High pressure apparatus working principle. Do-it-yourself high pressure washer: basic principles of work.

It just so happened that the climate of Russia causes certain inconveniences to all motorists in the country. Agree, our autumn and spring are a real test for vehicle. Rain, dirt, and with them the global slush in general, will change in a matter of minutes appearance cars, of course not better side. In such weather, you have to visit a car wash almost several times a week, so the smartest ones decide to buy their own machine. high pressure and thus save money. But before you go to the store, it certainly does not hurt you to find out how a pressure washer works, because such information can quite influence your final choice.

Anatomy "Ministry of Internal Affairs"

Car wash equipment, which most of us associate with German Karcher models, is in great demand both in household use and in the service sector, and this is not just. The photo clearly shows all the main components of a high-pressure washer manufactured by the Stihl trademark. Thanks to their design features, the installation produces a powerful pressure of water that can remove any dirt even from the most inaccessible areas. Of course, in some cases, you can not do without chemical cleaners, but today is not about them. So, what makes water move with monstrous force (from 100 atmospheres)?

The pump is the heart of the plant!


In most cases, a piston-axial mechanism with an inclined disk is used. That is, the pistons moving along the cylinders at a certain moment rest against the inclined disk. The hydraulic distributor, on the other hand, takes over the function of switching the output of the cylinders. Thus, the disk, rotating around its axis, presses on each of the pistons in turn and thereby creates high level outlet pressure (100-200 bar). Of course, all this only works if the pump is connected to the engine through a gearbox.

The key part in a movement is without a doubt the pistons, so it is important to find out the type of material they are made from before buying. Ideally, this is ceramics, but hardened steel will also do. The body is equally important, it should never be made of plastic, only metal, and any steel will be much more reliable than plastic.

Also pay attention to minimum power jets. What for? Yes, so that there are no problems using chemicals, after all, few sinks do without them. The fact is that their use at a pressure of more than 30 atmospheres can be dangerous for the paint layer. Look carefully, since most models do not allow their own device to lower the Bar value.

Engine

This is the main power source for the pump, there are gasoline and electric modifications, but the latter are much more popular. The motor carries out the procedure of switching on and off the pump, which constantly alternate during the use of the car wash. And since the starting voltage is much higher than the nominal voltage, the likelihood of overheating in such an intense rhythm increases significantly. Therefore, as in a car, here you need efficient system cooling.

The bulk of high-pressure devices to lower the temperature use air, but the same German Karcher is already yes, its efficiency is an order of magnitude higher than that of classical scheme. It is possible to mitigate the consequences for the engine from frequent starts with the help of several fans. One, located at the end of the installation, draws air into the middle of the stator, where the second one comes into action, with the help of which, already hot air, is outside.

Automatic toggle switch that stops the engine

The water pressure sensor is an essential attribute of a modern pressure washer. It is installed on the outlet channel of the pump and regulates its inclusion. Look, when we want to start working with a similar mechanism, we pull the trigger and wait for the pressure, thereby starting the engine. When the water is no longer needed, the trigger is released and the liquid supply stops.

This is where the pressure sensor enters the arena, which will prevent the engine from overheating, which functions even after the trigger is released. That is, when a critical pressure level is reached, it works, thus excluding a break in the power source. However, as already mentioned, extra engine starts are to his detriment, therefore popular brands such devices, they came up with another way to protect the motor from high pressure.

In this case, there is no shutdown as such, the sensor simply rearranges the water line to the outlet, allowing the liquid to circulate in a circle. Yes, electricity consumption will increase significantly, but the engine will be able to last much longer.

Hoses



The water supply to the pump is carried out by a special hose, which is easily connected to the water supply network or to any container with water. I explain, a high pressure washer is able to pick up H2O from any container:

  • Rate, dam or even the sea;
  • Chan and various tanks;
  • Or even from an ordinary bucket.

High-pressure hoses and a washing gun are used to control the pressure, torque and the actual water supply in general. Please note that the rubber lines must withstand a greater load than the pump. At least 10%, which will significantly secure the washing procedure.

