Your pressure washer surface cleaner is not working, and you’re frustrated. You’ve tried everything you can think of, but nothing seems to be working. You’re tired of wasting time and money on a machine that’s not working properly.
If you’re like most people, you use your pressure washer to clean your driveway, sidewalks, and other outdoor surfaces. When it’s not working properly, it can be a real pain. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be easily fixed.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer surface cleaner that’s not working. I’ll walk you through the steps in detail, so you can get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.
Reasons Why Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Not Working
Dirty Surface Cleaner Nozzle
The most common reason for a surface cleaner not working is a dirty nozzle. The nozzle is responsible for spraying the water out of the surface cleaner, and if it is clogged with dirt or debris, it will not be able to produce a strong enough stream of water to clean the surface. To clean the nozzle, remove it from the surface cleaner and soak it in a vinegar and water solution for a few minutes. Then, use a small brush to scrub off any dirt or debris that is stuck to the nozzle.
Low Water Pressure
Another common reason for a surface cleaner not working is low water pressure. If the water pressure is too low, the surface cleaner will not be able to produce a strong enough stream of water to clean the surface. To check the water pressure, turn on the water to the surface cleaner and attach a pressure gauge to the outlet. The water pressure should be at least 2000 PSI. If the water pressure is lower than this, you will need to have the water line to the surface cleaner repaired or replaced.
Clogged Intake Filter
The intake filter on a surface cleaner is responsible for filtering out dirt and debris from the water before it enters the surface cleaner. If the intake filter is clogged, it will not be able to filter the water properly, and this can lead to a decrease in water pressure and a reduction in the cleaning power of the surface cleaner. To clean the intake filter, remove it from the surface cleaner and rinse it under warm water. If the filter is still clogged, you can soak it in a vinegar and water solution for a few minutes.
Damaged Surface Cleaner Hose
The hose that connects the surface cleaner to the water source can be damaged if it is run over by a lawnmower or if it is kinked. If the hose is damaged, it will not be able to properly deliver water to the surface cleaner, and this can lead to a decrease in water pressure and a reduction in the cleaning power of the surface cleaner. To check the hose for damage, inspect it for cracks or leaks. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the hose.
Damaged Surface Cleaner Wand
The wand on a surface cleaner is responsible for directing the water stream onto the surface that is being cleaned. If the wand is damaged, it will not be able to properly direct the water, and this can lead to a decrease in the cleaning power of the surface cleaner. To check the wand for damage, inspect it for cracks or bends. If you find any damage, you will need to replace the wand.
Misaligned Surface Cleaner Nozzle
The nozzle on a surface cleaner is responsible for spraying the water out of the surface cleaner. If the nozzle is not properly aligned, it will not be able to produce a strong enough stream of water to clean the surface. To check the nozzle for alignment, turn on the water to the surface cleaner and hold the nozzle up to a light. The nozzle should be evenly spaced from the front and back of the surface cleaner. If the nozzle is not evenly spaced, you will need to adjust it.
How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Not Working
Symptoms
There are a few different symptoms that may indicate that your pressure washer surface cleaner is not working properly. These include:
The surface cleaner is not spraying water.
The surface cleaner is spraying water, but it is not spraying evenly.
The surface cleaner is spraying water, but it is not spraying at a high enough pressure.
The surface cleaner is making a loud noise.
The surface cleaner is vibrating excessively.
Causes
There are a number of different things that could cause your pressure washer surface cleaner to not work properly. These include:
Dirty or clogged nozzles:
The nozzles on your pressure washer surface cleaner can become dirty or clogged, which can prevent them from spraying water properly. To clean the nozzles, you can use a small brush or a toothpick.
Low water pressure:
If the water pressure at your home is too low, it may not be able to provide enough pressure to the surface cleaner to work properly. You can check the water pressure at your home by using a water pressure gauge.
A broken pump:
The pump on your pressure washer surface cleaner can break down, which can prevent it from spraying water properly. If you think the pump is broken, you will need to have it repaired or replaced.
A faulty hose:
The hose on your pressure washer surface cleaner can become damaged or kinked, which can prevent it from spraying water properly. If you think the hose is damaged, you will need to replace it.
A clogged filter:
The filter on your pressure washer surface cleaner can become clogged, which can prevent it from spraying water properly. To clean the filter, you can remove it from the pressure washer and rinse it under warm water.
Troubleshooting
If your pressure washer surface cleaner is not working properly, you can troubleshoot the problem by following these steps:
1. Check the nozzles:
First, check the nozzles to make sure they are not dirty or clogged. If the nozzles are dirty, clean them with a small brush or a toothpick. If the nozzles are clogged, you can try to unclog them with a needle.
2. Check the water pressure:
Next, check the water pressure at your home to make sure it is high enough. You can check the water pressure at your home by using a water pressure gauge. If the water pressure is too low, you may need to contact your local water company to have it increased.3. Check the pump:
If the nozzles and the water pressure are both fine, you should check the pump. To check the pump, turn on the pressure washer and listen for any unusual noises. If you hear a loud noise, the pump may be broken. You will need to have the pump repaired or replaced.
