Pressure Washer Not Working Correctly [Here’S The Fix!]

Your pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools in your home improvement arsenal. It can help you clean everything from your driveway to your siding to your car. But when your pressure washer isn’t working correctly, it can be a major source of frustration.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common problems that can cause your pressure washer to malfunction, and I’ll show you how to fix them. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.

Reasons Why Pressure Washer Not Working Correctly

No Water Flow

No water supply to the pressure washer:
Check the water supply hose to make sure it is connected to the faucet and that the faucet is turned on.

Clogged water filter:
Remove the water filter and clean it with a brush.

Damaged water pump:
The water pump may be damaged if it is making a loud noise or if it is not pumping water. You will need to replace the water pump.

Restricted water intake valve:
The water intake valve may be restricted if it is clogged with dirt or debris. Clean the water intake valve with a brush.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure at the faucet:
Check the water pressure at the faucet to make sure it is sufficient for the pressure washer.

Clogged water filter:
See the No Water Flow section above.

Damaged water pump:
See the No Water Flow section above.

Restricted water intake valve:
See the No Water Flow section above.

Debris in the pressure washer gun:
Remove the pressure washer gun from the pressure washer and clean it with a brush.

Damaged pressure washer gun:
The pressure washer gun may be damaged if it is leaking or if it is not producing enough pressure. You will need to replace the pressure washer gun.

High Water Pressure

High water pressure at the faucet:
Check the water pressure at the faucet to make sure it is not too high for the pressure washer.

Damaged pressure washer pump:
The pressure washer pump may be damaged if it is making a loud noise or if it is not producing the correct pressure. You will need to replace the pressure washer pump.

Restricted water outlet valve:
The water outlet valve may be restricted if it is clogged with dirt or debris. Clean the water outlet valve with a brush.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start

No power to the pressure washer:
Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in and that the outlet is working.

Blown fuse:
Check the fuse in the pressure washer to make sure it is not blown.

Damaged pressure washer switch:
The pressure washer switch may be damaged if it is not working properly. You will need to replace the pressure washer switch.

Damaged pressure washer motor:
The pressure washer motor may be damaged if it is not starting or if it is running but not producing pressure. You will need to replace the pressure washer motor.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Pressure Washer

Your Pressure Washer Isn’t Starting

If your pressure washer won’t start, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the power cord:
Make sure that the power cord is plugged into an outlet and that the outlet is working. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance.

Check the circuit breaker:
If the outlet is working, check the circuit breaker to make sure that it hasn’t tripped.

Check the oil level:
If your pressure washer is gas-powered, check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Check the spark plug:
If your pressure washer is gas-powered, remove the spark plug and check to see if it is dirty or damaged. If it is, clean or replace the spark plug.

Check the fuel filter:
If your pressure washer is gas-powered, remove the fuel filter and check to see if it is clogged. If it is, clean or replace the fuel filter.

Your Pressure Washer Is Starting But Not Pumping Water

If your pressure washer is starting but not pumping water, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the water supply:
Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that the water pressure is adequate.

Check the hose:
Make sure that the hose is not kinked or damaged.

Check the nozzle:
Make sure that the nozzle is not clogged.

Check the pump:
If the pressure washer is still not pumping water after you have checked all of the other components, the problem may be with the pump. You will need to take your pressure washer to a qualified repair technician to have the pump repaired or replaced.

Your Pressure Washer Is Pumping Water But Not Under Pressure

If your pressure washer is pumping water but not under pressure, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the water supply:
Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that the water pressure is adequate.

Check the hose:
Make sure that the hose is not kinked or damaged.

Check the nozzle:
Make sure that the nozzle is not clogged.

Check the pump:
If the pressure washer is still not under pressure after you have checked all of the other components, the problem may be with the pump. You will need to take your pressure washer to a qualified repair technician to have the pump repaired or replaced.

Your Pressure Washer Is Leaking

If your pressure washer is leaking, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the hose connections:
Make sure that the hose connections are tight and secure.

