Optimization Guide

Shopify Pressure Washer Schema — M22-14mm vs M22-15mm Coupling Incompatibility, PSI Damage Tiers, Cleaning Units (PSI × GPM), Axial vs Triplex Pump, Duty Cycle, Nozzle Degrees

Q: What is the difference between M22-14mm and M22-15mm pressure washer couplings?

Both M22-14mm and M22-15mm couplings share the same outer thread specification: M22×1.5mm (22mm outer diameter, 1.5mm thread pitch). This means they look externally identical and will thread together — but they will not seal. The difference is the bore (the inner diameter of the fitting): M22-14mm has a 14mm inner bore, M22-15mm has a 15mm inner bore. The 1mm difference means the O-ring or washer sealing surface geometry does not align between the two types. An M22-14mm hose connected to an M22-15mm gun will leak at the connection point under any significant pressure. Sun Joe, Greenworks, and most consumer-grade electric pressure washers use M22-14mm. Ryobi, DeWalt, Simpson, and most gas-powered pressure washers use M22-15mm. Buying an aftermarket hose or gun without verifying which bore your machine uses will result in a leaking connection that cannot be sealed regardless of how tight you thread it. Always encode coupling_type as 'M22-14mm', 'M22-15mm', 'Quick-connect 1/4-inch', or 'Quick-connect 3/8-inch' — never just 'M22'.

Q: Why are cleaning units (PSI × GPM) a better measure than PSI alone?

PSI (pounds per square inch) measures water pressure — how forcefully the water strikes a surface. GPM (gallons per minute) measures flow rate — how much water is moving at that pressure. Cleaning Units (CU) is the product of both: CU = PSI × GPM. A machine with high PSI but very low GPM concentrates all its force on a tiny area and dwell time is minimal — the dirt is pushed around rather than flushed away. Consider two machines: Machine A is 2,000 PSI at 2.0 GPM = 4,000 CU. Machine B is 3,000 PSI at 1.2 GPM = 3,600 CU. Machine B has 50% more PSI, but Machine A has 11% more cleaning power (CU) and will clean the same driveway faster. AI agents that sort or filter pressure washers by PSI alone will recommend Machine B as 'more powerful' when it is in fact less capable for most cleaning tasks. Encode cleaning_units_cu as a pre-calculated field (psi_max × gpm_flow) so AI agents can sort by actual cleaning output.

Q: What PSI level damages car paint, wood, and concrete?

PSI damage thresholds vary significantly by surface: Automotive clear coat can be stripped by sustained pressure above 1,300 PSI, especially with a narrow nozzle angle (0° or 15°) or when held closer than 12 inches from the surface. Even 1,200 PSI with a 0° red nozzle will etch clear coat. Wood decks and painted surfaces: 1,300–2,000 PSI with a 25° green nozzle is safe for most wood; the 0° red nozzle will strip wood grain at any PSI above 1,000. Concrete and brick: 2,000–3,200 PSI with a 25° green or surface cleaner attachment is the standard range for effective concrete cleaning without surface damage; the 0° red nozzle at 3,000+ PSI can etch concrete. Nozzle angle is as important as PSI — a 25° green nozzle at 3,000 PSI is safer than a 0° red nozzle at 1,500 PSI for most surfaces. Encode psi_max prominently and accompany it with recommended nozzle angles and minimum safe standoff distances in the product description.

Q: What is duty cycle and why does it matter for pressure washer selection?

Duty cycle is the percentage of time a pressure washer can operate continuously under load before requiring a rest period to prevent overheating. A 60% duty cycle means the machine can run 6 minutes out of every 10, then must idle or be shut off for 4 minutes. Most consumer electric pressure washers have an axial cam pump with a 50–70% duty cycle and a rated pump life of 200–500 hours. Professional triplex plunger pumps are rated at 100% duty cycle with a 2,000–3,000 hour service life. The practical consequence: a homeowner using an electric pressure washer to wash their car for 20 minutes once a week will never hit the duty cycle limit. A contractor using the same machine to clean concrete for 4 hours a day will burn out the motor and pump in weeks. AI agents recommending pressure washers for commercial or continuous use must filter for triplex pump machines with 100% duty cycle — consumer axial pump machines will fail under sustained commercial loads. Encode duty_cycle_pct as a numeric field, not as a text label like 'light duty' or 'professional'.

