The most common question among pressure washer users is; why does my pressure washer have no pressure? There can be minor or major problems that can cause no pressure from your pressure washer.
A pressure washer saves you a lot of time and energy. However, it requires good maintenance and proper use like any other appliance. The pressure washer or jet cleaner uses high water pressure to clean the surface.
Typically, it is used for cleaning dust, mold, chipped paint, muck, and filth from the exterior of the houses and buildings. It is also used for cleaning the garage, driveway, fence, outdoor furniture, and even car. So, if the pressure washer has no pressure, it will not be of any use. If your pressure washer has no pressure, you don’t need to worry. We have listed all the common problems that cause no pressure from your pressure washer and tips to fix them.
Reasons Why My Pressure Washer Have No Pressure
Given below six reasons answers your question; why does my pressure washer have no pressure.
Reason #1. Low water supply
The most common cause of no pressure from your pressure washer is reduced water supply. First, check the water supply to which the pressure washer is attached. Typically, the pressure washer requires four liters per minute water supply to operate normally.
Reason #2. The bend and clogged hose
Examine your garden hose for any kink or damage. The pressure reduces relatively whenever the hose is bent or has a kink. Therefore, unkink the hose and align it properly. If there are no bends, disconnect the hose from the water inlet and check the filter for any clog or debris build-up. The clogged filter decreases the pressure. It prevents water from entering the hose. Sometimes the trapped air in the hose can also cause no pressure. Pull the trigger of the pressure gun multiple times to remove the air. If the hose has any damage, it is better to replace it.
Click on this link to know how to unclog a pressure washer.
Reason #3. Old nozzle
The typical reason for low pressure from the pressure washer is the old and clogged nozzle. The nozzle is attached to the extremity of the high-pressure gun. There are five different types of nozzles. All of the nozzles have a variety of pressure range and is used for cleaning different types of surfaces.
An odd spraying style could indicate that the nozzle has clogged with dust or dirt. Worn or old nozzles generally produce a progressive decrease in water flow rather than a rapid drop in water pressure.
The nozzle has tiny holes in it, which maintains water pressure. When the nozzle becomes old and clogs, these holes widen. Due to wide holes, more water flows out of them, and water pressure is lost. With continuous usage, nozzles wear out. Therefore, you need to change the nozzle at least once in fifteen to twenty months. When there is no pressure after changing the nozzle, you will have to check the other components of the pressure washer.
Here’s a pressure nozzle chart you should know.
Reason #4. Failure of the unloader valve
The pressure washer unloader pump redirects the flow of water via the bypass whenever the trigger on the gun is released. The function of the unloader valve is to counter the variation in water inflow or shift in the pressure.
The steady loss of pressure from the appliance can be due to either an old nozzle or failure of the unloader valve. When changing the nozzle did not improve the pressure, you will need to examine the unloader valve. Next, you will need to adjust the unloader valve to manage the water pressure. The unloader valve must be adjusted in small steps to avoid pressure from rising rapidly. While setting an unloader valve, it is a wise idea to use the pressure gauge. The pressure gauge keeps track of pressure changes and maintains it at the average operating level.
If the adjustment is not made carefully, it can damage the unloader valve and the other near components of the pressure washer. The unloader valve is adjusted while the pressure washer is functioning and the pressure gun trigger wand is released. If the water pressure is not back to normal after adjusting the unloader valve, it is recommended to replace it. You may want to find out how to adjust unloader valve on pressure washer.
Reason #5. Faulty spark plug
Check the spark plug when the pressure washer has low pressure, and the engine produces weird noise while running. Examine the spark plug for any loose wires and corrosion. If the wiring is loose, tighten them using a screwdriver. Using a brush, try to get rid of dust and debris build-up. If the spark plug has severe corrosion, replace it immediately.
Reason #6. Dirty carburetor
When the spark plug is standard and functioning, the low pressure can be due to a dirty carburetor. Therefore, disconnect the carburetor and clean it using a carburetor cleaner. Also, check the fuel in the fuel tank. When the pressure washer fuel is old, stale, or contaminated, it can clog the carburetor. If the carburetor is damaged, replace it. It’s best also to know how to clean the carburetor on Briggs and Stratton pressure washer.
It’s A Wrap!
At this point, you must have found the answer to your question; why does my pressure washer have no pressure. Maintenance of a pressure washer is essential to prevent any problem. If you cannot repair the pressure washer yourself, take it to a professional.