Pressure Washer Repair and Troubleshooting (2024)

Pressure washers are incredible tools, but they aren’t exactly something you need to use daily. When I do pull my pressure washer out of the garage, it can take a little TLC to get it running properly. Luckily, fixing a pressure washer is often relatively simple. So if yours is being persnickety, here’s how to diagnose it and get it back on track.

Why Isn’t My Pressure Washer Working?

Below are a few common issues that may have caused your pressure washer to stop working.

Power

If your pressure washer doesn’t have power, it could be a clogged air filter or old gas.

Water Flow

It’s common for dirt, debris or corrosion to clog up power washer nozzles, preventing water from flowing through them properly. Other water flow issues can be from low house water pressure or a kinked or blocked hose.

Also, “If you’re experiencing a loss of water pressure, it could be that you’ve left the pressure washer running too long without using the trigger,” says Delah Gomasi, Managing Director at MaidForYou. This can damage the relief valve, which, in most cases, means you’ll have to replace it.”

Pump Problems

If water isn’t coming out of the hose at all, then it’s usually a problem with a pump. If you see water leaking from the pump, then there’s likely a crack in the seals or the pump itself. “I usually find that this occurs in winter,” says Gomasi. “The pump freezers, then when you go to start it up again, the sudden rush of water damages the seals.”

Troubleshooting Why Your Pressure Washer Isn’t Working

Let’s run through a few scenarios for fixing your pressure washer.

Engine Won’t Run

If your pressure washer engine doesn’t start, check to ensure there’s gas in it and that the gas is not old or contaminated. Then check that the:

• rocker switch (kill switch) is in the on position;
• air filter isn’t clogged;
• spark plug isn’t fouled or dirty; and
• engine oil is at the proper level and uncontaminated.

How to fix: If you suspect your fuel is the problem or has been sitting for a long time, drain the tank and flush it with carburetor cleaner. “Old or degraded gas loses its volatility and will turn into a gummy varnish that will clog fuel to the carburetor, restricting the necessary flow of gasoline to the combustion chamber,” says Daniel Reinhart Senior Product Manager at Generac Chore Products.

Little Or No Water Pressure

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Causes of low water pressure include:

• worn o-rings or loose connections on hoses and fittings;
• clogged water inlets;
• an unloader valve that needs to be adjusted or replaced;
• a damaged pressure spring.

How to fix: Make sure the fittings are tight and inspect the nozzle and inlet filter for debris. Inspect and replace any broken parts.

“With blocked nozzles, it’s usually an easy fix,” says Gomasi. “It’s often just a matter of unscrewing the quick connect a bit until the pressure in the valve is released, then re-screwing it together.”

Water Leaking From Pump

If water leaks from the pump, there’s a good chance the pump seals, piston seals, valves or o-rings are worn out.

How to fix: Replace the seals, or “since pumps aren’t expensive, your best bet is to just replace the pump,” says Gomasi.

Water Leaking From Wand

A leaky wand is most likely due to loose connections or missing, worn or damaged o-rings.

How to fix: Check the connections and o-rings for damage. Replace any culprits.

Strange Noises From the Pump

If you’re hearing strange noises, it could be air in the water line, which pops and gurgles under pressure, says Reinhart. “This can create grinding noises and wear internal components due to the unsteady popping, which could cause the pump to fail,” he says.

How to fix: To remove air in the line, Reinhart recommends running water through the washer while it’s turned off, but with the trigger engaged, until a steady stream begins to flow. Also, prime the pump and check hoses for air leaks, remove and clear the suction line and check the nozzle for blockages.

No Water Flowing

If the washer is running smoothly but there’s no pressure or water coming from the pump, it could be a clogged wand, hose or inlet filter. If there’s a chattering noise, that means air is leaking in the inlet fitting or suction hose. No water flow could also mean that your house supply line lacks pressure or that a hose is kinked.

How to fix: Inspect hoses for kinks and make sure the water source is delivering adequate supply. Attach a water hose to the inlet and turn on the pressure washer. If some water flows out, it could be an indication the filter is partly clogged and needs to be cleaned or replaced. Otherwise, remove and clear the suction hose or nozzle, and check the inlet fitting for leaks.

Soap Not Dispensing From Reservoir

If soap isn’t dispensing properly, it could be that your soap is too concentrated, the detergent injector is clogged, or you are using the wrong size nozzle or the wrong pressure setting. Reinhart says too much pressure can also force the soap back into the tank.

How to fix: Clean or replace the injector, and consult your user’s manual for which nozzle and pressure setting to use. Test your setup by applying pressure on the trigger and waiting a few moments for the detergent to move from the tank to the hoses, which then becomes visible as suds. If no suds appear, check the filter at the bottom of the soap tank and make sure there are no knots or obstructions in the line.

“You can always test with water by removing all nozzles and pulling the trigger,” says Reinhart. “If slow-moving water comes out, add warm water to see if it dissolves any residue that might be gummed up instead of the tank.”

When to Call a Pro

When fixing a pressure washer, call a professional if you encounter major engine, pump or electrical issues you’re uncomfortable addressing by yourself, says Nate Cording, manager at Generators Direct.

Tips to Avoid a Broken Pressure Washer

General maintenance will go a long way toward keeping your pressure washer from giving you hassles. Make sure to regularly inspect, clean and change the following:

• oil
• air filter
• water inlet screen
• detergent siphoning hose and filter
• wand and nozzle
• other fittings

Always read and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, says Cording. “Using the right nozzle for the job is crucial, as different nozzles have different spray patterns and pressures,” he says. Also, “avoid running the pressure washer without water as it can damage the pump.”

Finally, store your pressure washer out of the elements properly, especially when you won’t be using it for a while. Add fuel stabilizer and drain water from the pump and hoses to prevent damage from freezing.

FAQs

How long do pressure washers last?

It depends on how often they’re used and how well they’re maintained, but a good-quality unit can last between 300 and 3,000 hours, says Cording. “This translates to several years for most homeowners,” he says.

When should I replace my pressure washer?

When repairs become frequent or costly, it might be time to replace your pressure washer. Also, if a pressure washer experiences a pump cycling on and off often, it’s possible the pump and system are worn to a point where a new machine is the most cost-effective option, says Reinhart.

How to get rid of my old pressure washer?

If you can’t fix your pressure washer, you can recycle it at centers that accept small engines and metal and electronic equipment.

About the Experts

Daniel Reinhart is Senior Product Manager for Generac Chore Products. He has managed Generac’s pressure washer category for five years and worked in the outdoor power equipment industry for more than 12 years. His focus is developing Chore Products, including pressure washers, that meet the needs of residential and commercial users.

Nate Cording is a manager at Generators Direct. He has more than 10 years of expertise in pressure washer repair and maintenance and is passionate about helping homeowners and businesses keep their equipment in top shape. He regularly shares practical tips and advice on pressure washer care and troubleshooting.

Delah Gomasi is Managing Director at MaidForYou, a house cleaning agency based in Sydney, Australia. He writes the company’s standard operating procedures for its professional cleaning teams and runs the pressure washing training service for new hires.