Pressure Washer Operating Errors That Cost You Money

All pressure washers are high-maintenance machines. High-pressure water will eventually wear out seals, O-rings, springs, and other parts—so replacing seals, valves, and O-rings, as well as changing the oil, as part of routine maintenance will prolong the unit’s life. However, the most common cause of excessive maintenance costs is operator error.

Cause 1. Running the pressure washer without water

Doing this will normally destroy the pressure washer pump within minutes.

Cause 2. Running the pressure washer in extended bypass

Bypass occurs when the pressure washer is on, the trigger is off, and water is recirculating inside the pump manifold. As time passes, the water temperature rises. It is not allowed to let the unit run in bypass for more than five minutes, because heat buildup quickly damages the pump. Therefore, you must turn off the pressure washer every time you are not spraying—even for units equipped with a thermal relief valve (which releases hot water and feeds the pump with cold water to cool it down).

Cause 3. Cavitation

Cavitation is caused by air entering the pump. The air can damage the pump as it rapidly expands and contracts. The first signs of cavitation are loss of pressure and a hammering noise. Cavitation typically results from insufficient water supply or air leaking into the system. For example, if your pressure washer is rated for 4.0 GPM but the inlet hose only delivers 3 GPM, the pump will still try to draw 4.0 GPM. The suction created by the water shortage will pull in air and cause cavitation. The only solution to cavitation is to supply the pump with the required amount of water and ensure there are no leaks in the water inlet system.

Cause 4. Freezing

In winter, water left in the pump after use will freeze, which can damage the pump. The typical remedy for this is adding antifreeze to the pump. So always let the pump run for a few extra seconds to expel excess water.

Cause 5. No lubrication or insufficient lubrication

High-pressure pumps, like gasoline engines, require oil to lubricate transmission mechanisms, crankshafts, connecting rods, and plungers. Oil keeps the pump parts cool and allows them to turn freely. No oil or low oil levels will cause permanent damage to the pump. If oil leaks out or water gets into the pump oil, the pump parts will overheat and begin to break down. Always check the oil level and maintain the correct amount and type of oil in the pump to prevent damage.

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Pressure Washer Operating errors that cost you money.