Pressure Washer Nozzles Guide: Types, Sizes, and Tips

Is your pressure washer not providing you with the kind of results you want? Do you wish to know the types, sizes, and tips of nozzles that are available? Does your current pressure washer leave layers of dirt on the surface that you have spent hours cleaning? Don’t stress.  In the rest of this article, we have taken time to carefully explain the types and sizes of pressure washer nozzles available on the market with easy-to-understand guidelines that can make power cleaning easy for you! Now you can easily decide which type is best for you.

There are many different types of pressure washer nozzles:

• Quick Connect Nozzles: Red Tip 0°, Yellow Tip 15°, Green Tip 25°, White Tip 40°
• Rotary Turbo Nozzle
• Brass Soap Nozzle
• Duct Cleaning Nozzle
• Chemical Nozzle
• Sewer Nozzles
• Stainless Steel Spray Nozzles
• Hi/Low Variable Nozzle
• X Jet Long Range Nozzles
• Steam Spray Nozzles

Pressure washer nozzles are one of the most important factors when cleaning. In fact, they are part of the main determinants of effective pressure washing.  During power cleaning, the tip or nozzle ejects water and controls the amount of pressure and movement.  Now, if you choose the wrong type of nozzle, not only can it make your cleaning ineffective, it can also ruin work surfaces, thereby making it seem like your pressure washer is not as effective as you thought it would be. Therefore, choosing the best pressure washer nozzle that fits is important in getting the wash you desire.

How Does a Power Washer Nozzle Work?

Did you ever find yourself in your garden with a garden hose but then the hose failed to deliver water directly to the plants? Did you try to wash your car with a water hose but the pressure wasn’t as much as you wanted? What did you do? It is safe to assume that you probably- with your fingers- covered like half or quarter outlet of the hose, even when you didn’t understand the science behind it. Typically, covering the outlet of the water hose would increase the pressure at which the water flows out since the area is decreasing. Hence, as the flow of the water increases, the distance it covers also increases.

Now pressure washer nozzles also work in the same manner.  A pressure washer nozzle is a device that has been specially designed to control the velocity and direction of the flow of a liquid as it leaves the pressure washer machine.  Normally, during the pressure washer cleaning process, the machine delivers water at an appointed PSI (pounds per square inch). However, the force or rate of water flow is eventually controlled by the nozzles which you attach to it. It is at the nozzles that the water pressure develops.

At this moment, if you are using the right type of pressure washer nozzle, it can ultimately increase the velocity while restricting the flow; this is perhaps the main principle behind the manufacture of pressure washer nozzles. However, if you are using the wrong type of pressure washer nozzle, you most likely won’t get the kind of cleaning you desire. In fact, your results will be affected by the following factors:

• If the nozzle tip is too large, it would drain too much water while decreasing the cleaning ability. In other words, you won’t get your desired results.
• If the nozzle tip is too small, it can cause damage to the surface of your equipment.
• If the angle of your nozzle fan is too narrow, it can cause damage to the surface of the equipment by making a hole or causing it to peel off.
• If the angle is too large, it won’t be able to get rid of stubborn grimes.

Types and Sizes of Pressure Washer Nozzles

There are different types and designs of nozzles available on the market, and each style provides you with varying degrees of cleaning power, angle, and result. They include chemical nozzles, soap nozzles, quick connect nozzles, rotary nozzles, turbo nozzles, steam nozzles, duct cleaning nozzles, foam nozzles, and so on. Now each nozzle comes in various sizes ranging from 2 to 60. Some types of widely used pressure washer nozzles are explained below:

1. Quick Connect Nozzles:

Quick Connect Nozzles are exactly as they sound; swift and easy to connect for use. The nozzles are made to have five different degrees or angles of applications that can be used for cleaning different types of surfaces, and each nozzle is coded with a color, which makes it easy to be connected to your pressure washer.

