When it comes to repairing my tools, I like to stay cautious about not spending hundreds of dollars on a new tool. If you actually can repair a thing yourself just for a fraction of the cost then why spend more!!
The same rule applies to your pressure washer hose.
Since the pressure washer speeds-up, the cleaning process and the hose discharges or expels water at high-pressures. These pressures could be as high as 4000 PSI when commercial models are being used.
Henceforth, wear and tear are inevitable.
Do not confuse a pressure washer hose repair with a normal garden hose. Both of these hose types are supposed to be fixed in different ways when damaged. Just a simple repair patch on a pressure washer hose won’t work out and will force the patch loose and you may get soaked in water as the water hits with pressure.
Not only this the cleaning chore you were up to will also get ruined. So, fixing it in an appropriate manner is the call.
In a pressure washer hose, there are layers of wire mesh with plastic that are responsible for the even distribution of water throughout the hose. Do remember that every layer is supposed to be shaped and repaired in a perfect way.
If the hose repair process is done properly by you then there will be no need for buying a new hose for a longer time. If your pressure washer hose is completely kaput or has got a noticeable leak, still the good thing is that you can repair it.
Note:
- Just a bit of elbow grease with apt know-how will help you fix a pressure washer hose.
- One thing to remember here is that if your power washer hose has developed even a slight damage, then the repair should not be ignored.
Supplies Needed Before You Start The Repair Job
Prior to a successful repair job of a hose, you will require certain supplies and tools. Before you head towards buying a hose repair kit just ensure that the following items sit in your toolbox:
- Needle nose pliers set (also can use a set of shears)
- An O-ring that is of a perfect size for setting on the pressure washer hose connection
- Male and female thread pipe-set of quick-connect couplers
- Medium or small-sized wrench (depending on the hose size)
- Certified safety glasses and safety gloves
Note: Normal safety glasses won’t be of use.
If you do not have the above items then do get a hose repair kit.
What To Do First?
Inspect the hose carefully before you repair it.
Also, ensure that the machine is kept off and stays unplugged before you start working on the hose repairs.
Now start this way….
- Press the hose trigger to get assured that no residual water is left inside. Now checkout for any leaks and find out exactly where it is.
- This isn’t as easy as it appears. There are other ways also to get around the exact problem.
- You can try soap suds to search the offending leak (look out for bubbles after putting plenty of soapy water in the hose).
- Still cannot find the leak then you need to dry-up the hose completely and go for a deep research.
- After locating the errant leak, mark it properly and then dry the area.
- Make use of shears for cutting the area carefully where you exactly spotted the leak.
- Ensure that you make a straight cut and not a diagonal one.
- Furthermore, file the edges of the hose down. Later, add the 2-counterpart couplers that you have already bought.
- The male coupler should be added first and then crimped until completely flat.
- If your pressure hose features various compression rings then tighten them the maximum you can.
- A female coupler should be added to the hose’s other part and the process should be repeated again. After this, the two female and male ends should be added together (use a wrench here).
Some Safety Measures!!
Some security precautions should be taken while you are repairing your pressure washer hose.
- Get it assured that the rings are perfectly recessed in to the hose so that the hose does not get disconnected as could result in serious damage. Also, check that both the couplers are tightened together. While you check your pressure washer hose, no one should be around you and open space should be used for this.
- If your machine has a support system for low-pressure settings then you can test your hose while wearing the certified safety glasses.
- For hose leaks, there are patches also that you can buy but this won’t work well for high-powered pressure washers. The pressure could end-up in injuries.
- If you are a newbie then there are chances that after you repair there may be leaks all over again. Replacing could be a better option then.
- As a cardinal rule use, all the required safety precautions needed as the high pressure of the water can cause serious and painful injuries. This has been experienced by some unfortunate people.
- Protective gear for your eyes is also very essential as a minor jet stream of water can be extremely dangerous for your eyes.
Tackling Some More Issues….
Not only the leaks, but there could be some more issues that could lead to pressure washer hose damage. Let us take a quick look at them one-by-one.
Inlet Seal
The inlet seal completely seals the intake outlet of a pressure washer. Ensure that this is screwed tightly in the inlet coupling.
This seal may wear or damage with time and use and even the coupling on the inlet can be damaged. Your pressure washer hose seal will need to be replaced and if you change the couplings they will automatically be replaced.
Piston Seals
There may be a chance that your pump’s inlet seal is broken and the hose is not the real culprit. As the required pressure is created by the pistons to pull the water from the source. Replacing these seals is a must to do.
Outlet Seal
Just check the outlet seal too, and if it is broken then the water will certainly leak from the main connection near to the pump.
Replacing the whole coupling is a great idea if it is cracked or broken completely. But if the outlet seal is intact then you should consider replacing the O-ring.
Thermal Release Valve
It is the function of the thermal release valve to keep the machine pump at a safe temperature range. If this balance is not proper then the machine may start overheating.
If this valve becomes compromised or weak then the result may be water leaks and thereby the machine losing pressure. Though, not a very expensive component you can surely replace this if it is beyond repair.
How To Repair A Pressure Washer Hose
Lastly,
DIY method of repairing is probably the best you can do. But if repairs are huge and occurring again and again then replacing and getting a new one is a welcome idea rather than just fixing it.
Do follow the manufacturer’s instructions before you handle any repairs by yourself as most of the tools will come with a guide to give you a clearer picture.
Just relax, take your own time and you could save a lot of dollars by repairing things in the beginning only.
Stay safe, and use safety gear with safety precautions too!!