Ryobi 1700 Psi Pressure Washer Not Working [Fix It Now!]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

Your Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer is not working, and you’re frustrated. You need to clean your driveway, deck, or siding, but you can’t do it without your pressure washer. You’re not sure what’s wrong, and you’re starting to feel like you’re going to have to buy a new one.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Pressure washers are complex machines, and even the most reliable ones can sometimes break down. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot a Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer that’s not working. I’ll show you how to identify the problem and how to fix it. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to get your pressure washer up and running again in no time.

Why Ryobi 1700 Psi Pressure Washer Not Working

No Power

The power cord is not plugged in or is not plugged in all the way.
The pressure washer is not turned on.
The pressure washer’s circuit breaker is tripped.
The pressure washer’s thermal fuse has tripped.
The pressure washer’s pump is not working.

Low Pressure

The water supply is turned off or is not turned on all the way.
The water pressure is too low.
The pressure washer’s water filter is clogged.
The pressure washer’s pump is not working properly.

Nozzle Problems

The nozzle is clogged.
The nozzle is not the correct size for the job.
The nozzle is not attached properly.

Other Problems

The pressure washer is leaking.
The pressure washer is making strange noises.
The pressure washer is smoking.
The pressure washer is overheating.

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

Symptoms of a Ryobi 1700 PSI Pressure Washer Not Working

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

The pressure washer won’t start
The pressure washer starts but doesn’t build pressure
The pressure washer leaks water
The pressure washer makes strange noises
The pressure washer’s pump overheats

Troubleshooting a Ryobi 1700 PSI Pressure Washer

If your Ryobi 1700 PSI 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 fuel tank:
Make sure that the fuel tank is filled with the correct type of fuel and that the fuel valve is open.3. Check the oil level:
Make sure that the oil level is correct.

4. Check the air filter:
Remove the air filter and clean it with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Check the spark plug:
Remove the spark plug and inspect it for damage. If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

6. Check the fuel pump:
If the pressure washer is still not working after you have checked all of the above, you may need to have the fuel pump serviced or replaced.

Fixing a Ryobi 1700 PSI Pressure Washer

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

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

2. Fill the fuel tank with the correct type of fuel:
Make sure that you are using the correct type of fuel for your pressure washer.3. Add oil to the oil tank:
Make sure that the oil level is correct.

4. Clean the air filter:
Remove the air filter and clean it with a clean, dry cloth.

5. Replace the spark plug:
If the spark plug is damaged, replace it with a new one.

6. Have the fuel pump serviced or replaced:
If the fuel pump is not working properly, you may need to have it serviced or replaced.

Preventing Problems with Your Ryobi 1700 PSI Pressure Washer

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

Use the correct type of fuel:
Make sure that you are using the correct type of fuel for your pressure washer.

Keep the fuel tank full:
Running the pressure washer with an empty fuel tank can damage the fuel pump.

Change the oil regularly:
Changing the oil regularly will help to keep the engine running smoothly.

Clean the air filter regularly:
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause the engine to run inefficiently.

Inspect the spark plug regularly:
A damaged spark plug can cause the engine to misfire.

Have the pressure pump serviced regularly:
A well-maintained pressure pump will help to ensure that your pressure washer works properly.

By following these tips, you can help to prevent problems with your Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer and keep it running smoothly for years to come.

FAQs: Ryobi 1700 PSI Pressure Washer Not Working

Why is my Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer not working?

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

The water supply is not turned on: Make sure that the water supply to the pressure washer is turned on and that the pressure washer is connected to a water source.

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

The pressure washer is not primed: Priming the pressure washer forces air out of the pump and lines, allowing water to flow through the pump and out the nozzle. To prime the pressure washer, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

The pressure washer is overheating: If the pressure washer is overheating, it will shut down automatically to prevent damage to the motor. Allow the pressure washer to cool down for a few minutes before trying to use it again.

The pressure washer is clogged: The pressure washer nozzle or filter may be clogged, preventing water from flowing through the pump and out the nozzle. To clean the nozzle, remove it from the pressure washer and soak it in a cup of vinegar for a few minutes. To clean the filter, remove it from the pressure washer and rinse it under running water.

How do I fix a Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer that is not working?

Once you have determined the cause of the problem, you can fix the Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer by following these steps:

Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the water source:

Locate the problem and fix it:

Prime the pressure washer and test it to make sure it is working properly:

Here are some more specific instructions for fixing each of the common problems:

If the water supply is not turned on, turn it on and reconnect the pressure washer to the water source:

If the pressure washer is not plugged in, plug it into an outlet and turn on the outlet:

To prime the pressure washer, follow the instructions in the owner’s manual:

If the pressure washer is overheating, allow it to cool down for a few minutes before trying to use it again:

To clean the nozzle, remove it from the pressure washer and soak it in a cup of vinegar for a few minutes. To clean the filter, remove it from the pressure washer and rinse it under running water:

What are the common problems with Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washers?

The most common problems with Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washers include:

The water supply is not turned on.
The pressure washer is not plugged in.
The pressure washer is not primed.
The pressure washer is overheating.
The pressure washer is clogged.

What is the best way to maintain a Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer?

To keep your Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer in good working order, it is important to maintain it regularly. Here are some tips for maintaining your pressure washer:

Clean the filter regularly: The filter helps to prevent dirt and debris from entering the pump and causing damage. To clean the filter, remove it from the pressure washer and rinse it under running water.

Prime the pressure washer before each use: Priming the pressure washer forces air out of the pump and lines, allowing water to flow through the pump and out the nozzle.

Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry place: Storing the pressure washer in a warm, humid environment can cause the seals to dry out and leak.

Inspect the pressure washer regularly for signs of wear and tear: Look for cracks in the hose, leaks in the pump, and damage to the nozzle. If you find any damage, repair or replace the damaged parts as soon as possible.

What are the best tips for using a Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer?

Here are some tips for using a Ryobi 1700 PSI pressure washer:

Use the right pressure for the job: The higher the pressure, the more powerful the spray. Use a lower pressure for delicate surfaces, such as windows, and a higher pressure for tougher surfaces, such as concrete.

Also Read: Ryobi 1800 Psi Pressure Washer 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.

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