Pressure Washer Ryobi 1700 Not Working [How To Troubleshoot]

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Updated in October 2025 | By John

Your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer is not working, and you’re frustrated. You need to get the job done, and this is just delaying you. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to be working. What’s wrong with it And how can you fix it

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and repair your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer. We’ll cover the most common causes of problems, and we’ll give you the tools you need to get your pressure washer up and running again.

Reasons Why Pressure Washer Ryobi 1700 Not Working

No Water Flow

No water supply to the pressure washer:
Make sure the water supply is turned on and that the hose is connected properly to the pressure washer and the water source.

Clogged filter:
Clean or replace the filter if it is clogged.

Defective pump:
If the pump is not working, it will need to be repaired or replaced.

Low Pressure

Low water pressure at the source:
If the water pressure at the source is low, the pressure washer will not be able to produce high pressure.

Clogged nozzle:
Clean or replace the nozzle if it is clogged.

Defective pump:
If the pump is not working properly, it will not be able to produce high pressure.

Won’t Start

No power to the pressure washer:
Make sure the pressure washer is plugged in and turned on.

Defective switch:
If the switch is defective, it will need to be replaced.

Defective starter:
If the starter is defective, it will need to be replaced.

Makes Strange Noises

Worn or damaged bearings:
If the bearings are worn or damaged, they will make noise.

Defective pump:
If the pump is defective, it will make noise.

Foreign object in the pump:
If a foreign object is stuck in the pump, it will make noise.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Pressure Washer Ryobi 1700 Not Working

Symptoms

There are a few different symptoms that you may experience if your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer is not working properly. These include:

The pressure washer won’t start
The pressure washer starts but doesn’t produce any pressure
The pressure washer produces low pressure
The pressure washer makes a loud noise
The pressure washer leaks

Troubleshooting

If your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer is not working properly, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:

1. Check the power cord:
Make sure that the power cord is plugged into an outlet and that the outlet is working properly.

2. Check the switch:
Make sure that the switch is turned on.3. Check the oil level:
Make sure that the oil level is correct. The oil level should be between the full and add marks on the oil dipstick.

4. Check the air filter:
The air filter should be clean and free of debris. If the air filter is dirty, it will restrict airflow to the engine and cause the pressure washer to not start or produce low pressure.

5. Check the fuel filter:
The fuel filter should be clean and free of debris. If the fuel filter is dirty, it will restrict fuel flow to the engine and cause the pressure washer to not start or produce low pressure.

6. Check the spark plug:
The spark plug should be clean and free of deposits. If the spark plug is dirty, it will cause the engine to misfire and the pressure washer to not start or produce low pressure.

7. Check the fuel line:
The fuel line should be free of kinks or leaks. If the fuel line is kinked or leaking, it will cause the pressure washer to not start or produce low pressure.

8. Check the pressure washer pump:
The pressure washer pump may be damaged if the pressure washer is not working properly. If you suspect that the pressure washer pump is damaged, you should take the pressure washer to a qualified repair technician.

Repairing the Problem

Once you have identified the problem with your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer, you can repair the problem by following these steps:

1. Fix the power cord:
If the power cord is damaged, you can replace it with a new power cord.

2. Fix the switch:
If the switch is damaged, you can replace it with a new switch.3. Add oil to the pressure washer:
If the oil level is low, you can add oil to the pressure washer.

4. Clean the air filter:
If the air filter is dirty, you can clean it with a clean cloth.

5. Replace the fuel filter:
If the fuel filter is dirty, you can replace it with a new fuel filter.

6. Clean the spark plug:
If the spark plug is dirty, you can clean it with a spark plug cleaner.

7. Replace the fuel line:
If the fuel line is kinked or leaking, you can replace it with a new fuel line.

8. Repair the pressure washer pump:
If the pressure washer pump is damaged, you can have it repaired by a qualified repair technician.

Preventing Future Problems

You can prevent future problems with your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer by following these tips:

Keep the pressure washer clean:
Make sure to clean the pressure washer after each use. This will help to prevent dirt and debris from building up on the pressure washer and causing problems.

Store the pressure washer properly:
When you are not using the pressure washer, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the pressure washer from freezing or rusting.

Inspect the pressure washer regularly:
Inspect the pressure washer regularly for signs of wear and tear. This will help you to identify and repair problems before they become serious.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer in good working order and prevent future problems.

Also Read THis: Pressure Washer Soap Dispensor Not Working

FAQs: Ryobi 1700 Pressure Washer Not Working

Why is my Ryobi 1700 pressure washer not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The pressure washer is not plugged in properly: Make sure that the power cord is plugged into an outlet and that the outlet is turned on.

The pressure washer is not turned on: Check the power switch to make sure that it is in the On position.

The pressure washer is out of water: Make sure that the water tank is filled with water.

The pressure washer is clogged: The pressure washer may be clogged with dirt or debris. Try cleaning the filter and nozzle.

The pressure washer is damaged: If the pressure washer is not working after you have tried the above steps, it may be damaged. Contact Ryobi customer service for assistance.

What should I do if my Ryobi 1700 pressure washer is leaking?

If your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer is leaking, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. Here are some of the most common causes of leaks:

The pressure washer is not assembled properly: Make sure that the pressure washer is assembled correctly according to the instructions.

The pressure washer is damaged: If the pressure washer is damaged, it may be leaking. Contact Ryobi customer service for assistance.

The pressure washer is not properly maintained: The pressure washer should be regularly maintained to prevent leaks. Make sure to clean the filter and nozzle regularly and to replace the o-rings as needed.

How do I clean the filter on my Ryobi 1700 pressure washer?

To clean the filter on your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the filter cover by unscrewing the two screws.
3. Remove the filter from the pressure washer.
4. Rinse the filter under running water to remove dirt and debris.
5. Dry the filter completely before reinstalling it.

How do I replace the o-rings on my Ryobi 1700 pressure washer?

To replace the o-rings on your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the power source.
2. Remove the old o-rings from the pressure washer.
3. Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the new o-rings.
4. Insert the new o-rings into the pressure washer.
5. Reassemble the pressure washer.

How do I maintain my Ryobi 1700 pressure washer?

To maintain your Ryobi 1700 pressure washer, follow these tips:

Clean the filter regularly: The filter should be cleaned every time you use the pressure washer.

Replace the o-rings as needed: The o-rings should be replaced every year or two.

Inspect the pressure washer for damage: Inspect the pressure washer for leaks, cracks, and other damage.

Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry place: The pressure washer should be stored in a place where it is not exposed to extreme heat or cold.

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!