Check the pump housing:
Make sure that the pump housing is not cracked or damaged.

Check the seals:
Make sure that the seals are not damaged or worn out.

Check the o-rings:
Make sure that the o-rings are not damaged or worn out.

If the pressure washer is still leaking after you have checked all of the other components, the problem may be with the pump. You will need to take your pressure washer to a qualified repair technician to have the pump repaired or replaced.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are not sure how to troubleshoot your pressure washer, it is best to take it to a qualified repair technician.
When troubleshooting your pressure washer, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Be careful when working with gasoline-powered pressure washers. Gasoline is a flammable liquid and can be dangerous if it is not handled properly.
Never attempt to repair a pressure washer that is still plugged in. Always unplug the pressure washer before you begin working on it.

Also Read: Pressure Washer Not Working Model Vr2500

FAQs: Pressure Washer Not Working

Why isn’t my pressure washer working?

There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer might not be working. Here are some of the most common:

The pump is not getting enough water: Make sure that the water supply to the pressure washer is turned on and that the water pressure is adequate.

The pump is not working properly: The pump may be clogged or damaged. If you suspect that the pump is not working properly, you should have it serviced by a qualified technician.

The hose is kinked or damaged: A kinked or damaged hose can restrict the flow of water to the pressure washer. Check the hose for kinks or damage and replace it if necessary.

The nozzle is clogged: A clogged nozzle can prevent the pressure washer from generating enough pressure. Clean the nozzle with a wire brush or a needle to remove any debris.

The pressure washer is not primed properly: Before you use a pressure washer, you need to prime it by filling the pump with water. If the pressure washer is not primed properly, it will not generate enough pressure.

What can I do if my pressure washer is not working?

If your pressure washer is not working, here are a few things you can try:

Check the water supply: Make sure that the water supply to the pressure washer is turned on and that the water pressure is adequate.

Check the pump: The pump may be clogged or damaged. If you suspect that the pump is not working properly, you should have it serviced by a qualified technician.

Check the hose: A kinked or damaged hose can restrict the flow of water to the pressure washer. Check the hose for kinks or damage and replace it if necessary.

Check the nozzle: A clogged nozzle can prevent the pressure washer from generating enough pressure. Clean the nozzle with a wire brush or a needle to remove any debris.

Prime the pressure washer: Before you use a pressure washer, you need to prime it by filling the pump with water. If the pressure washer is not primed properly, it will not generate enough pressure.

How do I prime a pressure washer?

To prime a pressure washer, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the water supply to the pressure washer.
2. Attach the garden hose to the water inlet on the pressure washer.
3. Turn on the pressure washer.
4. Hold the trigger on the gun until water flows out of the nozzle.
5. Release the trigger and let the pressure washer prime for a few seconds.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the pressure washer is fully primed.

How do I maintain my pressure washer?

To maintain your pressure washer, follow these tips:

Use the right type of water: Do not use salt water or water that contains chemicals or minerals. This can damage the pressure washer.

Clean the filter regularly: The filter prevents debris from entering the pump. Clean the filter regularly to prevent the pressure washer from overheating.

Store the pressure washer properly: When you are not using the pressure washer, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the pump from freezing or rusting.

Have the pressure washer serviced regularly: A qualified technician can inspect the pressure washer and identify any problems. This will help to keep the pressure washer running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.

What are the safety precautions I should take when using a pressure washer?

When using a pressure washer, there are a few safety precautions you should take to avoid injury:

Wear safety glasses: The high-pressure water from a pressure washer can cause eye injuries. Always wear safety glasses when using a pressure washer.

Don’t point the pressure washer at people or animals: The high-pressure water from a pressure washer can cause serious injury. Never point the pressure washer at people or animals.

Be careful not to slip: The water from a pressure washer can make surfaces slippery. Be careful not to slip when using a pressure washer.

Don’t use a pressure washer on electrical equipment: The high-pressure water from a pressure washer can damage electrical equipment. Never use a pressure washer on electrical equipment.