The spray gun must be mobile and functional, and most importantly - with a fuse. It needs to cover the effect of clumsy hoses as much as possible, so its rotation around its axis is mandatory, otherwise it will not be possible to reach secluded corners, they will remain dirty.

This is what the main components of a modern pressure washer look like. Of course, there is also a power cable that needs to be protected from the action of water and various “bells and whistles” such as nozzles for changing the type of jet, but there is no point in describing them, you will figure it out yourself! You will have a little highlight.

A high pressure washer creates the impression of such an attraction, splashing water is fun! I warn you, be careful, the jet is so powerful that it can harm the people around you and even animals, I generally keep quiet about children, wash the car at “quiet time”. I wish you a safe wash and excellent result, and finally, I suggest using the video, get acquainted with the Interskol high-pressure washing device. See you later!


A clean car, like clean shoes, is a sign of a real man. Car washes have become a must-have for every service station. This is wonderful, only the price of washing in them ranges from 300 to 1200 rubles. Wash the car, at least outside, at least three times a month. The expense is quite substantial. Yes, and you want to leave your car in the wrong hands as little as possible, but you can’t wash the car manually with the same quality.

The problem is solved by purchasing a high-pressure washer - a mobile household specialized unit for obtaining a high-pressure water jet. With it, it is quite possible to bring the appearance of the car in order.

High pressure washer

The high pressure washer includes:

  • electric motor
  • Pump
  • Automatic engine shutdown
  • water supply hose
  • nozzles
  • Network connection cable
  • Frame

High pressure washer motor

A collector electric motor is usually used, whose device allows you to develop significant power at small sizes. The specifics of the high-pressure car wash are the frequent switching on and off of the engine. In this case, the starting currents exceed the nominal ones by 6 times. To avoid overheating and failure, the engine is equipped with a system air cooling. end mounted axial fan supplies air from the surrounding atmosphere into the internal volume of the stator, and installed on the shaft centrifugal fan creates an additional vacuum and throws the heated air back into the atmosphere. In this way, it is possible to mitigate the re-start mode, which is difficult for the electric motor.

High pressure washer pump

The output shaft of the engine through the gearbox puts into operation the axial piston pump, capable of developing pressure up to 200 bar at the outlet. In fact, this pressure is not used in domestic car washes, it is usually limited to a range of 100 to 160 bar. 1 bar = 0.986923267 atmosphere, a more familiar unit of measurement. When comparing different models sinks for this parameter, you can take them equal.

The most commonly used axial piston pump with an inclined disk. A cylinder block is installed in the cast housing, along which the pistons move. They rest against an inclined disk rotated by an electric motor. The output of the cylinders is switched by a hydraulic distributor. As the disk rotates, the disk alternately presses and releases the pistons, creating a high pressure at the pump outlet. In some designs of axial axial pumps, the disk is stationary, and the cylinder block rotates, but the principle of operation remains the same.

When buying a pressure washer, you should find out what material the pump housing and pistons are made of. Plastic pumps do not withstand long-term operation. The body must be made of some metal or alloy (for example, for NILFISK sinks - aluminum), and the pistons must be made of specially hardened steel. In professional units, there are even ceramic-metal pistons, so there is hope that they will soon appear in household models.

AT last years a whole arsenal of chemical detergents for cars. Sold special nozzles with containers for high pressure washers. The use of auto chemicals requires a pressure of 20-30 bar at the pump outlet. Unfortunately, the minimum pressure is not always indicated in the washing passport. Usually it lies in the range of 30-70 bar, and this is too much to work with detergents. When buying a sink, it is imperative to find out this parameter, otherwise it will later turn out that it is impossible to use detergents.

Automatic engine shutdown

A mandatory part of the pressure washer is a water pressure sensor installed at the outlet of the pump. When you turn on the sink, it starts working almost instantly after pressing the trigger on the handle. When the trigger is released, the jet closes, but pressurized water remains in the pump chamber. If the engine continues to run, the pump may simply break. The machine switches off the engine when the maximum pressure in the pump chamber is reached.

Given that the start-stop mode for the electric motor is highly undesirable, some models of pressure washers are equipped with "by-pass" systems, that is, "bypass". In this case, the machine does not turn off the engine, but switches the pump output to the input, forcing it to simply drive water in a circle, maintaining pressure in the chamber. This increases energy consumption, but dramatically extends the life of the engine. Such a scheme is used, for example, in KARCHER sinks.

