Pressure washers are essential tools for both domestic and professional cleaning. A pressure washer produces a powerful high-pressure water jet and is often used for many types of applications. Therefore, like all devices, it can present problems and not work correctly, or not work at all. If your pressure washer breaks down, loses pressure, or works intermittently, this article will help you identify the most common pressure washer problems and learn how to solve them.
We have identified the 7 most common pressure washer problems:
- The pressure washer won’t start
- The pressure washer won’t build pressure
- The rotating nozzle stops working
- The pressure washer leaks water
- The pressure washer starts then stalls
- No water comes out of the pressure washer
- The pressure washer works intermittently
The pressure washer won’t start
Let’s start with the most frequent problem: the high-pressure washer that won’t start. Here’s what we suggest you do:
- The first step is to check the electrical connection. Make sure the power cord is intact, properly connected, and that the power outlet works.
- Then check that the power button is in the ON position.
- Next, make sure there are no problems with the fuse or the safety switch.
These are basic guidelines, but if all these components seem to be working correctly, the problem could be in the motor or the electronic board of the pressure washer, and it may be necessary to have a specialized technician intervene.
The pressure washer won’t build pressure
If the pressure washer is not working as it won’t build pressure, the causes could be different:
- First of all, check that the water source has good pressure and supplies a sufficient amount, and that the faucet is open.
- Make sure that the water hose is not kinked or clogged, as this could compromise the water flow and prevent the pressure washer from being supplied.
- The inlet water filter might be dirty and clogged, so check this aspect. Indeed, if the filter is obstructed, it compromises the normal water flow, and the pump doesn’t receive the necessary amount of water, thus lowering the pressure of the pressure washer. We suggest checking, washing, and frequently replacing the filter to maintain constant the performance of your high-pressure machine.
- The nozzle is clogged or worn out: check it, clean it thoroughly with a needle and compressed air, and replace it if necessary. However, remember to choose one suitable for your pressure washer as if it is not the right size, the machine loses pressure.
- Check the valves and gaskets. If the valves are dirty, blocked, or damaged, you will notice an unusual vibration of the pressure washer. If, on the other hand, the gaskets of your high-pressure washer are damaged, you should notice water leaks from the machine and overheating. In both cases, we recommend contacting a service center for the replacement of these components.
- There’s a problem with the pressure washer pump that might be damaged and therefore not able to generate the necessary pressure for the machine’s operation. In this case, also evaluate if you hear unusual noises during operation or sudden fluctuations in the outgoing water to report to the service center, where we suggest you go for the evaluation and possible replacement of the pump.
The rotating nozzle stops working
Among the accessories of pressure washers, we find the nozzles, which are also subject to intensive use that could wear them out. The rotating nozzle is the most suitable for dealing with the most encrusted dirt, so if it doesn’t work correctly, it directly affects the performance of your pressure washer. Therefore, check that it is correctly installed and not clogged or damaged before proceeding with its replacement.
The pressure washer leaks water
Small water leaks are a common problem in pressure washers. So, if your pressure washer leaks water, the first thing to do is check where the leak is coming from:
- Leaks from the fittings or accessories like the lance or the gun: make sure they are properly assembled and that the gaskets are intact. If they are not, we suggest replacing them.
- Leaks from the head: in this case, we suggest turning off the machine and contacting a professional service center to repair the pressure washer that leaks water.
The pressure washer starts then stalls
If the pressure washer starts and then stalls during its use, first check if the nozzle is clogged and clean it if necessary. If the pressure washer turns off during prolonged use, the problem could be related to motor overheating or a power interruption. If you suspect the unit is overheating during use, we suggest checking for problems with the power cord. If you are using an extension cord, ensure the cable is of the correct gauge; an undersized cable can cause overheating problems. Let the pressure washer cool down before reusing it. If the problem persists and the high-pressure washer won’t stay running, contact the service center.
No water comes out of the pressure washer
When the pressure washer starts but no water comes out, the problem could be due to insufficient water supply or a clogged filter. Make sure the water supply is adequate and the filters are clean. Also, check that the water hose is not kinked or blocked. Remember to check that the nozzle is not clogged and clean it if necessary.
The pressure washer works intermittently
If your pressure washer works intermittently, meaning it stops and starts on its own, this is an abnormal operation that needs to be corrected to avoid serious problems. Professional pressure washers, such as those from Comac, are equipped with advanced technologies to ensure easy use and no waste. For example, the Stop&Go system of Comac pressure washers stops the machine functions during pauses in use without completely turning it off. If your device works intermittently during a pause, here are some possible causes and solutions:
- The most common cause is due to high-pressure water leaks. With the pressure washer on, check if there are leaks from the high-pressure hose fittings, the gun, the lance, or the nozzle. If you detect leaks, tighten the fittings well or replace the gaskets where present. If the problem persists, it is advisable to contact the service center.
- A problem with the water flow or the pump. Make sure there are no obstructions in the system and that the water flows freely. Check the water filters and clean them if necessary. Ensure there are no water leaks that could compromise the pressure. In some cases, it may be necessary to clean or replace the pump components. For this aspect, we suggest contacting a specialized technician.
- An electrical power issue. Make sure the pressure washer is properly connected to the power outlet. Check the power cord for any damage or wear. Ensure the power outlet works correctly and the circuit breaker has not tripped.
- Motor overheating. As mentioned earlier, the pressure washer may turn off and on automatically to prevent damage due to overheating. Let the pressure washer cool down for a while before reusing it. Ensure the pressure washer is not operating in an excessively hot environment or under continuous strain.
How to maintain the pressure washer
To ensure the proper functioning of the pressure washer, it is important to perform regular maintenance. As we have seen, cleaning the filters, checking the gaskets, and ensuring all connections are tight are fundamental operations. Additionally, we suggest storing the pressure washer in a dry and protected place to prevent moisture damage.
How is a pressure washer made?
We say this for all machines, and it also applies to high-pressure ones: to better understand how to solve the most common pressure washer problems, it is useful to know how it is made. A pressure washer consists of a motor, a pump, a high-pressure hose, and various accessories such as nozzles and hoses, a tank for chemical agents, or a device to draw them directly from their container. Each component has a specific role and must be kept in good condition to ensure the optimal functioning of the device. If you want a detailed overview of the operation and features of pressure washers, we recommend reading the complete guide on pressure washers that we have published here on The Comac Blog.
How to recognize a professional pressure washer
Professional pressure washers are designed for intensive use and offer superior performance compared to domestic models. These devices are made with high-quality materials and are equipped with more powerful and resistant motors and pumps. To learn more about how to choose a professional pressure washer, you can read this article on professional pressure washers that we have published here on The Comac Blog. If you want to purchase a professional cold or hot pressure washer, you can consider Comac pressure washers.
By following these tips, you can solve the most common pressure washer problems and keep it in excellent condition. If the problems persist and the pressure washer does not work, we suggest contacting a dedicated service center for a more thorough inspection and repair. Remember that for any doubts, you can always contact us; Comac and its network of authorized dealers are available for further advice and support in choosing the best professional cleaning solution.
This post is also available in: Italian
