Frequently Asked Questions
Hale’s Electrical Service Inc. is dedicated to making sure our customers are fully educated about the product they plan on buying. We understand that investing in a generator is a big decision and want to make sure you are fully aware of the features and capabilities of your generator. Here are some of our top frequently asked questions. Can’t find what you need in the Frequently Asked Questions? Check out our Residential, Commercial, Portable, Power Washer, Generator Installation, Beat the Storm, and About Us pages. Also, check out our blog and generac.com for more info on us and our products. If you have any other questions or would like to learn more about our products feel free to contact us at 804-518-3060. Our staff will be glad to answer any questions you might have.
Select the category from the menu below to filter your results
- A power washer is an outdoor power tool that makes cleaning easier by using a high-pressure spray of water to clean a surface. A gasoline engine or electric motor drives a pump, which is supplied by your home’s water supply. The water enters the pump at about 50 PSI, is compressed (and thus pressurized) inside the pump, and exits the pump at as much as several thousand PSI, depending upon the unit. This high-pressure water travels through a hose to a spray gun. The nozzle at the end of the spray gun directs the high-pressure spray as you clean.
- The force of the high-pressure spray loosens dirt and flushes it away. On more professional-grade models, the spray is even powerful enough to strip paint, which is useful in paint preparation. You can use many detergents with a power washer, too, for even more effective cleaning. And there are accessories you can buy that make cleaning even easier.
You’re right—Generac’s primary focus has been designing and manufacturing generators for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Nonetheless, back in the early 1990s, we applied our knowledge of air-cooled engines and portable product design to power washers—it was a natural evolution. And for the first time power washers were readily available to consumers at a price they could afford. Along the way, we were granted several patents that have since changed the industry.
The first question you should ask yourself is where you intend to use the power washer—at home or at work. A power washer used primarily at home probably doesn’t need to be as powerful as one that is used on a job site. Around the house, for example, you shouldn’t need more than 3000 PSI. To be fully productive on the job site, though, you probably need at least 3000 PSI.
Next, ask what you want to clean. If you’re looking to simply take the dirt and grime off the driveway or patio furniture, you can use a unit with a relatively low pressure—perhaps 2500 PSI. If, however, you plan on scrubbing mold and mildew off concrete, or prepping a house for painting, you should consider a unit with a higher pressure.
Finally, think about how much cleaning you will be doing. If you’re cleaning a number of items, or if you need to clean a large area, you might want to consider a unit with a higher GPM. More water means more cleaning power, and a higher GPM will make the job go faster.
PSI is short for “pounds per square inch.” It is a measure of the water pressure coming out of the power washer. A typical garden hose dispenses water at about 50 PSI, and a coin-operated car wash provides about 700 PSI. A power washer, by contrast, typically dispenses water at several thousand PSI, depending upon the model.
GPM stands for “gallons per minute,” and describes how much water is flowing through the power washer.
You’ll find both of these ratings on a power washer, because they’re both important. Together, they provide your power washer’s cleaning power. PSI provides the “oomph” you need to lift dirt and grime, and GPM provides the necessary quantity of water to wash it away.
The real measure of a power washer’s cleaning power can be found by multiplying PSI by GPM. The higher the number, the greater the cleaning power. For example, a garden hose delivering water at 50 PSI and 5 GPM has a cleaning power of only 250. A power washer, however, delivering water at 2500 PSI and 2.3 GPM has a cleaning power of 5750.
Generac G-FORCE® and OHVI engines are designed and manufactured by Generac Power Systems Inc. at our facilities in Wisconsin.
The Generac OHV engines are not engineered or manufactured in the U.S.
Owner’s manuals and other documentation can be downloaded from Generac’s Product Support Page using the unit’s serial number, or contact us for further assistance.
Hale’s has a fully stocked Parts Department ready to provide you with the parts you need! Visit our Parts Page to learn more.
Any Authorized Generac dealer can perform warranty service. Connect with us to learn more about warranty repairs.
An SAE rated high detergent oil means that API Service Class SF requirements for gasoline engines, similar to your car. Refer to your owner’s manual for details. To find your owner’s manual online, visit Generac’s Product Support page and enter your serial number or model number.
The nozzles that come standard with the power washer all have different spray patterns and intensities. We recommend starting with the lowest pressure nozzle first, and test it in an area for results first. Nozzles that have a higher pressure or tighter spray pattern can easily cause damage to softer surfaces. The description for the nozzles that came with your power washer are in your owner’s manual. Owner’s manuals and other documentation can be downloaded from Generac’s Product Support Page using the unit’s serial number, or contact us for further assistance.
No, bleach can cause permanent damage to the pump, hose, gun and nozzles as well as electrical equipment in its path. Use only power washer soap as a cleaning agent.
No, water must be no more than 100°F. Hot water can cause permanent damage to the pump.
No, the power washers require a steady source of clean, pressurized water, such as the hose spigot on your home. It needs a minimum of 3.8 gallons per minute.
No, the power washers require a steady source of clean, pressurized water, such as the hose spigot on your home. We do not suggest this, as the water pump is dependent on another source of standing water, which may contain particulates that could damage the power washer, or not enough water to properly supply the power washer.
All power wasers require periodic maintenance, such as oil and air filter changes, to ensure maximum performance for years of reliable service. Refer to the owner’s manual for routine maintenance procedures and schedules.
Long term storage is important, espcially in the winter. It is highly recommended to use Pump Saver to winterize the pump, which prevents damage internally due to freezing water. Full long term storage instructions are included in the unit’s manual. To find your manual online, visit Generac’s Product Support page and enter your serial number or model number.
