Ryobi Water Broom

Experiencing the Ryobi Water Broom has been a mixed bag of highs and lows. As a pressure washer attachment, it promises to streamline the cleaning process for various outdoor surfaces, including decks, patios, driveways, and even the undercarriages of vehicles. While it certainly has its merits, there are several aspects that may leave some users wanting more.

First and foremost, the concept of the water broom is impressive. The idea of combining the power of a pressure washer with the convenience of a broom to clean large surfaces efficiently is appealing. The Ryobi Water Broom is designed to attach seamlessly to a pressure washer wand, turning the powerful jet of water into a broad, sweeping spray. This should, in theory, make quick work of dirt and debris on expansive surfaces.

In practice, the water broom does deliver on some fronts. When used on lighter tasks, such as rinsing away loose dirt or leaves, it performs admirably. The three nozzles provide a wide spray pattern that covers a decent area, making it faster than using a single nozzle on a pressure washer wand. The wheels on the broom allow it to glide smoothly across flat surfaces, reducing the strain on your arms and back.

However, the water broom's performance is not without its flaws. One of the most significant issues is its tendency to lift off the ground when in use. With a pressure washer generating 2700 PSI or more, the force of the water can cause the broom to "fly" rather than stay grounded. This requires constant downward pressure to keep it in contact with the surface, which can be tiring over extended periods. The lightweight design of the water broom exacerbates this issue, as it doesn't have enough heft to stay firmly planted on its own.

Another point of contention is the spray pattern itself. While the three nozzles cover a broad area, they do not overlap, resulting in stripes of uncleaned surface between the spray paths. This means that multiple passes are often necessary to achieve a thorough clean, which somewhat defeats the purpose of having a wider spray in the first place. The nozzles are also positioned quite close to the ground, which can leave streaks and requires careful maneuvering to avoid missing spots.

Durability is another area where the water broom falls short. Several users have reported that the swivel connection, which allows the broom to pivot for undercarriage cleaning, is prone to breaking. This is particularly frustrating given that replacement parts are not readily available, and the warranty period is relatively short. In my experience, the brass quick-connect fittings can also be a weak point, with some failing after just a few uses. This raises concerns about the long-term reliability of the tool, especially for those who plan to use it frequently.

On the positive side, the water broom shines when used for vehicle undercarriage cleaning. The upward spray from the nozzles is perfect for washing away road salt, mud, and grime from beneath cars and trucks. For automotive enthusiasts who take pride in maintaining their vehicles, this feature alone can make the water broom a worthwhile investment. It allows for a more thorough clean than simply spraying at an angle with a standard nozzle, reaching areas that are otherwise difficult to access.

The water broom also has its moments on concrete surfaces. When used on driveways or patios, it can effectively rinse away loose debris and dirt. However, for more stubborn stains or caked-on grime, it falls short of the deep-cleaning power of a rotary surface cleaner. The lack of weight and the need for multiple passes diminish its efficiency for these tougher tasks.

Installation and setup are straightforward, with the water broom attaching easily to a pressure washer wand via a quick-connect fitting. Switching between the broom mode and the undercarriage cleaning mode is simple, requiring just a pull of a knob to pivot the head. This versatility is a nice touch, adding to the tool's overall utility.

In summary, the Ryobi Water Broom is a tool with potential but also notable limitations. It excels in certain applications, such as undercarriage cleaning and light surface rinsing, but struggles with more demanding tasks. The issues with durability and the need for constant pressure to keep it grounded are significant drawbacks that may deter some users.

Would I recommend the Ryobi Water Broom? It depends on your specific needs. If you are primarily looking for a tool to clean the underside of your vehicles or to perform light rinsing tasks on flat surfaces, it can be a valuable addition to your arsenal. However, if you require a heavy-duty solution for deep-cleaning large areas, you may want to consider other options that offer more power and stability.

Ultimately, the Ryobi Water Broom is a niche tool that performs well within its specific use cases but may leave you wanting more for broader applications.