The purpose of a pressure washer is to clean the surfaces with high pressure, but there can be problems when your pressure washer cannot produce high pressure. It is a serious problem, and several reasons might exist.
If you have been using your pressure washer for a long time, these issues can arise, but there is nothing to worry about because you can solve them easily. If your pressure washer has low pressure, it does not necessarily mean that you should get a new one, but with minor repair or maintenance, you can use it for an extended period.
In this article, we are going to discuss the reasons behind the low pressure of the pressure washer and will also discuss how to fix them easily. So let’s get started.
Ways Of Fixing Low Pressure On A Pressure Washer
There can be different reasons why the pressure washer can not produce the required pressure. The first step is to diagnose the problem. These are some of the common problems that can cause the issue:
Not Enough Water
It is one of the most common reasons for low pressure. It is possible that the problem is not in the pressure washer, but the garden hose can not provide the required flow rate. If your garden hose cannot provide the required pressure, then the pressure washer will get the air, resulting in low pressure. Check the water supply by filling the bucket directly from the garden hose. Check the time it takes to fill the bucket. Also, insert the pipe into the water bucket and run the water. If there are bubbles, then there is airflow with water.
Leakage
Leakages of hoses and valves can also cause the pressure washer to spray the water with low pressure. Normally, you would detect any leakage easily if they are big, but there can be minor and internal leakages that are not easy to spot, and they can create a massive problem if left unchecked. You must check the pressure washer completely to spot any leakage. You can repair the leakage of the garden hose by plugging the holes. However, high-pressure hoses are very tricky to repair. You would have to cut the damaged part and then connect the ends of the hose with bolts and joints.
If there are any leakages in the valve, then replacing them is better than repairing them. It is very important that there is no kink in the pressure washer’s hose.
Nozzle Tip Blockage
The nozzles of the pressure washer are typically the narrowest point for the flow of water; due to that, they can block easily. If you are dealing with the low pressure of a pressure washer, then nozzle blockage might be the problem. You can easily check the nozzle for blockage by running the water from it without turning on the pressure washer. If the water stream is steady, the nozzle works fine, but if the water stream is disturbed, then the nozzle is blocked.
Take a thin wire or pin and put it in your nozzle. Make sure that you are not harming the wall of the nozzle. The debris and layering can easily deposit on the nozzle that you can wash using the pin. You can also dip your nozzle in a solution of baking soda and vinegar to lift the layering easily.
Problem In Spray Wand
The problem of low pressure can also occur due to problems in the spray wand. When you press the trigger, it is possible that it does not allow the water to pass without obstruction, leading to low pressure. Check the spray wand by disassembling it and blowing the water from one side and see if it is coming from the other end without a problem. If there is a problem with the spray wand, it is better to replace it because repairing the spray wand is unreliable and can break down easily.
O Ring Problem
O rings can also cause low pressure in a pressure washer. These rings are responsible for sealing the joints, and if they are rusted or damaged, then it might cause the pressure washer to underperform. Check the outlet coupler to see if the o ring is working properly. You will also find the o ring in a spray wand. If these rings are damaged, you can easily replace them with new ones.
Problem In Unloader Valve
The unloader valve is responsible for water flow outside the pump, which is how you control the pressure. Ensure that the unloader is fully opened to ensure maximum flow and no restrictions in it. The spring in the unloader valve can also degrade and can get rusty, which might cause your pressure washer to underperform. Open the unloader valve and locate the spring. If you see that the spring is not in good condition, you should replace it for better results.
Oil Problem
The gas-powered pressure washer works similarly to the car and motorcycle engines. Like these engines, pressure washers can also not work properly to their full potential if there is not enough oil in the engine or the oil is too old to work properly. Check the oil and replace it if you find it necessary. Always use a branded and approved engine oil for your pressure washer.
Belt Slip
If you are using a belt-driven pressure washer, there is a high chance that belt slippage might be the ultimate issue. Belts can get loose if they run for a long time, and you must take professional expertise to change the belt of your pressure washer.
If the problem remains, it would be better to get expert help.
Final Thoughts
In this article, we have discussed the possible reasons for the low pressure in a pressure washer. The most common problem is the lack of water supply, which causes the pressure washer to get air. Leakage, nozzle tip blockage, spray wand problem, O-ring problem, unloader valve problem, oil problem, and belt slippage can also cause the pressure washer to underperform. If you do not find any issues, it would be better to ask for professional expertise.
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