How Pressure Washing Pricing Works
In the Johannesburg market you'll generally see three pricing models: hourly rates, fixed job prices, and per-square-metre rates. Hourly pricing sounds simple, but it rewards slow work and makes it impossible to budget upfront. Fixed job prices are fine for small jobs, but on larger walls they're usually padded to cover the unknown.
We price walls per square metre because it's the fairest model for both sides. You pay for exactly the surface we clean — no more, no less. Our current rates are published openly on our pricing page:
- Precast and boundary walls: R 28 per m²
- Solar panels: R 28 per panel
- Call-out fee: a flat R 1,200 per visit, covering transport, travel time within our Gauteng service area, and the setup of our equipment on-site
Multiply the length of your wall by its height. A 40 m boundary wall that's 2 m tall is 80 m². If your wall is cleaned on both sides, count both faces.
Worked Examples
Here's what typical Johannesburg properties work out to using our published rates:
| Property Type | Wall Area | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Townhouse front wall | 30 m² | R 2,040 (R 840 + R 1,200 call-out) |
| Standard suburban boundary wall | 80 m² | R 3,440 (R 2,240 + R 1,200 call-out) |
| Large stand, full perimeter | 200 m² | R 6,800 (R 5,600 + R 1,200 call-out) |
| Estate or complex perimeter | 500+ m² | Quoted on site — contract rates available |
Because the call-out fee is flat, the larger the job, the lower your effective cost per square metre. Neighbours who book together on the same day can share the logistics — it's worth asking the people next door.
What Affects the Final Price
Our per-m² rate covers the standard process: assessment, biodegradable chemical pre-treatment, controlled pressure washing, and a final rinse. A few site conditions can still affect the final scope:
Access
Walls behind dense planting, along steep embankments, or on a busy road verge take longer to set up safely. We'll flag this during the assessment rather than surprise you on the day.
Contamination Level
A wall with light road dust and a wall with ten years of black algae are not the same job. Heavily fouled walls may need a longer chemical dwell time or a second treatment pass, which we'll always confirm before starting.
Specialist Treatments
Graffiti, rust staining, and efflorescence need targeted chemistry beyond a standard wash. These are assessed separately so you only pay for them when they're actually needed.
The Problem with the Cheapest Quote
Pressure washing has a low barrier to entry — anyone can hire a machine for the weekend. The cheapest quotes usually come from operators who skip pre-treatment and compensate with maximum pressure. The wall looks clean on the day, but the surface has been etched, the algae roots are still alive, and the growth returns within a season.
If a quote doesn't mention chemical pre-treatment or how pressure will be adjusted for your wall's age, ask. A clean that lasts three months is more expensive than one that lasts eighteen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum charge for pressure washing?
Every visit carries the flat R 1,200 call-out fee, which covers transport, travel time within our Gauteng service area, and equipment setup. Beyond that, you only pay for the square metres we clean, so even a small wall is priced fairly.
Do you charge extra for both sides of a wall?
Each face is measured separately, so a wall cleaned on both sides counts double the area. Many clients only clean the street-facing side; others coordinate with neighbours to share the cost of the inside face.
Is pressure washing cheaper than painting a wall?
In almost every case, yes. Painting needs preparation, primer, multiple coats, and repainting every few years. A professional clean restores the original finish of precast concrete for a fraction of the cost, and it doesn't trap moisture under a coating that will later peel.
Getting an Accurate Quote
For the fastest estimate, measure your wall and use the calculator on our pricing page. If you're unsure of the size, or the wall has visible damage, staining, or graffiti, we'll assess and measure it on-site. Learn more about what's included in our precast wall cleaning service.
Ready for a firm number? Request your free quote — we'll confirm the scope and price before any work begins.