Last updated on October 18th, 2022 | By: Grady Galvez
Today’s article of mine throws light on tackling and troubleshooting pressure washer problems like a mechanic.
Problems such as
- ? Low water pressure
- ? Issues related to water leaking
- ? Sudden turn off of motor or engine when in use
- ? And others
First answer this question of mine:
Have you ever in your life helped any neighbour of yours in fixing up something. If yes, then I am sure the news spreads in the neighborhood like a fire in the forest.
Soon you are treated like a trouble fixing gal or guy.
Neighbours develop a different attitude towards you …. extra nice, is what I call it, ha ha!
I remember an incident, once I was just standing in my front lawn and my friend of mine called me and offered a milkshake (that I love to drink) and after that switched on to the topic of trouble shooting. He had a problem in his pressure washer, i.e. It started with pressure and then went to a low-pressure mode.
This was an electric thing and after watching I came to know according to my experience that somewhere air in the pump was the reason for this problem. Both of us held the trigger and tried to clear the air from pump and the lines while the water supply was on. After treating this my friend turned on and off button of the machine a couple of times and all went well.
You will love this beginner’s guide
You can imagine that, after turning on your pressure washer the water comes speedily and suddenly goes very low on pressure, and hampers your cleaning.
Oh! How irritable this can be.
This guide will certainly help you in knowing the problems and fixing it on your own even without any experience. You can just fix up with ease and with minimal tools. Just from your garage you can work to fix.
Can refer any section directly:
- ? The summary of trouble shooting tips
- ? Tips for trickier fixes
- ? Essential tools and accessories (12)
- ? Repairing hot water pressure washer
- ? Tips and tricks that are brand specific
- ? Putting it together
Trouble Shooting Tips For Gas And Electric Pressure Washers (20 Most Common Problems)
The most common issues relating to pressure washers are as follows
How these problems are found out:
- ? The emails in bulk, reading them and finding out what problems are being faced by the pressure washer users. Trying to figure it out on an excel worksheet.
- ? Operating manuals of the best 15 brands of pressure washers also list a lot of things, that was tabulated according to the trouble shooting sections.
- ? Power washer log books also consulted to list the common reasons.
After hours (15 to 20) of hard work and gathering the statistics the problems could be broken down into 5 different sections. All problems such as water pressure problems, water leaking issues, faults of electric pressure washers, problems of gas machines and other issues. Later on, the trouble shooting tips are further listed in 3 columns.
Point to be noted:
In case of any problem just go through the operator’s manual. There you can find out safety first and tips for trouble shooting with many possible solutions to one problem.
Summarized Table – How to fix a pressure washer?
Aiming to provide you with the best trouble shooting tips relating to pressure washers. The best guide so far, and last updated on January 29, 2020. Our motive is to give you latest and improved ways of trouble shooting with ease from your home.
Problems Regarding Water Pressure
What Went Wrong?
1. In case of Low Pressure
Reason
The supply of water is insufficient from the inlet
The water filter inlet is completely blocked.
No nozzle or incorrect nozzle.
Solution
You can just unkink the garden hose, let the water come out from the tap with full pressure, a pressure washer hose of larger diameter should be used (manual can be referred)
Garden hose connection and debris should be removed
A nozzle of correct size should be used.
2. If no pressure
Unloader valve is Stucked or damaged
Pump inlet valves are damage
The unloader screw to be adjusted and any seals or springs should be checked
The pump to be disassembled, and cleaning and replacement of components of inlet
3. Pulsing pressure (low and high)
The pump inlet valves are damaged
The pump is faulty
The pump is sucking air
Obstructions in nozzle, water, inlet filter or spray wand
The pump to be disassembled, and components of inlet manifold to be cleaned or replaced
The machine to be turned off without closing the water supply, the pressure can be released by squeezing the trigger gun
The pump to be replaced
Needle can be used to clear the nozzle, water inlet to give fresh water and vinegar can be used to clean and clear deposits of gun or wand
4. Spiking pressure
The unloader valve is calibrated poorly
The unloader should be adjusted for proper pressure by following manual guidelines
5. The dropping pressure after seconds of use
A blocked nozzle
Unloader valve issues
Unloader can be removed and cleaned and repaired
Nozzle can be cleaned using a needle
6. The surface cleaning is not proper with the pressure washer
Nozzle is a misfit (wrong one)
A nozzle of high pressure to be used
Issues of Water Leaking
What Went Wrong?
