You rely on your pressure washer for your cleaning needs. You’re in a bad way If it goes out of service, so you want to take care of problems as soon as you spot them. And one of the most common issues you’ll run into is pressure washer leaks.
We regularly field calls at Hotsy New Jersey from customers asking, why is my pressure washer leaking water from the bottom? Most often, we pin it down to one of a few causes when they bring it in for pressure washer repair NJ.
RJP Hotsy is a factory-authorized Hotsy warranty center. Our expert team knows Hotsy pressure washers inside and out. That’s why we’ve created this guide to reasons why you might find your pressure washer leaking from the bottom.
Whether you have a worn O-ring, bad valve seals, or a damaged hose, this guide will help you find the issue quickly. We also provide maintenance pointers to help you avoid problems with your pressure washer leaking water from the bottom. Read on to learn more!
Why is My Pressure Washer Leaking Water From the Bottom?
Why is my pressure washer leaking water from the bottom, you ask? There could be one or several things causing this leak. All of them require immediate attention.
Leaks impact your pressure washer’s performance, so it takes longer to do an effective cleaning job. They also lead to safety hazards. You can slip and fall on a wet surface and lose control of the pressure stream. If you have an electric pressure washer, you could get a dangerous shock.
Let’s run through some of the different reasons you might discover your pressure washer leaking water from the bottom.
Common Internal Component Failures That Cause Leaks
As their name suggests, pressure washers are built to spray water at a high PSI. They have many working parts that face continuous wear and tear. You will often see leaks as the first sign that one of these parts needs replacement.
Here are some of the most common parts that could fail and in turn lead to your pressure washer leaking water from the bottom.
Pump Seal or O-Ring Wear
Over time, your pressure washer’s pump seals and O-rings can become brittle and worn. This can lead to your pressure washer leaking from the bottom. You may also notice a drop in water pressure as the needed water leaks away.
Check your pump head and unloader valve regularly, and keep pump seals and O-rings lubricated with silicone grease to prevent drying and cracking. Have worn seals and rings replaced by a professional with exact-size replacements.
Cracked Pump Housing
The pump pressurizes the water that flows through your pressure washer’s outlet. A pump housing crack exposes valves and pistons to dirt and moisture. You will need to replace the entire pump if you have a cracked pump housing.
If you notice oil in your water leakage, your pump housing is cracked. You may also discover that your pump’s oil is milky or cloudy. Another sign is loud, unusual noises when you turn your pressure washer on.
Worn Inlet/Outlet Valve Seals
Your pressure washer gets water from a garden hose. That water is then pressurized and sent through your pressure washer’s wand or brush. Both the input and output valves must be kept tightly sealed for the pressure washer to function properly.
Worn inlet or outlet valve seals are one of the most common reasons for pressure washer leaks. Check your valve seals regularly and replace any worn or damaged valve seals immediately.
Loose or Damaged Hose and Fitting Connections
Bad hose and fitting connections are a common answer to the question, why is my pressure washer leaking water from the bottom. Both undertightening and overtightening can lead to leaks, as can bad seals and material fatigue.
Replacing your old plumber’s tape may solve the leak. But if your problem involves worn seals or other issues, we recommend you take care of those problems immediately.
Damage Caused by Improper Storage or Winterizing
One of the most common reasons for a pressure washer leaking water from the bottom is improper winter storage. We see everything from cracked hoses to rust and damaged pumps every spring. Here’s how to avoid pressure washer issues with a proper winterizing regimen.
Drain your pressure washer thoroughly before you put it up for winter storage. Water expands as it turns into ice, so you must make sure there is no water left in your pump or your hose.
Some people add antifreeze to their pump water before putting it up. But the best course of action is to get rid of the water altogether. You don’t need to worry about ice damage if there is no water in your pressure washer to freeze.
Identifying the Leak Source Before Repairs
Start by unplugging your electric pressure washer or disconnecting the spark plug on your gas washer. Remove the water hose and squeeze the wand trigger to get rid of any remaining pressure.
Now, do a quick visual inspection for any obvious damage. Pay close attention to the hose, wand, connections, and pump body. Check for damaged O-rings and see if you notice any hose bulges.
Can’t see any obvious signs of where the leak originated? Reattach the hose and turn the machine back on. As water starts running through it, see if you notice leaks. Pull the trigger to see if the leak is at the pressure hose or wand connection.
Is This Something You Can Fix Yourself?
You might be able to fix some basic pressure washer problems yourself. For example, we provide a checklist of pointers to help you determine why won’t my pressure washer start or how to repair pressure washer hose.
But we recommend going to a professional if you don’t feel comfortable about any repair procedure. Pressure washers are sensitive and powerful equipment. A badly done repair can further damage your unit and put your workers and bystanders in danger.
Our trained and certified team of professionals know Hotsy pressure washers like the back of their hand, and they’ll get the job done thoroughly, safely, and professionally. When you need New Jersey pressure washer repairs, count on RJP Hotsy to do the job right!
Bring Your Unit in and Let the Experts at RJP Hotsy Diagnose and Repair the Issue!
We can repair most pressure washer leak issues quickly. Fixing a connection or replacing O-rings is simple. But you may want to think about buying a new pressure washer if you have serious problems or if you are having problems sourcing parts for your old unit.
When they’re looking for pressure washers New Jersey customers rely on RJP Hotsy for all their pressure washing needs. We’re the top choice for hot water pressure washers New Jersey and cold water pressure washers New Jersey.
Not only do we stock pressure washers, we also carry the best pressure washer soap dispenser and the best pressure washer soap. And if you’re not ready to buy yet, give us a call to find out more about pressure washer rental NJ.
Whatever your pressure washer needs, you can count on RJP Hotsy for New Jersey’s best machines and best customer service. Call us today and experience the RJP Hotsy difference!
Parting Thoughts on Pressure Washer Leaking Water From Bottom
Pressure washer leaks are messy and could be dangerous. Taking care of leaks as soon as they happen will save you money and prolong your unit’s life. Our blog has similar resources for issues like pressure washer surging or pressure washer soap dispenser not working.
For New Jersey commercial businesses and homeowners, RJP Hotsy is your best choice when you’re dealing with a pressure washer leaking water from the bottom. We inspect and repair all major pressure washer brands and offer the fastest service in the industry.
We’ll walk you through the entire repair and maintenance process. We can take care of your needs whether you need a simple O-ring replacement or a new pump. Trust RJP Hotsy to keep your pressure washer in top condition!
