Karcher Pressure Washer Detergent Suction Hose Not Working [You Should Try This]

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Updated in October 2025 | By John

Do you have a Karcher pressure washer that’s not dispensing detergent If so, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. But don’t worry, there’s a simple fix. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to troubleshoot and fix a Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose that’s not working.

I’ll start by explaining the basics of how a pressure washer detergent suction hose works. Then, I’ll give you a step-by-step guide on how to diagnose the problem. Finally, I’ll provide some tips on how to prevent this issue from happening again.

So if you’re ready to get your pressure washer up and running again, let’s get started!

Why Karcher Pressure Washer Detergent Suction Hose Not Working

Blocked detergent suction hose

The most common cause of a Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose not working is a blocked hose. This can be caused by a build-up of detergent, dirt, or other debris. To clear the blockage, you can try:

Disconnect the hose from the pressure washer and detergent container:

Run water through the hose to flush out any debris:

Use a cleaning brush to scrub the inside of the hose:

Reconnect the hose to the pressure washer and detergent container:

If the blockage persists, you may need to replace the hose.

Defective detergent suction hose

A defective detergent suction hose can also cause the hose to not work properly. This can be caused by a damaged or cracked hose, or a hose that is not the correct size for the pressure washer. To check if the hose is defective, you can:

Inspect the hose for damage:

Measure the hose to make sure it is the correct size:

If the hose is defective, you will need to replace it.

Incorrect detergent settings

The detergent settings on your Karcher pressure washer can also affect the performance of the detergent suction hose. If the detergent settings are too high, the hose can become clogged. To check the detergent settings, you can:

Consult the owner’s manual for your pressure washer:

Adjust the detergent settings as needed:

Low detergent flow

If the detergent flow is too low, the detergent suction hose may not be able to draw enough detergent from the container. This can be caused by a number of factors, including:

A clogged detergent filter:

A blocked detergent inlet valve:

A low water pressure:

To check the detergent flow, you can:

Inspect the detergent filter for clogs:

Clean the detergent inlet valve:

Check the water pressure:

If the detergent flow is still low, you may need to have your pressure washer serviced.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Karcher Pressure Washer Detergent Suction Hose Not Working

Symptoms of a Faulty Detergent Suction Hose

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose is faulty. These include:

The detergent won’t flow into the spray gun when you turn on the pressure washer.
The detergent flows out of the pressure washer in a weak stream.
The detergent flows out of the pressure washer in a steady stream, but it’s not the correct consistency.
The detergent flows out of the pressure washer in a steady stream, but it’s the wrong color.

Troubleshooting a Faulty Detergent Suction Hose

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s likely that your detergent suction hose is faulty. To troubleshoot the problem, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the hose for damage:
Look for cracks, tears, or other damage that could be causing the hose to leak. If you find any damage, replace the hose.

2. Check the hose connection:
Make sure that the hose is securely connected to the detergent tank and the pressure washer. If the connection is loose, tighten it until it’s snug.3. Clean the hose:
If the hose is clogged, it won’t be able to properly deliver detergent to the spray gun. To clean the hose, disconnect it from the detergent tank and the pressure washer. Then, run water through the hose until the clog is cleared.

Replacing a Faulty Detergent Suction Hose

If you’ve determined that your detergent suction hose is faulty, you’ll need to replace it. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the power source:

2. Locate the detergent suction hose:
The hose is usually located on the bottom of the pressure washer, near the detergent tank.3. Disconnect the hose from the detergent tank and the pressure washer:
Use a wrench to loosen the nuts that secure the hose to the tank and the pressure washer.

4. Install the new hose:
Slide the new hose onto the fittings on the detergent tank and the pressure washer. Tighten the nuts to secure the hose in place.

5. Turn on the pressure washer and test the hose:
Turn on the pressure washer and spray a small amount of detergent through the hose. Make sure that the detergent flows freely and that the pressure is consistent.

Preventing Future Problems

To prevent future problems with your detergent suction hose, follow these tips:

Don’t overtighten the hose connections:
Overtightening the hose connections can damage the hose.

Don’t kink the hose:
Kinking the hose can restrict the flow of detergent and cause the hose to leak.

Clean the hose regularly:
A clogged hose won’t be able to properly deliver detergent to the spray gun.

By following these tips, you can help to extend the life of your detergent suction hose and prevent future problems.

FAQs: Karcher Pressure Washer Detergent Suction Hose Not Working

Why is my Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The hose is clogged: This is the most common cause of a clogged suction hose. Clogs can be caused by dirt, debris, or soap scum. To clear a clog, try disconnecting the hose from the pressure washer and flushing it with water. You can also try using a cleaning solution designed for pressure washer hoses.

The hose is kinked: If the hose is kinked, it can restrict the flow of water and prevent the detergent from reaching the spray gun. To check for kinks, inspect the hose carefully. If you find any kinks, try straightening them out.

The hose is damaged: If the hose is damaged, it may not be able to withstand the pressure of the water. This can cause the hose to leak or rupture. To check for damage, inspect the hose carefully for cracks or tears. If you find any damage, replace the hose.

The detergent injector is clogged: The detergent injector is a small valve that allows the detergent to flow into the spray gun. If the injector is clogged, it can prevent the detergent from reaching the spray gun. To clean the injector, try removing it from the pressure washer and soaking it in a cleaning solution. You can also try using a toothpick or needle to clear the clog.

How do I fix a clogged Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose?

To fix a clogged Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose, you can try the following steps:

1. Disconnect the hose from the pressure washer and flush it with water.
2. Use a cleaning solution designed for pressure washer hoses to clean the inside of the hose.
3. If the hose is kinked, try straightening it out.
4. If the hose is damaged, replace it.
5. Clean the detergent injector.

How do I prevent my Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose from clogging?

To prevent your Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose from clogging, you can take the following steps:

Use a high-quality detergent that is designed for pressure washers.
Use the correct amount of detergent.
Rinse the hose thoroughly after each use.
Store the hose in a cool, dry place.

What are the signs of a clogged Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose?

The signs of a clogged Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose include:

The pressure washer is not spraying detergent.
The detergent is not flowing out of the spray gun.
The detergent is leaking from the hose.
The hose is kinked or damaged.

What should I do if my Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose is still not working after I have tried to fix it?

If your Karcher pressure washer detergent suction hose is still not working after you have tried to fix it, you should contact the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer may be able to provide you with additional troubleshooting tips or send you a replacement hose.

Also Read: Karcher Pressure Washer Not Working No Power

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!