How to Repair a Pressure Washer: Hose, Pump, Wand, and More
Using pressure washers in commercial settings is the best way to streamline cleaning tasks. However, if your business relies on a pressure washer’s speedy and powerful cleaning, your operations can be put on the back burner when repairs are necessary.
Learning how to repair a pressure washer may seem daunting at first. Identifying the problem without knowing what you are looking for can be challenging, and some issues may be best left to a professional repair company.
However, repairing a pressure washer is possible once you learn the ins and outs. Whether you want to know how to repair a pressure washer hose, pump, tank, or wand, this guide will teach you everything you need to know.
We will also teach you how to identify when a problem is too big to repair yourself. If that happens and you are looking for commercial pressure washer repair in NJ, RJP Hotsy is here to help! Our team uses a comprehensive 24-point inspection process to diagnose and fix problems, helping you avoid costly delays in your production.
Let’s discuss how to repair a pressure washer by beginning with the most common issues you may encounter.
What is the Most Common Problem With Pressure Washers?
Whenever we receive a new machine in our shop, we will begin our diagnosis by looking for the three most common issues: pressure loss, inconsistent water flow, and engine troubles. Usually, repairing a pressure washer will involve dealing with one or more of these concerns.
Pressure loss can have several root causes, including clogged nozzles, damaged seals, or regulator malfunctions. To fix the problem, you may have to learn how to repair pressure washer pumps, guns, and seals all at once.
Inconsistent water flow can be similarly frustrating. This issue can also result from clogged nozzles, damaged hoses, or malfunctioning pumps.
Engine issues are a complex topic on their own. Repairing a pressure washer that fails to start, idles, or stalls can be extraordinarily difficult to do without the help of a professional.
Can a Pressure Washer Be Repaired?
As you study how to repair pressure washer guns, wands, or engines, you may wonder if it is worth your effort to learn. Is repairing a pressure washer even possible?
Thankfully, repairing a pressure washer is doable in most cases if you have a good grasp of the process.
Simple repairs, such as replacing old nozzles and hoses or clearing a blockage in your pump or tank, can often be done in-house, but complex issues like engine malfunctions, major water leaks, and pressure drops may be much more difficult.
While we will provide some tips on repairing pressure washers with these problems, you will often do more harm than good without the right tools and expertise.
For now, let’s discuss how to repair a pressure washer to help you decide whether to take your machine to a professional or handle it in-house.
How to Repair a Pressure Washer: Hose, Pump, Wand, and More
Repairing a pressure washer begins with thoroughly diagnosing the symptoms and problems you are experiencing. Your approach to repairs will vary significantly depending on which parts of your machine are failing, so let’s cover the most common areas you will encounter.
How to Repair a Pressure Washer Hose
When repairing a pressure washer hose, you first want to look for signs of damage. Inspect the entire length of the hose for any holes, leaks, or cracks.
Once you find damaged sections, you must decide if you want to replace the hose entirely or if a repair will be sufficient.
If you choose to make a quick repair, you must remove the damage using a utility knife or sharp pair of scissors. You can then use a hose mender or another coupling tool to securely fasten the remaining hose together.
Bear in mind that this repair is a quick fix and that, in the long term, replacing your hose outright is the best way to ensure no further damage comes to your machine.
Dealing With Water Leaks From Your Pressure Washer
While a faulty hose can cause water leaks, most other causes require more significant repair.
Like before, we want to begin by inspecting the machine thoroughly. Check each connection point for damage, including seals, O-rings, and other fittings. You can gently run water through your machine to help you identify where the leak originated.
If you still encounter weather leaks after checking your connections, the problem may originate elsewhere within your machine. In that case, it will be necessary to have a professional inspect the machine to address those underlying issues.
How to Repair Pressure Washer Pumps
Damage to your pressure washer pump will significantly impact your ability to clean. As with water leaks, there is not one specific cause of pressure washer pump damage, so you will need to do some investigating first.
Most commonly, damage to your pumps is due to faulty valves, pistons, or seals. You must consult your manufacturer’s manual or ask the retailer you bought from for more specifics, as you may need special parts to ensure compatibility.
Addressing Poor Water Pressure Issues
If you notice that your cleaning jobs are taking significantly longer than usual, you could be experiencing water pressure issues.
Start inspecting your machine by checking the water supply and all its connecting parts, ensuring everything meets compatibility standards.
From there, you will want to look for blockages disrupting water flow. Blockages can occur within your pump, hose, and nozzles. While some cases can be quickly fixed by removing the blockage, other obstructions could require a total replacement or professional guidance.
How to Repair Pressure Washer Guns
Your pressure washer gun contributes to the water flow rate, and issues with it will immediately disrupt your cleaning routines.
Typically, the most common issues around pressure washer guns involve leaks, faulty seals, malfunctioning triggers, and blockages. Look for visible damage and signs of worn seals in and around the gun.
