Why Does My Power Washer Pump "Chatter"?

A "chattering" power washer pump can be caused by many things. You could have a bent or damaged inlet line, or the water supply might be too low. Fixing these is simple, but checking on the water supply is critical. Never let the water supply run low for any extended period of time. Other causes of a chattering pump include water that is too hot, you may have air in the pump system or a stuck float valve. A power washer pump that is vibrating, but not chattering could be the result of air in the system or debris stuck in the valves. Catching these pressure washer problems early and knowing what causes them will save you a trip to our repair centre, especially when it comes to the low-water issue.

Power Washer Hoses

Power washer hoses are a vital part of the system, but there are a few tricks newcomers to power washers don't usually learn until later. Do your power washer hoses leave marks on the ground in the areas where you are using them? Ask your pressure washer dealer about hoses specifically sold as "non marking hose". This will eliminate the streaking and marking you notice your power washer hoses making on concrete and other surfaces.  

Power Washer Engine Trouble? Check Your Air Filter

If you have engine trouble with your power washer, double check the air filter. A dirty filter reduces the flow of air to the carburetor which reduces performance over time.

Why Won't My Power Washer Engine Start?

If you are experiencing pressure washer problems because the engine won't start, turn the engine off before attempting an inspection of the unit. The most simple cause of your problem could be that the high-tension lead wire to the engine's spark plug has come loose. Wearing a pair of gloves, (again, with the engine off) push down on the connector end to make sure the wire is actually touching the spark plug. This simple procedure should have your power washer up and running again unless the problem is elsewhere. Another simple and common problem is the the age of the fuel in your tank. Assuming that the pressure washer's tank isn't empty, you could have a water build up in the fuel lines of a petrol-powered pressure washer engine. Another cause is dirty or contaminated fuel, which can clog up the fuel line.

What If The Power Washer Won't Produce Hot Water

What should you do if your steam cleaner pressure washer or standard hot water washer will not produce hot water like it should? First thing's first. Check your switches. Make sure that the burner switch is in the "On" position.

If the switches are all in the correct position it might be the thermostat. Check to make sure it is also turned adjusted correctly. Then take a look at your fuel situation. Either you do not have enough fuel or you have a clogged filter. Check the level and add fuel if needed. If the fuel filter is clogged, just replace it. And make sure the trigger gun is pulled on.

If you are using the proper type of fuel for your power washer and nothing is clogged, worn or turned off when it should be on, there might be a mechanical defect that is preventing the machine from doing what it is supposed to. In that case, contact Euroquipe on 0818 313010 for assistance.

Why Is There So Much Pressure From My Power Washer?

Too much pressure from a power washer can have a variety of causes, but one of the most common is a spray nozzle that is too small. Pressure washer repair in this case is a matter of using the right sized nozzle, simple as that. Another common problem is a broken pressure gauge, which can show no pressure, too much pressure, or any combination of false readings. Check these two areas first when trying to diagnose a pressure problem with your power washer. If those two problems are ruled out, you could have a faulty regulator or an improperly adjusted unloader.

What Is A Power Washer Unloader?

A power washer unloader valve prevents the pressure from building to breaking point when you aren't spraying water. A bypass is created to cycle the water back to the water inlet. Unfortunately, the unloader valve is often a cause of trouble. Some power washer users report problems such as the pressure washer engine dying after the trigger gun is released, minimal pressure, and sometimes even leaking sprayers. There are a variety of fixes to problems such as these, the simplest being the replacement of the unloader valve. If you need to do this kind of pressure washer repair, it's absolutely essential to replace the power washer valve with one that has equal or better gallons per minute (GPM) and PSI ratings. Failure to do this can result in additional pressure washer problems, including a safety hazard connected with the pressure of the unit overwhelming the unloader valve, compromising or even destroying it. If in doubt, contact Euroquipe on 0818 313010

Troubleshooting a Surging Power Washer

If you pull the trigger on your power washer and the pressure is good for a moment then falls off, you've got a surge problem. Also, when the trigger is released, pressure builds up to normal levels. This is generally a sign that the water supply cannot provide the flow rate (gallons per minute) required by the pump. Here are a few things you can do to rectify the situation.

1. Make sure the supply is not restricted; that there are no under-sized fittings and the inlet filter is unobstructed.

2. Make sure the flow rate of the water supply is sufficient for the pump. First, find the capacity of your pump in gallons per minute (gpm). Then determine the flow rate of your supply by measuring the gallons that can be delivered in one minute. If your supply does not deliver the gpm your pump requires, do not use the pump. It will suck air, causing cavitation which can quickly damage pump components.

3. Check for leaks in the supply fittings. Any leak will cause the pump to draw air and perform poorly.

Troubleshooting Low Nozzle Pressure

Low nozzle pressure is a common complaint generally caused by one of the following:

1. Blocked nozzle tip.
2. Blocked inlet filter.
3. Insufficient flow in gallons per minute to the pump.
4. Unloader valve stuck open.
5. Blocked hose.

Troubleshooting Pressure Problems

If your power washer seems to have lost a lot of its power check out the following probable causes and solutions that can get your unit back into tip-top shape:

• Nozzle is in low PSI position. Adjust the nozzle back to the high pressure position.
• Nozzle worn. Replace nozzle.
• Unloader valve seat dirty or worn. Clean or replace valve.
• Inlet or outlet valves dirty, stuck, or worn. Clean or replace valve(s).
• Worn piston guides. Install new piston guides.

Low Pressure

If, when turning on the power washer you get low pressure, there are a few things to double check. First, try turning your power washer nozzle up to the maximum. Does this increase the pressure at all? If not, you may have a clogged or bent hose. You should also perform an inspection of your hoses to insure you don't have any leaks. All of these things can contribute to reduced pressure washer performance. If you suspect the isue is more serious, then contact Euroquipe on 0818 313010 for further help.

Starting an Uncooperative Petrol Power Washer

If your petrol powered power washer doesn't start, there are usually very simple reasons why.

• No petrol in fuel tank or carburetor. Fill tank with petrol, open fuel shut-off valve. Check fuel line and carburetor.
• Low oil. Check oil level. Fill if necessary.
• Start/Stop switch in "stop" position Move switch to "start" position
• Water in petrol or old fuel. Drain fuel tank and carburetor. Use new fuel and dry spark plug
• Dirty air filter. Remove and clean
• Spark plug dirty or wrong gap or type. Clean, adjust gap or replace
• Spray gun closed. Pull trigger to release pressure.
• Other causes See engine owner's manual