You need a machine that works when you have pressure cleaning to do. When you’re in the middle of a cleaning job, you don’t want to discover your pressure washer shuts off after a few seconds.
We know how much you rely on your pressure washer, and how badly a pressure washer problem can set back your business. That’s why we’ve written this guide on reasons why your pressure washer keeps shutting off.
When they need pressure washer repair, NJ relies on Hotsy New Jersey. We’re a factory-authorized Hotsy warranty center, but we also handle repairs on every type of pressure washer. We can fix your old pressure washer or set you up with a brand new unit.
Customers across New Jersey come to RJP Hotsy for their repair, maintenance, and purchase needs. Choose RJP Hotsy for all your pressure washer needs. In the meantime, let’s dive into the most common causes of a pressure washer shutting off below!
Why Does My Pressure Washer Keep Shutting Off? Causes and Solutions
Why does my pressure washer keep shutting off? We get this question a lot, almost as much as why won’t my pressure washer start? To help you narrow down your potential problems, here are some common reasons a pressure washer keeps shutting off.
Low or Contaminated Fuel (Gas Units)
Check your fuel tank if your pressure washer shuts off after a few seconds. Refill your gas tank if needed. Also check the oil, as low oil levels can trigger an automatic shutoff.
Are your oil and gas levels fine? Check for contamination. If your fuel looks dark or you see water or sediment in your tank, siphon out your tank and add new fuel. Be sure to empty your gas tank before putting your pressure washer in storage, as gas can go bad over time.
Electrical Supply Problems (Electric Units)
Is your electric pressure washer tripping a breaker switch? We see this happen frequently with commercial cleaners who use electrical units for residential house and driveway cleaning. Residential circuits simply can’t handle the machine’s demands. Switch to a gas-powered model if you keep running into this problem.
Check the outlet connection. A loose connection with the power outlet can cause shutdowns and sputtering. If you’re using an extension cord, make sure it’s securely seated in the outlet and that it’s not getting tugged loose as you use the power washer.
Make sure your extension cords are of a suitable gauge, as pressure washers consume a lot of power. You’re likely to run into trouble if you use any cord that’s under 12-gauge, as thinner cords are not suited to the demands of a commercial pressure washer.
Clogged or Restricted Water Flow
One of the most common reasons that a pressure washer keeps shutting off is restricted water flow.
When the water outflow is clogged or restricted, the pressure washer’s internal pressure rises beyond its safe zone. This triggers the pressure switch, and the pressure washer shuts off after a few seconds. Cleaning a clogged nozzle will get your clogged unit back to normal operation.
If your hoses are kinked or crimped, the pump gets water-starved and its internal pressure drops. Safety mechanisms stop the unit to prevent damage. See our guide to how to repair pressure washer hose to prevent hose related stalls.
Overheating and Thermal Protection Activation
A pressure washer’s internal mechanisms get hot as they squeeze water to high PSIs. Pressure washers have thermal overload sensors to protect the pistons, drive shaft, and seals from overheating damage. They shut the machine down when the internal temperature goes above a set point.
If your pressure washer keeps shutting off, it could be because you’re overworking it. A growing cleaning business needs a pressure washer that can handle the higher workload. If your old pressure washer isn’t up to the task, it’s time to invest in a bigger model.
If you notice that the thermal relief valve is constantly leaking or chattering, it may be time for a replacement. The thermal relief valve releases excess heat and pressure. It needs to be functioning properly at all times for operator safety.
Faulty Unloader Valve or Pressure Switch
The unloader valve regulates water pressure and flow rates. It’s one of the most important parts in your pressure washer, as it keeps your unit from building up too much water pressure. You must take care of any potential problems with the unloader valve immediately.
What does an unloader valve do? As soon as the water pressure reaches its maximum level, the unloader valve redirects water from the hose and spray nozzle to the pump’s pressure head. The valve moves rapidly and ensures that the pressure is sufficient but not too high.
All that movement and pressure means the unloader valve deals with a great deal of stress. When it is damaged, you’ll soon note that your pressure washer keeps shutting off.
If the pressure builds up past the maximum level, the pressure switch senses the overload and shuts the pressure washer down.
Other signs of a faulty unloader valve include pressure washer surging and pulsating pressure. Because the pressure washer soap dispenser needs a steady and regular water supply, you might also notice that your pressure stream contains little or no soap.
Other Engine or Motor Mechanical Problems
A clogged, dirty carburetor causes problems with air-fuel ratio on gas pressure washers. You’ll see stalling and notice smelly black smoke coming from the exhaust. Clogged air filters and fuel filters can also cause stalling and temporary shutdowns.
Dirty spark plugs and spark arrestors are another pressure washer shutdown culprit. They can cause engine problems and lead to restricted exhaust that causes engine difficulties. Electrical motors are prone to overheating if you run them too long or in a hot environment.
One of the best ways to avoid these problems is to keep your pressure washer’s machine or engine clean and well-maintained.
Come Visit Our Team if Your Pressure Washer Keeps Shutting Off After Trying These Troubleshooting Tips!
Why does my pressure washer keep shutting off, you ask? Let RJP Hotsy’s team of experts take care of the problem. We handle repairs and maintenance on every type of pressure washers in New Jersey , including Hotsy, Mi-T-M, Aqua Blast, and Karcher.
Our detailed 24-point inspection process will discover why your pressure washer shuts off after a few seconds. And it will also find any other problems that need to be addressed. Many pressure washers leave our shop working better than new when we’re finished.
Sometimes it makes more sense to upgrade your pressure washer rather than throwing more money into your old machine. Finding parts for an old machine can be challenging, and often you find yourself fixing one problem only to discover another one shortly thereafter.
When you’re looking for a new pressure washer, look no further than RJP Hotsy. We have the best selection of hot water pressure washers in New Jersey and cold water pressure washers in New Jersey. Not ready to buy just yet? Check out our pressure washer rental NJ selection.
In addition to our lineup of pressure washing machines, RJP Hotsy has all the supplies you need to keep your business thriving. We have everything from the best pressure washer soap to hoses, lances, and other accessories. Get in touch with us today!
Final Words on Why Your Pressure Washer Keeps Shutting Off
Does your pressure washer keep shutting off? The problem could be solved with a simple fix or it might be a symptom of a serious problem. Whatever the reason, you need to address the issue immediately.
If you’re not sure why your pressure washer keeps shutting off, we recommend taking it in to a professional. Our experts will get to the bottom of your pressure washer problems and offer a range of solutions.
Schedule an appointment to bring your pressure washer into our New Egypt store or have one of our experts come to you. We’re ready to help, so give us a call!