Most models of high pressure washers are equipped with a temperature sensor that prevents overheating of the engine, and a water seal that relieves pressure in the pump chamber when it is exceeded.

water supply hose



High pressure washers can operate both from an open container (for example, a bucket) and from a water supply network. In the latter case, a non-return valve must be installed between the water supply and the hose to prevent pressure peaks.

High pressure hose with pistol grip

The high-pressure hose supplied with the sinks undergo mandatory factory tests and have the appropriate certificates. It is desirable that the hose be designed for a pressure greater than that created by the pump. In NILFISK car washes, for example, operating pressure 10% more hoses than the pump.

The washing gun has two functions - it opens and closes the water jet and directs it to the right place. A quality washing gun should have a fuse. It is important that it has as many degrees of freedom as possible - it is better that it can rotate in all three planes. The high-pressure hose is rigid and clumsy, without the freedom of rotation of the gun, it will never be possible to reach nooks and crannies where dirt accumulates.

nozzles

Pressure washers are usually equipped with a nozzle that creates a flat jet, very easy to clean. large areas. With its help, you can wash not only the car, but also the garden path. Another nozzle, the so-called “mud blaster”, creates a focused jet that perfectly cleans even old dirt. NILFISK sinks are equipped with a patented nozzle for detergents, which allows you to achieve maximum effect with minimal consumption.

Network connection cable

It will never be possible to protect the network cable from water during the operation of a pressure washer. Hence the increased requirements for its security. The socket for connection must be grounded.

Is it worth buying a pressure washer?

When inquiring about high pressure washers, potential buyers often ask questions about their engine life. It should be well understood that such units have a short lifetime. Piston blocks wear out quickly, engines overheat. Household sinks high pressure are usually rated for 30-60 hours of operation. Is it a lot or a little?

Suppose the car is washed once a week. There are 52 weeks in a year, but this operation can be done at home only in the warm season. There are 26 weeks left. The average car wash time is a quarter of an hour. That is, 6.5 hours will be spent per year. Even with a minimum motor resource of 30 hours, it will last for 4 and a half years.

Now the economy. 26 rides to the car wash will cost at least 7,800 rubles. This is more than the price of a middle-class car wash NILFISK C120.3-6. That is, a pressure washer pays for itself in the first year after its purchase.

High Pressure Washer Safety Precautions



A pressure washer is one of the most dangerous household appliances both for the owner and for those around him. A jet of water at 100 bar pressure can shatter windows, mirrors or headlights, or damage eyes or ears. To hold the gun in your hands requires a force of about 15 kilograms. When working with a pressure washer, the following safety precautions must be strictly observed:

  • Never allow children to use the sink.
  • Never direct the jet at people or animals, operating machinery or the sink itself.
  • Never clean clothing with a high pressure washer, especially if it is worn by a person.
  • Hold the washer gun firmly in your hands.
  • Wear protective goggles to protect your eyes from dirt flying out from under the jet.
  • Do not use the sink at temperatures below 0 degrees.
  • Unwind the power cable completely from the drum, otherwise it may overheat.
  • The socket for connection must have a grounding contact. It is desirable to equip the connection point with a residual discharge current protection device.
  • Connecting the sink to the water supply should be done through a non-return valve.

findings

A high-pressure washer is undoubtedly a useful unit in everyday life, but it requires increased attention. When used correctly, it saves money and helps keep the car clean. Her purchase justifies itself in the first year. Nomenclature of similar devices for Russian market wide enough to satisfy any category of consumers.

The climatic conditions of most of the territory of Russia necessitate frequent car washing, especially in spring and autumn seasons. In this regard, the question of having your own washing equipment is relevant. This article discusses mini-sinks from the manufacturer Karcher.

Peculiarities

The presence of washing equipment allows you to wash at any time. convenient time. The cost of the device will be compensated in case of prolonged use. Since washing will be done by hand, this will require some effort from the user, however this process very simple and fast to implement.

