Lever On Pump Pressure Washer Not Working [Here’S The Fix!]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your pressure washer is one of the most important tools in your home improvement arsenal, but it can be frustrating when the lever on the pump doesn’t work. This can prevent you from cleaning your home, driveway, or car, and it can be a major inconvenience.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer that’s not working. I’ll start by explaining the different parts of a pressure washer and how they work. Then, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step process for diagnosing and fixing the problem.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer up and running again so you can get back to cleaning.

Why Lever On Pump Pressure Washer Not Working

Lever On Pump Pressure Washer Not Working

There are a few reasons why the lever on a pump pressure washer may not be working.

The lever is stuck:
This can happen if the lever is not lubricated properly or if there is debris or dirt in the mechanism. To fix this, you can try lubricating the lever and mechanism with a light oil, or you can try cleaning out the mechanism with a brush or compressed air.

The lever is broken:
If the lever is broken, it will need to be replaced. You can find replacement levers at most hardware stores.

The pressure washer is not getting enough water:
If the pressure washer is not getting enough water, the lever will not be able to build up enough pressure to work properly. To fix this, you can check the water supply to make sure that it is turned on and flowing properly. You can also check the filter to make sure that it is not clogged.

The pressure washer is not generating enough pressure:
If the pressure washer is not generating enough pressure, the lever will not be able to work properly. To fix this, you can check the pump to make sure that it is working properly. You can also check the hoses to make sure that they are not kinked or damaged.

If you have tried all of these things and the lever is still not working, you may need to take the pressure washer to a qualified technician for repairs.

How to Troubleshoot: Lever on Pump Pressure Washer Not Working

Your pressure washer’s pump lever is an important part of the machine. It’s what allows you to control the flow of water and the pressure at which it’s sprayed. If the lever on your pump pressure washer isn’t working, it can be a real pain. You won’t be able to use your pressure washer to clean your car, your driveway, or anything else.

In this article, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer pump lever that’s not working. We’ll cover the most common causes of this problem and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

Causes of a Pressure Washer Pump Lever Not Working

There are a few different things that could cause your pressure washer pump lever to stop working. Here are the most common causes:

A broken or worn-out pump lever:
This is the most common cause of a pressure washer pump lever not working. The pump lever is a small, but important, part of the machine. Over time, it can wear out and break. If this happens, you’ll need to replace the pump lever.

A stuck or seized pump piston:
The pump piston is a critical part of the pressure washer. It’s what actually generates the pressure that allows you to spray water. If the pump piston gets stuck or seized, it can prevent the pump lever from working properly. In some cases, you may be able to free the pump piston by using a penetrating oil. However, if the piston is badly seized, you may need to replace it.

A clogged or damaged pressure washer hose:
The pressure washer hose is what connects the pump to the spray gun. If the hose is clogged or damaged, it can prevent the pump from generating enough pressure to work properly. To fix this problem, you’ll need to clean or replace the hose.

A dirty or damaged pressure washer nozzle:
The pressure washer nozzle is what controls the flow of water and the pressure at which it’s sprayed. If the nozzle is dirty or damaged, it can prevent the pump lever from working properly. To fix this problem, you’ll need to clean or replace the nozzle.

How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Washer Pump Lever

Once you’ve identified the cause of the problem, you can begin troubleshooting the pressure washer pump lever. Here are the steps involved:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the power cord:
This will prevent you from getting shocked.

2. Inspect the pump lever for damage:
Look for cracks, breaks, or other signs of wear and tear. If the pump lever is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.3. Check the pump piston for free movement:
Gently move the pump piston back and forth. If the piston is stuck or seized, you’ll need to free it or replace it.

4. Inspect the pressure washer hose for damage:
Look for cracks, tears, or other signs of wear and tear. If the hose is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

5. Clean or replace the pressure washer nozzle:
Remove the nozzle from the spray gun and inspect it for dirt or damage. If the nozzle is dirty, you can clean it with a wire brush. If the nozzle is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can troubleshoot a pressure washer pump lever that’s not working. If you’re unable to fix the problem yourself, you can always take your pressure washer to a qualified repair technician.

Also Read: Low Pressure Siphon Not Working Pressure Washer

FAQs: Lever on Pump Pressure Washer Not Working

Why is the lever on my pressure washer not working?

There are a few possible reasons why the lever on your pressure washer may not be working.

The lever may be stuck: If the lever is stuck in the on position, it will not be able to move to the off position. This can be caused by dirt or debris buildup on the lever, or by a problem with the internal mechanism of the lever.

The lever may be broken: If the lever is broken, it will not be able to move at all. This can be caused by a physical break in the lever, or by a problem with the internal mechanism of the lever.

The pressure washer may be out of water: If the pressure washer is out of water, the lever will not be able to move to the on position. This is because the pressure washer needs water to create pressure.

The pressure washer may be overheating: If the pressure washer is overheating, the lever will not be able to move to the on position. This is because the pressure washer needs to cool down before it can be used.

How do I fix the lever on my pressure washer?

If the lever on your pressure washer is stuck, you can try the following steps to fix it:

1. Check for dirt or debris buildup: If the lever is stuck in the on position, try cleaning the lever with a soft cloth or brush. If there is a lot of dirt or debris buildup, you may need to use a degreaser or other cleaning solution.
2. Check for a broken lever: If the lever is broken, you will need to replace it. You can purchase a replacement lever from the manufacturer of your pressure washer, or from a home improvement store.
3. Check the water level: If the pressure washer is out of water, fill the water tank and try to turn the lever again.
4. Check the temperature of the pressure washer: If the pressure washer is overheating, let it cool down for a few minutes before trying to turn the lever again.

What are the safety precautions I should take when using a pressure washer?

When using a pressure washer, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris:

Wear gloves to protect your hands from the water and chemicals:

Stand on a stable surface when using the pressure washer:

Do not point the pressure washer at people or animals:

Do not use the pressure washer on electrical equipment:

Do not use the pressure washer on wet surfaces:

What are the different types of pressure washers?

There are three main types of pressure washers:

Electric pressure washers are powered by electricity and are typically used for light-duty tasks such as cleaning sidewalks, driveways, and patios.

Gas pressure washers are powered by gasoline and are typically used for heavy-duty tasks such as cleaning cars, boats, and other large objects.

Portable pressure washers are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport. They are typically used for light-duty tasks such as cleaning cars and small appliances.

What are the benefits of using a pressure washer?

There are many benefits to using a pressure washer, including:

They can clean a variety of surfaces quickly and easily:

They can remove tough dirt, grime, and stains:

They can be used for both indoor and outdoor cleaning:

They are relatively affordable:

They are easy to use:

 

About The Author

I am John, and I am the creator of this website. I have been in the woodworking industry for about 5 years. I developed my passion for DIY projects around the house when I was in high school. I have discovered a new appreciation for those who have the experience to pass along their expertise. They know what works best and are able to help others. I am proud to be among them.

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