7. Pump water leaking
Reason
Worn, cracked or broken seals
The bolts are loose on pump assembly
Activation of thermal valve
Solution
Replacement and return can happen when under warranty
The bolts to be tightened in proper manner for proper sealing
Before using it, wait till 5 mins. As deactivation will be done once cool
8. Water leaks from connection of garden hose
The connection is not proper or a broken one
Rubber washer is broken
Establish proper connection
Replacement is the best option
9. Leakage from spray wands or connections
The O-ring is broken inside the Garden hose connection
Improper connection
The O-ring can be replaced or returned for change
Establish proper connection
Issues of Gas Power Washers
What Went Wrong?
10. if pressure washer won’t start
Reason
There is no gas
Wrong position of choke
In case pressure builds up
The spark plug wire isn’t connected properly
The spark plug has faults
Solution
The gas to be filled
The movement to be done to proper position by following the manual
The trigger gun to be squeezed to release pressure
The wire to be connected
It should be replaced
11. Incase engine stops working while in use
The oil level is low
The air filter is dirty
The oil should be checked and filled
Clean it or can be replaced
12. The engine is low on power
The air filter is dirty
The engine isn’t running at correct RPM
Should be cleaned or replaced
Detach pump and adjust the RPM according to engine specifications
13. Engine and oil drips
The worn-out seals
They can be replaced using warranty
14. The water looks milky
The pistons are broken or worn-out, letting the water through
The seals are worn-out
The engine needs to be repaired using warranty
The seals can be replaced by warranty coverage
Electric Pressure Washer Problems
What Went Wrong?
15. The machine doesn’t start
Reason
A faulty electric outlet
Improper plugging
The motor is faulty
Solution
The plug and main fuse to be checked
Plug in properly
Should be returned under warranty
16. Incase the motor stops running when in use
The voltage is low
It should be checked that the voltage is in specified range
Other Common Issues
What Went Wrong?
17. The improper working of detergent injector
Reason
A wrong nozzle is being used
The soap tube inlet filter is clogged (the end of hose in the soap bottle)
The clogging or blocking of soap inlet valve (tube’s pump side)
A thick detergent mix
Solution
A black soaping nozzle should be inserted on wand
Should be flushed with fresh water
The hose to be removed and the debris to be removed using an Allen key of a small size
Water to be added for diluting
18. Pressure fluctuations due to irregular bypass
The unloader valves, springs or other components are broken or worn-out
Improper installation of unloader valve
Leakage of water from unloader valve
A dirty unloader
They should be removed or replaced
The valve should be removed and installed properly, at the pump housing’s bottom
The worn or broken seals to be reinstalled as per specifications
Clean it after removing
19. A lot of noise
A blocked water intake
The engine has less oil
The pump doesn’t have enough oil
It should be checked, cleaned and replaced
It should be checked and oil to be added
After disassembling it should be checked or returned under warranty
20. Oil leakage from the pump
The bolts and fittings are loose
The parts are damaged (pistons, seals)
They should be checked and tightened
It should be disassembled for a proper check and also cleaned and replaced under warranty
Correct it (Instructions)
The Problematic Affair
Some issues are quite tricky to be resolved, and this section of the article focuses on those. Sensitive issues that require the pump to be torn down.
? The water supply to be checked
First thing is to check the water supply, and confirm that there is adequate flow in the pump.
? The hose kinks to be checked
To find the underlying problem, a lot of checking and testing is required. From inlet valves to nozzles, I even check the blocks by turning off and on again and again. I just read the manual and instructions for confirming the exact problem. Then suddenly come across the kink in the hose and realize that, I should have checked it before. After fixing up the kink and restarting, all is well. So, with my experience I can say check the kinks first.
? Releasing air from the system
The power washer should always be connected first to the garden hose. Later on, the tap should be turned on and the trigger gun to be pulled in order to release the water from the system. This should be done before you start the engine or motor. In this way all the air will be released, enabling the pump to function properly.
