Start a Pressure Washing Business: Plan, Gear, Pricing

How to Start a Pressure Washing Business

A pressure washing business uses high-powered water equipment to clean exterior surfaces like driveways, siding, decks, and commercial buildings. Startup costs are lower than many other businesses.

For a basic solo cold-water setup with used gear, budget about $1,500–$6,000. Commercial or hot-water rigs can run $5,000–$15,000+.

The pressure washing industry continues to grow as property owners need regular exterior maintenance. You can start this business part-time from home and scale up as you gain clients. Most states do not require specialized training or certification, though some have environmental regulations for wastewater disposal.

Step 1: Research the Market and Service Options

Start by investigating demand in your area. Drive through neighborhoods and commercial districts. Look for dirty driveways, stained siding, and neglected storefronts. These indicate potential customers.

Check how many competitors operate in your target area. Search online for pressure washing services and note their pricing and service offerings. Too many competitors makes client growth harder; too few may mean low demand.

Pick the services you’ll offer. Residential work includes homes, driveways, decks, and patios. Commercial work covers storefronts, parking lots, and industrial facilities. Residential work usually needs less power and costs less to start. Commercial work may demand hot water machines and specialized tools but can command higher prices.

Decide if you’ll work solo or plan to hire later. A solo operation keeps costs low but limits how many jobs you can complete. You can always expand later as revenue grows.

Basic market research checklist:

Number of competitors within 10 miles
Average pricing in your market
Types of properties most common (residential vs commercial)
Seasonal weather patterns that affect demand
Local water usage restrictions or environmental rules

Step 2: Write a Simple Business Plan

Create a basic plan that outlines your services, target customers, startup costs, and pricing. This plan clarifies costs and acts as your roadmap. Write a business plan that covers essential elements without overcomplicating the process.

List your initial costs. These include equipment, insurance, licenses, and marketing materials. Calculate how much you need before earning your first dollar.

Estimate your pricing based on local competitors. Most residential jobs range from $150 to $400 per house. Calculate how many jobs per week you need to cover expenses and pay yourself.

Identify your target customers. Focus on homeowners, rental property managers, or small businesses. Trying to serve everyone dilutes your marketing efforts.

Your plan should answer:

What services will you provide?
Who are your ideal customers?
What equipment do you need immediately vs later?
How much will you charge per job?
How many jobs per month do you need to be profitable?

Step 3: Choose Your Business Structure

Select a legal structure for your business. The main options are sole proprietorship and limited liability company. Your choice changes your liability, taxes, and paperwork.

A sole proprietorship is the simplest option. You operate under your own name or file a “Doing Business As” form to use a different name. Setup costs are minimal, often under $100. The major drawback is personal liability. If someone sues your business or you damage property, your personal assets are at risk.

A single-member LLC offers liability protection. It separates your business from your personal finances. If your business faces a lawsuit, your home and personal savings have more protection. LLCs cost more to establish, typically $35 to $500 depending on your state. You must file articles of organization with your state.

Most pressure washing business owners choose an LLC for the liability protection. The modest additional cost is worth the security given that you will work on other people’s property with powerful equipment.

Do not choose a corporation initially. Corporations involve more complex paperwork and tax requirements that exceed the needs of a startup service business.

Step 4: Register Your Business and Obtain Licenses

Choose a business name that describes your services and stands out. Check if the name is available by searching your state’s business registry website. Avoid names already in use by other companies in your area.

Register your business with your state. If you formed an LLC, file articles of organization with your Secretary of State. The filing fee ranges from $50 to $500 depending on location. If you are a sole proprietor and want to use a business name different from your personal name, file a DBA registration with your county clerk.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number from the IRS. This free nine-digit number identifies your business for tax purposes. You need an EIN if you plan to hire employees or operate as an LLC.

Single-member LLCs without employees or excise taxes don’t need an EIN for federal taxes, but you may still want one for banking, privacy, or state requirements. Apply online at the IRS website.

Research local business license requirements. Most cities and counties require a general business license. Check your city’s website or contact the city clerk. License fees typically range from $25 to $500.

Check if you need additional permits. Some areas require environmental permits for wastewater disposal. The Clean Water Act generally bans discharge of wash water into storm drains or surface waters. Violations can lead to fines. Contact your local wastewater authority or environmental agency to confirm requirements.

Some states require contractor licenses for pressure washing. In California, you must hold a CSLB contractor license for projects of $500 or more (labor and materials). To qualify for the license exam, the qualifier must document four years of journey-level experience.

