Pressure Washer FAQs
- Make sure you consider all symptoms carefully.
- Look for the cause, not just the cure for the symptoms.
- Gather as much information as possible.
Pump
Does my pressure washer require a continuous water source?
YES.
The pumps on our pressure washers require a continuous pressurized water source of at least 20PSI and must also meet the required gallons per minute of the machine. If there is not adequate water to the pump, the unit will not operate correctly and the pump may sustain damage.
Why is the water coming out of the little rectangle on my pump?
Most of our units are equipped with a thermal relief valve. This will activate when the trigger on the gun is not being used for 2 to 3 minutes.
This is a safety feature for the pump, so that it does not overheat. If you do not plan to use the pressure washer for a few minutes, shut it down to prevent the thermal relief from actuating.
Although it will not harm the pump if the thermal relief actuates, why run the risk of over temping it?
Why is my pressure washer pulsating/surging?
If the nozzle has even a speck of dirt in the tip, it may cause enough of an obstruction to cause the unit to pulsate. Use your nozzle cleaning kit to clean tip. If there is air in the hose it may also cause pulsating. Purge air from the hose by pulling the trigger and allowing the water to flow.
Why is the pressure low after I turn my unit back on? It was working just fine when I turned it off.
Check to make sure your nozzle on the wand is in high pressure. Make sure the inlet hose is not kinked or cracked. Check the inlet valve (water spigot) and make sure no one has shut off the water.
Why is water coming out of the chemical hose tube?
The check ball is either dirty or off seated causing water to by-pass and come out of the tube. In some instances when the chemical hose has not been activated for a while there is a chance that water may back-feed through the chemical hose.
Here are the steps to go through to fix the problem:
- Place the hose in a bucket of water.
- After starting the unit, place your wand on low pressure.
- Allow chemical hose to siphon water.
This should alleviate the problem.
How do I check the oil in the pump?
Unless specifically stated in the Operator's Manual, the pumps on the pressure washers are NO MAINTENANCE. There is no need to check or change the oil in the pump. When the pump does require maintenance, it will give explicit instructions in the manuals.
What is the big black knob sticking out of the pump?
The big black knob is your pressure adjustment knob. This is available on many of our pumps. It is used to adjust the pressure output of your unit. Please see your Operator's Manual on how to use this knob.
What is the funny looking sailor cap/primer bulb on the pump for?
Some units have a breather cap, others have an expansion bulb. This is an expansion bulb, not a primer bulb. When gasses in the pump begin to expand, the expansion bulb will expand with the gasses, preventing seals from blowing out.
What should I do if the inlet/garden hose is kinked or leaking?
Straighten the garden hose, or patch the leak.
What should I do if the water inlet is blocked or the water inlet filter screen is clogged or damaged?
Disconnect the garden hose from the water inlet; clean the water inlet and filter screen. If screen is damaged, remove damaged screen, insert new screen.
What should I do if the high-pressure hose is blocked or damaged?
Disconnect the high-pressure hose, and clear blockages from the hose line. If damaged, replace hose with a new one rated higher than the maximum PSI rating of your pressure washer.
What should I do if the high-pressure hose is leaking?
Check the O-rings. If damaged, pry off old O-ring with a small, flathead screwdriver, and replace with new one.
What should I do if the in-line filter screen is clogged or damaged?
Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the spray gun; remove the in-line filter screen; clean by flushing with clear water. If damaged, replace filter and O-ring.
What should I do if my spray gun is leaking?
Replace the spray gun with a new one.
What if the orifice of the nozzle is obstructed?
Shut off the engine; purge air from the pump; remove the orifice from the adjustable nozzle or remove the spray tip from the nozzle extension; clean the orifice or spray tip using the wire tool from the maintenance kit.
Engine
Why does my engine keep shutting down?
Most of our units are built with engines with low oil sensors. We recommend filling the unit to the proper level as indicated in the ENGINE Operator's Manual, and tipping or rocking the unit gently from side to side. This will allow any air to escape that may be trapped in the oil.
