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When it comes to cleaning hard outdoor surfaces, using a pressure washer or power washer is often the fastest way to accomplish the task. Pressure washers have a much stronger cleaning power than a hose alone, making them great for cleaning driveways, siding, decks, stone walkways, garden furniture, grills, cars, and more.
The most common way to use a pressure washer is with a hose and an outdoor tap. However, if you do not have access to an outdoor tap, it is not the only option available. This article will teach you how to use a pressure washer without an outside tap using several different methods. Choose the one that is right for you, and you’ll be using a pressure washer without an outdoor tap in no time.
Getting Started: The Basics Explained
Can You Use a Power Washer Without an Outside Tap?
Access to an outside tap isn’t always possible if you live in an apartment or flat. In addition, some homes never had an outside tap installed, and temporary issues with the water source or pressure in a home could also prevent you from using an outdoor tap. Regardless of why it is necessary, you can, in fact, use a pressure washer without an outside tap.
Aside from the five methods we discuss below, you may be surprised to learn that you can install an outdoor tap fairly easily, quickly, and often without a lot of cost. We think getting help from a plumber is your best bet if you want to install an outdoor tap, but if you consider yourself to be quite handy, you might be able to do it yourself, and you could get it done in just a couple of hours. All you will need to do is simply attach the preexisting indoor pipes to an external tap by cutting a small hole. But like we said, we would rather leave it to a professional plumber.
Do I Need a Garden Hose for a Pressure Washer?
So you don’t need an outside tap, but what about pressure washing without a garden hose? After all, if you do not have an outside tap, it is highly likely you don’t have a hose either. You can, in fact, use a pressure washer without a garden hose as well, but you might find one quite useful nonetheless. Several of the alternate methods we describe below require the use of a garden hose, but two methods do not. One requires the use of a special pressure washer hose, but they typically come as an accessory along with pressure washers.
How to Use a Pressure Washer Without an Outside Tap: 5 Alternate Methods
Method 1: Using a Bucket
Instead of using an outside tap, you can try using a bucket of water with a pressure washer hose. You may be asking yourself, can I use any hose with a pressure washer and bucket? No, this solution can not be done with a regular hose as the process requires enough pressure to draw water from the bucket to the pressure washer pump and tank. Instead, you want to use a pressure washer hose that is specifically designed for this type of task. Typically, it is an accessory suction hose that comes with some pressure washers but can also be bought separately.
To use this method, simply place one end of the suction pressure washer hose in the bucket and connect the other end to the machine. Start up your machine, and you should be all set. You may also want to use a filter along with the suction hose to prevent clogging or damaging the pressure washer pump from rocks, dirt, leaves, or any other possible debris.
This solution is only good for small jobs because pressure washers require many gallons of water and a significant water supply that is hard to keep up with when you use a bucket of water alone. In addition, this solution requires you to carry a significant amount of water between a faucet in your house and the pressure washer, which can be tiring and time-consuming. Using several buckets can help reduce the fill time, but it will still be a laborious task.
Method 2: Using a Water Barrel
You can also use a water butt or water barrel for pressure washing without an outside tap. A water barrel is a large tank used to collect rainwater from your downspouts. Collecting the water helps control runoff, but it can also be used in a variety of ways, pressure washing included.
Many water barrels have taps that are already compatible with hoses for pressure washers, and the spouts are located near the base, which helps gravity work in your favour. The natural pressure eliminates the need for excess suction or force. This means all you will need to do is connect one end of the hose to the rain barrel and the other end to the pressure washer, and it is ready to go. Similar to the last method, using a filter is recommended to prevent any outside debris from penetrating the pressure washer pump.
This is a great solution for anyone looking to repurpose rainwater or reduce their use of fresh water. It is also extremely convenient, and the size of the water tank also provides a significant amount of water pressure making it a great water source.
Method 3: Using an Indoor Tap
Another method that provides a steady, consistent water supply with ample water pressure to your pressure washer is an indoor tap. You can use an indoor tap from your kitchen or bathroom to connect a hose between it and your pressure washer, even though they are not readily compatible. So, how do you connect a pressure washer to an indoor tap? With a special, inexpensive attachment that can be purchased at just about any hardware store
Of course, you will have to take into account the length of your hose and how far away the cleaning job is, but you won’t have to carry any heavy buckets with gallons of water from your house. You may want to open a window and run a hose inside for the most direct path to your kitchen or bathroom faucet.
Method 4: Using a Washing Machine Tap
One of the easiest methods for using a pressure washer without an outdoor tap is by connecting it to a washing machine tap. Most homes have a washing machine tap that is the same size as outdoor taps making it compatible with a garden hose. Similar to the previous method, running a hose through an open window may be your best option depending on the floorplan of your home. If you can not gain access through a window, you may need a longer hose that can run through your house.
If you plan on attaching your pressure washer with some regularity, you can also buy a tap splitter attachment, so you do not have to disconnect your washing machine every time you want to power wash something.
Method 5: Using a Portable Pressure Washer
The final alternative method for using a pressure washer without the need for an outside tap is to use a portable pressure washer. Portable pressure washers are designed for use without having to connect to an outdoor tap at all, and instead, they have built-in water tanks to supply the water source. Typically, a portable pressure washer will also be on wheels to make manoeuvring it as easy as possible.
You will still need to refill the water tank regularly, but this option is great for anyone who needs a more portable device that can be used in virtually any location. Some portable pressure washers also allow you to attach a hose if you want, so you don’t have to fill the tank manually.
Pressure Washing Made Easy
Using an outside tap with a pressure washer may provide more pressure and be more convenient in the end, but as we have learned, there are several alternatives that can work quite well. Whether using a bucket with a suction hose, a portable pressure washer, water barrels, a washing machine tap or another indoor tap to draw water sounds like a better option to you at least you now know an outdoor tap is not required. Which method will you try?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Emily is a woman of many talents. She has a B.A. in English and enjoys writing. Emily loves accessorising her home with quality products that not only serve a purpose but also enhance the overall convenience and tranquillity of her living space; there’s nothing like coming home to your own personal sanctuary after a long day! She loves anything that can make life easier or more comfortable—from dishware to furniture to lighting fixtures.
