As a pressure washer owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than having your detergent dispenser stop working. Not only does it make it more difficult to clean your surfaces, but it can also lead to wasted detergent and water.
If you’re experiencing this issue, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common problems with pressure washers. But don’t worry, there’s a good chance you can fix it yourself.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps on how to troubleshoot a pressure washer detergent dispenser that’s not working. I’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.
So if you’re ready to get your pressure washer up and running again, let’s get started!
Reasons Why Pressure Washer Detergent Dispenser Not Working
Detergent Dispenser Not Aligned
The detergent dispenser may not be aligned properly with the spray wand, which can prevent the detergent from flowing out of the dispenser and onto the surface being cleaned. To fix this, you will need to adjust the alignment of the dispenser.
Detergent Dispenser Clogged
The detergent dispenser can become clogged with detergent, dirt, or other debris, which can prevent the detergent from flowing out of the dispenser. To fix this, you will need to clean the detergent dispenser.
Detergent Dispenser Not Getting Enough Pressure
The detergent dispenser may not be getting enough pressure from the water supply, which can prevent the detergent from flowing out of the dispenser. To fix this, you will need to check the water pressure at the inlet of the detergent dispenser.
Detergent Dispenser Switch Not Working
The detergent dispenser switch may not be working properly, which can prevent the detergent from flowing out of the dispenser. To fix this, you will need to replace the detergent dispenser switch.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix: Pressure Washer Detergent Dispenser Not Working
Your pressure washer’s detergent dispenser is a convenient way to add cleaning solution to your spray wand, but it can be frustrating when it stops working. There are a few common reasons why this might happen, and most of them are easy to fix. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of troubleshooting and repairing a pressure washer detergent dispenser that’s not working.
Troubleshooting
Before you start troubleshooting your detergent dispenser, it’s important to make sure that the problem is actually with the dispenser itself. Here are a few things you can check:
Is the detergent dispenser turned on? Some detergent dispensers have a switch that needs to be turned on in order for them to work. Make sure that the switch is in the On position.
Is there detergent in the dispenser? The detergent dispenser will not work if there is no detergent in it. Make sure that you have added enough detergent to the dispenser.
Is the detergent dispenser clogged? The detergent dispenser can become clogged with debris, which can prevent it from dispensing detergent. Try cleaning the dispenser to see if that fixes the problem.
If you’ve checked all of these things and the detergent dispenser is still not working, then it’s time to start troubleshooting the dispenser itself. Here are a few things you can check:
Is the dispenser connected to the water supply? The detergent dispenser needs to be connected to the water supply in order to work. Make sure that the hose is properly connected to the dispenser and to the water supply.
Is the water pressure too high? If the water pressure is too high, it can damage the detergent dispenser. Try reducing the water pressure to see if that fixes the problem.
Is the detergent dispenser damaged? If the detergent dispenser is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Repairing
Once you’ve identified the problem with your detergent dispenser, you can start repairing it. Here are a few tips:
If the dispenser is clogged, you can try cleaning it with a degreaser or a vinegar solution:
Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when cleaning the dispenser.
If the dispenser is not connected to the water supply, you can reconnect it by following the instructions in your pressure washer’s manual:
If the water pressure is too high, you can reduce it by adjusting the pressure regulator on your pressure washer:
If the detergent dispenser is damaged, you will need to replace it:
You can find replacement detergent dispensers at most hardware stores.
Prevention
The best way to prevent problems with your pressure washer’s detergent dispenser is to take care of it properly. Here are a few tips:
Always turn off the detergent dispenser when you’re not using it:
This will help to prevent the dispenser from becoming clogged.
Clean the detergent dispenser regularly:
This will help to prevent debris from building up and causing problems.
Don’t use too much detergent:
Using too much detergent can damage the detergent dispenser.
Don’t use harsh chemicals in the detergent dispenser:
Harsh chemicals can damage the dispenser.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your pressure washer’s detergent dispenser working properly for years to come.
Also Read THis: Pressure Washer Detergent Injector Not Working
FAQs: Pressure Washer Detergent Dispenser Not Working
Why is my pressure washer detergent dispenser not working?
There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer detergent dispenser might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:
The dispenser is clogged: This is the most common cause of a malfunctioning detergent dispenser. The detergent can become clogged by dirt, debris, or soap scum. To fix this problem, you can try cleaning the dispenser with a degreaser or a vinegar solution.
The dispenser is not getting enough water: If the dispenser is not getting enough water, it will not be able to dispense the detergent properly. This can be caused by a problem with the water supply line, the pump, or the pressure washer itself. To fix this problem, you will need to troubleshoot the water supply line and the pump.
The dispenser is not calibrated correctly: The dispenser may not be calibrated correctly, which can cause it to dispense too much or too little detergent. To fix this problem, you will need to adjust the calibration of the dispenser.
The dispenser is broken: If the dispenser is broken, it will need to be replaced.
How do I clean a clogged pressure washer detergent dispenser?
To clean a clogged pressure washer detergent dispenser, you can use a degreaser or a vinegar solution. Here are the steps:
1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the detergent cup from the pressure washer.
3. Pour a degreaser or a vinegar solution into the detergent cup.
4. Swirl the solution around to loosen the clog.
5. Rinse the detergent cup with water.
6. Reattach the detergent cup to the pressure washer.
How do I make sure my pressure washer detergent dispenser is getting enough water?
To make sure your pressure washer detergent dispenser is getting enough water, you can check the following:
The water supply line: Make sure the water supply line is connected to the pressure washer and that there are no kinks or obstructions in the line.
The pump: Make sure the pump is working properly and that there are no leaks.
The pressure washer: Make sure the pressure washer is turned on and that the pressure is set correctly.
If you have checked all of these things and your detergent dispenser is still not getting enough water, you may need to have the pressure washer serviced.
How do I calibrate my pressure washer detergent dispenser?
To calibrate your pressure washer detergent dispenser, you will need to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for your particular model of pressure washer. Here are the general steps involved:
1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the detergent cup from the pressure washer.
3. Locate the calibration screw on the detergent cup.
4. Turn the calibration screw clockwise to increase the amount of detergent dispensed or counterclockwise to decrease the amount of detergent dispensed.
5. Reattach the detergent cup to the pressure washer.
6. Connect the hose to the gun and turn on the pressure washer.
How do I replace a broken pressure washer detergent dispenser?
To replace a broken pressure washer detergent dispenser, you will need to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for your particular model of pressure washer. Here are the general steps involved:
1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the detergent cup from the pressure washer.
3. Remove the old detergent dispenser from the pressure washer.
4. Install the new detergent dispenser on the pressure washer.
5. Reattach the detergent cup to the pressure washer.
6. Connect the hose to the gun and turn on the pressure washer.