? A correct and unclogged nozzle
In case of any dust or debris a needle can be used to clean the nozzle. The blocks will go and will trigger the unloader to enter bypass along with increased pressure.
? If issues still unresolved
If you are still facing problems then there arises a need to use tools. A little more guidance below:
Removing the Unloader Valve to check issues
What does an unloader valve do?
These unloaders help in letting the water run with pressure, and without them the pressure will build inside the system. So, triggering might lead to exploding of a weak link part or stalling of the engine (pressure hose O-ring)
Find out the location of the unloader valve in the 3 different washer pumps
The unloader valve is present on the pump’s exit side. These valves allow the water to flow backward through the pump, while the water is not in high pressure in the hose. There is no pressure washing done by you at this time.
Take a glance at disassembled unloader assemblies
The picture on the left is of gas pressure from Stanley. This one is flow actuated.
The picture on the right is of an electric pressure washer from AR Blue Clean.
You can take out these assemblies without any damage made to them. Clean and repair them properly as required.
Flow actuated washers VS Pressure actuated washers
Flow actuated
These valves are the ones that respond when the water flow is stopped. The valve opens in case of no flow and the water flows to the pump inlet.
Pros:
➽ The flow actuated valves are safe to use and don’t require any pressure build up.
Cons:
➽ These are more sensitive to clogging nozzles, or incorrect nozzle opening sizes and even flow problems
Pressure actuated
Unlike flow actuated loader this one doesn’t respond and it opens wide in case of increased water pressure letting the water to bypass to the inlet. This happens due to flow stoppage.
Pros:
➽ This one shows less sensitivity to the flow issues that arise in the system. If the water is trapped on the outlet side of the pump, this one responds only to that.
Cons:
➽ This one is not safe to use as it needs the pressure rise and this may cause failures in the system.
Unloader Valve troubleshooting
A whole lot of pressure related problems can arise due to unloader. Dirt in the spring, a stuck shaft, cracked O-ring are some of the common causes. You can solve them by removing the unloader and cleaning them or resolving the concerned issues.
Vital Tools and Accessories (12)
TOOLS
With the help of tools, I have disassembled – from removing gas engine piston seals as well as the crankshaft. After this electric pressure washers (3), gas power washers (4), I have put back together.
The tool kit of which brand should be chosen, individual tools should be bought and the way the pressure cleaner to be repaired. Let’s see..
Allen keys (Hex)
Most of the pump assemblies are fastened with hex head screws. These Allen keys are most commonly used for resolving trouble shooting issues. They are named so as the company being Allen manufacturing, that has been dealing in manufacturing mass produce of hex wrenches and screws since 1900.
Their advantages
1. This one features a recessed head, making it more durable and prone to damages.
2. Only one is sufficient as can be used on different types of screws. Had they been different or without a hex head then the number of wrenches required would have been more in that case. So, A pocket size Hex key can help you in disassembling and repairing completely (bike, bicycle).
3. A torque wrench is useful in tightening them according to the specification with perfection.
These are very handy when put to use and reach small areas with ease and comfort. O-rings, seals, valves can be removed with this. This I often use to put back the things together and in the right position.
When you will have to fix any power washer faults, these are the best to use. Ensure to keep one set with you always. It confuses me sometimes as they are used so commonly.
Pliers (Needle nose)
Screwdrivers
One of the most vital of all tools is none other than a screw driver, that is all you need while disassembling electric pressure washers.
Philips head screws hold the plastic covers of electric machines that keep the pump and motor hidden.
Even the gas machines use Philips for clamping wires and assembling their frames. The engine blocks have to be opened with torx head screws. You might also need some allotted screw drivers for parts like the pump plunger seals.
A tool set is incomplete without sockets and ratchet.
Reason
For every bolt size you can have a socket and a ratchet head. As sockets help in reaching to the tight spots while the ratchet helps in tightening and removing bolts.
You cannot rule out the use of wrenches, when there is open end side and you haven’t reached the top.
Sockets and Ratchet
Wrenches
These have been in use since ages (15th century), and being one of the most popular and handy tools. Though, some prefer to keep sockets and ratchets (50+) as they are easy to keep and carry than carrying wrenches (50+).
As there are many tight spots then wrenches have to be there to set them up.