In addition, in this case, there is no need to move to the wash and wait, so in most cases washing the car with your own hands is even faster than in a car wash.

Key features and options

When choosing a mini-wash for a car, you need to consider it technical specifications, which are discussed below.

  • Performance. This term refers to the volume of water pumped by the pump per unit of time. This characteristic determines the thrust force.
  • Pressure. Quantitative characteristic of the impact of water flow on the surface. High pressure is required to clean heavily soiled surfaces, such as the underside of a car. For this, devices with a pressure of more than 100 bar should be considered, which allow washing the body from most types of contaminants.
  • The presence of a filter. This device serves to protect the pump from damage by microparticles contained in water, especially hard water.
  • Water intake. A car wash can consume water from a water pipe or from a tank, which is determined by the ability of the device to create a water pressure. Mini-sinks that do not have it are able to take water only from the water supply, since in this case only it can provide water under pressure. As you know, such devices are characterized by low mobility. During operation, you can only leave the water supply for a distance corresponding to the length of the mini-wash hose.



  • Presence of water heating. This is important for the use of a mini-wash in a cold period, since washing cold water under such conditions may cause damage to the paintwork.
  • total stop. This system automatically turns off the miniwash motor when the gun handle is released and serves to save water. The principle of operation of the automatic shutdown system is that after releasing the trigger of the gun, excess pressure is created. Under its influence, the bypass valve stem depresses the switch. This leads to a power outage. After pressing the lever, events occur in reverse order.
  • Based on the above parameters, mini-washes are classified into the following classes: entry-level, intermediate, high and top (or extra). It should be borne in mind that some manufacturers develop their own, usually broader classifications of mini-washers.

pump pump materials

Their strength determines the durability of the device, this is due to the fact that the pump head is considered one of the most vulnerable elements of the mini-wash. This is due to the exposure of this part during the operation of the device to the maximum water pressure. Plastic heads have the least strength and therefore cost. However, their strength is predictable - the limit is up to an hour of continuous use. Longer use of the device leads to the destruction of plastic heads.

It should be borne in mind that in the event of a breakdown, the cost of repairs will be comparable to the price of a new mini-wash, so it is not advisable to save in this way. Metal heads, which are made from brass or silumin, are more durable and expensive. At the same time, silumin heads are somewhat inferior to brass heads in terms of strength, therefore the first ones are used in household mini-sinks, and the second ones - in professional models.


Minisink design

The considered models of compact car washes are simple. Their design is represented by the following elements.

The electric motor creates energy for the functioning of the mini-wash. Most models of these devices are equipped with electric motors with a power of 1.4 to 3 kW. Karcher equips its mini-washers with water-cooled engines. These systems, providing effective cooling, protect the engine from overheating and increase the time of continuous operation. Due to this, such engines provide high performance and a long service life to mini-washers equipped with them.

The pump supplies water to the fixture. As mentioned, household models of mini sinks are equipped with plastic or aluminum pump units with valves made of the same materials. This determines the relatively low cost of such devices, but imposes some restrictions on their operation. First of all, they apply to the time of continuous operation. For mini-washes of this type, it is about an hour. For each device, the exact value of this parameter is indicated in the instructions. Professional models are equipped with pump blocks made of of stainless steel or brass. Such mini-washers are designed for continuous operation over the course of several work shifts.

A flexible hose connects the device to the nozzle. The smaller its diameter, the higher the water pressure. The nozzle ensures that water is sprayed onto the surface to be treated.

Additional equipment - this category includes some details that increase the ease of use of the minisink and expand its functionality. They are presented:

  • nozzles;
  • jet tubes;
  • hose reel;
  • foam sprayers;
  • brushes;
  • pressure regulating guns.


Principle of operation

The principle of operation of the devices under consideration is to supply a jet of water under high pressure to the surface to be treated. The pressure is generated by a synchronous motor. The rotating shaft of the motor drives the swashplate in the form of an eccentric mounted on it. The plungers in contact with the washer perform reciprocating movements. In an electric motor, these parts perform the same function as the pistons in an internal combustion engine.

The principle of operation is similar, but the difference is that through the inlet valve of the electric motor, instead of fuel mixture internal combustion engine receives water. This happens when the plunger moves to its lowest point. When it moves up, excess pressure is created, and the exhaust valve opens.

