Will Pressure Washing Significantly Raise My Water Bill?
- Vanessa Brown
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
If you're considering pressure washing your home, driveway, or patio, you might be wondering about the cost beyond just the equipment or hiring a professional. A common question homeowners ask is: Will pressure washing significantly raise my water bill? The short answer is: not usually. While pressure washing does use water, it’s often more efficient than traditional cleaning methods and unlikely to cause a major spike in your bill—especially if done responsibly.
Let’s break down how much water pressure washing actually uses, what affects consumption, and how to manage your water usage to keep costs low.
How Much Water Does Pressure Washing Use?
Pressure washers are often perceived as wasteful due to the powerful spray, but they’re actually more water-efficient than a standard garden hose. A typical garden hose uses around 6 to 10 gallons of water per minute (GPM), while most consumer-grade pressure washers use 1.5 to 3 GPM.
Although the water comes out with much more force, the total volume is actually lower. That’s because the pressure washer blasts away dirt faster and more effectively than a hose or manual scrubbing, requiring less overall water to get the job done.
Example:
If you spend 30 minutes cleaning a driveway:
With a garden hose: you might use 180–300 gallons of water.
With a pressure washer (at 2 GPM): you’d use only about 60 gallons.
This efficiency translates to less water used per square foot cleaned.
How It Affects Your Water Bill
The exact impact on your water bill depends on:
The flow rate (GPM) of your pressure washer
How long you use it
Your local water rates
Let’s assume you’re using a pressure washer that runs at 2.5 GPM for one hour. That’s 150 gallons of water. In many areas of the U.S., residential water rates average around $0.002 per gallon. So, 150 gallons would cost roughly $0.30.
Even if you pressure wash for several hours, you're likely adding just a few dollars to your monthly water bill—not a significant expense for most households.
Factors That Can Increase Water Usage
While pressure washing is efficient, water usage can add up if:
You use a high-GPM commercial unit for extended periods.
You’re cleaning large areas like full driveways, decks, fences, or house siding all in one go.
You leave the washer running unnecessarily between tasks.
The more surface area you clean and the higher the pressure/water output, the more water you'll use. However, even large-scale residential projects rarely exceed a few hundred gallons total—still modest compared to overall household water use.
Tips to Minimize Water Waste
If you want to pressure wash while keeping your water bill low, follow these best practices:
Choose the right nozzle and pressure setting. Use efficient spray tips to minimize overspray and get the job done faster.
Turn off the machine between uses. Don’t let the washer run when not actively cleaning.
Pre-treat surfaces. Applying cleaning solutions can reduce the amount of pressure and time needed to wash.
Use an efficient unit. Most electric pressure washers are lower in GPM than gas-powered ones, making them more water-conscious for smaller jobs.
Final Thoughts
Pressure washing can seem like a high-water-use task, but in reality, it’s one of the more efficient ways to clean large outdoor surfaces. Most residential pressure washing projects will not significantly raise your water bill—typically adding only a few cents to a few dollars, depending on your usage and local rates.
By using your equipment wisely and cleaning strategically, you can enjoy a fresh, clean exterior without worrying about a surprising utility bill. And for even greater peace of mind, you can hire a professional who uses water-efficient equipment and knows how to clean quickly and effectively.
Still have questions about pressure washing and water usage? Reach out—we’re happy to help you clean smart and stay within budget.