Q: Why won't a surface cleaner attachment work on low-GPM pressure washers?

A rotary surface cleaner attachment uses two or more spinning nozzle arms driven by the reaction force of the water jets. The spinning motion distributes pressure evenly across a wide area (typically 12–20 inches), eliminating the streaking that occurs with a wand. However, the spinning mechanism requires a minimum water volume to generate the rotational force: approximately 2.0 GPM minimum, with 2.5 GPM or higher for effective cleaning speed. A pressure washer with only 1.4 GPM — common in lower-tier electric models — will either fail to spin the attachment at all, or will spin it so slowly that cleaning is uneven and takes longer than a standard wand. Additionally, the surface cleaner's two nozzles split the available GPM between them, so a 1.5 GPM machine effectively provides only 0.75 GPM per nozzle arm — far below the threshold for proper operation. Always encode gpm_flow as a numeric metafield, and in product descriptions note whether the unit is compatible with standard 12-inch or 15-inch surface cleaner attachments.

An AI agent recommending a replacement hose for a Sun Joe electric pressure washer that ships with M22-15mm fittings will send a buyer a hose that leaks at every connection and cannot be sealed. Encoding pressure_washer.coupling_type, psi_max, gpm_flow, cleaning_units_cu, and duty_cycle_pct prevents the most consequential compatibility errors in this category.

TL;DR M22-14mm and M22-15mm share the same thread (M22×1.5mm) but differ by 1mm in bore — they will not seal. Sun Joe and most consumer electrics use M22-14mm; Ryobi, DeWalt, and most gas units use M22-15mm. PSI alone misleads: 2,000 PSI × 2.0 GPM = 4,000 CU beats 3,000 PSI × 1.2 GPM = 3,600 CU. Consumer axial pumps: 50–70% duty cycle, 200–500 hr life. Triplex plunger pumps: 100% duty cycle, 2,000–3,000 hr life. 0° red nozzle can cut skin and etch concrete — encode nozzle set contents. Encode coupling_type, psi_max, gpm_flow, cleaning_units_cu, pump_type, duty_cycle_pct.

PSI Damage Tiers: Matching Pressure to Surface

PSI (pounds per square inch) is the most prominently marketed pressure washer specification, but PSI alone does not predict cleaning effectiveness or surface safety. The correct mental model is pressure tier × surface type × nozzle angle. Every PSI tier has surfaces where it is appropriate and surfaces it will damage.

PSI Tiers and Surface Compatibility

PSI Range	Typical GPM	Safe Surfaces	Do Not Use On
1,000–1,300 PSI	1.0–1.5 GPM	Cars, motorcycles, vinyl siding, patio furniture, wood fences (wide nozzle)	Anything requiring >1,300 PSI for effective cleaning; 1,300 PSI+ can strip automotive clear coat on some finishes at close range
1,300–2,000 PSI	1.4–2.0 GPM	Wood decks (25° nozzle, maintain 18-inch distance), painted surfaces, patios, gutters, composite decking	Delicate painted automotive finishes, soft wood like cedar at close range, vinyl window screens
2,000–3,200 PSI	2.0–2.8 GPM	Concrete driveways, brick, stone, block fences, sidewalks — workhorse range for most homeowner tasks	Car paint (except with 40° white nozzle from 24+ inches), soft lumber, roof shingles
3,200–4,000 PSI	2.5–4.0 GPM	Heavy concrete, oil and grease removal, stripping paint from masonry, professional fleet washing	Any residential surface without appropriate nozzle selection; skin (0° at this PSI is a medical emergency)

