A basic commercial setup starts at roughly $3,000 to $6,000. A complete trailer rig typically runs $8,000 to $20,000 or more. The barrier to entry is low enough that you can start generating revenue within days of receiving your equipment.
Starting a pressure washing business does not require a massive upfront investment, but the right equipment from the beginning is what lets you deliver professional results and build a reputation. At minimum you need:
Ameritech's turnkey systems are built for new business owners who want a complete, professionally assembled setup without the guesswork of sourcing and assembling individual components.
| Setup | Typical cost | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic setup | $3,000 to $6,000 | Quality commercial machine, hoses, nozzles, surface cleaner and chemical supplies |
| Complete trailer rig | $8,000 to $20,000+ | Larger machine, buffer tank, hose reels, surface cleaners and professional-grade accessories |
Budget separately for business licensing, insurance covering general liability and commercial auto, marketing materials and a basic website.
The relatively low barrier to entry is one of the most attractive aspects of this industry. Unlike many service businesses, you can start generating revenue within days of receiving your equipment.
| Category | Work |
|---|---|
| Residential | House washing, driveway and sidewalk cleaning, deck and fence restoration, roof soft washing, gutter cleaning, pre-paint preparation |
| Commercial | Building exteriors, parking lots and garages, drive-throughs, dumpster pads, awnings and canopies, graffiti removal |
| Specialty | Fleet washing, heavy equipment cleaning, post-construction cleanup, grease trap and hood cleaning, solar panel cleaning |
| Recurring contracts | Property management companies, HOAs, restaurant chains and retail centres, often on annual agreements |
Many successful operators start with residential work to build skills and a client base, then expand into more lucrative commercial and specialty services as the business grows. Recurring contracts are where income becomes stable and predictable.
A basic setup with a quality commercial machine, hoses, nozzles, surface cleaner and chemical supplies starts in the range of $3,000 to $6,000. A complete trailer rig with a larger machine, buffer tank, hose reels and professional accessories typically runs $8,000 to $20,000 or more, before licensing, insurance and marketing.
At minimum: a commercial-grade machine at 3,000+ PSI and 4+ GPM, 200 feet of high-pressure hose with quick connects, a nozzle set, a flat surface cleaner, a chemical injection system with SH, surfactant and degreaser, a buffer tank of at least 100 gallons, safety equipment, and a vehicle with a trailer or skid unit.
The barrier to entry is low and revenue can start within days of receiving equipment. Profitability improves substantially with recurring contracts from property managers, HOAs, restaurant chains and retail centres, which provide stable predictable income rather than one-off jobs.
16 to 20 inches is typical for residential work. Commercial flat work calls for larger units, generally 24 to 28 inches or more, paired with a machine delivering 8 to 10+ GPM.
Many successful operators start residential to build skills and a client base, then expand into commercial and specialty services such as fleet washing, post-construction cleanup and hood cleaning as the business grows.
Ameritech builds turnkey systems for new operators, professionally assembled and ready to work. Talk to our Tampa team before you buy piecemeal.
Talk to the Tampa Team