Your electric pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools in your home improvement arsenal. It can clean everything from your driveway to your siding, but when it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. If you’re wondering why your electric pressure washer isn’t working, you’re not alone. This is a common problem, and there are a number of possible causes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons why your electric pressure washer might not be working and how to fix them. So whether your pressure washer won’t start, won’t generate pressure, or is leaking, we’ll help you get it back up and running in no time.
Why Why Is My Electric Pressure Washer Not Working
No Power
No power to the pressure washer:
Check the power cord to make sure it is plugged in and turned on.
Blown fuse:
Check the fuse in the pressure washer’s electrical panel. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one.
Bad connection:
Make sure the power cord is securely connected to the pressure washer and to the outlet.
No Water
No water source:
Make sure there is water in the water source, such as a garden hose or a well.
Blocked water inlet:
Check the water inlet to make sure it is not blocked by debris.
Bad hose:
Check the water hose to make sure it is not kinked or damaged.
Bad pump:
The pump may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Low Pressure
Dirty filter:
The filter may be dirty and need to be cleaned or replaced.
Clogged nozzle:
The nozzle may be clogged and need to be cleaned or replaced.
Bad pump:
The pump may be damaged and need to be replaced.
Other Problems
Whirring but not spraying:
The pump may be seized and need to be replaced.
Spraying but no pressure:
The pump may be leaking and need to be replaced.
Leaking from the body:
The pressure washer may have a leak and need to be repaired or replaced.
How to Troubleshoot And Fix: Why Is My Electric Pressure Washer Not Working?
Electric Pressure Washer Not Working: Common Problems
There are a few common problems that can cause an electric pressure washer to stop working. Here are some of the most common culprits:
A clogged inlet filter: The inlet filter on your pressure washer prevents dirt and debris from entering the pump. If the filter becomes clogged, it can restrict water flow and cause the pressure washer to lose power. To fix this problem, simply remove the inlet filter and clean it with a brush or compressed air.
A faulty pump: The pump is the heart of your pressure washer. If the pump is damaged, it won’t be able to generate enough pressure to power the spray nozzle. To check the pump, turn on the pressure washer and listen for any unusual noises. If you hear a whining or grinding noise, the pump may be damaged. You can also try to start the pressure washer without the spray nozzle attached. If the pump starts and runs smoothly, the problem is likely with the spray nozzle.
A faulty hose: The hose on your pressure washer can also become damaged over time. If the hose is kinked or damaged, it can restrict water flow and cause the pressure washer to lose power. To check the hose, inspect it for any kinks or leaks. If you find a kink, you can try to straighten it out. If the hose is leaking, you will need to replace it.
A faulty spray nozzle: The spray nozzle on your pressure washer controls the spray pattern and pressure. If the spray nozzle is damaged, it can cause the pressure washer to lose power or produce an uneven spray pattern. To check the spray nozzle, remove it from the hose and inspect it for any damage. If the nozzle is damaged, you will need to replace it.
How to Troubleshoot Your Electric Pressure Washer
If your electric pressure washer is not working, you can try to troubleshoot the problem yourself. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Check the inlet filter:
Remove the inlet filter and clean it with a brush or compressed air. If the filter is clogged, it can restrict water flow and cause the pressure washer to lose power.
2. Check the pump:
Turn on the pressure washer and listen for any unusual noises. If you hear a whining or grinding noise, the pump may be damaged. You can also try to start the pressure washer without the spray nozzle attached. If the pump starts and runs smoothly, the problem is likely with the spray nozzle.3. Check the hose:
Inspect the hose for any kinks or leaks. If you find a kink, you can try to straighten it out. If the hose is leaking, you will need to replace it.
4. Check the spray nozzle:
Remove the spray nozzle from the hose and inspect it for any damage. If the nozzle is damaged, you will need to replace it.
If you have tried troubleshooting the problem yourself and you are still unable to get your pressure washer to work, you may need to contact a qualified technician for help.
How to Prevent Problems With Your Electric Pressure Washer
There are a few things you can do to prevent problems with your electric pressure washer:
Use the right type of water:
Do not use salt water or water that contains high levels of minerals. These can damage the pump and other components of the pressure washer.
Never operate the pressure washer without the inlet filter installed:
The inlet filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the pump. If the filter is not installed, it can damage the pump.
Do not over-pressurize the spray nozzle:
The maximum pressure rating for the spray nozzle is printed on the nozzle. Do not exceed this pressure rating, as it can damage the nozzle and the surface you are cleaning.
Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry place:
When you are not using the pressure washer, store it in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the formation of rust and corrosion.
By following these tips, you can help to prevent problems with your electric pressure washer and keep it running smoothly for many years to come.
FAQs: Why is my electric pressure washer not working?
Why is my electric pressure washer not turning on?
Possible causes:
The pressure washer is not plugged in properly.
The pressure washer’s circuit breaker is tripped.
The pressure washer’s motor is burned out.
The pressure washer’s pump is clogged.
The pressure washer’s hose is kinked.
Solutions:
Check to make sure that the pressure washer is plugged in properly.
Reset the pressure washer’s circuit breaker.
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s motor.
Clean the pressure washer’s pump.
Straighten out the pressure washer’s hose.
Why is my electric pressure washer not generating enough pressure?
Possible causes:
The pressure washer’s pump is not working properly.
The pressure washer’s hose is clogged.
The pressure washer’s nozzle is clogged.
The pressure washer’s water filter is clogged.
Solutions:
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s pump.
Clean the pressure washer’s hose.
Clean the pressure washer’s nozzle.
Clean the pressure washer’s water filter.
Why is my electric pressure washer leaking water?
Possible causes:
The pressure washer’s pump is leaking.
The pressure washer’s hose is leaking.
The pressure washer’s nozzle is leaking.
The pressure washer’s water filter is leaking.
Solutions:
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s pump.
Tighten the connections on the pressure washer’s hose.
Replace the pressure washer’s nozzle.
Replace the pressure washer’s water filter.
Why is my electric pressure washer making a loud noise?
Possible causes:
The pressure washer’s pump is overloaded.
The pressure washer’s pump is damaged.
The pressure washer’s motor is damaged.
Solutions:
Reduce the amount of pressure that the pressure washer is generating.
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s pump.
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s motor.
Why is my electric pressure washer smoking?
Possible causes:
The pressure washer’s motor is overheating.
The pressure washer’s pump is overheating.
The pressure washer’s oil is leaking onto the hot engine.
Solutions:
Allow the pressure washer to cool down before using it again.
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s motor.
Have a qualified technician repair or replace the pressure washer’s pump.
Check the oil level in the pressure washer and add oil if necessary.
Also Read: Why Is My Karcher Pressure Washer Not Working