In Michigan, mobile power washing discharges are regulated; containment/recovery is required and local authorization or permits may apply depending on where wastewater goes. Rules vary by location. Always verify with your state’s contractor licensing board and local agencies.

If you plan to charge sales tax, register for a sales tax permit with your state. Some states treat pressure washing services as taxable while others do not.

For example, Texas taxes real-property cleaning/pressure washing; New York generally taxes repair and maintenance to real property (with specific carve-outs).

Required paperwork checklist:

Business registration (LLC or DBA)
Employer Identification Number
General business license
Environmental permits (if required locally)
Contractor license (check state requirements)
Sales tax permit (if applicable)

Step 5: Get Business Insurance

Purchase insurance before your first job. Business insurance protects you from financial ruin if something goes wrong.

General liability insurance is essential. It covers property damage and bodily injury claims from customers or the public. If your equipment damages a client’s siding or someone slips on water you created, this policy covers legal fees and settlements.

Small contractor policies commonly use $1 million per-occurrence / $2 million aggregate limits. Estimated costs for small operations often fall around $40 to $150 per month, varying by state and risk. Some commercial clients require a certificate of insurance before hiring you—confirm requirements per contract.

Commercial auto insurance covers your vehicle when used for business purposes. Personal auto insurance often excludes business use unless you add a business-use endorsement. Depending on your vehicle and usage, you may need either an endorsement or a commercial auto policy.

Workers’ compensation insurance is legally required in most states if you hire employees. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker gets injured on the job. Rates depend on your state and payroll size. Some states require coverage even for one part-time employee.

Consider equipment insurance. This protects your pressure washer and accessories from theft or damage. If someone steals your equipment from a job site or your truck, this coverage pays for replacement.

Get quotes from multiple insurance providers. Costs vary based on your location, coverage limits, and services offered. Insurers that serve contractors can bundle policies to lower cost.

Step 6: Purchase Equipment and Supplies

Buy or lease your pressure washing equipment. Equipment costs represent your largest startup expense. Choose based on the services you plan to offer and your budget.

Pressure washers are rated by PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). Higher numbers mean more cleaning power but also higher cost.

For residential work, a gas-powered pressure washer rated 2,500 to 3,500 PSI works well. These machines handle driveways, siding, and decks effectively. New residential-grade machines cost $300 to $1,500. Electric models cost less ($100 to $500) but offer less power and require electrical outlets at job sites.

For commercial work or to maximize efficiency, invest in a commercial-grade machine rated 3,500 to 4,000 PSI. These cost $3,000 to $6,000 new. Hot water units, which cut through grease and oil more effectively, range from $5,000 to $15,000+.

Starting with a quality used machine saves money. Inspect used equipment carefully or have a repair shop examine it before purchase. Plan to upgrade equipment as your business grows and profits increase.

Consider renting initially if cash is very tight. Typical rental rates are about $45 to $100 per day for cold-water units and $100 to $250 per day for hot-water units. While renting long-term costs more than buying, it allows you to start earning revenue immediately and purchase equipment with profits.

Essential accessories and supplies:

High-pressure hoses (50 to 100 feet)
Multiple nozzle tips (different spray angles for different surfaces)
Surface cleaner attachment for flat areas like driveways
Extension wand for reaching high areas
Cleaning solutions and detergents
Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, non-slip boots)
Hose reel for storage and transport

Budget $200 to $1,000 for accessories and supplies. Buy biodegradable cleaning solutions to comply with environmental regulations and appeal to eco-conscious customers.

You need reliable transportation. A pickup truck works best for hauling equipment. A trailer offers more capacity if you plan to carry larger machines or serve multiple clients daily. Basic utility trailers cost $500 to $3,000. If you already own a suitable vehicle, you save this expense.

Equipment purchase options:

Buy new for reliability and warranty protection
Buy used to minimize startup costs
Rent initially and purchase equipment with early profits
Lease for predictable monthly payments

Step 7: Set Up Business Finances

Open a dedicated business bank account. Keep business income and expenses separate from personal finances. While not explicitly required by statute, this separation is essential to preserve liability protection for an LLC and makes bookkeeping and taxes much simpler.

Choose a bank that offers free business checking with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Many online banks provide these terms. You will need your EIN and business registration documents to open the account.

Set up a simple system to track income and expenses. Use a spreadsheet or basic accounting software. Record every job payment and business expense. This information is essential for filing taxes and understanding your profitability.

Decide how you will accept payments. Cash and checks work but are increasingly uncommon. Most customers expect to pay by card or digital payment. Sign up for a mobile payment processor like Square, PayPal, or Stripe. These services let you accept card payments via your smartphone. Fees typically run around 2.6%–2.9% plus a per-transaction fee.