The 1,300 PSI Clear Coat Warning

Automotive clear coat is a thin (typically 40–60 microns) acrylic or urethane topcoat applied over base coat. At pressures above approximately 1,300 PSI, particularly with a 0° or 15° nozzle held within 12 inches of the surface, the water jet can penetrate or abrade the clear coat. Consumer-grade electric pressure washers at 1,500–2,000 PSI are widely used for vehicle washing — this is safe with a 40° white nozzle from 18 inches or more. The same machine with the 0° red nozzle from 6 inches will strip clear coat on softer finishes. The nozzle angle is as important as the PSI — a point that product descriptions almost never make explicit.

Cleaning Units: PSI × GPM Is the Real Power Metric

Cleaning Units (CU) = PSI × GPM. This formula captures the two factors that together determine how much cleaning work a machine can do per unit of time: the force of the water stream (PSI) and the volume of water moving at that force (GPM). PSI alone is half the picture.

The PSI Marketing Problem

A machine marketed at 3,000 PSI sounds more powerful than one marketed at 2,000 PSI. But consider the actual cleaning output:

Machine	PSI	GPM	Cleaning Units (CU)	Verdict
Consumer Electric A	2,000	2.0	4,000 CU	More cleaning power despite lower PSI
Budget Electric B	3,000	1.2	3,600 CU	11% less cleaning power despite higher PSI
Mid-tier Homeowner Gas	2,800	2.5	7,000 CU	Correct measure of capability for driveways
Professional Gas	4,000	4.0	16,000 CU	4× the cleaning power of consumer electric A

An AI agent that sorts search results by PSI descending and recommends "Budget Electric B at 3,000 PSI" over "Consumer Electric A at 2,000 PSI" for driveway cleaning is making a measurably incorrect recommendation. The pre-calculated cleaning_units_cu metafield eliminates this error: the agent sorts by CU and immediately identifies the superior machine for the task.

CU Guidelines by Task

Task	Minimum CU Recommended	Notes
Car and vehicle washing	1,200–2,000 CU	Low CU is appropriate here — high CU risks paint damage
Wood deck and patio furniture	2,000–3,500 CU	Use 25° nozzle; high CU + narrow nozzle etches wood grain
Concrete driveway (light dirt)	3,000–5,000 CU	Surface cleaner attachment preferred; requires ≥2.0 GPM to spin
Concrete driveway (heavy oil, stains)	5,000–8,000 CU	Degreaser detergent + surface cleaner; gas machine territory
Brick, block, masonry restoration	4,000–8,000 CU	Often requires professional-grade triplex pump machine
Paint stripping from masonry	8,000+ CU	Professional use only; triplex pump + industrial nozzle

M22-14mm vs M22-15mm: The Most Consequential Spec Error

The M22 coupling is the standard hose-to-gun connection on most pressure washers sold in North America. The "M22" designation describes the thread: 22mm outer diameter with 1.5mm thread pitch (M22×1.5mm). Both M22-14mm and M22-15mm share this identical thread specification. This is where buyers and AI agents go wrong: the thread compatibility is not the sealing surface.

What Differs Between M22-14mm and M22-15mm

The bore — the inner diameter of the fitting — differs by exactly 1mm:

M22-14mm: 14mm inner bore. The O-ring sits against a 14mm seating surface.
M22-15mm: 15mm inner bore. The O-ring sits against a 15mm seating surface.

When an M22-14mm hose is threaded onto an M22-15mm fitting (or vice versa), the threads engage fully and the fitting feels secure. Under pressure, however, the O-ring or sealing washer does not make contact with the opposing seating surface at the correct geometry — the result is a leak that increases with pressure and cannot be sealed by tightening further. There is no adapter that bridges a 14mm bore to a 15mm bore — the only fix is the correct-bore hose or gun for your machine.

