Pressure Washer: Borrow or Buy?
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Most homeowners use a pressure washer 1-3 times per year (driveway, deck, house wash). At that frequency, borrowing saves money and avoids winterization hassles.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- Most people pressure wash their driveway and deck once a year. That is 2 uses.
- Gas pressure washers need winterization or the pump freezes and cracks
- The machine takes up garage space 363 days a year for 2 days of use
- A friend who owns one probably washes their stuff on the same spring weekend you would
Why Buy
- You wash fleet vehicles, equipment, or commercial surfaces regularly
- You do exterior painting prep where the pressure washer runs for hours across multiple days
- You have a farm or rural property with regular cleaning needs
- You want it available on short notice (a sudden muddy mess, cleaning before a party)
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a pressure washer and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
Electric or gas pressure washer?
Electric models (1,300-2,100 PSI) handle decks, cars, patio furniture, and siding. Gas models (2,500-4,000 PSI) strip paint, clean concrete, and handle commercial work. For most homeowners, electric is enough and avoids fuel/maintenance hassles.
Can I damage my house with a pressure washer?
Yes. High pressure destroys wood grain, cracks vinyl siding, forces water behind trim, and strips paint you wanted to keep. Use the widest nozzle (40 or 25 degree), keep distance, and test on an inconspicuous spot. Never pressure wash windows, older stucco, or painted surfaces you want to preserve.