Briggs And Stratton Pressure Washer Pump Not Working: [Causes & Proven Solutions]

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Updated in January 2026 | By John

A Briggs and Stratton pressure washer is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cleaning driveways to washing cars. However, when the pump on a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only is it frustrating to be unable to use your pressure washer, but it can also be dangerous if you try to use it without the pump working properly.

This troubleshooting guide will help you quickly diagnose and resolve the most common problems that can cause a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump to stop working. By following the steps in this guide, you can get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.

Here are some of the common causes of a :

Dirty filter: The most common cause of a pressure washer pump not working is a dirty filter. The filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the pump, and if it becomes clogged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause the pump to overheat.
Low oil level: Another common cause of a pressure washer pump not working is a low oil level. The pump needs oil to lubricate the moving parts, and if the oil level is too low, the pump can overheat and fail.
Burned out motor: If the pressure washer pump has been running for a long time without being properly maintained, the motor can burn out. This is a serious problem that requires professional repair.

Why Briggs And Stratton Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

No Water Flow

No water coming out of the spray gun

Cause:
The pump is not getting enough water.

Solution:
Check the water supply to the pump. Make sure the water hose is connected to the pump and that the faucet is turned on.

Cause:
The pump is clogged.

Solution:
Remove the pump from the pressure washer and clean it.

Water coming out of the pump but not the spray gun

Cause:
The spray gun is clogged.

Solution:
Remove the nozzle from the spray gun and clean it.

Water coming out of the pressure washer but not with enough pressure

Cause:
The pressure regulator is set too low.

Solution:
Turn the pressure regulator up.

Cause:
The pump is not working properly.

Solution:
Replace the pump.

Pump Won’t Start

Cause:
The pump is not getting power.

Solution:
Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in and that the outlet is working.

Cause:
The pump motor is burned out.

Solution:
Replace the motor.

Cause:
The pump switch is bad.

Solution:
Replace the switch.

Pump Makes Noise But Doesn’t Pump Water

Cause:
The pump is not getting enough water.

Solution:
Check the water supply to the pump. Make sure the water hose is connected to the pump and that the faucet is turned on.

Cause:
The pump is clogged.

Solution:
Remove the pump from the pressure washer and clean it.

Cause:
The pump is damaged.

Solution:
Replace the pump.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

Symptoms of a Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

There are a few different symptoms that you may experience if your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump is not working properly. These include:

The pressure washer is not producing any pressure.
The pressure washer is producing low pressure.
The pressure washer is making a loud whining noise.
The pressure washer is leaking water.
The pressure washer is smoking.

Troubleshooting a Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Pump

If your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump is not working properly, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:

1. Check the power supply:
Make sure that the pressure washer is plugged in and turned on. If the pressure washer is not plugged in, plug it in and turn it on. If the pressure washer is still not working, move on to the next step.

2. Check the water supply:
Make sure that the water hose is connected to the pressure washer and to the water source. If the water hose is not connected, connect it. If the water hose is connected and the pressure washer is still not working, move on to the next step.3. Check the pressure switch:
The pressure switch is a valve that regulates the flow of water to the pump. If the pressure switch is stuck open, the pressure washer will not build up any pressure. To check the pressure switch, turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the water hose from the pump. Then, use a screwdriver to pry open the pressure switch. If the pressure switch is stuck open, replace it.

4. Check the pump:
The pump is the heart of the pressure washer. If the pump is not working properly, the pressure washer will not produce any pressure. To check the pump, remove the pump cover and inspect the impeller. The impeller is a small, fan-shaped blade that rotates inside the pump. If the impeller is damaged or worn out, replace it.

5. Check the hoses:
The hoses on a pressure washer can become damaged over time. If the hoses are damaged, they can leak water and cause the pressure washer to lose pressure. To check the hoses, inspect them for cracks or leaks. If the hoses are damaged, replace them.

6. Check the engine:
The engine is the power source for the pressure washer. If the engine is not working properly, the pressure washer will not produce any pressure. To check the engine, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. If the engine is running rough or making strange noises, there may be a problem with the engine. Have the engine inspected by a qualified technician.

