A pressure washer is an invaluable tool for cleaning outdoor surfaces like decks, patios, siding, and concrete. When used properly, a pressure washer can quickly blast away years of built-up dirt, mold, mildew, and grime. However, like any power tool, pressure washers can develop problems over time that lead to decreased performance or complete failure. Knowing the most common causes of pressure washer issues can help you troubleshoot problems and potentially fix them yourself instead of taking the machine in for expensive repairs. This article will examine the typical weak points in pressure washers and explain what causes them to malfunction.
Page Contents
What Are the Main Components of a Pressure Washer?
To understand what commonly goes wrong with pressure washers, it helps to first understand what the main components are:
– Pump: The pump takes water from the inlet and intensifies the pressure, discharging pressurized water through the hose/spray gun. Pumps are commonly triplex (three pistons) or duplex (two pistons) style.
– Engine: Gas-powered pressure washers have a small engine, usually around 3-5 HP. This powers the pump. Electric pressure washers omit the engine and are powered by an electric motor instead.
– Hoses: The high-pressure hose connects the pump outlet to the spray gun. A secondary hose pulls water from the external source into the pump inlet.
– Spray Gun: This handheld wand allows you to direct the high-pressure spray. It includes a trigger to control water flow.
– Nozzles: Interchangeable nozzles attach to the end of the spray gun and are what accelerate the water into a focused, high-pressure stream. They have different spray patterns.
– Unloader valve: Releases pressure inside the pump/hoses when the trigger is not pulled to prevent damage.
– Detergent injection system: Allows you to siphon and apply cleaning chemicals to the surface being washed.
– Frame: Metal or plastic housing that covers/protects the pump and internal components.
What are the Most Common Pressure Washer Problems?
With those key components in mind, these are the most prevalent issues that crop up with pressure washers:
1. Pump Problems
The pump is the heart of a pressure washer. It takes the incoming water supply and amplifies the pressure to levels high enough to clean and strip surfaces. There are several things that can go wrong with the pump:
– Worn pump valves/seats: The constant cycling of the pump causes valve components and seats to wear over time. This prevents them from sealing properly, resulting in pressure loss.
– Damaged pistons: Pistons are part of the pumping mechanism. They can become scored or seized, disrupting the pressurization process.
– Stuck/faulty unloader valve: The unloader releases system pressure when not spraying. If it fails, the constant high pressure damages the pump.
– Clogged water inlet: Debris blocking the pump’s water intake prevents proper water flow into the system.
– High-pressure hose leak: Leaks in the high-pressure line cause pump cavitation and pressure fluctuations.
– Mineral deposits: Hard water creates scale buildup inside the pump over time, detrimentally affecting performance.
Pump problems are often indicated by intermittent pressure variation, pressure loss, or the pump not engaging at all when triggered. Replacing worn components or the entire pump may be necessary in severe cases.
2. Engine Problems
For gas-powered pressure washers, the motor is crucial for generating the pumping power. Here are some typical engine issues:
– Worn starter cord: The pull start cord commonly frays and snaps after repeated use. This renders the starter inoperative.
– Carburetor malfunction: Dirt, debris, and old fuel cause the carburetor to clog or function poorly, resulting in stalling or failure to start.
– Low compression: Wear of internal piston rings and cylinders creates loss of compression. This reduces engine power and pressure output.
– Spark plug defects: Fouled, broken, or worn spark plugs lead to ignition problems that prevent starting.
Gas engine problems show up as difficulty starting the engine or the engine not staying powered on. Engine components may need cleaning or replacement to get a poorly running engine back in good operation.
3. Spray Nozzle Wear
The quick-connect spray nozzles attaching to the spray gun accelerate the water into a targeted jet. They also determine the spray pattern. Here are the main spray nozzle issues:
– Nozzle clogging: Mineral deposits and debris collect in the nozzle orifice, distorting the spray pattern and reducing pressure.
– Worn nozzle: General erosion of the inner nozzle components over time diminishes cleaning performance.
– Wrong nozzle: Using the incorrect nozzle for the task leads to lackluster cleaning results.
Nozzle problems present as reduced pressure at the spray outlet, inconsistent spray patterns, or slower cleaning times. Switching to a fresh, unclogged nozzle in the right size restores full cleaning power.