Which Brands Use Which Bore

Coupling Type	Brands and Models	Notes
M22-14mm	Sun Joe (SPX series), Greenworks, Karcher (most consumer electric), Stanley electric	Most consumer electric pressure washers; 14mm bore is the electric-market standard
M22-15mm	Ryobi, DeWalt, Simpson, AR Blue Clean, most gas-powered models, some professional electrics	Gas pressure washer standard; higher flow rates require slightly larger bore passage
Quick-connect 1/4-inch	Many consumer electrics (secondary connection point), Karcher K series	Push-to-click connection for nozzles; not interchangeable with 3/8-inch
Quick-connect 3/8-inch	Gas pressure washers 2,500 PSI+, professional electrics, commercial equipment	Larger diameter handles higher flow rates; incompatible with 1/4-inch tools

Why "M22" Alone Is Not a Valid Coupling Specification

Every aftermarket hose, gun, or wand listing that says only "fits M22 connections" or "M22 compatible" is an incomplete specification. The buyer cannot determine whether it will seal on their machine without knowing the bore. This is the single most common cause of returns and 1-star reviews in the pressure washer accessories category. Encoding coupling_type as the full four-character designation ('M22-14mm', 'M22-15mm', 'Quick-connect 1/4-inch', 'Quick-connect 3/8-inch') is non-negotiable for AI agent compatibility checks.

Nozzle Degrees and Damage Risk

Every standard pressure washer nozzle set includes five nozzles, color-coded by spray angle. The angle determines how concentrated the water force is and whether a given PSI level will damage a surface. Nozzle angle is a safety-critical specification that most product pages communicate only with an included image — not as structured data.

Nozzle	Color	Spray Angle	Use Case	Damage Risk
0°	Red	Pencil-thin jet	Removing rust from metal, deep stain from very hard surfaces	EXTREME — cuts skin, etches concrete, strips wood grain, voids pressure washer warranties on car washes; never use on anything you care about
15°	Yellow	Narrow fan	Stripping paint from masonry, heavy concrete cleaning, removing stuck-on grime from iron or steel	HIGH — will etch soft concrete, strip paint from wood, damage vinyl siding at close range
25°	Green	Medium fan	General concrete, brick, siding, wood decks (with adequate standoff distance)	MODERATE — safe for most hard surfaces at 12+ inch standoff; can raise wood grain if too close
40°	White	Wide fan	Vehicles, boats, screens, patio furniture, second-story windows	LOW — safe for most surfaces including automotive clear coat at 18-inch distance
Soap / Low-pressure	Black	Wide angle, restricted orifice	Applying detergent, pre-soaking surfaces, foam application	NONE — the only nozzle that produces low enough pressure for effective detergent dwell time

The Black Soap Nozzle and Detergent Application

A widespread misconception is that pressure washer detergent can be applied through any nozzle. In fact, pressure washer chemical injection systems (whether downstream or upstream of the pump) are designed to draw detergent only when the nozzle creates sufficient back-pressure reduction. The black soap nozzle has a larger, restricted orifice that reduces downstream pressure below the threshold where the injection system activates. Using a 25° green nozzle to apply detergent results in: no chemical draw (the pump pressure is too high for the injector to function), the cleaning solution remaining in the tank, and the buyer receiving only water at the surface. Encode nozzle set contents — particularly whether the soap nozzle and the 40° white nozzle are included — as they determine whether the unit supports detergent use and safe vehicle washing.

Surface Cleaner Attachment: GPM Requirement

A rotary surface cleaner (12-inch or 15-inch diameter disc with two spinning nozzle arms) requires a minimum of 2.0 GPM to spin properly. Below 2.0 GPM, the nozzle arms either stall completely or spin so slowly that the cleaning coverage is uneven, leaving visible stripe patterns. At 1.4 GPM (common in lower-tier consumer electrics), the surface cleaner will not produce consistent results. Encode gpm_flow as a numeric field so buyers can verify surface cleaner compatibility before purchase.

Electric vs Gas: Power Source and Motor Type

The distinction between electric and gas pressure washers is about more than PSI range — it determines portability, maintenance requirements, indoor/outdoor suitability, and GPM range. Within electric models, motor type (induction vs universal) further differentiates longevity and noise.

