Pressure Washer Soaper Not Working [Reasons & Fixes]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your pressure washer is one of your most valuable tools for cleaning your home and property. But what happens when the soaper stops working This is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. But don’t worry, it’s usually an easy fix.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a pressure washer soaper 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 back in working order, let’s get started!

Reasons Why Pressure Washer Soaper Not Working

No Soap

The most common reason for a pressure washer soaper not working is that there is no soap in the tank. Make sure that the soap tank is full and that the soap valve is open.

Clogged Soap Nozzle

If the soap nozzle is clogged, it will not be able to dispense soap properly. To clean the nozzle, remove it from the pressure washer and soak it in a vinegar and water solution for a few minutes. Then, rinse the nozzle thoroughly and reattach it to the pressure washer.

Faulty Soap Pump

If the soap pump is faulty, it will not be able to pump soap from the tank to the nozzle. To test the soap pump, turn on the pressure washer and listen for the pump to run. If you do not hear the pump running, the pump may be faulty and will need to be replaced.

Blocked Hose

If the hose between the soap tank and the nozzle is blocked, it will prevent soap from flowing from the tank to the nozzle. To check the hose, disconnect it from the tank and nozzle and inspect it for any blockages. If you find a blockage, clear it out and reconnect the hose.

Incorrect Soap Type

Not all soaps are created equal. Some soaps are designed for use with pressure washers, while others are not. If you are using the wrong type of soap, it may not dissolve properly and could clog the soap nozzle or the hose. Make sure that you are using a soap that is specifically designed for use with pressure washers.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: pressure washer soaper not working

Symptoms of a Pressure Washer Soaper Not Working

There are a few different symptoms that can indicate that your pressure washer soaper is not working properly. These include:

The soap dispenser does not dispense soap when you pull the trigger.
The soap dispenser leaks soap when you are not using it.
The soap dispenser makes a loud noise when you are using it.
The soap dispenser does not work at all.

Troubleshooting a Pressure Washer Soaper

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, you can try troubleshooting the problem yourself before calling a professional. Here are a few things you can check:

Check the soap dispenser hose:
Make sure that the hose is not kinked or blocked. If it is, straighten it out or remove the obstruction.

Check the soap dispenser nozzle:
Make sure that the nozzle is not clogged. If it is, clean it with a small brush.

Check the soap dispenser pump:
The soap dispenser pump may be clogged or damaged. If it is, you may need to replace it.

Check the soap dispenser switch:
The soap dispenser switch may be faulty. If it is, you may need to replace it.

How to Fix a Pressure Washer Soaper

If you have tried troubleshooting the problem yourself and you are still having trouble, you may need to call a professional to fix the problem. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Preventing Pressure Washer Soaper Problems

You can help prevent pressure washer soaper problems by following these tips:

Keep the soap dispenser hose free of kinks and obstructions:

Clean the soap dispenser nozzle regularly:

Inspect the soap dispenser pump regularly for signs of wear and tear:

Replace the soap dispenser pump if it is damaged or worn out:

Replace the soap dispenser switch if it is faulty:

By following these tips, you can help keep your pressure washer soaper working properly and avoid costly repairs.

Also Read THis: Pressure Washer Sprayer Not Working

FAQs: Pressure Washer Soaper Not Working

Why is my pressure washer soaper not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer soaper may not be working.

The soaper is clogged: This is the most common reason why a soaper stops working. To fix this, try cleaning the soaper with a brush or a toothpick.

The soaper is not getting enough water: Make sure that the water hose is connected to the soaper and that the water is turned on.

The soaper is not getting enough pressure: If your pressure washer is not producing enough pressure, the soaper may not be able to work properly. Try adjusting the pressure setting on your pressure washer.

The soaper is not installed correctly: Make sure that the soaper is installed correctly and that it is securely attached to the pressure washer.

How do I clean the soaper on my pressure washer?

To clean the soaper on your pressure washer, you will need:

A brush or a toothpick
A bucket of water

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the water hose.
2. Remove the soaper from the pressure washer.
3. Use the brush or toothpick to clean any debris or soap buildup from the soaper.
4. Rinse the soaper off with water.
5. Reattach the soaper to the pressure washer.

How do I make sure that my pressure washer is getting enough water?

To make sure that your pressure washer is getting enough water, you will need to:

Check the water hose to make sure that it is not kinked or damaged.
Make sure that the water hose is connected to the water source and that the water is turned on.
Check the pressure setting on your pressure washer to make sure that it is set to the correct level.

How do I increase the pressure on my pressure washer?

To increase the pressure on your pressure washer, you will need to:

Turn the pressure setting on your pressure washer to a higher level.
Make sure that the water hose is not kinked or damaged.
Make sure that the water hose is connected to the water source and that the water is turned on.

How do I install the soaper on my pressure washer?

To install the soaper on your pressure washer, you will need:

The soaper
A screwdriver
A wrench

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the water hose.
2. Remove the old soaper, if necessary.
3. Attach the new soaper to the pressure washer using the screwdriver and wrench.
4. Reattach the water hose to the pressure washer.
5. Turn on the pressure washer and test the soaper.

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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