Can a pressure washer be employed during a water pipe restriction? Experts in gardening shed light on the matter.
In times of drought, water suppliers often impose hosepipe bans to reduce water usage. During these periods, non-essential water use such as watering gardens, washing cars, or cleaning paths is restricted. However, using harvested rainwater for these purposes is generally allowed.
If you have harvested rainwater using water butts, you might be able to use a pressure washer by connecting it to the harvested rainwater. It is crucial to ensure that the pressure washer is not connected to the mains water supply during the ban. This means you would need to have a separate water storage system, such as a rainwater collection system, for your pressure washer.
It is always advisable to check with your water supplier first before using a pressure washer during a hosepipe ban. Some water suppliers might have specific rules or exemptions, so it's essential to check with your local provider.
Rainscaping your garden, or collecting rainwater, is a good idea, especially if you live in an area prone to long droughts. This helps to have rainwater stored when hosepipe bans come into effect suddenly. You can purchase dual water butts on Amazon, allowing you to harvest twice the amount of rainwater. For heavy-duty rainwater collection, a heavy-duty rain chain is available.
Using greywater (excess wastewater from showers, baths, washing up, etc.) is also allowed during a hosepipe ban. However, it's important to note that greywater should not be used on edible plants or in instances where it might run into drains with chemicals.
Max Ledsham, a drainage and pressure washer expert at Kingfisher Direct, has over 7 years of experience in the company. Max specializes in pressure washers, commercial cleaning products, and drainage solutions. He enjoys sharing his knowledge about effective use and benefits of pressure washing equipment and practical drainage solutions to help others enhance their outdoor spaces at home.
Remember, during a hosepipe ban, it is important to avoid using pressure washers on delicate surfaces, during dry spells to save water, or when the water might run into drains with chemicals. Always check with your water supplier for any updates and future hosepipe bans. You can find this information on the websites of major water providers such as Thames Water, Affinity Water, South East Water, and Anglian Water.
Luke Newnes, a gardening expert and member of the Interior Squad at Hillary's, advises against using pressure washers in these instances. Instead, consider using a watering can, a bucket, or manual cleaning methods to conserve water.
By following these guidelines, you can continue to maintain your outdoor space while conserving water during a hosepipe ban.
- By connecting a pressure washer to harvested rainwater stored in water butts, you can still clean your home-and-garden during a hosepipe ban, but ensure it's not connected to the mains water supply.
- Incorporating rainscaping practices into your garden, such as collecting rainwater, can help store water during droughts and hosepipe bans, especially in areas prone to long droughts.
- Max Ledsham, a pressure washer and drainage expert, emphasizes the effective use and benefits of pressure washing equipment for enhancing outdoor spaces, yet advises using greywater from sources like showers cautiously, avoiding edible plants or drains with chemicals.
- While a hosepipe ban is in effect, Luke Newnham, a gardening expert, recommends using watering cans, buckets, or manual cleaning methods to maintain your garden and conserve water instead of using pressure washers on delicate surfaces.
