Hi.

We are considering getting a pressure washer this year to do a few (and I mean few) chores around the house.

The thing will probably run approximately 6-8 hours total each season. The main task will be to wash our vinyl siding instead of using a garden hose with the Windex cleaner on the end. Basically we'd be using the rotating brush attachment and then the attachment for the rinse...

This being said, we won't be getting the top of the line or the most powerful. If we take care of the pump & engine, hopefully get at least 5-10 years out of it knowing some of the issues with the pumps with the "big box store" items being of limited life.

To my question: After reading somethings on the web, many people discourage homeowners trying to do it themselves with the potential damage to the house. Now I'm concerned I may be getting into something I shouldn't. Does anyone here do it themselves?

I understand the safety issues such as like not firing the water at people, windows, things and trying to not get it behind the siding.

Should I be afraid of making this a DYI task?

Paying someone to do it costs more than doing it myself and when I'd be done, I'd have the stuff to do it more than the one time.

If it's a big deal though, perhaps I shouldn't...

Thoughts and opinions?