Briggs And Stratton Pressure Washer Soap Not Working [Try This Proven Fixes]

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Updated in January 2026 | By John

There’s nothing more frustrating than having a pressure washer that’s not working properly. And when it comes to Briggs and Stratton pressure washers, one of the most common problems is the soap not working. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re trying to clean a large area or if you have a specific project in mind.

In this troubleshooting guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a Briggs and Stratton pressure washer that’s not dispensing soap. I’ll cover everything from checking the soap reservoir to clearing the hoses. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.

Why Briggs And Stratton Pressure Washer Soap Not Working

Reasons Why Briggs And Stratton Pressure Washer Soap Not Working

Incorrect Soap Type

The soap you are using may not be compatible with your pressure washer. Make sure to use a soap that is specifically designed for pressure washers.

Incorrect Soap Concentration

The soap concentration may be too high or too low. The ideal concentration is usually between 1% and 5%.

Dirty Soap Tank

The soap tank may be dirty, which can prevent the soap from being properly dispensed. Clean the soap tank regularly to prevent this problem.

Clogged Soap Nozzle

The soap nozzle may be clogged, which can prevent the soap from being properly sprayed. Clean the soap nozzle regularly to prevent this problem.

Faulty Soap Pump

The soap pump may be faulty, which can prevent the soap from being properly dispensed. If you suspect that the soap pump is faulty, have it repaired or replaced.

How to Troubleshoot: Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Soap Not Working

Symptoms

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap is not working properly. These include:

The soap dispenser is not dispensing soap.
The soap is not coming out of the wand properly.
The soap is not mixing with the water properly.
The soap is leaving streaks on your surfaces.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Check the soap dispenser:

The first thing you should do is check the soap dispenser to make sure that it is properly installed and that the soap is flowing freely. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the soap dispenser from the gun.
3. Check to make sure that the soap dispenser is properly seated in the gun.
4. Check to make sure that the soap is flowing freely through the dispenser.

If the soap dispenser is not properly installed or the soap is not flowing freely, you will need to replace the soap dispenser.

2. Check the soap hose:

The next thing you should check is the soap hose. The soap hose can become kinked or clogged, which can prevent the soap from flowing properly. To check the soap hose, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the soap hose for any kinks or damage.
2. If you find a kink or damage, you will need to replace the soap hose.
3. If you do not find any kinks or damage, you can try clearing the hose by flushing it with water.

3. Check the soap pump:

The soap pump is responsible for pumping the soap from the dispenser to the wand. If the soap pump is not working properly, it can prevent the soap from being dispensed. To check the soap pump, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the soap dispenser from the gun.
3. Locate the soap pump on the pressure washer.
4. Inspect the soap pump for any damage or debris.
5. If you find any damage or debris, you will need to replace the soap pump.

4. Check the water pressure:

The water pressure can also affect the soap performance. If the water pressure is too low, it can prevent the soap from being mixed properly. To check the water pressure, follow these steps:

1. Turn on the pressure washer and attach the hose to the gun.
2. Point the gun at a wall and pull the trigger.
3. Observe the stream of water.
4. If the water pressure is too low, you will need to adjust the pressure regulator.

5. Check the soap mixture:

The soap mixture can also affect the soap performance. If the soap mixture is too thick, it can clog the soap dispenser and prevent the soap from being dispensed. To check the soap mixture, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the soap dispenser from the gun.
3. Add a small amount of water to the soap dispenser.
4. Shake the soap dispenser to mix the soap and water.
5. If the soap mixture is too thick, you will need to add more water.

6. Clean the soap gun:

The soap gun can become clogged with soap residue, which can prevent the soap from being dispensed properly. To clean the soap gun, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the soap dispenser from the gun.
3. Remove the nozzle from the gun.
4. Soak the nozzle in a solution of warm water and dish soap.
5. Rinse the nozzle thoroughly with water.
6. Dry the nozzle with a towel.

7. Reinstall the soap dispenser and nozzle:

Once you have troubleshooted the problem, you can reinstall the soap dispenser and nozzle. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Attach the nozzle to the gun.
2. Insert the soap dispenser into the gun.
3. Turn on the pressure washer and test the soap dispenser.

If you have tried all of these troubleshooting steps and the problem persists, you may need to contact a qualified technician for assistance.

Also Read: Briggs Stratton Pressure Washer 020338-0 Not Working

FAQs: Briggs and Stratton Pressure Washer Soap Not Working

Why is my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap not working?

There are a few reasons why your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The soap tank is empty: Make sure that the soap tank is filled with soap.

The soap nozzle is clogged: Clean the soap nozzle to ensure that it is free of debris.

The soap is not compatible with your pressure washer: Make sure that the soap you are using is compatible with your pressure washer.

The pressure washer is not turned on: Check to make sure that the pressure washer is turned on and that the soap dispenser is engaged.

The pressure washer is not spraying soap: Check to make sure that the pressure washer is spraying soap. If it is not, there may be a problem with the soap dispenser or the pressure washer itself.

How do I fix my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap not working?

To fix your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap not working, follow these steps:

1. Check the soap tank: Make sure that the soap tank is filled with soap. If the tank is empty, fill it with soap.
2. Clean the soap nozzle: Use a toothpick or a pipe cleaner to clean the soap nozzle. This will remove any debris that may be clogging the nozzle.
3. Check the compatibility of the soap: Make sure that the soap you are using is compatible with your pressure washer. If you are not sure, consult the owner’s manual for your pressure washer.
4. Turn on the pressure washer: Make sure that the pressure washer is turned on and that the soap dispenser is engaged.
5. Check the soap dispenser: Make sure that the soap dispenser is working properly. If it is not, you may need to replace it.

What type of soap should I use for my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer?

The type of soap you should use for your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer depends on the type of surface you are cleaning. For general cleaning, you can use a mild detergent or dish soap. For tougher cleaning jobs, you can use a degreaser or a pressure washer cleaner.

Here are some tips for choosing the right soap for your pressure washer:

Read the label: Make sure that the soap you are using is compatible with your pressure washer.

Start with a mild soap: If you are not sure what type of soap to use, start with a mild detergent or dish soap.

Test the soap on a small area: This will help you to make sure that the soap does not damage the surface you are cleaning.

Rinse the surface thoroughly after cleaning: This will help to remove any soap residue that may be left behind.

How do I add soap to my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer?

To add soap to your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun:
2. Locate the soap tank: The soap tank is usually located on the back of the pressure washer.
3. Open the soap tank lid:
4. Add soap to the tank: Make sure that the soap level does not exceed the fill line.
5. Close the soap tank lid:
6. Reconnect the hose to the gun:
7. Turn on the pressure washer and test the soap:

What should I do if my Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap is still not working?

If your Briggs and Stratton pressure washer soap is still not working, there may be a problem with the pressure washer itself. Here are some things you can check:

Check the hose: Make sure that the hose is not kinked or damaged.

Check the gun: Make sure that the gun is not clogged or damaged.

Check the pump: Make sure that the pump is working properly.

Check the valves: Make sure that the valves are open.

Check the electrical system: Make sure that the electrical system is working properly.

If you have checked all of these things and your pressure washer soap is still not working, you may need to take it to a qualified technician for repairs.

 

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!