We use a pressure washer and air compressor for various purposes in our daily life. Now the question is can a pressure washer be used as an air compressor? If I say very simply in one word, then the answer will be “ YES ” and the answer will be “ NO. “ In order to know why the answer can be yes or no, you need to a few things.
How does a pressure washer work?
When a pressure washer is turned on, it works by forcing water through a small opening. Once the water enters the pump, it becomes pressurized. The pressurized water is then forced through a hose. You can adjust the pressure of the water by adjusting the flow rate. A pressure washer uses a lot of water as the motor and water pump work together to create more pressure and force vast amounts of water.
Is it possible to use a pressure washer as an air compressor?
When the answer is “ No “
The motor and the pump work together in a pressure washer to increase water pressure. And the pump in the air pressure only works to move water. And this pump needs water in it, or it will overheat. So air can cause cavitation here.
When the answer is “ YES “
You may need to modify your pressure washer if you want to use it as an air compressor. If you use a pressure washer as an air compressor, you will be able to get 100-120 max PSI, but it would heat up. In an air compressor, you may see fins. So, You need the motor of the air compressor. We would suggest you to buy a new compressor rather than using the pressure washer as an air compressor.
Final words
People nowadays want use tire inflator as an air compressor and also pressure washer as an air compressor. But you already know about “can a pressure washer be used as an air compressor” Using a pressure washer as an air compressor will cost you quite a lot. From this, we would suggest you to buy a new air compressor instead using pressure washer as an air compressor.
HI! I am the founder of total compressors. I always like to learn and research new topics and write about them. I am a content creator and an affiliate marketer.