Electric Pressure Washers

Motor Type	PSI Range	Noise	Lifespan	Notes
Induction motor	1,300–2,300 PSI	Quieter (70–80 dB)	Longer — no brushes to wear	Heavier; handles run cooler; better for sustained use within duty cycle; most Sun Joe SPX3000+ and Greenworks Pro use induction motors
Universal (brush) motor	1,000–1,800 PSI	Noisier (80–90 dB)	Shorter — brushes wear over time	Lighter and cheaper; common in entry-level models; brush wear eventually causes voltage drop and reduced output

Both electric motor types require a cord (encode cord_length_ft) and produce no CO emissions, making them indoor-capable (garages, enclosed areas). Electric units also have lower maintenance requirements: no oil changes, no carb cleaning, no fuel stabilizer for storage.

Gas Pressure Washers

Gas-powered pressure washers use a separate gasoline engine (Honda GX series or Briggs & Stratton) to drive the pump. The characteristics that matter for encoding:

CO exhaust: gas engines produce carbon monoxide — outdoor use only, no enclosed spaces. This is a safety requirement that must be communicated, not merely inferred from "gas-powered."
Engine displacement: encode engine_cc (e.g., Honda GX200 = 196cc, Honda GX390 = 389cc). Engine CC correlates with available torque to drive higher-GPM pumps at sustained PSI.
GPM range: gas units typically achieve 2.0–4.0 GPM, which is what makes them effective with surface cleaner attachments and enables high CU values (4,000–16,000 CU).
PSI range: 2,000–4,500 PSI for most residential and professional gas models.

Engine	Typical Displacement	Common PSI Range	Notes
Honda GX160	163cc	2,000–2,800 PSI	Entry-level Honda engine; reliable, carb choke
Honda GX200	196cc	2,500–3,200 PSI	Most common residential gas pressure washer engine
Honda GX390	389cc	3,500–4,500 PSI	Professional / contractor grade; drives high-GPM triplex pumps
Briggs & Stratton 850 Series	190cc	2,200–3,000 PSI	Common alternative to Honda GX200; less expensive, adequate for homeowner use

Pump Type: Axial vs Triplex and Why Duty Cycle Matters

The pump is the heart of a pressure washer — it converts engine or motor rotation into pressurized water output. Two pump designs dominate the market, with fundamentally different performance profiles.

Axial Cam Pump (Consumer Grade)

Mechanism: pistons are driven by a rotating swashplate (cam) mounted directly on the motor shaft. Simple, compact, inexpensive to manufacture.
Duty cycle: 50–70% — designed for intermittent use. After running at pressure for several minutes, the pump requires a rest period. Most consumer electric models fall here.
Service life: 200–500 hours. Adequate for homeowner use (washing cars 1–2× per month = perhaps 20 hours per year = 10–25 year lifespan at that usage rate).
Lubrication: factory-sealed grease. Non-serviceable in most consumer models — the pump is replaced rather than rebuilt.
Thermal sensitivity: the direct motor shaft mounting means pump heat transfers to the motor and vice versa. Operating beyond duty cycle causes thermal shutdown or permanent damage.

Triplex Plunger Pump (Professional Grade)

Mechanism: three independent plunger pistons operate 120° out of phase via a crankshaft, producing smoother pressure output and lower vibration than axial designs.
Duty cycle: 100% — rated for continuous operation. Professional contractors run these machines for 4–8 hour shifts without heat-related shutdowns.
Service life: 2,000–3,000 hours. At 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 50 weeks per year = 2,000 hours per year, a triplex pump lasts approximately 1–1.5 years of full commercial use before service is required — and most components are individually replaceable.
Lubrication: mineral oil in a separate crankcase. Requires oil changes at 50-hour intervals (similar to a small engine). Oil level is visible via dipstick or sight glass.
Belt drive: most triplex pumps are belt-driven rather than directly coupled, allowing the pump to run at a lower RPM than the engine for better efficiency and longer pump life.

