Is there a reset button on a pressure washer?

A reset button on a pressure washer serves an important purpose – it allows you to restore the machine to its default settings if something goes wrong. Pressure washers are complex pieces of equipment with multiple settings and safety features. Over time, settings can get knocked out of alignment or the machine can stop functioning properly. Resetting the device is often the first troubleshooting step recommended before exploring more complicated solutions. So yes, most pressure washers do have a reset button and utilizing it can fix a lot of common issues.

What does the reset button do?

The reset button essentially reboots the pressure washer and clears any erroneous settings or faults. When you press the reset button, it briefly cuts power to the machine and restarts it. This forces the pressure washer to go through its startup sequence again and reload the factory default settings. The reset process will clear any weird errors and override any dial positions or settings that may have gotten accidentally changed or “confused”.

Resetting often fixes problems like:

• Erratic pressure fluctuations
• Machine not turning on
• Pump not engaging
• Sudden loss of pressure
• Odd noises or vibrations
• Trigger not working

If you’re experiencing any unusual issues like these, pressing the reset button should be the first thing you try before further troubleshooting. The simple reset procedure will clear up many basic operating problems.

Where is the reset button located?

The reset button will generally be located on the main body of the pressure washer or on the controls. Check near where the power cord plugs in or on the side/front panel. It may be labeled directly as “reset” or possibly with a symbol like a lightning bolt or circular arrow. The reset button is usually colored red or orange and will stand out from the other buttons and controls.

Some of the most common pressure washer reset button locations include:

• Next to the power switch or power cord inlet
• On the top, side, or front control panel
• Behind a flip up cover or small door
• Near the pressure knob or temperature controls
• Alongside the buttons controlling the accessories
• On the handheld spray gun or wand

Check your pressure washer owner’s manual for details on the exact location if you’re having trouble finding it. The reset button is generally prominently positioned so it can be easily accessed when needed.

What does the reset button look like?

While the location can vary between pressure washer models, the reset button will usually have a distinctive appearance:

• Colored bright red, orange, yellow, or green
• Marked with the word “Reset”
• Labelled with a symbol like a lightning bolt or circular arrow
• Raised, larger, or more pronounced than other buttons
• Positioned by itself instead of grouped with other controls
• Covered by a plastic flap or panel that must be lifted to access it

The unique color and labeling help set it apart from the power switch, pressure dials, or accessory buttons. It needs to stand out so users can quickly find it if they need to reset the pressure washer.

How do you reset a pressure washer?

Resetting a pressure washer is very simple in most cases:

1. Locate the reset button on the body of the machine.
2. Press and hold the reset button for 1-2 seconds.
3. The pressure washer will briefly lose power and restart.
4. Release the reset button once the restart sequence begins.
5. The pressure washer will go through its startup mode with default settings.

Some pressure washers may require pressing the reset button multiple times in a sequence or holding it down for 5+ seconds. Check your owner’s manual for the exact reset procedure. But in general, holding the reset button initiates a reboot of the system.

It’s smart to unplug accessories like spray wands or nozzles before resetting. You may need to re-attach them once the reset cycle completes. The soap reservoir may also need to be refilled if it was purged during restart.

When should you use the reset button?

Try pressing the reset button in these common troubleshooting situations:

• Machine won’t turn on or start up
• Pump is running but no pressure in output
• Pressure is uneven or unexpectedly fluctuating
• Sprayer components like wand or soap tube aren’t functioning
• Device is making odd noises or vibrating excessively
• Water flow won’t turn off
• You changed a setting and the pressure washer is now behaving oddly

Basically any unusual problem could potentially be fixed with a simple reset. It’s worth trying before taking more extreme measures like dismantling parts or calling a service technician.

Reasons to avoid using the reset button

While the reset button is designed to be used as needed, there are a few instances where you’ll want to use caution or avoid resetting:

• If the machine is still running/pressurized – Shut it down fully before resetting
• If there are signs of electrical issues – Get wiring inspected before resetting
• If there are any error code lights flashing – Diagnose codes before resetting
• If you smell burning or see smoke – Unplug and get repairs before resetting
• If there are noticeable leaks – Get seals/hoses fixed before resetting
• If there were recent major repairs – Consult owner’s manual before resetting

Resetting is not a fix-all solution. Serious problems like leaking, burning smells, or flashing error codes won’t be resolved with a simple reset. Get professional repairs for anything that seems hazardous or complex before attempting a reset.

Does resetting affect pressure washer settings?

When you press the reset button, it will return all settings to their factory defaults. This means:

• Pressure dial will go back to standard PSI
• Temperature gauge will go back to default cold water
• Faucet/water connection will be reset
• Any customized accessory settings will revert back
• Soap mixing ratios will go back to default
• All programmed settings will be cleared out

Make note of any customized adjustments you’ve made before resetting. You may need to reprogram special settings after the reset process finishes.

Helpful tips for using the reset button

Follow these tips to get the most benefit from the reset button when troubleshooting pressure washer issues:

• Consult owner’s manual for the correct reset procedure
• Unplug all accessories before resetting
• Try resetting twice if first attempt doesn’t resolve issue
• Check washer inlet filter screen after resetting
• Refill soap tank if liquid detergent was purged
• Power cycle machine after reset by unplugging briefly
• Review warning lights and error codes after resetting
• Reprogram any custom settings that were cleared

Taking these extra steps helps ensure the reset fully resolves any problems. The reset button alone may not fix issues caused by debris clogs or depleted fluid tanks. Combining a reset with inspection and reprogramming maximizes your chance of successfully troubleshooting with just a simple button press.

Conclusion

Almost every pressure washer will be equipped with a reset button to restore factory settings and restart the device. Locating this reset button and understanding when and how to use it is invaluable knowledge for any pressure washer owner. Before hauling out tools or arranging costly repairs, see if pressing the reset button alleviates the problems you’re experiencing. In many cases a simple reboot is all that’s needed to get a pressure washer functioning like normal again.