Pressure Washer Governor Not Working [Easy Steps]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your pressure washer is a powerful tool that can make quick work of cleaning your home, car, or outdoor furniture. But when the governor isn’t working properly, it can be a major inconvenience.

The governor is a device that regulates the pressure of the water coming out of your pressure washer. When it’s not working properly, the pressure can be too high or too low, which can damage your property or make it difficult to use your pressure washer effectively.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer governor that’s not working. I’ll cover the most common causes of the problem and give you step-by-step instructions on how to fix it.

So if you’re tired of dealing with a pressure washer that’s not working properly, keep reading!

Reasons Why Pressure Washer Governor Not Working

Reasons Why Pressure Washer Governor Not Working

Dirty or clogged governor:

The governor is a valve that regulates the flow of water through the pressure washer. If it becomes dirty or clogged, it can cause the pressure washer to not work properly.

Damaged governor:

The governor can also be damaged if it is subjected to too much pressure or if it is not properly maintained.

Incorrectly adjusted governor:

The governor must be adjusted correctly in order for the pressure washer to work properly. If it is not adjusted correctly, it can cause the pressure washer to not work properly or to damage itself.

Faulty pressure switch:

The pressure switch is a component of the pressure washer that tells the governor when to turn on and off. If the pressure switch is faulty, it can cause the pressure washer to not work properly.

Other problems:

There are a number of other problems that can cause a pressure washer governor to not work properly. These include problems with the water pump, the hose, or the trigger.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: pressure washer governor not working

What is a Pressure Washer Governor?

A pressure washer governor is a device that regulates the flow of water through the pump. It does this by controlling the speed of the pump motor. The governor is usually located on the pump housing and is a small, round device with a spring-loaded plunger inside.

How Does a Pressure Washer Governor Work?

When you turn on the pressure washer, the water flows through the pump and into the governor. The governor senses the pressure of the water and uses the spring-loaded plunger to adjust the speed of the pump motor. This keeps the water pressure at a constant level.

What Causes a Pressure Washer Governor to Stop Working?

There are a few things that can cause a pressure washer governor to stop working. These include:

Dirty or clogged governor:

If the governor becomes dirty or clogged, it can’t properly regulate the flow of water. This can cause the water pressure to fluctuate or to drop completely.

Damaged governor:

If the governor is damaged, it won’t be able to function properly. This can also cause the water pressure to fluctuate or to drop completely.

Incorrectly adjusted governor:

If the governor is not properly adjusted, it can’t regulate the flow of water properly. This can cause the water pressure to fluctuate or to drop completely.

How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Washer Governor

If you think your pressure washer governor is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Inspect the governor for damage:
Look for any cracks, dents, or other damage to the governor. If you see any damage, the governor will need to be replaced.

2. Clean the governor:
Use a soft brush to clean the governor. Be careful not to damage the governor.3. Adjust the governor:
If the governor is not properly adjusted, it can’t regulate the flow of water properly. To adjust the governor, follow the instructions in your pressure washer’s owner’s manual.

How to Fix a Pressure Washer Governor

If you’ve determined that the governor is damaged or not properly adjusted, you will need to fix it.

1. Replace the governor:
If the governor is damaged, you will need to replace it. To do this, follow the instructions in your pressure washer’s owner’s manual.

2. Adjust the governor:
If the governor is not properly adjusted, you will need to adjust it. To do this, follow the instructions in your pressure washer’s owner’s manual.

Preventing Pressure Washer Governor Problems

There are a few things you can do to prevent pressure washer governor problems. These include:

Keep the governor clean:
Make sure to clean the governor regularly to prevent dirt and debris from building up.

Don’t overwork the governor:
Don’t use the pressure washer at high pressure for extended periods of time. This can damage the governor.

Adjust the governor properly:
Make sure to adjust the governor properly to prevent the water pressure from fluctuating or dropping.

By following these tips, you can help prevent pressure washer governor problems.

Also Read THis: Pressure Washer High Pressure Not Working

FAQs: Pressure Washer Governor Not Working

What is a pressure washer governor?

A pressure washer governor is a device that regulates the flow of water through a pressure washer. It is typically located on the pump and is responsible for maintaining a consistent pressure output regardless of the water flow rate.

What are the symptoms of a pressure washer governor not working?

There are a few signs that may indicate that your pressure washer governor is not working properly. These include:

The pressure washer is not producing as much pressure as it should.
The pressure washer is pulsating or surging.
The pressure washer is making a loud whining or screeching noise.
The pressure washer is leaking water from the pump.

How do I fix a pressure washer governor?

If you suspect that your pressure washer governor is not working properly, you can try to fix it yourself. Here are a few steps to follow:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the water supply.
2. Locate the pressure washer governor. It is typically located on the pump.
3. Remove the governor from the pump.
4. Inspect the governor for damage. If the governor is damaged, you will need to replace it.
5. Reinstall the governor on the pump.
6. Connect the pressure washer to the water supply and turn it on.

If you are unable to fix the pressure washer governor yourself, you will need to take it to a qualified technician for repairs.

How can I prevent a pressure washer governor from failing?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent your pressure washer governor from failing. These include:

Using the pressure washer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Maintaining the pressure washer regularly.
Inspecting the pressure washer for damage regularly.
Replacing the pressure washer governor if it is damaged or worn out.

By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your pressure washer governor and keep your pressure washer running smoothly.

What are the dangers of a pressure washer governor not working?

If the pressure washer governor is not working properly, it can be dangerous. This is because the pressure washer may not be able to maintain a consistent pressure output, which can lead to the following:

The pressure washer may produce too much pressure, which can damage the surfaces that you are cleaning.
The pressure washer may not produce enough pressure, which can make it difficult to clean surfaces effectively.
The pressure washer may leak water, which can be a safety hazard.

By following the tips in this article, you can help prevent the pressure washer governor from failing and keep your pressure washer running safely.

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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