4. Hose Leaks/Bursts
The hoses carrying water in a pressure washer system endure extremely high pressures up to 5000 PSI. Eventually, this can cause:
– Hose cracks/ruptures: Constant vibration and high pressure causes the hose to develop cracks that lead to leaks or dangerous bursts.
– Loose hose fittings: The high-pressure vibration also loosens hose end fittings over time, resulting in leaks.
– Kinked hose: Sharp hose bends create kink points prone to flow restriction and premature hose failure.
Hose issues quickly lead to pressure loss and water spraying from cracked hoses or fittings. Replacing worn hoses and tightening fittings solves the problems. Using hose reels prevents kinks.
5. Malfunctioning Trigger Gun
Problems with the trigger spray gun disrupt the ability to safely control the pressurized spray:
– Stuck/broken trigger: The trigger sticks in the open or closed position due to mineral deposits or broken components.
– Worn/damaged o-rings: These seals prevent water leakage where the trigger gun connects to the hose and nozzles. Deteriorated o-rings cause leaks.
– Loose nozzle connection: The quick-connect at the nozzle end loses integrity, resulting in leaks and pressure loss.
Trigger gun issues pose problems with turning the spray on/off. New o-rings, seal lubrication, trigger replacement, or a new gun may be needed in severe cases.
6. Faulty Unloader Valve
As described previously, the unloader valve releases system pressure when the trigger gun is not engaged. Faults with this vital safety component include:
– Sticking valve: Mineral deposits or damaged internal parts cause the valve to stick open or closed. This allows constant high pressure that damages the pump.
– Worn valve spring/seals: The spring loses tension over time while seals deteriorate. This results in pressure fluctuations and leaks.
– Valve seat defects: Sealing surfaces get damaged, preventing the unloader from closing properly when the trigger gun is released.
Unloader valve problems quickly lead to issues like pressure spikes and continuous water flow even when the trigger is released. Replacing the unloader valve restores normal operation.
7. Detergent Injection Malfunction
Many pressure washers include detergent injection systems to apply cleaning chemicals to surfaces before rinsing. Breakdowns here include:
– Clogged detergent strainer: The intake strainer gets obstructed by debris, preventing chemical suction.
– Leaking/torn siphon hose: The tube bringing the detergent to the pump develops cracks or loose fittings, causing leaks.
– Faulty selector valve: This valve sets the system to apply either detergent or regular water. Defects result in no chemical injection.
Detergent injection problems manifest as an inability to apply chemicals or leaks/clogs in the siphon assembly. Fixes involve cleaning or replacing worn parts of the system.
Best Practices to Prevent Pressure Washer Problems
While normal wear eventually causes most pressure washer components to fail, you can prolong the life of your machine by following these maintenance tips:
– Flush with fresh water after each use to rinse corrosive chemicals and debris out of the system.
– Use a water softener/filter on the inlet hose to reduce mineral scale buildup inside the pump.
– Check and tighten loose hose fittings regularly. Replace any worn/cracked hoses.
– Use the right nozzle for the task and switch to fresh ones when output pressure drops.
– Clean nozzles/trigger gun orifices of accumulated debris with a fine wire.
– Use pump saver/winterizing chemicals when storing the unit.
– Change oil and keep gas engines maintained as per the manual.
– Inspect pump valves and unloaders annually and replace if needed.
– Allow proper ventilation around the engine/pump to prevent overheating.
When to Call a Professional
While do-it-yourself repairs are possible for many common pressure washer problems, it’s best to call in a professional service technician for issues like:
– Total pump failure requiring complete replacement/rebuild.
– Comprehensive engine overhaul or replacement.
– Major high pressure hose, trigger gun, or frame component defects.
– Detergent injection system malfunctions requiring part replacement.
– Electrical problems with the pressure switch, motor, or wiring (for electric washers).
– Safety valve/unloader issues causing abnormal high system pressure.
A qualified technician has the expertise to diagnose issues in complex pressure washer systems and has access to manufacturer-specific replacement parts. Let the pros tackle any major repairs.
Conclusion
Pressure washers contain many components that endure constant vibration, high pressures, and water exposure. This leads to inevitable wear and failure of parts like pumps, hoses, nozzles, engines, unloaders, and detergent injection systems. Regular maintenance and component replacement as needed will maximize the working lifespan of your pressure washer. But when major issues arise, don’t hesitate to turn the repairs over to a professional service provider. Understanding the most prone failure points will allow you to address problems promptly and get your pressure washer back up and running.