If this does not work, you will need to contact a service center recommended to you by the engine manufacturer.
NOTE: Please read and abide by any applicable Safety Information before performing any repair work. This information is not meant to take the place of work performed by a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer. Terms and Conditions apply to all of our information provided on this website. Always be sure to read and understand your Operator's Manual.
Can I use premium gasoline with my unit?
NO.
Regular unleaded gasoline is recommended. High octane fuel burns too hot for small engines and will shorten the life of the engine.
Should I pour oil into the oil filter before I put it on the engine?
NO.
NOTE: Please read and abide by any applicable Safety Information before performing any repair work. This information is not meant to take the place of work performed by a Briggs & Stratton Authorized Dealer. Terms and Conditions apply to all of our information provided on this website. Always be sure to read and understand your Operator's Manual.
What is the size of the spark plug service wrench?
It is a standard 5/8th inch spark plug wrench.
Pump Detergents
What should I do if the cleaning detergent siphon/filter is clogged or cracked?
Clean or replace the siphon/filter.
What should I do if my cleaning detergent tube is dirty, clogged, or damaged?
Place the injection siphon/filter in clear water; adjust nozzle to low-pressure mode; depress nozzle for 2-3 minutes. If damaged, replace with a new one.
What should I do if the in-line filter screen is dirty, clogged, or damaged?
Disconnect the high-pressure hose from the spray gun; remove the in-line filter screen, and flush with clear water to clean. If damaged, replace filter and O-ring.
Does the nozzle have to be in low-pressure mode to apply detergents?
Yes, the nozzle must be in low-pressure mode for the detergent injection system to work.
Miscellaneous
Can we use hot water with our pressure washer?
No, this can cause damage to the o-rings and check valves in the pump. Water temperature should not exceed 100 degrees.
What is the dilution rate of most pressure washers?
If the chemical injection is adjustable, it can range from 12:1 to 18:1. For all other units it is 12:1.
What is the length of the pressure washer hose that I can go up to?
This will depend on the PSI of the unit.
- We do not recommend extension hoses on anything under 1700PSI.
- We do not recommend any more than 25 feet of extension hose (total of 50 feet) on units under 2200PSI.
- We do not recommend over 50 feet of extension hose on any of our units exceeding 2200PSI.
Can I use more than 50 feet of garden hose?
It is recommended that you do not exceed 50 feet of garden hose and that the hose be no smaller than an inch. This will allow for maximum water flow to the pump.
Can I use chemicals that do not state pressure washer safe? Can I use bleach in my pressure washer?
No, we do not recommend using bleach or any other chemicals that do not state pressure washer safe on the bottle. Please be sure when you are using chemicals that they state pressure washer safe. Your gun, wand, hoses and pump have several seals and o-rings in them. Using chemicals that do not state pressure washer safe can damage them.
Is Simple Green ok to use with our pressure washer?
Yes, make sure to rinse your system with clean water when you are done.
Is Sta-bil ok to use in my unit?
Yes, it should be used when storing the unit or the gas for any length of time. It is always recommended that if the unit is going to be stored for thirty (30) plus days, the gas be completely drained from the tank and the engine run dry.
Follow the directions on Sta-bil for short term usage.
NOTE: Please read and abide by any applicable Safety Information. Terms and Conditions apply to all of our information provided on this website. Always be sure to read and understand your Operator's Manual.
What is the "I" and the "O" on the pressure washer gun for?
This is the safety feature on the trigger.
I= Unlocked or ignition
O = Off or locked
How long does my unit need to be off before refueling?
Normally about 15 minutes is sufficient for cool down.
What is the funny handle sticking out of the dual wand?
This is a handle grip, but it also serves as a High-low Pressure adjustment.
Forward = High pressure
Backward = Low pressure
|
 |
|
|
Contact Us
Shopping Cart 
Login
Rapid Reorder
View Cart
Checkout