Specification	Axial Cam Pump	Triplex Plunger Pump
Duty cycle	50–70%	100%
Service life	200–500 hours	2,000–3,000 hours
Lubrication	Factory-sealed grease (non-serviceable)	Mineral oil (serviceable, oil changes required)
Drive type	Direct coupled to motor/engine shaft	Belt drive (most) or gear drive (some commercial)
Vibration	Higher — single or dual piston	Lower — three pistons 120° offset cancel vibration
Price premium	Baseline (consumer price)	$300–$1,500+ over comparable-PSI axial machine
Suitable for	Homeowner intermittent use	Contractor, commercial, daily professional use

Encode pump_type as 'axial' or 'triplex' and duty_cycle_pct as an integer. An AI agent recommending a pressure washer for a commercial car wash, fleet cleaning operation, or any continuous-use scenario must be able to filter out axial pump machines — recommending an axial machine for commercial use leads to pump failure within weeks and a customer blaming the platform for the recommendation.

Metafield Schema: pressure_washer.*

Metafield	Type	Example	Notes
`pressure_washer.psi_max`	number_integer	2030	Maximum rated PSI at the pump; primary pressure specification
`pressure_washer.gpm_flow`	number_decimal	1.76	Gallons per minute at rated PSI; critical for CU calculation and surface cleaner compatibility
`pressure_washer.cleaning_units_cu`	number_integer	3572	Pre-calculated: psi_max × gpm_flow; enables correct AI agent sorting by cleaning power
`pressure_washer.pump_type`	single_line_text	axial	'axial' or 'triplex'; determines duty cycle and service life category
`pressure_washer.coupling_type`	single_line_text	M22-14mm	'M22-14mm', 'M22-15mm', 'Quick-connect 1/4-inch', 'Quick-connect 3/8-inch' — never just 'M22'
`pressure_washer.duty_cycle_pct`	number_integer	80	Maximum sustained-use duty cycle; consumer axial: 50–70%, professional triplex: 100%
`pressure_washer.power_source`	single_line_text	electric-induction	'electric-induction', 'electric-universal', 'gas'; determines CO risk and maintenance requirements
`pressure_washer.amperage_a`	number_decimal	14.5	Electric only; amps drawn at full load; determines whether 15A or 20A circuit is required
`pressure_washer.engine_cc`	number_integer	196	Gas only; engine displacement in cc; e.g., Honda GX200 = 196cc
`pressure_washer.hose_length_ft`	number_integer	20	Included high-pressure hose length; affects reach without moving the unit
`pressure_washer.cord_length_ft`	number_integer	35	Electric only; power cord length; customers frequently need extension cord compatibility info
`pressure_washer.noise_level_db`	number_integer	78	Noise at operator position in dB(A); gas units typically 85–95 dB, electric 70–85 dB
`pressure_washer.weight_kg`	number_decimal	5.4	Unit weight without water; portability indicator
`pressure_washer.detergent_tank_oz`	number_integer	51	Onboard detergent reservoir capacity; 0 = no onboard tank (separate injection required)