● Red Tip 0° Nozzle:

This nozzle provides maximum blast. The red tip nozzle covers a tiny area with maximum force. During use, it directs the pressure right at the surface with a zero-degree angle. Because of the intensity of the force, if a red tip nozzle is used on soft objects, it can damage the surface. Instead, the pressure washer nozzle should be used for hard surfaces like concrete or any similar surface. It’s important to note that it is dangerous to use a red tip nozzle on humans or pets because it can also cut into soft surfaces. That is why the 0° nozzles are labeled red. These nozzles are generally not used in normal pressure washing. It is, however, the best option to remove stubborn stains or tough grimes from hard objects.  

● Yellow Tip 15° Nozzle:

This type of nozzle is known for medium stripping. Yellow tip nozzles are usually referred to as chiseling nozzles. They usually direct the water with an angle of 15°, covering a little wider area than the red nozzles. Yellow Tip 15° nozzles are best used to peel off old paints from surfaces and get rid of grease and rust. Any stubborn speck of dirt can be removed from surfaces with a 15° yellow tip when used from the right distance.

● Green Tip 25° Nozzle:

This nozzle type is best for gentle lifting and cleaning. Green Tip 25° Nozzle is likely the most widely used power washer nozzle. This is because it is capable of covering a wide range of areas since its angle is greater than the red or yellow tip nozzle. With the green tip 25° pressure washer nozzle, you can conveniently clean your car, patio, or boat within a short time.

● White Tip 40° Nozzle:

Associated with minimum spraying, the white tip 40° nozzle is usually used for situations where a small amount of spraying is required. The white tip 40°nozzle can cover a larger surface area because of the reduced water force. Therefore, it is the best option for cleaning sensitive surfaces like glasses, softwood boards, and so much more.

● Black Tip 60° Nozzle:

The Black Tip 60° Nozzle is a type of pressure washer tip that releases the water to the surface of your equipment at a wide 60° angle. The blacktip nozzle usually comes with a pretty large outlet which allows it to go better with detergents or other soaping fluids. Because of the wide-angle tip, the blacktip 50° nozzle reduces the force at which the water is released and is best suited for surfaces where little water force is needed.

2. Rotary Turbo Nozzle:

A rotary nozzle (usually called a turbo nozzle) is similar to the red tip nozzle and green tip nozzle; it appears as a hybrid. It is similar to the red tip nozzle because the turbo tip releases the water directly on the surface. It is also similar to the green tip nozzle because it rotates with a 25° spray area. Therefore, if you want the same force as the 0° tip, it is a perfect substitute because it offers the same force only at a wider spray area.

3. Brass Soap Nozzle:

The brass soap nozzle is designed to allow you to clean more without the fear of clogging the nozzle. Typically, it comes with a maximum pressure of 500 PSI and a recessed opening made for wear protection and damage protection. Just as the name sounds, it can be used to dispense soap or other cleaning agents. Usually, the soap and chemicals are applied in small quantities in order to make the 500-PSI feasible, and it provides the best kind of cleaning results. Apart from the soap application, the brass soap nozzle can also be used for applying wax, meet rinsing needs, and so much more.

4. Duct Cleaning Nozzle:

The duct cleaning nozzles come with a maximum pressure of 3000 to 5000 PSI for maximum cleaning. In addition, they have a 360° cleaning ability, and they come with adjustable arms to reach different spraying angles. With the duct-cleaning nozzle, you can easily clean ducts and vents. Duct cleaning nozzles are designed with rust or corrosion-resistant materials, and they can also be used with either hot or cold pressure washers.

5. Chemical Nozzle:

Chemical nozzles are usually used for situations where you need to mix your cleaning chemical with the water. They come with both a quick connect and threaded connect system. Chemical nozzles are also made to have a larger outlet since larger outlets are needed to decrease the water pressure or velocity. Chemical nozzles also come with a wide fan or angle wide enough to ensure an even combination of the cleaning chemical.

6.  Sewer Nozzles:

The sewer nozzles are designed especially with compact size for you to reach corners in pipes. Sewer nozzles have a maximum pressure of up to 8000 PSI and are used for cleaning sewers, drains, pipes, tube cleaning, hydro drilling, and much more. The sewer nozzles also come with a rotating ability for added agitation for surface cleaning.