Washers Karcher

The assortment of the company in question includes two classes of high-pressure mini-washers for cars: medium and extra. Mid-range devices have high enough performance to remove many types of dirt, including medium and heavy ones. The manufacturer positions high-end mini-sinks as devices for cleaning large areas from especially persistent contaminants.

In addition, the Karcher range includes self-contained car washes equipped with internal combustion engines. These devices are intended for use in the absence of access to the mains. Among the mini-sinks of the middle class, there are tools of three subclasses: K3, K4, K5. Only K7 devices belong to the highest class, and autonomous mini-washers are represented by G devices.

The following is a detailed discussion of mini-washes designed and suitable for cars. In the middle class, these include K3 Car, K4 Car, as well as all other modifications of the K4 and K5 subclasses. Car wash K3 Car is equipped with a set of accessories for car washing. It is suitable for contact and non-contact washing. This device equipped with a water filter.


Karcher K3

Specifications of Karcher K3 Car:

  • productivity - up to 380 l/h;
  • power consumption - 1.6 kW;
  • pressure - 20-120 bar / 2-12 MPa;
  • performance by area - 25 sq. m / h;
  • frequency - 50-60 Hz;
  • voltage - 220-240 V;
  • dimensions (length x width x height) - 275 x 279 x 803 mm;
  • weight without accessories - 5.8 kg.

The K3 Car includes the following accessories: 6 m high pressure hose, dirt blaster, Vario Power nozzle, Quick Connect system, car kit ( foam nozzle 0.3 l, brush, car shampoo), adapter for garden hose A3/4 inch, water purification filter.

User reviews indicate high quality assembly, compact dimensions of the device and functional accessories. At the same time, they note the low reliability of the pump and insufficiently high power, especially for cleaning persistent dirt or heavily polluted places, such as the bottom.


Karcher K4

The K4 Car car wash is somewhat superior in performance to the Karcher model discussed above.

Specifications of Karcher K4 Car:

  • productivity - up to 420 l/h;
  • pressure - 20-130 bar / 2-13 MPa;
  • voltage - 230 V;
  • performance by area - 30 sq. m / h;
  • power - 1.8 kW;
  • frequency - 50 Hz;
  • inlet temperature - up to 40° C;
  • dimensions - 300 x 394 x 876 mm;
  • weight without accessories - 11.8 kg.

The K4 Car package includes, in addition to the accessories included in the K3 Car, a Plug 'n' Clean cleaner system and a telescopic handle.

User reviews speak of an affordable price and high build quality. As disadvantages, a short high-pressure hose is noted. Also, some users find the detergent supply system inconvenient and insufficient power.

Other devices of the K4 subclass differ from the one considered mainly in the configuration, which causes some subtleties of application. Minisinks K4 Silent and K4 Compact differ from other models of the subclass in the design of the case.

Karcher K5

Subclass K5 devices are the most productive in the middle class of Karcher mini-washers.

Specifications Karcher K5:

  • productivity - up to 500 l/h;
  • frequency - 50 Hz;
  • pressure - 20-145 bar / 2-14.5 MPa;
  • dimensions - 349 x 427 x 867 mm;
  • inlet temperature - up to 40° C;
  • power consumption - 2.1 kW;
  • voltage - 230 V;
  • performance by area - 40 sq. m / h;
  • weight without accessories - 13.3 kg.

The K5 car wash is equipped with a longer hose (8 m).

Users rate the K5 very highly. They especially note the high power, sufficient to remove most contaminants and clean even the bottom of the car, and versatility.

Karcher K7

Minisinks K7 included in top class, represent the most powerful Karcher devices of its kind with electric motors.

Specifications Karcher K7 Compact:

  • productivity - up to 600 l/h;
  • frequency - 50 Hz;
  • dimensions - 552 x 90 x 333 mm;
  • power consumption - 3 kW;
  • voltage - 230 V;
  • productivity on the area - 60 sq.m/h;
  • weight without accessories - 17.1 kg.

This Karcher mini washer has a 10 m high pressure hose.

