like a minimal injury, so most people think it’s no big deal. Unfortunately, this can lead to bacterial infections and even fatalities!
To fully understand the dangers of pressure washing, you need to understand that a garden hose delivers about 50 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI), while most pressure washers generate over 3,000 PSI! That amount of power is unreal, and in the hands of an inexperienced individual, it’s quite dangerous!
Cuts, scraps, and bruises aren’t the only things one must worry about. Slips, tumbles, and falls can also be a problem with pressure washers. When you try to reach those difficult spots, you may climb a ladder. Because the pressure is so strong, when you pull on the nozzle, the kickback will likely throw you to the ground!
3. Additional Chores
Unlike some chores, when you decide to put on those heavy-duty boots and tackle pressure washing without professional assistance, you need to realize that dirt and grime do not magically disappear.
In fact, pressure washing can make dirt and debris fly everywhere, leaving you with a lot of mess to clean up! You don’t want to end up with an additional chore when trying to take care of one without the help of a pro!
4. Damage to Your Home
Generally, the spray nozzle of a pressure washing machine can blast water strong enough to damage your home’s roof, wood siding, landscaping, or other areas of your home’s exterior. Water damage is a common danger of DIY power washing and might lead to mold growth or foundation damage.
When you try to do pressure washing without the help of a professional, you could punch holes in your vinyl siding or crack or break windows due to too much pressure. You might even cause electrical damage if you aren’t careful. This can lead to serious personal injury – the last thing you want to happen!
5. Electric Shock
As one of the top dangers of DIY pressure or power washing, the CDC also lists that there is a high risk of electric shock. It’s important that you take proper safety precautions when operating heavy machinery like this. You don’t want a trip to the hospital – the bills and time spent there are definitely not worth it!
Conclusion
While you may want your home to look tip-top, a project like DIY pressure washing can certainly have its downsides. It might be fun to watch the dirt and grime fly off your home, but it’s a job best left to the professionals!
Are you ready to call the pros at Shine© for the best results with pressure washing? Rather than spending time dealing with the mess of DIY projects, call the experts at Shine© or grab a free estimate on our website.
No job – commercial or residential – is too tough for us! We will gladly remove the dirt and grime from your property in no time! We have the experience, expertise, and equipment to do the job right the first time around. Count on Shine© to make your property sparkle!
We happily service the OKC/Edmond area and will be proud to add you as one of our satisfied customers!
