Generac Pressure Washer Pump Not Working [Proven Fixes!]

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Updated in October 2025 | By John

Your Generac pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools in your home improvement arsenal. But when it doesn’t work, it can be a major pain. Not only is it frustrating, but it can also be inconvenient and costly to have to have it repaired.

If your Generac pressure washer pump isn’t working, there are a few things you can check to try to fix the problem yourself. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of troubleshooting a Generac pressure washer pump, so you can get back to blasting away dirt and grime in no time.

Why Generac Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

No Water Flow

The pump is not getting enough water:
This can be caused by a clogged filter, a kinked hose, or a problem with the water supply.

The pump is not working properly:
This can be caused by a faulty pump, a problem with the motor, or a loose connection.

The pressure washer is not turned on:
Make sure that the pressure washer is turned on and that the trigger is pulled.

High Pressure

The pressure washer is set to too high of a pressure:
Turn the pressure down to a lower setting.

The pump is not working properly:
This can be caused by a faulty pump, a problem with the motor, or a loose connection.

The pressure washer is not turned on:
Make sure that the pressure washer is turned on and that the trigger is pulled.

Nozzle Problems

The nozzle is clogged:
Clean the nozzle with a wire brush or a needle.

The nozzle is not the correct size for the job:
Use a nozzle that is appropriate for the task you are trying to do.

The nozzle is not attached properly:
Make sure that the nozzle is securely attached to the pressure washer.

Other Problems

The pressure washer is overheating:
Let the pressure washer cool down before using it again.

The pressure washer is leaking:
Repair any leaks as soon as possible.

The pressure washer is making strange noises:
Turn off the pressure washer and have it serviced by a qualified technician.

How to Troubleshoot: Generac Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

Symptoms of a Generac Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Generac pressure washer pump is not working properly. These include:

The pressure washer does not produce any pressure or water.
The pressure washer produces low pressure or water.
The pressure washer makes a loud whining or squealing noise.
The pressure washer leaks water.
The pressure washer overheats.

Troubleshooting a Generac Pressure Washer Pump

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you can try troubleshooting the problem yourself before calling a professional. Here are a few things to check:

Check the water supply:
Make sure that the water supply to the pressure washer is turned on and that there is no blockage in the hose.

Check the pressure switch:
The pressure switch is a valve that regulates the pressure of the water in the pressure washer. If the pressure switch is stuck open, it will prevent the pressure washer from building up pressure. To check the pressure switch, turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the pump. Then, use a multimeter to check the resistance of the pressure switch. The resistance should be between 50 and 100 ohms. If the resistance is too high or too low, the pressure switch needs to be replaced.

Check the pump:
The pump is the heart of the pressure washer. If the pump is not working properly, it will not be able to generate pressure. To check the pump, remove the hose from the pump and turn on the pressure washer. You should hear the pump start to run and you should see water coming out of the hose. If the pump is not running or if there is no water coming out of the hose, the pump needs to be replaced.

Check the hose:
The hose is another common source of problems. If the hose is kinked or damaged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause the pressure washer to lose pressure. To check the hose, look for any kinks or damage. If you find any damage, replace the hose.

Check the nozzle:
The nozzle is the part of the pressure washer that directs the water stream. If the nozzle is clogged, it can restrict the flow of water and cause the pressure washer to lose pressure. To check the nozzle, remove it from the pressure washer and clean it with a wire brush. If the nozzle is damaged, replace it.

Preventing Problems with Your Generac Pressure Washer Pump

You can help prevent problems with your Generac pressure washer pump by following these tips:

Use the right type of water:
Do not use salt water or water that contains minerals or chemicals in your pressure washer. This can damage the pump and other components.

Do not overfill the water tank:
Overfilling the water tank can cause the pump to work harder than it needs to, which can lead to premature wear and tear.

Clean the pressure washer after each use:
This will help to prevent dirt and debris from building up in the pump and other components.

Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry place:
This will help to protect the pump from extreme temperatures and humidity.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your Generac pressure washer pump.

Also Read: General Pressure Washer Chock Is Not Working

FAQs: Generac Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

Why is my Generac pressure washer pump not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Generac pressure washer pump may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The pump is not getting enough water: Make sure that the water supply to the pump is turned on and that there is no blockage in the hose.

The pump is clogged: The pump may be clogged with dirt or debris, which can prevent it from pumping water. To clean the pump, remove the inlet screen and clean it with a brush.

The pump is overheating: The pump may be overheating if it is running too long or if the water is too hot. To prevent the pump from overheating, turn it off and let it cool down for a few minutes before using it again.

The pump is damaged: The pump may be damaged if it has been run dry or if it has been subjected to too much pressure. If you suspect that the pump is damaged, you should have it serviced by a qualified technician.

How do I fix a Generac pressure washer pump that is not working?

To fix a Generac pressure washer pump that is not working, you will need to identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause, you can take the following steps to fix the problem:

If the pump is not getting enough water, check to make sure that the water supply to the pump is turned on and that there is no blockage in the hose. If there is a blockage, remove it and try again.

If the pump is clogged, remove the inlet screen and clean it with a brush. If the pump is still clogged, you may need to replace the screen.

If the pump is overheating, turn it off and let it cool down for a few minutes before using it again. If the pump continues to overheat, you may need to have it serviced by a qualified technician.

If the pump is damaged, you will need to have it serviced by a qualified technician.

What are the symptoms of a bad Generac pressure washer pump?

There are a few symptoms that can indicate that your Generac pressure washer pump is bad. These symptoms include:

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

How much does it cost to replace a Generac pressure washer pump?

The cost of replacing a Generac pressure washer pump will vary depending on the model of the pressure washer and the cost of the pump itself. The average cost of a new pump is between $50 and $100. However, the cost of labor to replace the pump can add another $100 to $200 to the total cost.

How can I prevent my Generac pressure washer pump from failing?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your Generac pressure washer pump from failing. These tips include:

Use the right type of water: Do not use water that is too hot or too cold.

Do not run the pump dry: Always make sure that there is enough water in the reservoir before using the pressure washer.

Maintain the pump properly: Clean the pump regularly and replace the inlet screen as needed.

Store the pump properly: When not in use, store the pump in a cool, dry place.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your Generac pressure washer pump.

 

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!