Understanding the Nozzle System

When selecting a pressure washing nozzle, you’ll encounter two important terms: degree and orifice size. These values work together to determine the spray pattern and pressure output. On our website, nozzles are categorized by degree, which refers to the angle of the spray, and within each degree category, there are variations in orifice size, which controls water flow.

Breaking Down Nozzle Degrees
The degree refers to the angle of the spray that comes out of the nozzle. Here's a quick breakdown of common nozzle degrees and their uses:

• 0 Degrees
  This nozzle has a concentrated, pencil-thin stream. It delivers the most force and is typically used for spot cleaning stubborn stains like chewing gum or graffiti. Use with caution, as it can damage surfaces if misused.
• 5 Degrees
  A lesser-known angle, this nozzle is often used for more specialized jobs where a slightly wider spray than 0 degrees is needed. It’s great for focused cleaning on smaller areas.
• 15 Degrees
  With a slightly wider spray, the 15-degree nozzle is useful for heavy-duty cleaning, like removing tough dirt, grease, or paint from hard surfaces like concrete or brick.
• 25 Degrees
  The 25-degree nozzle is the go-to for general-purpose cleaning. It’s great for washing patios, decks, and siding without causing damage. The wider spray allows for efficient cleaning over larger surfaces.
• 40 Degrees
  The 40-degree nozzle produces a wide spray pattern, perfect for light-duty cleaning like rinsing windows, vehicles, and delicate surfaces. It covers a larger area, reducing the risk of surface damage.

Understanding Orifice Size
Orifice size refers to the diameter of the opening that allows water to pass through the nozzle. The orifice size affects the pressure of the water coming out. To determine which orifice you need, it’s important to know the flow rate of your pressure washer.

For example, if you are looking for a 2502 nozzle:

• 25 refers to the degree of the spray (25-degree angle).
• 02 refers to the orifice size (2.0 orifice), which determines the pressure based on the flow rate of your machine.

How to Choose the Right Orifice Size
Choosing the right orifice size for your pressure washer is crucial to maintaining the correct pressure. Refer to our Nozzle Chart to match the orifice size with your machine’s specifications. The chart helps you decipher which orifice size will provide the optimal flow rate for the pressure washer’s PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute).

Quick-Connect Nozzles vs. MEG Nozzles: What's the Difference?

When it comes to pressure washing, you may come across two main types of nozzles: quick-connect nozzles (often color-coded) and MEG nozzles. While both serve similar purposes in terms of spray angle and orifice size, their designs and applications can vary.

Quick-Connect Nozzles
Quick-connect nozzles are the most common type, easily recognizable by their color-coded tips. Each color represents a specific spray angle, making it quick and simple to swap between nozzles without tools:

• Red (0°)
• Yellow (15°)
• Green (25°)
• White (40°)
• Black (65°) – This nozzle is typically used for applying soaps or chemicals at low pressure.

These nozzles connect directly to the end of your spray wand via a quick-connect system, which makes changing between nozzles fast and easy. This type is ideal for residential users and professionals who frequently switch between different tasks and spray patterns.

MEG Nozzles
MEG nozzles, on the other hand, are a more specialized option. They are typically threaded and need to be screwed directly onto your spray gun or surface cleaner. MEG nozzles are commonly used in surface cleaners and other specialized applications, like certain high-pressure systems, where a fixed and secure connection is essential.

While they don’t feature color coding like quick-connect nozzles, MEG nozzles are identified by their spray angle (degree) and orifice size, such as a 2502 MEG nozzle (25-degree spray angle and #2.0 orifice size). These nozzles are preferred by professional pressure washers who need precision and durability for heavy-duty jobs.

Which Should You Use?

• Quick-connect nozzles are best for general-purpose cleaning, allowing you to change between spray patterns quickly and easily.
• MEG nozzles are ideal for surface cleaners and high-pressure systems where durability and a secure connection are key.

Conclusion
By understanding the relationship between the degree of the nozzle and the orifice size, you can ensure you’re using the correct equipment for every job. The correct nozzle ensures efficiency, safety, and the desired cleaning result. For further assistance, check out the variety of nozzles available on our site, such as our 25-degree nozzles, and feel free to reach out with any questions.