Pressure Washer Troubleshooting: How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Washer

After witnessing the unparalleled cleaning power of a pressure washer for your business, you’ll never want to go back.

However, if you overlook the importance of pressure washer troubleshooting, you might miss crucial warning signs that could lead to a potential breakdown. Even a minor water leak or a slight pressure drop could escalate into expensive repairs if not addressed promptly.

This guide covers the process of troubleshooting pressure washers. You’ll learn how to identify warning signs and the value of regular inspections.

While your machines needing repair can be stressful, the right repair shop will provide speedy solutions. If you suspect your pressure washer is breaking down, you can rely on our knowledgeable team at RJP Hotsy New Jersey!

As the state’s only Hotsy dealer and #1 repair center, we can diagnose your machine and get you back up and running with our lightning-fast service.

How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Washer: Why Isn’t My Pressure Washer Working?

Stop us if you’ve been here before. You and your employees have gotten accustomed to the fantastic cleaning results your pressure washer provides, but lately, you feel like something’s just missing.

But you don’t know how pressure washer troubleshooting works, so you ignore it. The next thing you know, disaster strikes.

If you want to catch issues with your machine before a costly breakdown occurs, you’ll need to learn how to troubleshoot a pressure washer.

No Water Flow

While sometimes pressure washer troubleshooting involves signs that are easy to miss, water flow issues aren’t one of these cases.

If your pressure washer suddenly loses all of its water flow, you’ll notice right away-especially because your entire cleaning process will grind to a screeching halt. There are a few common causes, some of which can be fixed immediately.

Begin by checking out the inlet line on your machine for any clogs or kinks in the hose. If the flow is obstructed, you can fix the issue by swapping out the inlet for a newer or larger one.

Another potential culprit is an issue with your pump itself. Troubleshooting pressure washer pumps involves checking all valves, seals, and internal pistons for wear or tear.

If neither of these appears to be the case, we recommend looking over every other fitting on your machine. Mineral deposits or leaks can clog these connective parts, restricting water flow, and a good cleaning might solve the problem.

Engine Won’t Start

Equally frustrating to a pressure washer with no water flow is one that won’t start up at all. Engine issues can be expensive, but sometimes, a quicker fix is found once you do a bit of digging.

The first step for pressure washer troubleshooting depends on whether you have an electric vs gas pressure washer engine.

Gas-powered models have many internal parts, including spark plugs, carburetors, air filters, and fuel intakes. Any of these parts can prevent the entire engine from starting, and their replacements can range from a minor inconvenience to a costly repair.

Conversely, troubleshooting pressure washers with an electric engine is often easier. This usually speaks to issues with the internal electric motor or battery, problems with the power supply, or a faulty power cord.

As with the water flow issue, inspect your machine thoroughly for signs of damage or restricted seals and attachment points. If you still can’t start your machine even after looking it over and refilling a fuel tank or swapping out power cords, take it into a repair shop for a thorough inspection.

Low or Fluctuating Pressure

What about troubleshooting pressure washers that start but aren’t pumping out the same cleaning power you’ve become accustomed to?

It can be frustrating when the force of your water stream suddenly drops or starts fluctuating wildly, but many of the fixes are manageable.

Start by checking for clogs in your nozzle. If your nozzle’s small openings are not regularly cleaned, they will become blocked over time, so clearing them out could fix your problem.

If that isn’t an instant fix, your next pressure washer troubleshooting step is to inspect the auxiliary hoses for kinks or leaks. Even a tiny hole can cause massive drops in PSI, so it may be time to swap out your hose.

If neither of these easy fixes works, you must inspect critical parts like your unloader valve or pump. If you see signs of damage or faulty seals, these parts may need repairs or replacement.

Water Leaks

You might expect to get your boots wet while pressure washing, but if your machine starts spraying everywhere and has obvious leaks, it’s a sign that repairs are necessary.

When troubleshooting pressure washers with water leaks, you should start with your connection points. Check your pump’s inlet and outlet sides, tighten all the fittings, and replace any washers, seals, hoses, or gaskets that appear worn or cracked.

You should also inspect your wand itself. If the trigger mechanism is damaged or the valves have become worn, water can leak out of your machine even when powered off.

Of course, the pump itself could also be the issue. You’ll need to bring it into a repair shop to check it out and determine if it’s an internal component misfiring or if a complete replacement is required.

Excessive Noise or Vibration

Use a pressure washer for long enough, and you’ll know the value of a sturdy set of earplugs or headphones. But if your machine starts sounding like a jet engine and you feel like your hands need an ice bath after using it, more significant issues might be at play.

Unstable surfaces often cause excessive vibration. For example, when mounting a pressure washer to a trailer, you need a level surface to prevent the machine from going into a vibrating frenzy. If these surfaces have become worn down over time, you’ll notice right away–and trust us, that noise is not a fun one to hear.

Beyond mounting, shaking and rattling may also come from your internal components, including clogs, leaks, or damage to the pump.

