Checklist

If you're thinking about getting a waterblaster (also called a high-pressure cleaner), here's what to consider.

Cleaning power

You can use waterblasters for a variety of jobs – to spruce up paths, clean garden furniture, and more.

However, if you have a big job you want to get done quickly we suggest you hire a heavy-duty industrial machine. This will have a higher combination of pressure and flow rate, which translates into faster cleaner.

Don't waterblast stucco-type houses

Waterblasting claddings made from fibre-cement sheet or stucco is a big no-no. That's because the high-pressure water can penetrate cladding (or any cracks in its surface). And once it's in, the water can't get out. This warning especially applies to "monolithic clad" houses built from the early 1990s up till around 2003.

Be careful with other claddings too

Waterblasting weatherboard, brick, concrete block or steel ("galvanised iron") claddings is acceptable – as long as the nozzle is not brought too close to the surface (less than 500mm) and the spray is not directed closely around door openings, window frames and other openings in the cladding.

And timber decks

The nozzle should not be brought closer than around 300mm to the timber deck surface. If held too close, the water jet can penetrate and damage the timber – reducing the life of the deck.

Jet types

• Rotary: Produce a pulsating and rotating cone of water. They work best on large areas of heavily soiled surfaces like paving, driveways and other surfaces that are not easily damaged by the high-pressure water.
• Fan: Produce a flat fan-like spray of water. Useful for cleaning painted surfaces like sides of houses, roofs and vehicles. The spray is not as aggressive as that produced by a rotary jet, but caution is needed with painted surfaces because they can be damaged if the spray is held too close.
• Needle or point: Produce a very concentrated pencil jet. Used for small areas of difficult-to-remove soiling on surfaces that are not likely to be damaged by the high-pressure water. They need to be used with caution – the concentrated jet can damage wood and other less robust surfaces.

Ease of use

Look for a model with spray settings that are easy to adjust. Some require you to let go of the trigger and grasp the lance in the middle, which can be tricky to do.

If possible, test a model out to ensure it's not too heavy for you (models range in weight from 8 to 15 kilograms). Models with wheels and a well-designed handle make moving around easy. Make sure the handle is long enough to use easily.

Rotary start/stop switches on the side are much easier to access than recessed rear switches.

Detergent attachment

Many models carry this handy feature, which dispenses detergent in your water spray, for easy window and surfaces cleaning.

Storage features

A lance-holder lets you stow the lance on the machine while not in use. Likewise, a hose storage hook is handy for keeping your hose neatly stored.