Click "Calculate Startup Costs" to see your estimated investment.
Type | Typical PSI | Flow (GPM) | Best For | Approx. Cost (GBP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Electric | 1,500–2,500 | 1.2–1.8 | Residential decks, patios, cars | £300–£800 |
Gas-Powered | 2,500–4,000 | 2.0–3.0 | Small commercial jobs, driveways | £800–£1,500 |
Diesel-Driven | 4,000–6,000 | 3.5–5.0 | Large commercial contracts, industrial cleaning | £1,500–£3,000 |
When you hear “pressure washing business”, you probably picture a truck blasting grime off driveways. Turning that image into a profitable venture isn’t magic - it’s a series of practical decisions. Below you’ll find the exact checklist that turns curiosity into cash, from the first screwdriver in your garage to the first recurring contract on your calendar.
A pressure washing business offers high‑pressure water cleaning services for homes, commercial properties, vehicles and industrial equipment. The core value is speed: you can strip paint, remove moss, and clean concrete in minutes rather than hours. Because the service is visual - clients see the before‑and‑after instantly - word‑of‑mouth spreads fast, making it a sweet starter‑up for entrepreneurs who like to work outdoors.
The heart of the operation is the Power Washer. Picking the right model determines which jobs you can take and how much profit you keep. Below is a quick comparison of the three main types you’ll encounter.
Type | Typical PSI | Flow (GPM) | Best For | Approx. Cost (GBP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Electric | 1,500‑2,500 | 1.2‑1.8 | Residential decks, patios, cars | £300‑£800 |
Gas‑Powered | 2,500‑4,000 | 2.0‑3.0 | Small commercial jobs, driveways | £800‑£1,500 |
Diesel‑Driven | 4,000‑6,000 | 3.5‑5.0 | Large commercial contracts, industrial cleaning | £1,500‑£3,000 |
Most newcomers start with a solid gas‑powered unit - it gives enough power for driveways and small commercial contracts without the weight and fuel costs of diesel. Keep a spare hose, nozzle set and a basic pump filter kit; those accessories are cheap but save you hours of downtime.
Before you crank the engine, you need three paperwork pieces out of the way:
Open a business bank account, set aside a reserve for tax (about 20% of profit), and adopt simple accounting software like Wave or Xero to track every invoice.
A reliable Vehicle is more than a van - it’s your mobile showroom. Choose a midsize panel van with a payload capacity of at least 1,000kg. Install a secure mounting bracket for the washer, a side‑door power outlet, and a water tank (150‑200L) if you’ll work in off‑site locations without a hose tap.
Don’t skimp on Safety Gear. A pair of anti‑slip boots, goggles, ear protection, and a pressure‑washing jacket keep you injury‑free and give clients confidence you’re a professional.
Even the best equipment won’t bring jobs if no one knows you exist. Here’s a three‑step Marketing Plan that works for local trades:
Track every lead in a spreadsheet - note the source, date, and conversion rate. After a month, cut the tactics that aren’t delivering.
A clear Pricing Model helps you quote fast and avoid losing money. Most UK pressure washers charge either per‑hour (£45‑£75) or per‑square‑foot (£0.30‑£0.60). For residential driveways, a common package looks like this:
Calculate your cost per job: fuel (£5‑£10), water (£0.10 per 100L), wear‑and‑tear on the washer (£2‑£4), and labour (your hourly rate). Subtract those from the quoted price, and you’ll see a healthy margin of 40‑60% on most jobs.
Even seasoned cleaners run into snags. Here are the top five and how to dodge them:
Turn the advice above into action with this day‑by‑day plan.
Stick to the timeline, adjust as you learn, and you’ll be pulling in steady cash before the first quarter ends.
No separate “pressure‑washer licence” exists, but you must register your business with Companies House, obtain public‑liability insurance, and, if you’ll discharge large volumes of water, get a water‑use permit from your local council.
For most entry‑level entrepreneurs, a gas‑powered unit (around 3,000psi, 2.5GPM) offers the best balance of power and mobility without the high fuel costs of diesel models.
Typical rates are £45‑£75 per hour or a flat fee based on surface area (£0.30‑£0.60 per square foot). Factor in fuel, water, wear‑and‑tear and your desired profit margin to set a final price.
Many councils require you to collect runoff or use a low‑flow nozzle to stay within discharge limits. A portable recovery tank (200‑300L) solves the problem for most residential jobs.
Absolutely. Many owners start on weekends, reinvest profits, and scale to full‑time once they secure regular contracts. Just keep your bookkeeping separate to track part‑time income accurately.
Dec, 23 2024
May, 1 2025