Pressure washers are great tools that can be used to wash down everything from siding to decks, cars, farm equipment and more. Like any other machine, a pressure washer will break down at some point. There are a number of typical issues that occur, and you’ll need to deal with them to get your pressure washer working again.
Here are our leading tips on pressure washer fixes.
Engine doesn’t run
One of the most common pressure washer problems is that the engine won’t start. If it’s still sparking and has adequate oil, then the likely root cause is that the carburetor is clogged with old fuel. Open up the carburetor drain plug, and release some of the old fuel; then try starting the pressure washer again.
If this doesn’t work, then you may have a partial blockage of the carburetor passages. Cleaning this will involve taking off the carburetor, taking it apart and then cleaning it using specialized carburetor cleaner. This isn’t a DIY project unless you’re very adept at taking apart machines that have many tiny, critical parts—and then putting them back together.
Pump leaks
Compressed air has to be released from the pressure washer pump before using the machine. To fix this, pump the handle before you try the engine until water flows out from the wand. If you don’t do this, the air trapped inside may damage the check valves.
A malfunctioning thermal release valve may also result in water leaks. The valve will let heated, pressurized water out of the pump when the washer runs for too long when the trigger isn’t squeezed. In this case, the pressure washer fix is replacing the faulty valve.
Strange pump noises and lack of water flow
If you don’t hear water flowing when the washer is on and strange noises are emanating from the pump, it’s possible you made a common but unfortunate error. You need to completely drain the pressure washer of water and fill it with antifreeze before storing it for the winter. If you forget to do so, there will be water in the machine’s pump. This water will freeze and expand during the winter and can critically damage the pump’s components, forcing you to replace the pump.
Lack of water pressure
If the pressure washer lacks pressure, it’s not going to be very effective. When the engine runs fine but the water pressure is lacking, this could be related to a clogged wand, inlet filter or hose.
You may want to try isolating the problem. Hook a hose to the inlet, and turn the water on. If water doesn’t move through, then the inlet filter is clogged. If not, then try the same thing with the wand to see if that’s the source of the problem.
Are you experiencing common pressure washer problems? Then turn to the pros at Central Equipment Company. We do it all from sales and rentals to service of a range of construction equipment. Contact us today to learn more about all we have to offer.