Consider getting a business credit card once your business is established. Use it only for business expenses. This builds your business credit history and provides an additional payment tracking tool.

Set aside money for taxes. As a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, you will pay self-employment tax on profits. Plan to save 25% to 30% of your net income for federal and state taxes. Make quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties.

Step 8: Create a Basic Brand Identity

Create basic, professional branding. You do not need expensive marketing initially, but you do need basic items that identify your business.

Design or order business cards. Include your business name, phone number, email, and services offered. Print 250 cards for $20 to $50 online. Hand these out to every customer and leave them at local businesses.

Create a basic website or online profile. Most customers search online for service providers. Claim your free Google Business Profile listing. Add your business name, phone number, hours, service area, and photos of completed work. This free listing appears when people search for pressure washing services near them.

If budget allows, build a business website with basic information about your services and pricing. Simple website builders cost $10 to $30 per month. Include before-and-after photos once you complete jobs.

Consider vehicle signage if you have a work truck. Magnetic signs cost $50 to $150 and instantly advertise your business when parked at job sites. Neighbors often see your vehicle and contact you for service.

Do not spend heavily on marketing before you have completed several successful jobs. Word-of-mouth and online reviews will drive most of your initial business. Focus spending on operational necessities, not advertising.

Step 9: Prepare for Launch

Before accepting your first paying customer, practice using your equipment. Test your pressure washer on your own property or ask friends and family if you can clean their driveways or decks for free. This practice helps you learn proper techniques and identify the right nozzles and pressure settings for different surfaces.

Learn which surfaces require low pressure to avoid damage. Soft materials like wood and vinyl siding need lower PSI and wider-angle nozzles. Concrete can handle higher pressure. Roof cleaning requires specialized low-pressure techniques.

Follow safety basics. Wear protective eyewear and closed-toe boots. Never point the wand at yourself or others. High-pressure water can cause serious injury.

Keep electrical connections away from water. Follow OSHA Hazard Communication/PPE rules and CDC/NIOSH pressure-washer and carbon-monoxide safety advisories.

Set your pricing structure. Research what competitors charge in your area. Common pricing methods include flat rates per job, hourly rates, or per-square-foot pricing. Many pressure washing businesses charge $150 to $400 per residential house and $75 to $150 per hour for other jobs.

Factor in your costs when setting prices. Include equipment, fuel, insurance, taxes, and your labor. A common mistake is pricing too low and working for minimal profit.

Create a simple service agreement or contract. This document should outline what services you will provide, your payment terms, and liability limitations. Basic templates are available online or consult with a lawyer.

Line up your first few customers. Tell everyone you know about your new business. Offer discounted rates to friends and family in exchange for testimonials and referrals. Ask satisfied customers to leave online reviews. Positive reviews help attract new clients.

Verify all legal requirements are complete before accepting money:

Business registered with state
Business license obtained
Insurance policies active
Business bank account open
Equipment and supplies ready
Pricing structure established
Safety equipment on hand

Additional Considerations

Understand seasonal variations. Residential demand typically peaks in spring and again in late summer into fall when weather is favorable. Demand drops in cold months. Plan your finances to cover slower periods or consider offering related services like gutter cleaning in fall.

Some states regulate water usage during droughts. Check if restrictions apply in your area and how they affect your business operations.

Join industry associations for training and certification. The Power Washers of North America offers certification programs. While not required, certification demonstrates professionalism and can justify higher pricing.

Build relationships with property managers and real estate agents. These professionals need regular pressure washing services for multiple properties. One good relationship can provide steady repeat business.

As you grow, consider adding related services. Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and soft washing (low-pressure cleaning for delicate surfaces) complement pressure washing and increase revenue per customer.

Document your work. Take before-and-after photos of every job. Use these images for marketing and to show potential customers what you can achieve.

Starting a pressure washing business requires modest investment and minimal specialized skills. Focus on getting the essential equipment, proper insurance, and required licenses first.

Build your customer base through quality work and word-of-mouth referrals. You can operate profitably within your first few months if you manage costs and price services appropriately.

101 Tips for Running Your Pressure Washing Business

Starting a pressure washing business is a practical path into the service trades, but success comes from tight operations, smart marketing, and rigorous safety.

Use these tips to plan, launch, and grow with confidence while protecting people, property, and the environment. Regulations can vary by state and locality, so confirm requirements where you operate.

