Soft Wash - 12 Volt Pump

December 9, 2022

A 12v pump uses electrical power, typically from a charged deep cell marine battery, to pull water and chemical from their respective tanks and eject it through a hose. The pump is made of three components.

First is the motor or body of the pump. This takes the electric energy and translates that into a mechanical axle movement, similar to the pressure washer motor.

Next is the pump head. This is what actually draws the water and chemical, pressurizes it slightly, and ejects it out.

Lastly, an adjustable pressure switch allows the pump to turn off when it detects back pressure. This means when the outlet is closed off (like when the operator is not actively applying water or chemical), the pump will build pressure between the pump head and the trigger. Instead of needing a bypass to return the water or chemical to the source tank, the pressure switch can detect the increase in pressure and shut the pump off automatically. Once the pressure is relieved by beginning to apply water or chemical again, the pump will automatically begin creating pressure again.

12 Volt Pumps have a flow rate that ranges between 1 GPM and 10 GPM. For commercial soft wash applicators, operators will typically use pumps with a rating between 5-7 GPM and generate 50-60 PSI.

Benefits

These systems are extremely cheap compared to other systems.
The lower GPM will help conserve soft wash solution and minimize overspray.
These systems are easy to repair or replace.

Drawbacks

The batteries have to be constantly maintained, typically by plugging them into an electrical source every night.
The because of friction, hose length, and other factors, you will not get the full Gallons Per Minute that the pump is rated for. The pump may indicate the draw rate is 5 GPM but at the nozzle you may get only half.

Use Cases

12 Volt Soft Wash Systems are wonderful for almost every residential project and small commercial work. These pumps can do some larger commercial projects but may not be as efficient time-wise.