Users rate the K7 Compact well. Their reviews testify to the quality, high power, pressure and performance, long hose. As disadvantages, they note only horizontal position, high water consumption, lack of some accessories, fragile connections.


Karcher G

Class G mini-washers equipped with internal combustion engines differ from the above devices with electric motors in autonomy.

Specifications Karcher G 7.10 M:

  • productivity - up to 470 l/h;
  • dimensions - 597 x 547 x 620 mm;
  • pressure - 20-160 bar / 2-16 MPa;
  • power - 5.5 kW;
  • weight without accessories - 30.5 kg.

different manufacturers.


High pressure washer is increasingly common in the arsenal of owners country houses and at professional builders. In the last 15 years, the range of tasks for such devices has greatly expanded - washable facades have appeared, the number of country houses with garden paths, coatings have appeared that require maintenance with high pressure washers. As a result, such a device has become very popular, and sometimes an indispensable part of the construction and economic process. This prompted manufacturers to increase the range in favor of compact and not expensive models available to every owner.

What is a pressure washer

The principle of operation of the sink was developed by Alfred Karcher back in 1950. Then it was bulky stationary pumping stations. The portable "home" version saw the light only in 1984 and immediately became popular with people striving for the convenience and self-sufficiency of life, as well as entrepreneurs.

The main difference from a conventional pump is that the nozzle is designed so that air is mixed into the water jet and the effect of increasing the destructive power of water is obtained. The air separates the jet into separate drops that have surface tension - this enhances the " striking force» flow and friction at the point of contact.

High pressure washer

The task of the apparatus is to organize and accelerate the flow of water to the specified parameters (they differ for different sinks). The pump is responsible for this work - the main element of the sink. The productivity and washing pressure depend on its power. The main difference between all pumps is the material of the head.


Plastic. Installed on household models. They have a very limited resource (up to 130 hours on average), initial performance and pressure indicators. Suitable for work once or twice a week no more than 20 minutes at a time.

Metal. Usually it is silumin or brass. Such heads serve many times longer and allow you to work up to half an hour continuously. They are installed on models from semi-professionals to pros. The most reliable heads are made of stainless steel and aluminum.

1800С" src="http://www.rmnt.ru/pub2/sI/AL/sIALVNLW.jpg" /> Interskol AM-140/1800S

The remaining parts of the car wash system ensure the operation of the pump - hoses, fuses, automation, housing. Sequentially, the process looks like this:

  1. Water enters the device from a water pipe or container through a hose with check valve(sometimes there is a coarse filter).
  2. The electric motor activates the pump, and it creates pressure in the line.
  3. The "gun" trigger, which is controlled by the operator, blocks pressurized water.

Cases of light amateur models have only carrying handles. Pros and semi-pros are equipped with heavier units, so they are equipped with wheels.

sink classification

Top (pro) class:

  1. Power - from 1.9 kW.
  2. Productivity - from 600 l/hour.
  3. Pressure - 150–200 bar.
  4. Connection - water supply or tank at a depth of up to 2 m.
  5. Mode - constant with breaks for cooling.


Table. Prices for professional pressure washers

Professional car washes can be found in factories and repair shops. The range of tasks for these devices is very wide. In addition to basic functions (washing and cleaning surfaces), they can:

  1. Strip off old paint.
  2. Remove rust.
  3. Knock down ice and influx of fresh concrete.
  4. clean out clogged pipes and systems.

In addition, any car wash can be used as a water pump.

When choosing a pressure washer, be sure to consider the following points:

  1. Working hose length. This parameter is initial and depends on how and where you plan to use the sink.
  2. Washing kit. Check that the kit contains all the nozzles (brushes) you are interested in. The most useful is a turbo mill. It increases the effectiveness of the implementation of pressure.

Attention! As a rule, nozzles from different manufacturers are incompatible.

  1. Working in suction mode reduces pressure by up to 40% and wears out the mechanism more.
  2. Washers equipped with a brushed motor cost less, but they also wear out faster. asynchronous motor More expensive, but much more reliable and efficient.
  3. Purchase flow filter- hard water and impurities wear out the mechanism more.