Detergent Not Dispensing

Every seasoned pressure washer knows that having the best pressure washer chemicals and soaps in your arsenal is the best way to speed up cleaning tasks further. So, if your machine struggles to produce those high-powered cleaning suds, you’ll lose the ability to tackle the toughest stains.

Troubleshooting pressure washers that aren’t correctly dispensing soap is easy. Start by checking your detergent line and container. This will be either built into your machine, flowing from your soap tank, or as a standalone piece. Check for any leaks and clogs and clear out blockages as needed.

If that looks good, ensure your tank is full and the tube is entirely submerged. You should play around with the detergent injection settings on your machine to allow the soap to flow into your system.

Overall, plenty of issues can arise, but understanding how pressure washer troubleshooting works will help you tackle problems before they develop into expensive replacements.

If you encounter problems, it is vital to find a reliable repair shop to perform a full inspection. Even if you can temporarily fix an issue, it may only tell half the story, and internal components could be impossible to replace without expertise.

But where can you find a reliable repair shop?

If you’re in the tri-state area, you’re in luck, as the #1 repair shop for industrial hot water pressure washers in New Jersey is right in front of your eyes!

Still Need Help With Pressure Washer Troubleshooting?

Keeping your precious pressure washing equipment in tip-top shape is simple at RJP Hotsy! As the #1 home for industrial pressure washers in New Jersey, we’ve mastered the art of how to repair pressure washers, from small hose leaks to complex pump repairs.

We follow a comprehensive 24-point inspection process, from the base-level inspections in this article to state-of-the-art benchmarks of your internal components. We diagnose issues long before they become visible problems, helping you avoid downtime and saving money on expensive replacements.

Our experienced team has seen it all over the years. We’re honored to be New Jersey’s premier Hotsy repair center, which includes warranty servicing. We also provide maintenance and repair for non-Hotsy models!

Our commitment to speed and minimizing downtime sets us apart as the premier home for industrial pressure washer repair in NJ. You’ll receive lightning-fast service, including accurate estimates and the option to rent one of our machines.

No more scrambling to figure out where to rent a pressure washer while you wait for servicing. With our full-service location, you’ll have access to our Hotsy model inventory, making us the preferred retailer for industrial pressure washer rental in NJ.

Beyond rentals, we’ve also been trusted by thousands of local businesses, including Penske, the NJ Transit Authority, and the Phillies, for sales and industrial pressure washer leasing in NJ. We even provide industrial pressure washer trailers in NJ, including DIY pressure washer trailer setup, customization, and assistance with upkeep tasks like how to plumb a pressure washer trailer.

Our experienced and friendly team is by your side from the first purchase or rental and throughout the lifespan of your machine.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Knowing how to troubleshoot a pressure washer is an excellent idea, but given the cost of pressure washer repair, wouldn’t it be better to avoid issues in the first place?

There are two reliable ways to do so. One is to invest in a high-quality brand, like Hotsy, to ensure your internal compartments are built to last. The other is to perform regular maintenance to keep your repair shop visits minimal.

Regular Cleaning

The most reliable way to avoid buildup and damage in your machine is to perform regular cleaning. We recommend regularly flushing your system with clean water after each use, including your pump, valves, and hoses.

Be sure to set aside extra time for specific parts, like your pump’s inlet and outlet filters, to remove any debris that builds up over time.

Routine Inspections

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and by routinely inspecting your machine, you’ll be able to stop potential problems in their tracks before they spiral out of control. As you regularly flush and clean your machine, list any wear and tear you see and investigate the damage further.

Regular inspections at your local repair shop will also be a big help. We love seeing our customers, and routine check-ups for your machine will help you avoid the costlier and more time-consuming trips.

Proper Storage

Storage conditions are crucial to keeping your machine in pristine shape.

Drain your machine entirely after use and clean it before storing it. Even a tiny amount of liquid or detergent can attract rust or freezing, damaging internal components.

The same applies to any fuel in your fuel tank for a gas engine machine. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure your hoses and nozzles aren’t kinked or crunched while in storage, avoiding any damage that can lead to leaks.

Wrapping up Our Guide to Troubleshooting Pressure Washers

Dealing with issues with your machine is never fun, but learning how to diagnose common issues will help bring you some peace of mind. Of course, if the problem is an internal component or otherwise hard to judge, your best bet is to take it to the repair shop.

RJP Hotsy of New Jersey is here to help with your machine’s inspections, diagnostics, and repairs! Our experienced team has a 24-point process and lightning-fast speed to minimize downtime for your business.

Our team provides all the knowledge you need to tackle cleaning tasks in your business.

Our blog explores how to rent a pressure washer, how much pressure washer PSI is needed, GPM meaning on a pressure washer, comparing hot vs cold water pressure washers, what size pressure washer do I need, the cost to rent a power washer, and how to pressure wash concrete.

Otherwise, our store is the #1 home for repairs, sales, and rentals of industrial cold water pressure washers in New Jersey. Stop by our New Egypt location or give us a call to get your machine back to peak condition ASAP!