Sun Joe Pressure Washer Manual Detergent Not Working [Causes & Proven Fixes]

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Updated in April 2025 | By John

A Troubleshooting Guide

If your Sun Joe pressure washer’s manual detergent dispenser isn’t working, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be frustrating and inconvenient. But don’t worry, there’s a simple fix! In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot the issue and get your pressure washer back up and running in no time.

Reasons Why Sun Joe Pressure Washer Manual Detergent Not Working

Reasons Why Sun Joe Pressure Washer Manual Detergent Not Working

Detergent not compatible with pressure washer:
Make sure the detergent you are using is compatible with your pressure washer. Some detergents are designed for specific types of pressure washers, and using the wrong detergent can damage your pressure washer.

Detergent not mixed properly:
The detergent must be mixed with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the detergent is not mixed properly, it will not be effective.

Detergent not sprayed properly:
The detergent must be sprayed on the surface in a thin, even layer. If the detergent is sprayed too heavily, it will not be effective.

Detergent is too old:
Detergent can lose its effectiveness over time. Make sure the detergent you are using is fresh.

Detergent is stored improperly:
Detergent should be stored in a cool, dry place. If the detergent is stored in a warm, humid place, it can lose its effectiveness.

Pressure washer is not working properly:
If your pressure washer is not working properly, it may not be able to generate enough pressure to spray the detergent effectively. Make sure your pressure washer is in good working order before using it with detergent.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Sun Joe Pressure Washer Manual Detergent Not Working

Your Sun Joe pressure washer is a powerful tool that can help you clean your home, car, and other outdoor surfaces. But what happens when the manual detergent dispenser stops working? This can be a frustrating problem, but it’s one that you can usually fix yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix a Sun Joe pressure washer that’s not dispensing detergent. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent this problem from happening in the future.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check the detergent reservoir:
The first thing you need to do is check the detergent reservoir to make sure that it’s full. If the reservoir is empty, fill it up with detergent and try again.

2. Check the detergent line:
The detergent line is the hose that connects the detergent reservoir to the pressure washer. Make sure that the line is clear and free of kinks or obstructions. If the line is clogged, you can try clearing it with a wire hanger.3. Check the detergent pump:
The detergent pump is the component that actually dispenses the detergent. If the pump is not working, you may need to replace it.

4. Check the detergent valve:
The detergent valve is the component that controls the flow of detergent from the reservoir to the pump. If the valve is not working properly, you may need to replace it.

Preventative Measures

To prevent the detergent dispenser from malfunctioning, you can take the following steps:

Keep the detergent reservoir full:
A full detergent reservoir will help to prevent the pump from overheating.

Use the right type of detergent:
Not all detergents are created equal. Make sure to use a detergent that is specifically designed for pressure washers.

Clean the detergent reservoir regularly:
A dirty detergent reservoir can clog the detergent line and prevent the pump from working properly.

Inspect the detergent pump and valve regularly:
If you notice any damage to these components, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible.

By following these steps, you can help to keep your Sun Joe pressure washer’s detergent dispenser working properly.

Conclusion

If you’re having trouble with your Sun Joe pressure washer’s detergent dispenser, don’t despair. By following the steps in this article, you can usually fix the problem yourself. And by taking the preventative measures we’ve outlined, you can help to keep the problem from happening again in the future.

Also Read THis: Sun Joe Pressure Washer No Detergent Not Working

FAQs: Sun Joe Pressure Washer Manual Detergent Not Working

Why isn’t my Sun Joe pressure washer detergent working?

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

The detergent is not compatible with your pressure washer: Make sure that you are using a detergent that is specifically designed for use with pressure washers.

The detergent is not being added correctly: Make sure that you are adding the detergent to the detergent cup in the correct amount.

The detergent is not being sprayed properly: Make sure that the detergent is being sprayed at a high enough pressure to dissolve the dirt and grime.

The detergent is not being allowed to dwell long enough: Detergent needs time to work, so make sure that you are allowing it to dwell on the surface for the amount of time specified on the product label.

How do I fix my Sun Joe pressure washer detergent not working?

If your Sun Joe pressure washer detergent is not working, you can try the following troubleshooting steps:

Check the detergent compatibility: Make sure that you are using a detergent that is specifically designed for use with pressure washers.

Check the detergent amount: Make sure that you are adding the detergent to the detergent cup in the correct amount.

Check the detergent spray: Make sure that the detergent is being sprayed at a high enough pressure to dissolve the dirt and grime.

Allow the detergent to dwell: Detergent needs time to work, so make sure that you are allowing it to dwell on the surface for the amount of time specified on the product label.

If you have tried these troubleshooting steps and your Sun Joe pressure washer detergent is still not working, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

What kind of detergent do I use for my Sun Joe pressure washer?

You can use any detergent that is specifically designed for use with pressure washers. However, some detergents are better suited for certain tasks than others. For example, if you are cleaning concrete, you will want to use a detergent that is specifically designed for cleaning concrete.

Here are a few tips for choosing the right detergent for your Sun Joe pressure washer:

Consider the type of surface you are cleaning: Different detergents are better suited for different surfaces.

Consider the amount of dirt and grime you need to remove: Some detergents are more effective at removing heavy dirt and grime than others.

Consider the smell of the detergent: Some detergents have a stronger smell than others.

How much detergent do I use for my Sun Joe pressure washer?

The amount of detergent you use will depend on the size of your pressure washer and the amount of dirt and grime you need to remove. However, as a general rule, you should use about 1 ounce of detergent per gallon of water.

How do I add detergent to my Sun Joe pressure washer?

To add detergent to your Sun Joe pressure washer, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the hose from the water source.
2. Remove the detergent cup from the pressure washer.
3. Add the desired amount of detergent to the detergent cup.
4. Replace the detergent cup and reconnect the hose to the water source.
5. Turn on the pressure washer and test the detergent.

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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