Car wash - at first glance, a harmless device. However, be aware that the high pressure jet can cause injury or damage machine parts. powerful operators professional appliances take courses not only work, but also safety rules. Skillful handling will extend the life of your assistant and keep the yard and car clean.

Vitaly Dolbinov, rmnt.ru

Today, you no longer need strength and time to fight dried-on dirt and dust that has clogged into nooks and crannies, because every year new models appear on the market. high pressure washers. These devices are used to wash windows, cars, walls and doors of houses, barbecues and other items that are difficult to clean with a rag or brush. A strong water pressure copes with this task much more efficiently and saves money spent on washing a car in a service, while water consumption is also minimal. Therefore, it is useful for everyone to have such a sink in their arsenal.


Companies leading in the production of pressure washers - German firms Bosch, Karcher (hence the second name of the sink - Karcher) and Elitech. The average price of these sinks on the market starts from 10,000 rubles. Inexpensive car washes cannot be used for more than one car per day, and the most expensive models are limited to seven cars.

Washing device

The main component of the sink (or Karcher) is the engine that creates the necessary water pressure. A pump or a motor is suitable (it is not necessary to buy a new one, take a working one from an old car), the motor is built into the sink body and must be connected to a power source. For the sink body (body), choose durable material, thick plastic or metal. Even if you get a durable case, it's best not to use the sink for more than three hours in a row. This will disable the sink in a short time.
Hose attachments are available to facilitate the cleaning process - brushes of various hardness, soft rollers, standard sprayers. With the purchase of a couple of attachments, you can expand the functions of your sink, using it as an automatic mop or steam cleaner (it is required to supply the sink with a heater).


Internal pressure

The higher the pressure inside the housing, the stronger the jet of water from the hose, which means that the dirt lags behind more easily. Set the pressure carefully, because water can simply break a fragile car part or glass, leave dents. Manufacturers set the pressure at 150-170 bar, but 100 bar is enough to clean the car.
If the contamination cannot be cleaned with a jet of water, purchase a special nozzle for a hose, a turbo cutter. It will help wash tires, wheels, remove dirt accumulated in the cracks. You can use the mini-sink both outside and inside the cabin. If you are using a turbo cutter, you will need 160 bar pressure.


Electric pump

Before purchasing and using a pump in a sink design, read how to choose the right device.
The material of the pump determines the wear resistance. The unfortunate option is a plastic pump, which will soon fail if used for more than 20 minutes at a time. Expensive, but reliable pumps are made of brass, because it does not corrode. These pumps are rarely found in commercial car washes.

How to use the mini sink

To wash worked properly follow these guidelines.

  • Be sure to check the performance of the sink before using it, this will save your time and health.
  • The filter installed in the car wash should be cleaned and replaced after each use.
  • If the washer uses electricity in operation, and the source is unstable, supply it with a battery.
  • Do not let children use the sink.
  • If repairs are needed, don't hesitate to do so. Replace failed sink components.
  • Update your device pads.
  • Protect your sink from temperature fluctuations.

How to make a karcher yourself

Although car washes have achieved widespread use, their cost is high. So, if you want to do your own washing, you need:

  • canister;
  • irrigation hose with a gun;
  • pump;
  • union;
  • cover for the canister;
  • tubeless wheel fungus;
  • rubber gasket;
  • coupling.

These are the components of the future car wash. Materials that come in handy during the manufacturing process:

  • drill;
  • sealant.

First stage. The choice of components.

The required volume of the canister depends on you and the purpose for which you use the sink: for passenger car enough five-liter canister. Drivers carry a car wash in their luggage, and therefore choose a case both in terms of volume and dimensions.
The irrigation hose must be strong and flexible, it must not be twisted or broken. Nylon-braided hoses are considered durable. A hose consisting of several layers is more reliable. Don't skimp on this part. There is only one requirement for a pistol: it must be firmly attached to the hose.


The pump can be foot or automatic. The high power of this pump will not be useful to us, so do not buy an expensive one. Use automatic pump much more convenient than a foot pump, because you do not have to constantly drag the pump from place to place and do unnecessary work with your foot. However, the decisive role is played by the cost of the pump, automatic is three times more expensive.
Choose the fitting and the coupling at your discretion, the main thing is that they are in close contact with each other. It is preferable to purchase both the fitting and the coupling from the same material (plastic or metal).

