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When your pressure washer isn't getting the job done—maybe the engine won't start or it's not spraying correctly—Sears Home Services has the troubleshooting advice to help you diagnose the problem.
When you can’t fix the problem yourself, visit nearest local service provider to fix the problem.
Use these DIY troubleshooting tips to fix basic problems that you experience with your pressure washer.
If the pressure washer runs for more than 5 minutes when the spray wand isn't in use, the water in the pump often overheats, causing the thermal relief valve to open and discharge hot water onto the ground. When the thermal relief valve opens, cool water enters the pump and cools the system. Once the pump has cooled, the thermal relief valve closes and the pressure washer operates normally.
The unloader valve reduces water pressure within the pressure washer pump when the pump runs but the spray wand isn't used, by recirculating water to the pump inlet. If the valve sticks in the closed position, the thermal relief valve frequently discharges hot water onto the ground because the unloader valve can't open to allow recirculation. You’ll likely need to replace the unloader valve if it sticks shut and causes the thermal relief valve to open frequently.
Follow these steps to replace the unloader valve.
Check pressure washer operation. Start the pressure washer and check for water leaks at the new unloader valve. Make sure that the new unloader valve works properly so that the emergency relief valve doesn’t open frequently and that the wand gets proper water pressure.
When the engine on your pressure washer won't start, follow these troubleshooting tips to fix the problem:
Make sure the rocker switch that controls the engine is in the On position.
Check the fuel; the engine won't start if the engine is out of fuel or if the fuel is stale or contaminated with water. Replace the fuel in the gas tank if the fuel is older than 6 months. Add fuel stabilizer to gasoline to help keep the fuel fresh.
Stale fuel or debris can contaminate the carburetor. Clean or replace the carburetor if it's gummed up from using stale fuel and your power washer won't start.
The engine on a power washer that won't start may also need a good tune-up so it will start easily. A tune-up includes changing the oil, changing the spark plug, replacing the air filter, checking the ignition system and adjusting the throttle and choke controls.
A bad recoil starter can prevent the engine from starting. If the engine doesn't spin when you pull the starter rope, you'll likely need to replace the recoil starter.
If you still can’t get the pressure washer engine started after following these DIY troubleshooting tips, have the pressure washer serviced by a technician.
An insufficient water supply can cause low pressure at the pressure washer's nozzle. Check the water pressure at the source and the flow connected to the inlet of the pressure washer. Check the inlet screen for a clog that could be blocking inlet water flow.
Check whether a low-pressure spray tip is installed on the wand; if so, install a different nozzle. A problem with the wand or pressure hose can also cause low nozzle pressure. Clean or replace the wand if necessary. Replace the pressure hose if it's clogged.
A pump failure can cause low nozzle pressure. Replace the pump check valves or replace the entire pump if it doesn't build up adequate spray pressure. A stuck unloader valve can also cause low pressure at the nozzle. Replace the unloader valve if it sticks open and constantly recirculates water back to the pump inlet.
Pressure washer check valves let enough water flow through the pump and manifold to pressurize the water at the nozzle. If the pressure washer check valves are damaged, the pump won’t build pressure. Air in the inlet water supply can damage the pressure washer check valves, as can chemical residue left in the pump. Replace damaged check valves by following these steps.
Replacing the check valves should restore proper water pressure to the wand.
For more DIY pressure washer repair advice, visit our Pressure Washer Repair Help page.
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