Pressure Washer Problems and Solutions

There are several common problems that can occur with pressure washers. Some are minor, others can be very costly to fix.

Here are several common pressure washer problems you might encounter and some potential solutions:

Table of Contents

1) No spray coming from the wand or end of the hose

Most likely, there is a blockage in the nozzle or high-pressure hose.

Remove the nozzle tip by pulling it off and checking inside for any debris.
If you find something blocking the flow of water, remove it and try spraying again.
If the nozzle is clear, check the hose for kinks or blockages.
Try loosening any clamps and straightening the hose if it’s twisted.

2) Water leaking from the wand

This is often caused by a worn gasket or seal. To fix, remove the wand and check the gasket for damage. If it’s torn or worn, replace it.

3) Pump not working

If the pump isn’t working, it could be a number of things wrong such as a clog in the pump, low oil levels, or a bad motor.
Remove the nozzle and check for signs of damage on the pump.
If there are cracks in the pump housing or bent fins, replace them.
If there’s no visible damage, remove the oil plug and check if it has enough oil by adding more if needed.

4) Pressure Washer Machine won’t start

If your pressure washer won’t turn on, it could be a number of things wrong.

First, check the power cord to make sure it’s plugged in and there is a working electrical outlet.
Then check for wet spots on the motor or pump where wires may have gotten wet.
If these parts appear dry, try removing the pressure washer fuel filter and clean that off as well as the gasoline tank.
If the machine is still not starting, it may need a new starter or the spark plug may need to be replaced.

5) Pressure washer won’t build pressure

If your pressure washer is not building up pressure, it could be caused by a number of things such as a clogged filter, low oil levels, or a bad pump.

Try cleaning the filter first by disassembling it and rinsing it off with gasoline.
If this doesn’t work, try adding more oil to the machine if needed.
However, if these parts are in good condition, remove the nozzle tip and check for blockage after you pull on the high-pressure line to ensure it is not twisted or kinked.
If there’s no blockage in the hose, inspect the pump and motor for any signs of damage.
If none of these things work and you still can’t build pressure, it could be a bad pump and will need to be replaced with a new pump.

6) Low temperature when using a pressure washer

If the machine isn’t reaching the desired temperature, it could be because of a bad thermostat or low water levels.

To test the thermostat, remove it and submerge it in hot water. If it opens and closes when heated, it’s working properly.
If the water levels are low, add more to the machine.
Now that you’ve fixed your pressure washer, store it properly for next time!

Why is my pressure washer not building pressure?

If your pressure washer is not building pressure, there are a few things you can check to try and diagnose the issue.

The first thing to check is the water supply. Make sure that you have adequate water pressure and that the faucet or hose is not blocked.
If you have an electric pressure washer, check the power cord to see if it is plugged in. On the other hand, if your pump is gas-powered, make sure that you have enough fuel for operation and that there are no kinks or blockages in the fuel line or tank.
If all of this checks out okay, then there might be a mechanical issue with the pump. In this case, you will need to take the pressure washer to a technician for service.
In case this pump is not repairable, choose a new pump to get maximum pressure out of your pressure washer.

How do you fix low pressure on a pressure washer?

If you experience low pressure when using your pressure washer, there are several things that could be causing the issue.

The first thing to check is the inlet filter. This can become clogged after continuous use, which will restrict water flow to the pump and cause low-pressure issues.
If this does not solve your problem, you should check the nozzle settings. Make sure that it is not clogged, and determine if the problem lies with the high-pressure nozzle or low-pressure nozzle.
The last thing to check is your garden hose. If there are any blockages in the hose or kinks, water will not flow freely through it and this can cause a low-pressure problem.

How do I know if my pressure washer pump is bad?

If you are experiencing problems with your pressure washer pump, there are a few ways to tell if it is bad.

One way to tell is if the pump is making unusual noises when it runs.
Another indication that the pump might be bad is if the pressure washer does not produce any water or if the water flow is weak.
If you are able to produce some water but not at full pressure, it is possible that the pump has failed and needs to be replaced.

Why does my pressure washer shut off randomly?

One common reason for a pressure washer shutting off is if there is not enough water flow to keep it running properly. If this happens, you should check your garden hose to make sure that it is not blocked or clogged.
Another reason for the pressure washer shutting off is if there is a lack of water in the tank, so be sure to monitor this while using your machine.
The third problem could be with the high-pressure hose. If there are any leaks or blockages in the hose, it will not be able to handle the pressure and this could cause the machine to shut off.
Last but not least, if your pressure washer is gas-powered, there might be an issue with the carburetor. If this is the case, you will need to take it to a technician for service.

How do you fix a cracked pressure washer pump housing?

One way to fix a cracked pump housing is by resurfacing it, which means smoothing out the crack and applying a thin layer of sealant.
After you have finished resurfacing the crack, let the sealant dry completely before using your machine again.
Another way to fix a cracked pump housing is by applying epoxy or a fiberglass patch.
Both of these options require you to clean the area and use an epoxy or fiberglass filler to build up the area around the crack. After letting this dry, sand it down until smooth and reapply another layer of sealant if needed.
Last but not least, you could replace the entire pump housing. This is a more expensive option, but it is the most reliable way to fix the issue.

Why is my pressure washer leaking water?

There are two problems that could be causing your pressure washer to leak water.

One reason might be because of the pump impeller. If the metal on the impeller has worn away, this can cause leakage in your machine. You should replace it right away if this is the case.
Another reason for water leakage in your machine is if there are any loose bolts in the pump housing. If there are, tighten them with a wrench to stop the leak.

What is causing my pressure washer’s nozzles to leak?

There are several reasons why your pressure washer nozzles may be leaking water.

The first possibility is that the nozzles are clogged and need to be cleaned.
Another problem could be with the seals around the nozzle tips. If these have deteriorated, water will leak out.
The last possibility is that there is a crack in the nozzle itself. If this is the case, you will need to replace the nozzle.

What can I do to prevent my pressure washer from freezing?

If you are using a gas-powered pressure washer, one way to prevent it from freezing is by keeping the fuel tank full.
Another option is to use a thermostatically controlled pressure washer pump. This will keep the pump from freezing, even if the rest of the machine is cold.
If you are using an electric pressure washer, you can keep it from freezing by keeping it in a warm place when not in use.
Lastly, you could buy a cover for your pressure washer to protect it from the cold weather.

Conclusion

Pressure washers are great machines that can help you clean a variety of surfaces. However, they can become damaged or stop working properly for several reasons, and knowing how to fix them will ensure that your pressure washer does not throw a fit while you’re using it. We hope this article has been helpful and feel free to leave us comments if you have any questions.