Hammer is the oldest hand tool; I came to know as I read it. They were discovered ages back (30,000 years), and what we have now are the replicas of the olden day hammers.
Now you can easily imagine its usage, amazingly important. The stubborn parts (pump head valve plate) can be made free with this while trouble shooting.
Hammer or Rubber Mallet
Utility knife
Even the usage of cutting tools (knives) is also since ages. They also help in trouble shooting any sort of faults, and can also quickly remove the detergent hose. They also assist in loosening the tight-fitting components. It’s better to cut the hose as pliers might damage them.
And the best thing is everyone has knives of many types, so need not buy them.
It’s much easier and more precise to use snips, I like to use them. Snips are good to own as they can easily cut a hose to a shorter size for fixing it. These are of metal and can easily cut through branches, hoses, rubber and more. If a pressure washer hose bursts you can fix with this.
Snips
Accessories
You will definitely want to own a silicon grease while reinstalling, 0-rings and WD-40.
Which is the best tool set?
A kit that possesses everything what you want? You can trouble shoot almost every pressure cleaner.
A 170-piece mechanic tool set – by Crescent.
This one contains:
➽ Hex Keys
➽ Screwdrivers
➽ Wrenches
➽ Sockets and ratchets
➽ Pliers
➽ Snips (built-in needle nose pliers)
➽ A Carry case
If you are planning to buy a tool kit then this one is the best of all.
Hot Water Power Washers Troubleshooting
The three main faults that are suffered by hot water pressure washers
1. They produce no hot water
2. The blower emits no flames
3. Smoke with a weird color that comes out of the burner
The reasons might be more than 15 and so are the fixes.
Knowing The Burner Components
The working
The water is heated with the help of a burner by the hot pressure washer. The circulation of water takes place in the tubes that are coiled like that of a snake. The hot water pressure washer consumes diesel, kerosene with electricity that generates a fire inside the chamber. From bottom to top the water reaches and exits as hot water. (circulation takes place throughout the coil and around the flame).
As fire is there so a lot of risk is involved for the same. It is advised to get it fixed from a center. But some fixes are simple.
The parts of a pressure washer burner are understated
1. Steel coil
2. Insulation
3. Spray nozzle
4. Blower motor
5. Air adjustment slider
6. Fuel filter
7. Exhaust
8. Thermostat controller
9. Flow switch
10. Pressure release valve
11. Ignition transformer
Tips And Tricks For Diagnosing And Resolving Power Washer Issues
The types, styles and common issues relating to specific and popular brands.
Troubleshooting- Troy Bilt
The Troy Bilt is into selling gas powered machines of medium duty. The manufacturing is done in the factories by Briggs as specified by Troy Bilt.
This one doesn’t face any kind of no pressure or low-pressure issues (refer the above given tips).
Generac
This one specializes in manufacturing commercial use heavy-duty machines and also belt driven units. The overseas OEM manufacture their pumps and engines. While the assembling of the components is done in the US factories.
Karcher
This one makes all sorts of pressure washers. The subsidiary brands such as Landa, Shark, Hotsy. These are one of the biggest pressure washer manufacturers world over. They boast of an extensive network (service n rental). They make small engines and pumps of premium quality.
Simpson
The Simpson cleaning deals in selling machines of residential and commercial use. CAT pumps are also used by them, and also possess two home brands OEM technologies and AAA pumps. The wheel barrow stance is one of the most robust and easy to carry pressure washer. They manufacture residential gas machines of premium quality.
Problems like low or no pressure or soap not entering system may be faced.
If you are pressure washing then at some or the other point you may need to trouble shoot due to any of the reasons. Low pressure, no pressure, a busted O-ring or others.
After having apt knowledge, you can just resolve issues on your own with minimal tools and less time.
Wrapping quickly
The summary of above article
- No or low pressure
Check the water supply first, then clogging of inlet filter, blockage of nozzle. Engine can be turned off and the trigger to be pulled for releasing air. There are chances of unloader valve being stuck. (refer in the article).
- Water leakage from connections
It should be ensured properly that the connections are secure with proper fitting. If the water squirts out while pressure washing, likely due to a busted O-ring. Get it replaced from the manufacturer or centre.
You can go through the article and refer to whatever is necessary.