If the gun itself leaks, you are likely dealing with a damaged O-ring or leaky seal. On the other hand, if the problem is within the trigger itself, you will need to disassemble the gun entirely.
Rectifying Detergent Dispensing Problems
Without the proper detergent, your cleaning tasks won’t get very far. Issues with your detergent dispensing and injection systems can range from faulty hoses or filters to blockages preventing the injector from functioning correctly.
Inspect these parts thoroughly for blockages and debris. These issues are easier to fix than a faulty injector, which could require professional-level repair to restore functionality.
If your initial inspection does not turn up anything noticeable, you should also cross-check your machine with the detergent you use. Ensure your soap is compatible, including its dilution ratio, as this can often be a common mistake misinterpreted as a more significant problem.
Should You Attempt to Repair Your Own Pressure Washer or Get Professional Repair?
So, now that you know how to repair a pressure washer, including how to identify problems, you have to decide if it is something you can handle on your own or if you should enlist professional help.
Cost is at the heart of the argument, with professional services having an upfront price. However, it is crucial to remember that an inexperienced repair process could end up causing more damage in the long run, making the professional route worth it in most complex cases.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Pressure Washer Professionally?
So, how much does it cost to repair a pressure washer, anyway?
While prices vary significantly, repairs often cost $100 to $300. This price can rise considerably depending on the extent of repairs, with complex jobs like engine work climbing into the thousands in some cases.
It is essential to note that many retail pressure washer brands, such as Hotsy, offer warranties on their machines, so you may end up with a reduced or free cost for standard repairs, making the professional route a clear decision.
Why Professional Pressure Washer Repair is Worth Every Penny
Let’s say you encounter a pressure washer repair issue right on the border of something you can potentially fix yourself. Should you seek professional help or try to DIY?
Ultimately, while saving a few dollars through DIY can be tempting, you run a significant risk. You will still need to invest some money and time in the task, whether acquiring new tools like hose connectors, buying replacement parts, or learning the ins and outs of pressure washer repair.
And the disappointing news is that all that DIY effort and spending could lead to an even worse state for your machine than when you began. Many DIY repairs will fix one problem and cause two more due to inexperience.
On the other hand, professional repair is worth the extra upfront cost. Experienced technicians can diagnose problems much quicker, including those you did not even think to look for.
With specialized tools and expert knowledge, a professional team can repair your machine faster, provide significant optimizations, and extend its lifespan.
And perhaps most importantly, the professional route gives you something the DIY route never can: peace of mind. By placing your machine in the hands of experts, you can rest assured that your machine will be back in peak condition and ready to streamline your cleaning processes in no time.
So, if you choose the professional route, how can you find the best repair shop in your area? If you are in New Jersey, we have just the place in mind.
Enjoy Peace of Mind Repairing Your Pressure Washer at RJP Hotsy in New Jersey!
RPJ Hotsy New Jersey is the state’s #1 home for commercial pressure washers in New Jersey. Our experienced and friendly team has been helping businesses with their cleaning needs for years, from selling and renting commercial pressure washer trailers in NJ to a comprehensive suite of repair services.
When you work with our skilled repair team, you will get more than just a timely repair. With our 24-point inspection process, we can diagnose the health of your pressure washer, from barely perceptible leaks to complex issues requiring in-depth repair.
This allows you to rest easy knowing that we will nip any issues your machine has in the bud before they develop into complex and expensive repairs. Our goal is to act as a strategic partner for your business, keeping your machine in peak condition in as convenient a manner as possible for you.
We provide repairs both in-person at our store in New Egypt and on-site pickup and delivery to ensure your workflow is not disrupted. Plus, we are a certified Hotsy warranty dealer, so your repairs may be significantly discounted!
In addition to repairs, we are the #1 home for commercial pressure washer leasing in NJ and commercial pressure washer rental in NJ, thanks to our status as an authorized Hotsy dealer. Whether you want to browse commercial cold water pressure washers in New Jersey, need help finding suitable detergent for a job, or just want some helpful tips on cleaning your commercial buildings, our team is here to help.
Final Thoughts on Repairing a Pressure Washer
Overall, repairing a pressure washer can be a complex process. Many repairs are more significant than a simple hose replacement, and some issues are impossible to diagnose without an expert eye.
However, you can always count on professional help where the DIY route fails. For all your repair needs in New Jersey, check out our authorized Hotsy dealership in New Egypt!
If you found our guide on how to repair a pressure washer helpful, check out our blog for more! Other articles include the cost to rent a pressure washer, DIY pressure washer trailer set up and the differences between hot water and cold water pressure washers.
Otherwise, you can find the #1 home for commercial hot water pressure washers in New Jersey at RJP Hotsy. Call us at (609) 286-2958, and we will work with you to diagnose your pressure washer problems!
