The pressure washer works by running water from your garden hose through a motor-driven pump that pressurizes the water to a higher PSI (pounds per square inch) than it normally runs at, then sends it out through the spray wand.
The pump requires regular servicing to keep it working properly. Read your owner's manual for specific recommendations, but most pumps require oil changes and filter cleaning every 50 hours of use.
When servicing your pressure washer the first thing that you should do is remove the hose and gun from the machine. You then need to remove all of the fittings such as the lance, nozzles and detergent injector. The next thing that you need to do is flush out any debris with water as this will stop it from causing any damage to vital parts of the machine. After flushing out all of the fittings and nozzles, leave them outside so that they can dry completely before you reassemble them.
Checking Pressure Washer Hose and Connections
If your hose is old or damaged, it's time to replace it. If you are using "quick connect" fittings on your hose, check them for leaks by spraying water through them with no wand attached. If you notice any leaks around your quick connect fittings or hose connections, disassemble them and apply some Teflon tape.
Turn off your pressure washer and disconnect the spark plug wire. Remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench, and clean it with a piece of emery cloth. Scrape off any carbon deposits or other debris.
Replace the air filter if it's dirty. Look for signs of wear or damage before you replace it. Make sure that the replacement filter is identical to the one you removed.
Inspect the fuel tank for rust, corrosion or other damage, and clean it if necessary. In addition to cleaning out your fuel tank, you should remove your carburetor and clean it at least once every year. Remove any debris from the fuel cap vent hole with a paper clip or thin wire.
Examine the fuel lines for cracks or leaks, and replace them if necessary. If they look good, clean them with carb cleaner and compressed air. New fuel lines will restore your engine's power and can prevent stalling problems later on.
Check your pressure washer pump oil level, and top it off if necessary. Refer to your owner's manual to find out what type of oil you need to use in your pressure washer pump.
The pump is the heart of any pressure washer. Without it, there is no pressure. Pump selection is crucial to the long-term success of your pressure washer. Choose a pump that matches the GPM (gallons per minute) and PSI (pounds per square inch) output of the machine.
Crankcase oil should be changed at least once a year or every 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. If you are storing your pressure washer for an extended period of time, remove the spark plug and pour two-cycle oil into the cylinder to prevent rust and corrosion. To avoid any problems during when servicing the machine you can refer to your manual or talk to the experts at Giraffetools collections.