What to Do Before Starting

Define your service mix (house wash, roof, driveway, fleet, storefronts) so you can choose the right equipment and price accurately from day one.
Write a lean business plan with startup costs, 12-month cash flow, and a break-even date to avoid undercapitalizing your launch.
Check local licensing, contractor registration, and zoning rules; some cities require permits for mobile washing or water discharge.
Choose a legal structure (LLC is common for liability separation) and obtain an EIN to open a business bank account and track taxes.
Budget for insurance: general liability, inland marine (equipment), commercial auto, and workers’ comp if you hire.
Map your target neighborhoods and commercial corridors; list 200+ likely customers to start outbound outreach with focus.
Select equipment to match your jobs: GPM drives speed, PSI aids stain removal; prioritize higher GPM for production.
Standardize chemicals by surface (vinyl, concrete, wood, masonry, roofs) and store Safety Data Sheets (SDS, formerly MSDS) for every product.
Plan your water strategy: confirm on-site water access, tank size needs, and any restrictions on non-potable use.
Set up bookkeeping from day one with separate accounts, a chart of accounts, and weekly reconciliations.
Create a simple pricing matrix (by square foot/linear foot or by service package) to quote consistently under pressure.
Draft core policies (cancellation, rescheduling, weather, damage, satisfaction) to share before a job is booked.

What Successful Pressure Washing Business Owners Do

Track production rate (sq ft/hour) per service and technician to price accurately and schedule profitably.
Invest in training every quarter—chemistry, techniques, and safety—so quality improves and callbacks drop.
Measure customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV) to decide which marketing channels to scale.
Build a referral engine with a standard ask at completion and an easy shareable offer.
Document wins and mistakes after each large job; convert lessons to SOP updates within 48 hours.
Protect peak time: reserve mornings for production and batch admin, estimates, and follow-ups in late afternoons.
Keep a rolling 12-week schedule board to visualize crew load and hit revenue targets.
Maintain vendor relationships for rapid parts replacement to minimize downtime.
Price for margin, not volume; set a walk-away price to avoid low-profit work that strains crews.
Review insurance, certifications, and licenses annually before renewal season.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

Create SOPs for each service: pre-inspection, set-up, dwell times, rinsing, and post-walkthrough to standardize quality.
Use checklists on every job: cones/signage placement, electric shutoff verification, plant and pet protection, and surface testing.
Stock a standardized truck: spare tips, hoses, ball valves, O-rings, nozzles, injector, PPE kit, spill kit, and SDS binder.
Schedule preventive maintenance: pump oil, engine oil, filters, belts, hose inspections, and nozzle orifice checks.
Implement tool control: label and inventory high-loss items and track replacements per crew.
Train on ladder safety, fall prevention, and when to use extension poles or lifts instead of climbing.
Use job photos: before, during (test area), and after for quality control and future marketing.
Assign a site lead per crew responsible for safety brief, scope adherence, and customer updates.
Acclimatize new hires to heat and physical workload gradually; pair with a mentor for the first two weeks.
Stage chemicals and water near the work area to reduce hose drags and trip hazards.
Implement a “stop work” rule when conditions are unsafe (wind, lightning, slick roofs, poor visibility).
Plan routes to reduce drive time; cluster jobs geographically and set arrival windows, not exact times.
Collect payment on site with mobile invoicing; send receipts immediately and log job notes the same day.
Track consumables use (tips, soaps) per job to spot waste and theft early.
Hold a weekly 20-minute production meeting to review KPIs, near-misses, and schedule risks.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

Know local stormwater and wastewater rules: many jurisdictions prohibit wash water from entering storm drains; plan containment or recovery.
Read SDS for each chemical and follow label directions; never mix incompatible products (e.g., bleach with acids).
Expect seasonality: residential demand peaks in spring and late summer/fall; build winter revenue with commercial, fleet, or interior work.
Anticipate supply chain delays for pumps, hoses, and tips; keep critical spares on hand.
Track recall notices for pressure washers and components to avoid injury and liability.
Understand noise limits and working-hour ordinances in residential areas to avoid fines.
When using gas equipment, prevent carbon monoxide exposure by operating outdoors and away from openings.
Know cargo securement basics when hauling equipment and tanks; secure loads to prevent spills and damage.
Weather drives safety and scheduling; build heat, cold, wind, and lightning thresholds into your SOPs.
Some states require specific contractor licenses or mobile washing permits; confirm before advertising those services.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

