Pressure washers are a great way to save you time and effort when washing cars, patios, equipment and more, so it's important they work properly. Like everything, they can break so here we will explain common causes and fixes to keep your pressure washer working!
No Water Pressure (or Very Little!)
If it starts up fine and is running well but there's little or no water or pressure coming from the pump, it may be that the wand, hose or inlet filter is blocked. To find out what is causing the problem, hook a water hose to the washers inlet and turn it on. If water flows out, then water is getting through but if not, it's more than likely a clogged inline filter. This will need to be cleaned and removed. If we assume water is getting through, start the engine and hook up the hose and wand. If this still doesn't work, the hose may be kinked or the wand could be clogged.
Pressure Washer is Losing Pressure
There are many likely causes of this, such as a blocked nozzle or water inlet. There may not be a strong enough water supply or there may be air in the inlet water supply or pump. Check the water supply is turned on full if you find the pressure is pulsing.
Also check the hose is not squeezed or kinked anywhere, preventing the water from getting through.
Water is Leaking From the Wand
A super common leak is where the wand attaches to the hose and this causes pressure to drop. Check for cracks here and replace the wand if necessary. It could also be the rubber o-rings causing the leak if they're cracked or old.
Water is Leaking From the Pump
Before using the pressure washer, compressed air needs to be purged from the pump. Having a leak can cause the lack of pressure to build up. Before running the engine, pump the handle until water starts flowing from the wand. Another cause of pump leak is a defective thermal release valve. This valve is designed to let pressurised, heated water exit the pump if the machine is left running for some time without squeezing the trigger. It will need replacing if the valve constantly lets water leak.
No Water Coming out of the Lance
This could be that the nozzle is blocked. If it's the lance that's leaking, you may find the plastic has split or the seals are broken from any wear and tear. Check that the lance is on properly beforehand, try to avoid dropping the lance on the floor and store it properly on the pressure washer storage slots and hangers if you can instead of leaving it on the floor.
Engine Won't Run
If you have a gas powered pressure washer, you've checked there is enough oil and it's sparking, there's a good chance the problem is the carburettor. You may find it's gummed up with old fuel. Open the drain plug on the carb and let out a bit of the oil fuel. If it still doesn't work, it may be that the carburettor is blocked. Remove and disassemble the carb and then clean it with a carburettor cleaner. It's a good idea to do this whilst supervised.
Pressure Washer Pump Failing
Having components which are cracked or frozen are the likely cause of the pump failing. Yet another culprit could be running the pump without the water flowing. To avoid this, store the pressure washer in a cupboard inside the house, somewhere it can't get frosted.
No Water Flowing but Strange Noises From Pump
If there are strange noises from the pump and no water flowing but the pressure washer starts up and runs fine, it is likely to be a last season error. In winter and cold climates, a pressure washer always needs to be drained of water before storing for Winter. Ideally it will be filled with anti-freeze too. Check the manufacturers instructions on how store in the Winter. If water is left inside, it's going to freeze and expand which then causes damage. A pump replacement is the sensible option here.
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