How to Fix a Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Pump

Once you have diagnosed the problem with your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump, you can fix it by following these steps:

1. Fix the power supply:
If the power supply is the problem, you can fix it by plugging in the pressure washer and turning it on.

2. Fix the water supply:
If the water supply is the problem, you can fix it by connecting the water hose to the pressure washer and to the water source.3. Fix the pressure switch:
If the pressure switch is the problem, you can fix it by replacing the pressure switch.

4. Fix the pump:
If the pump is the problem, you can fix it by replacing the impeller or the hoses.

5. Fix the engine:
If the engine is the problem, you can fix it by having the engine inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.

Preventing Problems with Your Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Pump

You can prevent problems with your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump by following these tips:

Use the pressure washer according to the manufacturer’s instructions:

Keep the pressure washer clean and free of debris:

Inspect the pressure washer regularly for signs of wear and tear:

Replace worn or damaged parts as soon as possible:

Have the pressure washer serviced by a qualified technician at least once a year:

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump running smoothly and efficiently for many years to come.

FAQs: Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

What are the most common causes of a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump not working?

Dirty filter: The most common cause of a pressure washer pump not working is a dirty filter. The filter can become clogged with dirt and debris, which prevents water from flowing through the pump. To fix this problem, remove the filter and clean it with warm, soapy water.

Low water pressure: If the water pressure is low, it could be a sign that the pump is not working properly. To check the water pressure, turn on the pressure washer and attach a garden hose to the outlet. If the water pressure is low, the pump may need to be repaired or replaced.

Damaged pump: If the pump is damaged, it will not be able to generate enough pressure to power the spray nozzle. To check for damage, look for leaks or cracks in the pump housing. If you find any damage, the pump will need to be repaired or replaced.

Blocked hose: If the hose is blocked, it will prevent water from flowing through the pump. To check for a blocked hose, disconnect the hose from the pump and look for any obstructions. If you find any obstructions, remove them and reconnect the hose.

Incorrect oil level: The oil level in the pump must be correct for the pump to operate properly. If the oil level is too low, the pump will not be able to generate enough pressure. If the oil level is too high, the pump will overheat and could be damaged.

How do I fix a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump that is not working?

1. Check the filter: Remove the filter and clean it with warm, soapy water. If the filter is clogged, it will prevent water from flowing through the pump.
2. Check the water pressure: Turn on the pressure washer and attach a garden hose to the outlet. If the water pressure is low, the pump may need to be repaired or replaced.
3. Check for damage: Look for leaks or cracks in the pump housing. If you find any damage, the pump will need to be repaired or replaced.
4. Check the hose: Disconnect the hose from the pump and look for any obstructions. If you find any obstructions, remove them and reconnect the hose.
5. Check the oil level: The oil level in the pump must be correct for the pump to operate properly. If the oil level is too low, the pump will not be able to generate enough pressure. If the oil level is too high, the pump will overheat and could be damaged.

What should I do if my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump is not working and I don’t know how to fix it?

If you don’t know how to fix a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump, you can take it to a qualified technician. A technician will be able to diagnose the problem and repair the pump.

How can I prevent my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump from breaking down?

To prevent your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump from breaking down, you can:

Keep the filter clean: Clean the filter regularly to prevent it from becoming clogged.

Use the correct oil: Use the oil that is recommended for your pressure washer pump.

Don’t overwork the pump: Don’t run the pump for too long at a time.

Store the pump properly: When you’re not using the pump, store it in a cool, dry place.

What are the signs that my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump is about to break down?

The following are some signs that your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer pump is about to break down:

The pump is making strange noises.
The pump is not generating enough pressure.
The pump is leaking.
The pump is overheating.
The pump is smoking.

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About The Author

Hi, I’m John, the creator of this site.
With years of hands-on gardening experience, I’m passionate about growing fresh fruits and vegetables and making gardening easy for everyone.
Here, I share tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you enjoy a thriving garden—no matter your skill level!