Pressure Washer Trigger Gun Not Working [How To Fix]

We may earn commission from qualifying purchases through affiliate links - at no extra cost to you.
Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools in your home improvement arsenal. But when the trigger gun doesn’t work, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only can it make it difficult to clean your home and property, but it can also be dangerous.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer trigger gun that’s not working. I’ll cover the most common causes of this problem, as well as the steps you can take to fix it. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.

Have you ever been frustrated by a pressure washer trigger gun that doesn’t work You’re not alone. This is a common problem, but it’s one that’s easy to fix. In this guide, I’ll show you how to troubleshoot a pressure washer trigger gun that’s not working. I’ll cover the most common causes of this problem, as well as the steps you can take to fix it. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.

Why Pressure Washer Trigger Gun Not Working

Blocked Trigger

The most common reason for a pressure washer trigger gun not working is a blocked trigger. This can be caused by dirt, debris, or even soap scum. To fix this, remove the trigger assembly from the gun and clean it with a brush or compressed air.

Damaged Trigger

If the trigger is damaged, it may not be able to properly engage the valve to release water. This can be caused by dropping the gun or by excessive wear and tear. To fix this, you will need to replace the trigger assembly.

Faulty Valve

The valve in a pressure washer gun is responsible for controlling the flow of water. If the valve is faulty, it may not be able to open or close properly, which will prevent the gun from working. To fix this, you will need to replace the valve.

Low Pressure

If the pressure washer is not producing enough pressure, the trigger gun may not work properly. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a clogged filter, a faulty pump, or a problem with the water supply. To fix this, you will need to identify and fix the underlying problem.

Misaligned O-Rings

The O-rings in a pressure washer gun help to seal the trigger assembly and prevent leaks. If the O-rings are misaligned, they may not be able to create a proper seal, which will cause the gun to leak water and not work properly. To fix this, you will need to remove the trigger assembly and realign the O-rings.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Pressure Washer Trigger Gun Not Working

Symptoms

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

The trigger gun does not move when you pull it.
The trigger gun does not spray water when you pull it.
The trigger gun sprays water in a weak or erratic stream.
The trigger gun leaks water when you are not using it.

Causes

There are a number of different things that could cause your pressure washer trigger gun to stop working properly. These include:

A clogged nozzle.
A damaged or worn-out o-ring.
A broken trigger spring.
A faulty pressure washer pump.

Troubleshooting

To troubleshoot the problem with your pressure washer trigger gun, you will need to first identify the cause of the problem. Here are a few steps to help you do this:

1. Check the nozzle for clogs:
The most common cause of a pressure washer trigger gun not working is a clogged nozzle. To check the nozzle, remove it from the gun and look inside. If you see any debris or dirt, use a small brush to clean it out.

2. Inspect the o-ring:
The o-ring is a small rubber ring that seals the trigger gun to the pump. If the o-ring is damaged or worn out, it can cause the gun to leak water or not spray water properly. To check the o-ring, remove the trigger gun from the pump and inspect the o-ring for damage. If the o-ring is damaged, replace it with a new one.3. Check the trigger spring:
The trigger spring is a small spring that helps to move the trigger gun. If the trigger spring is broken, it can prevent the gun from working properly. To check the trigger spring, remove the trigger gun from the pump and inspect the spring. If the spring is broken, replace it with a new one.

4. Check the pressure washer pump:
If the pressure washer pump is faulty, it can cause the trigger gun to not work properly. To check the pump, turn on the pressure washer and listen for any unusual noises. If you hear any strange noises, the pump may be faulty. You will need to take the pressure washer to a qualified repair technician to have the pump repaired or replaced.

Fixing the Problem

Once you have identified the cause of the problem with your pressure washer trigger gun, you can fix it yourself or take it to a qualified repair technician. Here are the steps to fix a clogged nozzle:

1. Remove the nozzle from the gun.
2. Use a small brush to clean out the debris or dirt from the nozzle.
3. Reattach the nozzle to the gun.

