Working flow
Water consumption characterizes productivity, that is, the amount of water that the unit can supply to the nozzle per hour. In most models, performance can be adjusted; for such cases, the characteristics indicate the flow rate at maximum power.
Higher
performance allows you to better handle large volumes of work and stubborn dirt, but requires adequate power — and this, in turn, affects the size, price and electricity / fuel consumption. So it is worth choosing according to this parameter, taking into account the features of the planned application. If we talk about specific numbers, then
low-capacity washes include models with a rate of up to 350 L / h, which are designed for simple tasks like cleaning windows in a private house, a small car or smaller equipment like bicycles. The unit with a flow rate of 350 – 500 L / h is perfect for washing cars and other similar tasks; if you have to deal with a large car like an SUV, you should pay attention to more performant options — up to 600 L / h. A capacity of 600 L/h or more makes it possible to classify the sink as a professional level, and values of 1000 L/h or more are typical for the most powerful and advanced models that can handle almost any task.
Max. inlet water temperature
The highest inlet water temperature allowed by the design of the mini-sink.
For some tasks, warm or even hot water is the best option. And devices that allow the connection of warm water may have different restrictions on its temperature. So if the ability to work with hot water is important to you, you should pay special attention to the maximum allowable temperature: it should be at least 60 °C. And ideally, the limit should be at least 80 °C.
Note that many mini-sinks have their own built-in heaters (see "Water heating"); while some of these models also allow external connection of hot water, others work only with cold water.
High pressure hose
The length of the high pressure hose that connects the gun to the washer body.
The larger this length, the more freedom of movement the user has. On the other hand, a hose that is too long can be inconvenient when working at short distances. Therefore, when choosing, you should not chase the maximum length of the hose, but take into account the real conditions in which you plan to work. The best method for choosing a hose length is to estimate the maximum distance to be removed from the sink body, and add a margin of at least 2 to 3 metres to it in case of unforeseen circumstances (for example, obstacles that prevent the hose from being pulled directly).
The shortest HP hoses in modern mini-sinks are up
to 4 m long, in the longest this figure can
exceed 10 m. However, the most popular are the average values —
4 – 6 m and
6 – 10 m.
Accessories
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Universal 3 in 1. Multifunctional nozzle capable of operating in 3 modes and having the ability to quickly switch between them; in some models, this can be done right in the process, although this possibility should be clarified in advance. The specific functionality of such a device also needs to be clarified separately: it can be different for different manufacturers (and even in different models of the same manufacturer). However, as a rule, the universal nozzle covers the most basic washing functions, such as spot jet, mud blaster (see below) and gentle mist spray mode.
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Fan. In accordance with the name, this type of nozzle produces a "fan" during operation - a flat jet expanding from the nozzle. This jet is well suited for treating large areas. In addition, by changing the distance from the nozzle to the surface to be treated, it is possible to regulate the intensity of exposure and the width of coverage within certain limits. So, bringing the nozzle almost close, you can get a very powerful effect on a small area; when removed, the coverage will expand, and the intensity will decrease.
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Dot. Nozzle that forms a thin and narrow jet. It is intended mainly for processing hard-to-reach places and small surfaces, as well as "precise work" - for example, if you need to carefully walk along a certain area, avoiding water getting beyond its edges as mu
...ch as possible. Also note that the spot nozzle provides a fairly intense impact, so it can to some extent replace the mud blaster (see below) - for example, on delicate surfaces, where the jet from the burr can damage the coating.
- Mud. A specialized nozzle designed to remove dirt, including hard and old. It is also known as a “mud cutter”, which quite accurately describes the features of its work: the design has a special rotary nozzle, thanks to which the water jet rotates and effectively “cuts off” even fairly dense deposits. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that such an impact is quite intense, it can also harm the treated surface itself - in particular, there are known cases of damage to the paint on the car body due to too long and intensive use of the mud cutter. So you need to work with such a nozzle carefully and "without fanaticism."
- Corner. Bent-shaped nozzle: the flow of water leaving the nozzle is directed at an angle (usually straight or almost straight) relative to the hose. And in some models, the nozzle is mounted on a hinge and the angle of its location can be changed within certain limits. Whatever the case, the angled design makes it easy to reach a variety of hard-to-reach places that are hard to reach with traditional straight nozzles. The specific shape of the jet can theoretically be different, but in practice it is most often a "point" or "fan" (see above).
- Foam gun. Nozzle designed for washing with foam. Foam increases the efficiency of removing dirt, this method is popular, in particular, when washing cars and motorcycles. The nozzle itself has its own container, into which the detergent is poured, and a special nozzle shape that promotes foaming. An alternative to the foam gun can be your own foam container provided in the sink; see below about it, here we note that a specialized nozzle is rather bulky, however, it provides high quality foam, which cannot always be achieved when using a built-in tank, and can be used regardless of whether the sink has its own foam tank.
- Washing brush. A nozzle with a working part in the form of a brush, designed in such a way that during the operation of the unit, water enters the bristles of such a brush. Such nozzles are very convenient for contact washing: they eliminate the need for separate brushes, and are much more efficient and convenient.
- Rotating brush. A variation of the brush described above, supplemented by a special drive, due to which the working part with bristles rotates during use. Such a drive usually works due to the water pressure supplied to the nozzle. Such devices are more effective than classic brushes, they are more convenient and easier to use, but they are much more expensive.
- Patio nozzle. A special type of nozzles for washing large flat surfaces - mostly outdoor (garden paths, sidewalks, floors on the porch or terrace, etc.; often also walls). Such a nozzle has a characteristic round shape, and functionally it combines the capabilities of a high-pressure jet and a brush. The brush is located around the circumference of the product, and inside this ring is a design like a garden sprinkler, equipped with several nozzles. During operation, these nozzles move in a circle, intensively processing the surface under them; and the brush not only promotes effective cleaning, but also prevents splashing. Most Patio nozzles are as effective as more traditional fan models, providing not only minimal spray, but also more coverage.
— Number of replaceable nozzles. The total number of replacement nozzles (nozzles) supplied with the sink. Recall that the strength, thickness and shape of the jet issued by the unit depends on the configuration of the nozzle. However, it should be borne in mind that this parameter may correlate differently with the total number of washing functions. For example, in one car wash, three complete nozzles can each be responsible for their function (option: fan, spot nozzle, mud nozzle), in another model it can be three versions of the same function (say, fan spray at 3 different angles), and in the third device, on the contrary, one of the nozzles can be universal (see above), and the total number of functions will be more than 3. Such details should be clarified according to the manufacturer's documentation. However, in general, a larger number of complete nozzles, as a rule, means a more extensive set of operating modes.
— Hose for pipe cleaning. This accessory is intended for cleaning sewer and drainpipes from plaque, small debris, grease and other deposits. As a rule, such hoses are flexible and have a small outer size that allows them to overcome pipe bends; they are also often reinforced with steel cord. Under water pressure, the nozzle with the hose is sucked into the pipe and cleans it well. The nozzle jet configuration is typically cone shaped with flows in different directions.