Claim and complete your Google Business Profile with service areas, hours, and geo-tagged photos.
Use yard signs (with permission) at job sites to capture neighborhood demand the same week.
Design three service bundles (Basic/Standard/Premium) so customers self-select and your average ticket rises.
Publish pricing ranges and what affects cost to pre-qualify leads and reduce tire-kickers.
Post short before/after videos and time-lapses to social channels; pin your best three.
Run a “neighbor bonus” offer: book two adjacent homes and each gets a small discount—limited to the same day.
Partner with realtors and property managers; offer next-day turnarounds and volume pricing.
Sponsor seasonal community clean-ups and donate a few hours to a local nonprofit for goodwill and content.
Collect reviews within 24 hours of completion; send a direct ask with two suggested prompts to make writing easy.
Use direct mail only to tightly selected micro-routes that match your ideal customer profile.
Retarget website visitors with a 7-day “get it on the calendar” offer to convert fence-sitters.
Show certifications, insurance, and safety commitment on your site to build trust quickly.
Track call-answer rate and response time; speed to lead wins local service markets.
Photograph crews with branded PPE and clean trucks; appearance supports premium pricing.
Measure each channel’s cost per booked job monthly and cut anything that can’t beat your target CAC.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

Do a pre-walk with the customer to set expectations, identify delicate areas, and agree on tape-off zones.
Explain your process in plain language—nozzle selection, detergents, and rinse—so homeowners feel confident.
Set a 30-minute arrival window and text when en route; reduce no-shows with clear communication.
Offer optional add-ons only when beneficial (e.g., gutter whitening after house wash) and explain the “why.”
Provide a one-page care sheet after service: dry times, re-staining windows, plant watering guidance.
Schedule next maintenance before leaving if appropriate (e.g., annual house wash, semiannual storefronts).
Handle concerns same day; if you need to return, book the revisit on the spot.
Follow up at 30/180/365 days with helpful reminders tied to season and surface life.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

Publish a clear satisfaction policy that outlines what qualifies for a redo and how to request it.
Use written estimates with scope, exclusions, and surfaces covered to prevent disputes.
Confirm jobs the day prior with weather notes and parking/ water access needs.
Offer a workmanship guarantee tied to service type (e.g., 14-day streak-free window add-on).
Collect structured feedback with two questions: “What did we do well?” and “What could be better?”
Log complaints and near-misses, assign an owner, and close the loop within 72 hours.
Maintain BBB-style standards of trust: truthful ads, transparent pricing, and prompt responses.
Track refund/redo rate monthly and address root causes through training and SOP changes.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

Keep wash water out of storm drains; use containment, filtration, or vacuum recovery where required.
Select detergents with safer-ingredient certifications when possible and follow label disposal instructions.
Protect landscaping with pre-wetting, tarps, and post-rinse to reduce chemical impact.
Minimize water use by optimizing GPM, nozzle choice, and dwell time so chemistry does more than force.
Store fuels and chemicals in labeled, secondary containment to prevent spills in transit and on site.
Train crews on spill response and carry absorbents and neutralizers in every vehicle.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

Join a relevant trade association to access training, standards, and peer forums.
Subscribe to official safety and regulator updates for PPE, chemical handling, and environmental rules.
Monitor recall notices for pressure washers and accessories monthly.
Follow weather safety channels for heat, lightning, and severe storm alerts that affect scheduling.
Review manufacturer manuals and technical bulletins for your pumps, injectors, and surface cleaners.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

Build a winter playbook: equipment winterization, commercial contracts, and interior cleaning services.
Create surge capacity plans for spring peaks: temp labor, Saturday crews, or subcontract partners.
Adopt soft-wash techniques and adjustable injectors to handle delicate surfaces without damage.
Use digital estimating and route optimization to reduce drive time and increase daily revenue.
Run quarterly competitor scans—offers, reviews, photos—and adjust your positioning, not just your price.
Maintain a cash reserve equal to one month of fixed costs to ride out weather or equipment shocks.

What Not to Do

Don’t operate gas units in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces; carbon monoxide is deadly.
Don’t aim high-pressure spray at people, pets, windows, or electrical components; use the least pressure needed.
Don’t let wash water, debris, or chemicals enter storm drains where prohibited; fines and cleanup costs follow.
Don’t mix chemicals unless labels explicitly allow it; dangerous gases and reactions can occur.
Don’t transport unsecured equipment, tanks, or chemicals; an abrupt stop can turn gear into projectiles.
Don’t ignore PPE—gloves, eye and hearing protection—especially during chemical handling and surface prep.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, OSHA, EPA, CDC, CPSC, PWNA, IWCA, BBB, NOAA, FMCSA, Jobber, Insureon, Internal Revenue Service, ZenBusiness, NEXT Insurance