Here are the steps to fix a damaged or worn-out o-ring:

1. Remove the trigger gun from the pump.
2. Remove the o-ring from the gun.
3. Replace the o-ring with a new one.
4. Reattach the trigger gun to the pump.

Here are the steps to fix a broken trigger spring:

1. Remove the trigger gun from the pump.
2. Remove the trigger spring from the gun.
3. Replace the trigger spring with a new one.
4. Reattach the trigger gun to the pump.

Here are the steps to fix a faulty pressure washer pump:

1. Take the pressure washer to a qualified repair technician.
2. Have the pump repaired or replaced.

Prevention

You can prevent problems with your pressure washer trigger gun by following these tips:

Clean the nozzle regularly:
A clogged nozzle is one of the most common causes of a pressure washer trigger gun not working properly. To prevent this, clean the nozzle regularly to remove any debris or dirt.

Inspect the o-ring regularly:
The o-ring is a small rubber ring that seals the trigger gun to the pump. If the o-ring is damaged or worn out, it can cause the gun to leak water or not spray water properly. To prevent this, inspect the o-ring regularly and replace it if necessary.

Use the pressure washer properly:
Do not exceed the maximum pressure rating of your pressure washer. Also, be careful not to point the pressure washer at people or animals.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent problems with your pressure washer trigger gun and keep it working properly for years to come.

FAQs: Pressure Washer Trigger Gun Not Working

Why is my pressure washer trigger gun not working?

There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer trigger gun might not be working. Here are some of the most common causes:

The trigger is stuck: If the trigger is stuck, it won’t be able to release the water. To fix this, try spraying some WD-40 or other lubricant into the trigger and working it back and forth until it loosens up.

The trigger valve is broken: If the trigger valve is broken, it won’t be able to open and close properly, which will prevent the water from flowing. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the trigger valve.

The hose is kinked: If the hose is kinked, it will restrict the flow of water and prevent the trigger from working properly. To fix this, straighten out the hose.

The pressure washer is not getting enough water: If the pressure washer is not getting enough water, the trigger will not be able to generate enough pressure to work properly. To fix this, make sure that the water supply is turned on and that there are no blockages in the hose or nozzle.

How do I fix a pressure washer trigger gun that is stuck?

To fix a pressure washer trigger gun that is stuck, you can try the following steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Spray some WD-40 or other lubricant into the trigger and work it back and forth until it loosens up.
3. If the trigger is still stuck, you can try using a small screwdriver or other tool to pry it open.
4. Once the trigger is open, clean it out with a cloth or brush.
5. Reattach the hose to the gun and test it to make sure it is working properly.

How do I replace a pressure washer trigger valve?

To replace a pressure washer trigger valve, you can follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the gun.
2. Remove the screws that hold the trigger assembly in place.
3. Remove the trigger assembly from the gun.
4. Disconnect the old trigger valve from the assembly.
5. Connect the new trigger valve to the assembly.
6. Reattach the trigger assembly to the gun and tighten the screws.
7. Reattach the hose to the gun and test it to make sure it is working properly.

What should I do if my pressure washer is not getting enough water?

If your pressure washer is not getting enough water, there are a few things you can check:

Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that there are no blockages in the hose or nozzle:

Check the pressure washer’s water filter: If the filter is clogged, it will restrict the flow of water.

Check the pressure washer’s pump: If the pump is damaged, it will not be able to generate enough pressure to push the water through the hose.

Check the pressure washer’s hose: If the hose is kinked or damaged, it will restrict the flow of water.

What can I do to prevent my pressure washer trigger gun from breaking?

There are a few things you can do to prevent your pressure washer trigger gun from breaking:

Use the trigger gun carefully: Don’t over-tighten the trigger or pull it too hard.

Don’t drop the pressure washer or let it fall over: This can damage the trigger gun.

Keep the pressure washer clean and free of debris: This will help to prevent the trigger gun from getting stuck.

Replace the trigger gun if it is damaged: A damaged trigger gun can be dangerous and may not work properly.

Also Read: Pressure Washer Wand Trigger Not Working

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.

Leave a Comment