4. Check the hose:
If the nozzles, the water pressure, and the pump are all fine, you should check the hose. To check the hose, look for any damage or kinks. If the hose is damaged, you will need to replace it.
5. Check the filter:
Finally, check the filter. To check the filter, remove it from the pressure washer and rinse it under warm water. If the filter is clogged, you can try to unclog it with a needle.
Fixing the Problem
Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can fix it by following these steps:
Clean the nozzles:
If the nozzles are dirty or clogged, you can clean them with a small brush or a toothpick.
Increase the water pressure:
If the water pressure at your home is too low, you may need to contact your local water company to have it increased.
Repair or replace the pump:
If the pump is broken, you will need to have it repaired or replaced.
Replace the hose:
If the hose is damaged, you will need to replace it.
Clean the filter:
If the filter is clogged, you can try to unclog it with a needle.
Preventing Problems
You can prevent problems with your pressure washer surface cleaner by following these tips:
Keep the nozzles clean:
Clean the nozzles regularly to prevent them from becoming dirty or clogged.
Check the water pressure:
Make sure the water pressure at your home is high enough to power the surface cleaner properly.
Maintain the pump:
Have the pump serviced regularly to prevent it from breaking down.
Inspect the hose:
Inspect the hose regularly for damage
Also Read THis: Pressure Washer Valve Not Working
FAQs: Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Not Working
Why is my pressure washer surface cleaner not working?
There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer surface cleaner may not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:
The surface cleaner is not properly connected to the pressure washer: Make sure that the surface cleaner is securely attached to the pressure washer and that the hoses are not kinked or damaged.
The surface cleaner is clogged: If the surface cleaner is clogged with dirt or debris, it will not be able to spray water properly. To clean the surface cleaner, remove it from the pressure washer and rinse it with water. You may also need to use a brush to remove any stubborn debris.
The pressure washer is not producing enough pressure: If the pressure washer is not producing enough pressure, the surface cleaner will not be able to spray water effectively. Check the pressure washer’s pressure gauge to make sure that it is producing the correct amount of pressure.
The surface cleaner is not compatible with the pressure washer: Make sure that the surface cleaner is compatible with the pressure washer’s PSI rating. If the surface cleaner is not compatible with the pressure washer, it will not work properly.
How do I fix a pressure washer surface cleaner that is not working?
To fix a pressure washer surface cleaner that is not working, you will need to identify the cause of the problem. Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you can follow the steps below to fix it:
If the surface cleaner is not properly connected to the pressure washer, disconnect the surface cleaner from the pressure washer and reconnect it securely. Make sure that the hoses are not kinked or damaged.
If the surface cleaner is clogged, remove the surface cleaner from the pressure washer and rinse it with water. You may also need to use a brush to remove any stubborn debris.
If the pressure washer is not producing enough pressure, check the pressure washer’s pressure gauge to make sure that it is producing the correct amount of pressure. If the pressure washer is not producing enough pressure, you may need to have it serviced.
If the surface cleaner is not compatible with the pressure washer, replace the surface cleaner with a surface cleaner that is compatible with the pressure washer’s PSI rating.
What are the different types of pressure washer surface cleaners?
There are three main types of pressure washer surface cleaners:
Rotary surface cleaners are the most common type of surface cleaner. They use a rotating brush to clean surfaces. Rotary surface cleaners are ideal for cleaning large areas, such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks.
Disc surface cleaners use a spinning disc to clean surfaces. Disc surface cleaners are more effective than rotary surface cleaners at cleaning tough stains and grime. Disc surface cleaners are ideal for cleaning cars, boats, and other vehicles.
Turbo surface cleaners use a high-pressure stream of water to clean surfaces. Turbo surface cleaners are the most powerful type of surface cleaner, but they are also the most expensive. Turbo surface cleaners are ideal for cleaning heavily soiled surfaces, such as concrete driveways and patios.
How do I use a pressure washer surface cleaner?
To use a pressure washer surface cleaner, follow these steps:
1. Attach the surface cleaner to the pressure washer: Make sure that the surface cleaner is securely attached to the pressure washer and that the hoses are not kinked or damaged.
2. Turn on the pressure washer and adjust the pressure setting: The pressure setting should be adjusted according to the type of surface that you are cleaning.
3. Start cleaning the surface: Hold the surface cleaner at a 45-degree angle to the surface and move it back and forth.
4. Rinse the surface thoroughly: Once you have finished cleaning the surface, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any dirt or debris.
What are the safety precautions for using a pressure washer surface cleaner?
When using a pressure washer surface cleaner, 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 high-pressure water stream:
Stand behind the surface cleaner when you are cleaning: This will help to protect you from the high-pressure water stream.
Do not point the surface cleaner at people or animals: The high-pressure water stream can cause serious injuries.
Do not use the surface cleaner on wet surfaces: This can create a dangerous electrical