Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working [Quick And Easy Solutions]

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

If your Troy-Bilt pressure washer detergent isn’t working, you’re not alone. This is a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot the issue and get your pressure washer back up and running.

We understand how frustrating it can be when your pressure washer isn’t working properly. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you quickly and easily diagnose the problem. So if you’re ready to get your pressure washer back in action, let’s get started!

Why Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working

Detergent Not Dispensing

Detergent bottle is empty or not inserted correctly.
Detergent hose is kinked or clogged.
Detergent nozzle is clogged.
Pressure washer is not turned on or is not set to the correct pressure setting.
Pressure washer detergent tank is full.

Detergent Not Mixing With Water

Pressure washer is not turned on or is not set to the correct pressure setting.
Pressure washer detergent tank is full.
Detergent nozzle is clogged.

Detergent Not Cleaning Surfaces

Pressure washer is not turned on or is not set to the correct pressure setting.
Pressure washer detergent tank is empty or not inserted correctly.
Detergent hose is kinked or clogged.
Detergent nozzle is clogged.

How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working

Symptoms of a Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working

There are a few symptoms that you may experience if your Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent is not working properly. These include:

The detergent is not coming out of the wand when you press the trigger.
The detergent is coming out of the wand, but it is not foaming.
The detergent is foaming, but it is not cleaning the surface that you are spraying.

Troubleshooting a Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, there are a few things that you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Check the detergent dispenser:
The first thing you should do is check the detergent dispenser to make sure that it is properly installed and that the detergent is flowing freely. To do this, remove the detergent dispenser from the pressure washer and check to make sure that the hose is not kinked or clogged. You should also check to make sure that the detergent is not expired.

2. Check the detergent nozzle:
The next thing you should check is the detergent nozzle. The detergent nozzle is located at the end of the wand and it is responsible for spraying the detergent onto the surface that you are cleaning. To check the detergent nozzle, remove it from the wand and inspect it for damage. If the nozzle is clogged, you can try to clean it with a toothpick or a needle. If the nozzle is damaged, you will need to replace it.

3. Check the pressure washer pump:
If the detergent dispenser and the detergent nozzle are both working properly, the next thing you should check is the pressure washer pump. The pressure washer pump is responsible for creating the pressure that forces the detergent out of the wand. To check the pressure washer pump, turn on the pressure washer and listen for any unusual noises. If you hear a whining or grinding noise, it could be a sign that the pump is not working properly. You may need to have the pressure washer pump repaired or replaced.

4. Check the water supply:
Finally, you should check the water supply to make sure that it is turned on and that there is enough water pressure. If the water supply is not turned on or if there is not enough water pressure, the detergent will not be able to flow properly.

How to Fix a Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working

Once you have identified the problem, you can fix the problem by following the steps below:

1. Fix the detergent dispenser:
If the detergent dispenser is not installed properly or if the detergent is not flowing freely, you can fix the problem by following these steps:

Remove the detergent dispenser from the pressure washer.
Check to make sure that the hose is not kinked or clogged.
Clean or replace the detergent nozzle.
Reinstall the detergent dispenser.

2. Fix the detergent nozzle:
If the detergent nozzle is clogged, you can fix the problem by following these steps:

Remove the detergent nozzle from the wand.
Clean the nozzle with a toothpick or a needle.
Reinstall the detergent nozzle.

3. Fix the pressure washer pump:
If the pressure washer pump is not working properly, you can fix the problem by following these steps:

Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the power cord.
Remove the cover from the pressure washer pump.
Inspect the pump for damage.
Repair or replace the pump as needed.
Reinstall the cover of the pressure washer pump.

4. Fix the water supply:
If the water supply is not turned on or if there is not enough water pressure, you can fix the problem by following these steps:

Turn on the water supply.
Check the water pressure.
Increase the water pressure if necessary.

Preventing Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Problems

You can prevent Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent problems by following these tips:

Use the correct type of detergent for your pressure washer.
Use the correct amount of detergent.
Clean the detergent dispenser regularly.
Clean the detergent nozzle regularly.
Inspect the pressure washer pump regularly.
Repair or replace the pressure washer pump as needed.
Turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the power cord when you are not using it.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent working properly and prevent problems.

FAQs: Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent Not Working

Why is my Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent not working?

There are a few reasons why your Troy Bilt 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 pressure washers. Some detergents are designed for use with cold water, while others are designed for use with hot water. If you are using the wrong type of detergent, it will not work properly.

The detergent is not being added correctly: Make sure that you are adding the detergent to the pressure washer in the correct way. Most pressure washers have a detergent reservoir that you can fill with detergent. If you are not adding the detergent to the reservoir, it will not be able to reach the spray nozzle and will not work properly.

The detergent is clogged in the spray nozzle: If the detergent is clogged in the spray nozzle, it will not be able to spray out of the pressure washer. To fix this problem, you will need to clean the spray nozzle.

The pressure washer is not turned on high enough: The detergent needs to be sprayed at a high pressure in order to work properly. If the pressure washer is not turned on high enough, the detergent will not be able to reach the surface of the object you are cleaning and will not work properly.

How do I fix my Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent not working?

To fix your Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent not working, you will need to determine the cause of the problem. Once you have determined the cause, you can follow the steps below to fix the problem:

If the detergent is not compatible with your pressure washer, you will need to purchase a detergent that is specifically designed for pressure washers.

If the detergent is not being added correctly, you will need to make sure that you are adding the detergent to the pressure washer in the correct way.

If the detergent is clogged in the spray nozzle, you will need to clean the spray nozzle.

If the pressure washer is not turned on high enough, you will need to turn the pressure washer on to a higher setting.

What is the best detergent for a Troy Bilt pressure washer?

The best detergent for a Troy Bilt pressure washer is a detergent that is specifically designed for pressure washers. These detergents are formulated to work with the high pressure and temperature of a pressure washer, and they will help to clean your surfaces more effectively. Some of the best detergents for Troy Bilt pressure washers include:

[Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Detergent](https://www.troybilt.com/products/pressure-washers/accessories/pressure-washer-detergent/)
[Sun Joe Pressure Washer Detergent](https://www.sunjoe.com/products/pressure-washer-detergent/)
[Griot’s Garage Pressure Washer Detergent](https://www.griotsgarage.com/products/pressure-washer-detergent/)

How much detergent do I need for a Troy Bilt pressure washer?

The amount of detergent you need for a Troy Bilt pressure washer will depend on the size of the pressure washer and the amount of surface area you are cleaning. Generally, you will need to use about 1 ounce of detergent per gallon of water. However, you may need to use more or less detergent depending on the specific conditions you are cleaning.

Where can I buy Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent?

You can buy Troy Bilt pressure washer detergent at a variety of retailers, including:

[Troy Bilt’s website](https://www.troybilt.com/products/pressure-washers/accessories/pressure-washer-detergent/)
[Home Depot](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Troy-Bilt-Pressure-Washer-Detergent-1-Gallon-270002/305725615)
[Lowe’s](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Troy-Bilt-Pressure-Washer-Detergent-1-Gallon/1000179255)
[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Troy-Bilt-Pressure-Washer-Detergent-Gallon/dp/B002

Also Read: Troy Bilt Pressure Washer Pump Not Working

About The Author

Hi, I’m John, the creator of this site.
With years of hands-on gardening experience, I’m passionate about growing fresh fruits and vegetables and making gardening easy for everyone.
Here, I share tips, ideas, and inspiration to help you enjoy a thriving garden—no matter your skill level!