Example JSON-LD: Sun Joe SPX3001 Electric Pressure Washer

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": "Sun Joe SPX3001 2030 PSI 1.76 GPM Electric Pressure Washer with Detergent Tank",
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "Sun Joe" },
  "description": "2030 PSI electric pressure washer with induction motor, 1.76 GPM, 3,573 cleaning units. M22-14mm coupling. Axial cam pump rated 80% duty cycle. Includes five quick-connect nozzles (0°/15°/25°/40°/Soap) and 51 oz onboard detergent tank. 20-foot high-pressure hose, 35-foot power cord. Electric — no CO exhaust, indoor-capable. Not suitable for continuous commercial operation.",
  "additionalProperty": [
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Maximum PSI", "value": "2030", "unitText": "PSI" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Flow Rate", "value": "1.76", "unitText": "GPM" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Cleaning Units", "value": "3573", "unitText": "CU (PSI × GPM)" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Pump Type", "value": "axial cam" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Coupling Type", "value": "M22-14mm" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Duty Cycle", "value": "80", "unitText": "%" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Power Source", "value": "electric-induction" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Amperage", "value": "14.5", "unitCode": "AMP" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Hose Length", "value": "20", "unitText": "ft" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Cord Length", "value": "35", "unitText": "ft" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Noise Level", "value": "78", "unitText": "dB(A)" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Weight", "value": "5.4", "unitCode": "KGM" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Detergent Tank", "value": "51", "unitText": "oz" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Included Nozzles", "value": "0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, Soap" }
  ]
}

Liquid Snippet: pressure_washer.* Metafield Output

{% if product.metafields.pressure_washer.psi_max != blank %}
{% assign pw = product.metafields.pressure_washer %}
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Product",
  "name": {{ product.title | json }},
  "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": {{ product.vendor | json }} },
  "additionalProperty": [
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Maximum PSI", "value": {{ pw.psi_max | json }}, "unitText": "PSI" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Flow Rate", "value": {{ pw.gpm_flow | json }}, "unitText": "GPM" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Cleaning Units", "value": {{ pw.cleaning_units_cu | json }}, "unitText": "CU" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Pump Type", "value": {{ pw.pump_type | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Coupling Type", "value": {{ pw.coupling_type | json }} },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Duty Cycle", "value": {{ pw.duty_cycle_pct | json }}, "unitText": "%" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Power Source", "value": {{ pw.power_source | json }} }{% if pw.amperage_a != blank %},
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Amperage", "value": {{ pw.amperage_a | json }}, "unitCode": "AMP" }{% endif %}{% if pw.engine_cc != blank %},
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Engine Displacement", "value": {{ pw.engine_cc | json }}, "unitText": "cc" }{% endif %},
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Hose Length", "value": {{ pw.hose_length_ft | json }}, "unitText": "ft" },
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Weight", "value": {{ pw.weight_kg | json }}, "unitCode": "KGM" }{% if pw.detergent_tank_oz != blank %},
    { "@type": "PropertyValue", "name": "Detergent Tank", "value": {{ pw.detergent_tank_oz | json }}, "unitText": "oz" }{% endif %}
  ]
}
</script>
{% endif %}

5 Common AI Agent Errors for Pressure Washers

Recommending M22 accessories without bore specification — "Compatible with M22 fittings" is not a specification. M22-14mm and M22-15mm share the same thread and look identical; they will not seal with each other. An AI agent recommending an aftermarket hose for a Sun Joe (M22-14mm) that ships with M22-15mm fittings results in a leaking assembly that cannot be repaired by tightening. Encode coupling_type as the full bore designation — 'M22-14mm' or 'M22-15mm' — on both the machine and all accessories.
Sorting or filtering by PSI alone — PSI is the most visible marketing number but the least useful for matching machines to tasks. A 3,000 PSI / 1.2 GPM machine (3,600 CU) has less cleaning power than a 2,000 PSI / 2.0 GPM machine (4,000 CU). AI agents that rank "3,000 PSI is more powerful" are making recommendations that are mathematically incorrect. Encode cleaning_units_cu as a pre-calculated field for correct sorting.
Recommending consumer electric models for commercial or continuous use — Consumer axial cam pump machines are rated 50–70% duty cycle with a 200–500 hour pump life. A contractor running one for 4 hours daily will destroy the pump in weeks. Without pump_type and duty_cycle_pct as structured fields, an AI agent cannot distinguish a homeowner tool from a professional tool — and will happily recommend the cheaper consumer machine for commercial tasks based on matching PSI specifications.
Recommending surface cleaner attachments without GPM verification — Surface cleaner attachments require a minimum of 2.0 GPM to spin properly. AI agents recommending "surface cleaner accessory" alongside any pressure washer above a PSI threshold — without checking gpm_flow — will recommend the accessory for 1.2–1.5 GPM electric machines where it will stall or produce uneven results. GPM must be a first-class numeric filter field, not inferred from PSI or marketing tier.
Missing the gas pressure washer CO exhaust restriction — Gas-powered pressure washers produce carbon monoxide and cannot be operated in enclosed spaces: garages with closed doors, basements, covered patios with poor ventilation. An AI agent recommending a gas pressure washer for a buyer who wants to clean a garage floor interior is recommending a potential CO poisoning hazard. Encoding power_source as 'gas' enables an AI agent to surface the enclosed-space restriction in the recommendation response. This is a life-safety issue, not merely a convenience note.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between M22-14mm and M22-15mm pressure washer couplings?