7. Stainless Steel Spray Nozzles:

The stainless steel spray nozzle offers a 0-65° angle and a maximum pressure range of 4000-5000 PSI for cleaning almost anything. These stainless steel spray nozzles are designed to withstand cracking or rust for durability and longer life. The stainless steel nozzle provides precision for you to control flow rates accurately. The opening of the stainless steel nozzle is also recessed for damage protection and is resistant to most chemicals.

8. Hi/Low Variable Nozzle:

The hi/low variable nozzle is designed for industrial usage. Offering a pressure range of 2500 to 4000+ PSI, the hi/low variable nozzles can deliver soap and water mixture using different pressures. Typically, soap can be delivered for cleaning at low pressure, while water can be dispensed at high pressure for rinsing off the soap. Also, the spray angle can be adjusted to choice just with a simple twist of the outer casing between 0-80° spraying angles.

9. X Jet Long Range Nozzles:

Just as it sounds, the X jet long-range spray nozzles allow you to clean surfaces that are within a long-range such as second-story windows, roofs, houses, sidings, and objects while still keeping you firmly planted on the ground. The nozzle allows for the easy projection of soaps, chemicals, high-pressured water to the second floor of a 2-story building without you using a ladder. It offers a pressure range of 2000 to 5000+ PSI.

10. Steam Spray Nozzles:

Steam nozzles are designed to be used with hot water pressure washers. With the steam nozzle, you can disinfect surfaces, get rid of oil, and remove moisture. The steam nozzles usually come with a wide and narrow spray nozzle to achieve better cleaning. They are also good for a precise and accurate flow rate, good for concentration and spray angle.

Now that you know the types and sizes of nozzles available, you can decide on the tip that best fits your needs. We know that the selection process can be a little overwhelming especially for someone new to this: because there are several types of nozzles tip available on the market. That is why we have taken the time to provide a guide that can help with your selection.

Nozzle Selection Guide

Now for someone using a power washer machine for the first time, you might be able to use your intuitive skill to select a nozzle tip and automatically determine the perfect distance, especially when you measure with your brain. However, not all these things are automatically predictable, which is why you have to take note of them before you begin the cleaning process.

●1. Choose the Appropriate Nozzle Size:

Now, choosing the appropriate nozzle size is actually a very crucial part of your power washing process. Not only will it make your work easier, but it will also prevent damage. There is a large variety of power washer nozzle tips ranging between 2 to 60. As we have said before, selecting a bigger size than what you require would ultimately reduce the effectiveness of your power washer by reducing the water force and draining the water quickly.  Meanwhile, if you select a smaller tip than what is required for your material, you can cause severe damage to both your materials and the pressure washer machine since it will push back the pressure force into the machine through the water hose. Now, you can find out the right type of pressure washer nozzle tips (size and kind) for you with the help of pressure washer nozzle charts. With a pressure washer tips chart, it will be much easier for you to find the right answer to the question, “what size of pressure washer tip do I need to clean my windows?”

●2. Commence with the Right Angle Nozzle:

Another important part of the power washing process is selecting the right angle size. Normally, the Green Tip 25° Nozzle or the White Tip 40° Nozzle is the best option for gentle cleaning. If perhaps you are preparing a surface for painting, then you should go for a yellow tip nozzle, as it is the most suitable option.  On the body of your nozzle, you can read the size and angle number. For instance, if on a nozzle, 2506 is engraved, that means that the nozzle’s angle is 25 degrees and its size is number 6.

●3. Test on a Small Area of the Surface First:

Now before you start the power cleaning process, it is best to test your nozzle tip on a small area of the surface you are working with. After using, check the surface to see if the power washing leaves any mark on the surface.

●4. Begin from a Safe Distance:

When washing, make sure you start from a safe distance before you gradually build it up. If you think there is a need for a greater force especially when dealing with stubborn grimes or strains, then gradually move close to the object. You know what they say; it is better safe than sorry.

Final Remarks

Finally, it is crucial to understand the importance or function of different nozzle sizes and tips, as it is essential for smooth power washing. No matter the grade or type of pressure washer you are using, you will not get the desired results if you do not use the right type of nozzle with the right size. So try as much as possible to get the right tip and the right size.