pressure

[jeremy]

I can't get any pressure coming out of the nozzle. What could that mean?

[Mark]

Hi Jeremy,

There are several things that can cause a low pressure condition. The most common is an insufficient water supply. A 3/4" supply hose should be used to supply water to the pump. Most garden hoses are 5/8". Make sure that the inlet filter is not plugged with dirt, grass, leaves, spider web, etc. Make sure that the faucet being used is capable of supplying enough water. Most manufactures recommend a water source that is at least double the output of the pressure washer. So if your pressure washer outputs 2.5 gpm your faucet should output 5 gpm or better.

The second most common issue causing lack of pressure are the nozzles themselves. The nozzles are where the high pressure is generated. The nozzles can wear out over time. The nozzles will wear out faster if your water has a high mineral content, such as calcium. The mineral acts like sandpaper and will slowly enlarge the openings of the nozzles. It doesn't take much wear to reduce the pressure of a nozzle.

Problems inside of the pump can also cause low pressure. A plugged or damaged unloader valve can cause low pressure. Damaged or pitted valves inside the pump can cause low pressure. Any dirt inside of the pump can plug parts of the pump and cause low pressure. If dirt has entered the pump it can quickly wear out the pump components. In this case the pump would need to be replaced.

I hope this helps with your repair!

-Mark