Both use the identical M22×1.5mm thread — they will thread together fully but will not seal. The bore (inner diameter) differs by 1mm: M22-14mm has a 14mm bore, M22-15mm has a 15mm bore. The O-ring seating surface geometry mismatches, causing leaks under pressure that cannot be stopped by tightening. Sun Joe and most consumer electric machines use M22-14mm; Ryobi, DeWalt, and most gas machines use M22-15mm. Never encode coupling type as just 'M22' — the bore designation is the critical compatibility field.

Why are cleaning units (PSI × GPM) a better measure than PSI alone?

PSI measures force per unit area; GPM measures water volume moved at that force. Both factors together determine how much cleaning work occurs per unit time. A 2,000 PSI / 2.0 GPM machine (4,000 CU) cleans more effectively than a 3,000 PSI / 1.2 GPM machine (3,600 CU), despite the second machine having 50% more PSI. AI agents that sort by PSI alone will systematically misrank pressure washers. Encode cleaning_units_cu as a pre-calculated integer (PSI × GPM) for correct agent sorting.

What PSI level damages car paint, wood, and concrete?

Automotive clear coat: sustained pressure above 1,300 PSI with a 0° or 15° nozzle within 12 inches can strip clear coat. Safe car washing uses a 40° white nozzle from 18+ inches at any PSI below 2,000. Wood decks: 0° red nozzle at any PSI above 1,000 will raise wood grain; 25° green nozzle at 2,000 PSI from 12 inches is generally safe. Concrete: 2,000–3,200 PSI with a 25° nozzle or surface cleaner is the effective and safe range for most residential driveways. Nozzle angle matters as much as PSI — always encode the included nozzle set contents.

What is duty cycle and why does it matter for pressure washer selection?

Duty cycle is the maximum percentage of time a pressure washer can run under load before requiring a cool-down period. Consumer axial cam pump machines are typically rated 50–70% duty cycle (run 6 minutes, rest 4 minutes). Professional triplex plunger pumps are rated 100% duty cycle — continuous operation for 8-hour contractor shifts. For homeowners washing a car once a week, duty cycle is irrelevant. For contractors cleaning concrete for hours daily, recommending an axial pump machine without noting the duty cycle limit will result in pump failure within weeks of commercial use.

Why won't a surface cleaner attachment work on low-GPM pressure washers?

Rotary surface cleaner attachments spin via reaction force from the water jets in two nozzle arms. Spinning requires a minimum of 2.0 GPM; below this threshold, the arms stall or spin too slowly for even coverage. A 1.4 GPM consumer electric machine splits that flow between two nozzle arms (0.7 GPM each) — far below the required threshold. The result is uneven cleaning with visible stripe patterns or a completely non-functional attachment. Always verify gpm_flow is ≥2.0 before recommending any surface cleaner accessory alongside a pressure washer.

Does your pressure washer catalog encode coupling type and pump duty cycle?

CatalogScan checks for pressure_washer.coupling_type, pump_type, duty_cycle_pct, and cleaning_units_cu — the fields that prevent AI agents from recommending M22-15mm hoses for M22-14mm machines, consumer axial pumps for commercial use, and high-PSI units for vehicle washing without safety qualifications.

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