How to Start a Pressure Washing Business in 2026: Complete Guide
Low startup costs, high demand, and repeat customers. Here's everything you need to launch a profitable pressure washing business.
Pressure washing is one of the most accessible service businesses to start. With $5,000-15,000 in equipment and a truck, you can generate $50,000-100,000 in your first year. Many operators scale to $300,000+ within three years.
This guide covers the real costs, legal requirements, and step-by-step process to get your first paying customers.
Step 1: Validate the Opportunity
Research Your Local Market
Before buying equipment, answer these questions:
Market Research Checklist:
- • How many pressure washing companies serve your area?
- • What are they charging? (Call for quotes)
- • What services do they offer? (Driveways, houses, roofs, commercial)
- • What's the housing stock like? (Older homes = more cleaning needs)
- • What's the weather? (Year-round work or seasonal?)
Search Google for "pressure washing [your city]" and note the top 5 results. Check their reviews, services, and pricing. This is your competitive landscape.
Calculate Your Target Income
Work backwards from your income goal. If you want to net $75,000 annually:
The math: At $150/job average and 40% profit margin, you need roughly $187,500 in revenue. That's 1,250 jobs per year, or about 5 jobs per working day.
Step 2: Handle the Legal Stuff
Business Structure
Most pressure washing businesses start as LLCs. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong on a job. Formation costs $50-500 depending on your state.
Licenses and Permits
Requirements vary by location. Common requirements include:
- • Business license: Required in most cities ($50-200)
- • Contractor's license: Some states require this for work over certain dollar amounts
- • Wastewater permit: Some cities regulate where dirty water can flow
- • Home occupation permit: If operating from home
Insurance (Non-Negotiable)
You need two types of insurance from day one:
General Liability
Covers property damage and injuries
$500-1,500/year
Commercial Auto
Covers your work vehicle
$1,200-3,000/year
Many commercial customers require $1 million in liability coverage. Some require you to name them as additionally insured. Get proper coverage from the start.
Step 3: Buy Equipment
Starter Equipment Package
You don't need the most expensive equipment to start. Here's a practical starter setup:
Minimum Viable Equipment:
Vehicle Requirements
A truck or van capable of hauling your equipment. Used trucks work fine. Budget $5,000-15,000 for a reliable work vehicle if you don't already have one.
Many operators start with a trailer-mounted setup, which allows using a personal vehicle initially. Enclosed trailers protect equipment and look more professional.
Step 4: Set Your Prices
Pricing Models
Most pressure washers use square footage pricing for consistency:
Typical Pricing Ranges:
Set minimum charges to make small jobs worthwhile. Most operators have a $150-250 minimum regardless of job size.
Know Your Costs
Before setting prices, calculate your hourly operating cost:
Example: If your equipment, fuel, chemicals, insurance, and vehicle costs total $25/hour, and you want to earn $50/hour for your labor, your minimum charge rate is $75/hour. A driveway that takes 45 minutes should be priced at $56 minimum, before profit margin.
Step 5: Get Your First Customers
Week 1: Foundation
- • Set up Google Business Profile (free, essential)
- • Create a simple website or booking page
- • Order business cards and door hangers
- • Do 2-3 jobs for friends/family at a discount for photos and reviews
Week 2-4: Hustle Phase
- • Join local Facebook groups and Nextdoor
- • Drop door hangers in neighborhoods with dirty driveways
- • Ask every customer for a Google review
- • Post before/after photos on social media daily
- • Introduce yourself to real estate agents
Month 2+: Systematic Growth
- • Request referrals from satisfied customers
- • Consider Google Local Service Ads ($20-50 per lead)
- • Build relationships with property managers
- • Start email marketing to past customers
- • Add soft washing and roof cleaning services
Total Startup Costs
Budget Summary:
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underpricing: New operators often charge too little. You can always offer discounts, but raising prices is harder.
- Skipping insurance: One damaged window or slip-and-fall can bankrupt you. Never work without coverage.
- Buying too much equipment: Start with the basics. Add specialty equipment as demand justifies it.
- No before/after photos: Your best marketing is visual proof. Photograph every job.
- Ignoring soft washing: Soft washing expands your services to roofs and delicate surfaces. Learn it early.
Your First Year Timeline
Months 1-3: Learn the craft, build reviews, establish systems. Expect $2,000-5,000/month revenue.
Months 4-6: Word of mouth kicks in, repeat customers return. Target $5,000-10,000/month.
Months 7-12: Steady pipeline, possibly your first helper. Target $8,000-15,000/month.
By year-end, a focused operator can reasonably expect $60,000-100,000 in revenue, with $30,000-50,000 in profit after expenses.
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