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How to Start a Pressure Washing Business

Pressure washing has a short learning curve and strong seasonal demand for driveways, decks, fleets and storefronts. Equipment quality and wastewater rules are the two things new operators most often underestimate.

Reviewed November 5, 2026 · Sources linked inline

Startup costs

We haven't found a reliable published cost range for this business, so we don't show one. Costs vary widely by market, equipment and whether you buy new or used. Plug your own quotes into the worksheet:

Open a pressure washing cost worksheet →

SBA 7(a) loans in this industry

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790): 861 loans approved in FY2024–FY2026. Median loan $150,000; middle half $50,000–$350,000.

Loan size is not startup cost — these loans also fund acquisitions, real estate and working capital. Full breakdown and caveats →

How much competition is there?

Census industry: Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings (NAICS 561790)

Nationwide: 18,069 employer establishments (2023) and 146,860 businesses without employees (2024).

See counts for your county → Counts aren't a measure of saturation — see the caveats on the tool page.

Equipment and supplies

  • Pressure washer rated by GPM as well as PSI
  • Surface cleaner for flatwork
  • Soft-wash pump for roofs and siding
  • Water tank, hose reels and trailer
  • Wastewater recovery/vacuum system where required
  • PPE: eye protection, boots, gloves

Licenses and registration

  • Register your business or DBA with the state.
  • Get a local business license.
  • Many municipalities prohibit washing runoff into storm drains under Clean Water Act stormwater programs — ask your city about discharge rules.
  • Commercial jobs may require proof of insurance and a W-9.
  • Get a free Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS if you will hire employees or form an LLC or corporation. Beware of sites that charge for this. [source]
  • Register an LLC or corporation with your state's business registration office (sole proprietors usually register a trade name/DBA instead). [source]

Insurance to consider

  • General liability (damage to siding, paint, plants)
  • Commercial auto
  • Equipment coverage
  • Workers' compensation once you hire

Get quotes from several carriers or an independent agent; coverage needs depend on your contracts, state and staff.

Financing options

  • SBA 7(a) loans — the SBA's main guaranteed loan program, made through participating lenders. [source]
  • SBA Microloans — smaller loans delivered through nonprofit intermediary lenders. [source]
  • SBA Lender Match — a free tool that connects you with interested SBA lenders. [source]
  • Free counseling from your local SBDC or SCORE chapter can help you build the business plan lenders ask for. [source]

Estimate payments with the loan calculator, then check runway with the cash flow projection.

Ongoing operating expenses

  • Fuel and water
  • Chemicals
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Insurance
  • Marketing

Use the break-even calculator to see how many jobs or sales cover them.

Common mistakes

  • Using high pressure on surfaces that need soft washing
  • Ignoring stormwater discharge rules
  • Buying a high-PSI, low-GPM machine
  • Not photographing pre-existing damage

Finding customers

  • Before/after photos on Google Business Profile and social media
  • Commercial accounts: restaurants, HOAs, property managers, fleets
  • Seasonal promotions
  • Bundled services (gutters, windows)

Startup checklist

Ticks are saved on this device and appear on My plan.

Compare with other businesses

Sources