Second phase. Canister preparation.

Drill a hole in the canister that fits your coupling. Insert into this hole coupling with screwed fitting. Secure the structure with a sealant so that the coupling does not pop out during operation, and the desired pressure is maintained in the canister.

Third stage. Cover collection.

The lid needs to be strong, solid and suitable for the canister. To prevent air from escaping from the canister, fasten at the bottom of the lid rubber gasket. Then make a hole in it and insert the fungus of a tubeless tire into it.

Fourth stage. Construction collection. Additional functions.

Tighten the canister tightly with a lid, connect the cord from the pump to the fungus, attach the free end of the hose to the hole made in the canister using a fitting. Homemade sink is ready. The principle of operation of such a sink is simple: using a pump, air is pumped into a canister of water (while the canister is not filled with water to the brim). Pressure up to 0.3 bar or higher if your canister can handle it. Under the influence of pressure, water shoots out of the gun when the handle is pressed.
If you will use the sink during the cold season, equip your sink with a special burner for heating water. For these purposes, you will need a more voluminous canister, it will lose mobility, but with the help of hot water the car is cleaned of heavily dried dirt.



Provide a power source for the sink. If the sink runs on fuel (gasoline or diesel fuel), then there will be no problems with moving. planning electric car wash, take care of a serviceable and affordable source of electricity. In this case, you are unlikely to be able to freely transport the sink from place to place, but you do not have to spend money on expensive fuel.
Decide in advance for what purpose you use the sink. If you want to clean the windows of a house or the wheels of a car, then a compact, mobile washer on wheels and with a long hose will suit you. When using a sink on an industrial scale, you will not need its ability to move, so it is better to design a stationary sink. It connects directly to the water supply. If necessary, set the automatic water supply to save.
If it is possible to save on water consumption, then it is impossible to save on the purchase of washing components. To prevent the item from becoming dirty after washing, purchase special filters. You do not need an expensive filter that purifies water to a drinking state. The filter is needed to purify water, at least from litter, which will disable the sink.


You can even earn money by designing a pressure washer if you open a car wash. The main thing is that the sink you made works. Using the car wash, you can clean bicycles, mopeds, cars, freight transport and their components.

How to make a karcher powered by a cigarette lighter

This sink design is cost-free. The following is an instruction for creating a more complex model:
Us you will need:

  • windshield washer motor;
  • irrigation hose with a gun;
  • cigarette lighter (motor power supply), cigarette lighter plug;
  • two hoses 3 meters long, one hose must fit freely into the other;
  • corrugated hose with a diameter of 25-30 millimeters;
  • switch;
  • M8 bolt, washer and nut;
  • two plastic canisters (volume 10 liters);
  • 6 screws;
  • two-core electrical wire 5-7 meters long;
  • plastic sleeve;
  • power cable;
  • car wash brush

Additional materials:

  • sealant;
  • drill.

First stage. Create a hose.

We make a small hole in the bottom of one of the canisters. Inside a thick hose (diameter 10 millimeters or more), a thinner hose (up to 6 millimeters) and a two-wire wire are placed. Then the hoses fastened by us are inserted into the opening of the canister. A plastic sleeve is threaded into the free end of the hose. Further, a thin hose is attached to the washer motor, the wires are also attached to the motor.


Second phase. Creating a canister with a double bottom.

The second canister is cut approximately in the middle in order to subsequently make a second bottom out of it with a shuttle. The motor is fixed on the second bottom of the canister; for this purpose, a home-made clamp is used, which can be made from the remains of a cut canister. To do this, we need an M8 bolt and some sealant.
The wires are also fixed with self-tapping screws and sealant. Then they connect, again using self-tapping screws, the body of the structure: the second bottom and the hinged lid.

Third stage. Completion.

Using the power cord, the wires are connected to the cigarette lighter. A hole is made in the brush for the button, the switch is fixed. The brush itself is mounted on the edge of the hose with a plastic sleeve. Use the attached diagrams in your work to better understand the text.

DIY high pressure washer 41 photos: