How to Fix a Pressure Washer
It would have been so nice if the devices we use never required to be fixed, what a great scenario it would have been but the harsh reality is that everything that we use needs to be repaired after some time. Pressure washers are one of the examples of the things that wear out and need to be fixed.
Pressure is very useful and comes in handy when it comes to deep cleaning around the house. If you are tired of renting a pressure washer and are planning to purchase your own, you should keep in mind that you have to deal with the responsibility of fixing the problems that will occur after extensive use.
That being said one must know how to troubleshoot the common issues and how to fix them,
We have created a guide that will help you identify and fix the most common problems that you might face while using a pressure washer.
Troubleshooting Common Pressure Washer Problems
There can be multiple reasons which can cause a problem in the pressure washer and a person who owns a pressure washer should know how to deal with them. Here are some of the ways which can help you troubleshoot some very common problems.
1. Pressure Washer Has Low Pressure
The main goal of purchasing a pressure washer is the need for something that can spray water with pressure and if the pressure washer is not making pressure then it has lost its true purpose. Do you know the reason why your pressure washer is having low pressure?
Most of the time pressure washers lose their pressure because of the dirt that has been accumulated in the pump due to which it cannot work efficiently thus decreasing the pressure. The dirt lowers the pressure by blocking the nozzle or hose.
However, if you think that the pressure was lost not because of the dirt instead there was an issue with the nozzle, you can always replace the nozzle as they are easily available.
The other reason can be the source of water is not delivering the water and is not fully open and the washer is not getting enough water to generate pressure.
2. Leakage in Pressure Washer
This is the most common problem, Pressure washers tend to leak most of the times not just the water but the oil too, this is because you use pressure washer extensively this wears out the seals and as a result, it starts to leak, To avoid that you should regularly check the seals of the pressure washer and if you find any signs of leakage it is best to change the seal and replace it with a new one.
3. Starting issues in a pressure washer
There will be times when your pressure washer won't start it may be due to a defective socket if you are using an electric pressure washer. Plug the pressure washer in a different socket and see if it works, if it does not work this time, there may be an issue with the extension cord. If you have a cord that is longer than 25 feet you should use a 12 gauge wire. The problem is that when the gauges are lighter they are unable to give the right amount of power to allow the unit to work properly.
But let's say you are using a gas pressure washer then the best approach is to fill it with gas and if it does not start there may be another problem which is pressure build-up, in that case, you have to squeeze the trigger gun to release the pressure, Practicing this approach will surely solve your problem
On the other hand, do check if the choke is in the right position. If your gas pressure washer does not start after practicing all these methods then surely there is a problem with its spark plug, it is better to replace the spark plug, your pressure washer will work as new.
4. Pulsating Pressure washer
Dirt can cause many problems in a pressure washer, we use pressure washers to remove the dirt we also have pressure washers sandblasters, it removes all the dirt from our garages or wherever we use it but we often forget to remove the dirt from our pressure washers, due to which it starts to pulsate. We recommend that you should clean your discharge valve and inlet after 5-6 times use.
The plungers can be a cause too if the valves and inlets are clean, try cleaning the plunger as well or replace it if you feel it has been so long.
5. Unit running rough
This issue can be seen in the pressure washers which have a faucet that runs both cold and hot water. The issue is caused due to overheated water.
The best way is to use cold water instead of hot water, it is still possible that the water gets trapped in the hose and warms up even though you are using cold water.
Another reason is when the inlet gets stuck and enough air isn’t entering, make sure that your inlet is clean and it has proper air in taking.
In some cases, the crankcase is damaged causing the washer to run rough. That should be repaired to avoid the pressure washer running rough
6. Noisy pressure washer
If you find your unit making too much noise than usual, stop the engine and check if it has enough oil or sees if the water intake is blocked. If you find water intake blocked, clean it and this is going to fix the issue else wise put some oil in the engine.
There has been a frequently asked question that whether you should open your pressure washer?
The best approach is to claim the warranty if your machine has it, Opening up your unit will void its warranty and will cost you lots of money to repair unless you are an excellent mechanic yourself, Try the above-explained methods if your problems remain the same try claiming the warranty it is surely going to solve your problem.
Conclusion:
Pressure washers can have multiple problems it depends on the cause of the problem, the way you use your machine, the manufacturer or the brand of the pressure washer, and much more. It is always great to know some techniques to self identify the problem of your machine and fix it. Hopefully, these tips will help you fix your pressure washer and if you are unable to fix the issue, please feel free to comment below, we are going to provide you with the solution.
