Why Is My Karcher Pressure Washer Not Working [Fixed]

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Updated in October 2025 | By John

Your Karcher pressure washer is one of the most valuable tools in your home improvement arsenal. It can be used to clean everything from driveways to siding to cars. But what happens when your pressure washer stops working It can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re in the middle of a project.

If your Karcher pressure washer isn’t working, don’t panic. There are a few common causes for this problem, and most of them are easy to fix. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to troubleshoot your pressure washer and get it up and running again.

Why Why Is My Karcher Pressure Washer Not Working

No Water Flow

No water supply:
Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that the hose is connected to the pressure washer and to the water source.

Clogged filter:
Check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary.

Damaged hose:
Check the hose for leaks or kinks. If the hose is damaged, replace it.

Pressure washer pump problem:
If the pressure washer pump is not working, it will not produce any water. Contact a qualified technician to repair or replace the pump.

Low Water Pressure

Low water supply:
Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that the hose is connected to the pressure washer and to the water source.

Clogged filter:
Check the filter and clean or replace it if necessary.

Damaged hose:
Check the hose for leaks or kinks. If the hose is damaged, replace it.

Pressure washer pump problem:
If the pressure washer pump is not working properly, it will not produce enough pressure. Contact a qualified technician to repair or replace the pump.

Pressure Washer Won’t Start

No power:
Make sure that the pressure washer is plugged in and that the switch is turned on.

Faulty starter:
If the starter is not working, the pressure washer will not start. Contact a qualified technician to repair or replace the starter.

Damaged motor:
If the motor is damaged, the pressure washer will not start. Contact a qualified technician to repair or replace the motor.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Karcher Pressure Washer

Your Karcher Pressure Washer is Not Starting

If your Karcher pressure washer is not starting, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the power cord:
Make sure that the power cord is plugged into an outlet and that the outlet is working. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance, such as a lamp.

Check the circuit breaker:
If the outlet is working, check the circuit breaker to make sure that it is not tripped.

Check the oil level:
If your Karcher pressure washer is gas-powered, check the oil level and add oil if necessary.

Check the spark plug:
If your Karcher pressure washer is gas-powered, remove the spark plug and check to see if it is dirty or damaged. If it is, clean or replace the spark plug.

Your Karcher Pressure Washer is Not Pumping Water

If your Karcher pressure washer is not pumping water, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the water supply:
Make sure that the water supply is turned on and that there is enough water pressure. You can test the water pressure by turning on a faucet in your home.

Check the hose:
Make sure that the hose is not kinked or damaged.

Check the filter:
Remove the filter from the pressure washer and clean it with warm water.

Check the pump:
If the pressure washer is still not pumping water, you may need to have the pump serviced or replaced.

Your Karcher Pressure Washer is Making a Loud Noise

If your Karcher pressure washer is making a loud noise, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the pump:
The pump may be damaged or worn out. If the pump is damaged, you will need to have it serviced or replaced.

Check the impeller:
The impeller is a small, fan-shaped blade that rotates inside the pump. If the impeller is damaged, it can cause the pump to make a loud noise. You can check the impeller by removing the pump cover. If the impeller is damaged, you will need to have it replaced.

Check the hose:
The hose may be kinked or damaged. If the hose is kinked or damaged, it can cause the pump to make a loud noise.

Your Karcher Pressure Washer is Leaking

If your Karcher pressure washer is leaking, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

Check the hose connections:
Make sure that the hose connections are tight and secure.

Check the pump:
The pump may be damaged or worn out. If the pump is damaged, you will need to have it serviced or replaced.

Check the seals:
The seals around the pump and the hose connections may be damaged or worn out. If the seals are damaged, you will need to have them replaced.

How to Prevent Problems with Your Karcher Pressure Washer

To prevent problems with your Karcher pressure washer, there are a few things you can do.

Read the owner’s manual:
The owner’s manual contains important information about how to use and maintain your pressure washer.

Use the pressure washer properly:
Do not exceed the maximum pressure rating of the pressure washer. Do not use the pressure washer on delicate surfaces.

Clean the pressure washer regularly:
Clean the pressure washer after each use to prevent build-up of dirt and debris.

Store the pressure washer properly:
Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry place. Do not store the pressure washer with the tank full of water.

FAQs: Why is my Karcher pressure washer not working?

Q: My pressure washer won’t start.

A: There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer won’t start. First, check to make sure that the power switch is turned on. If it is, then check the outlet to make sure that it is working properly. You can also try plugging the pressure washer into a different outlet. If the pressure washer still won’t start, then you may need to replace the starter.

Q: My pressure washer is making a loud noise.

A: There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer is making a loud noise. First, check to make sure that the pressure is set correctly. If the pressure is too high, it can cause the pressure washer to make a loud noise. You can also try cleaning the air filter. If the air filter is dirty, it can restrict airflow and cause the pressure washer to make a loud noise.

Q: My pressure washer is leaking water.

A: There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer is leaking water. First, check to make sure that the O-rings are in good condition. If the O-rings are damaged, they can leak water. You can also try tightening the hose connections. If the hose connections are loose, they can leak water.

Q: My pressure washer isn’t spraying water.

A: There are a few possible reasons why your pressure washer isn’t spraying water. First, check to make sure that the water supply is turned on. If the water supply is turned on, then check the hose to make sure that it is not kinked or blocked. You can also try cleaning the nozzle. If the nozzle is clogged, it can prevent water from spraying out.

Q: My pressure washer is smoking.

A: If your pressure washer is smoking, it is important to turn it off immediately and unplug it from the outlet. Smoking can be a sign of a serious problem, such as a blown fuse or a short circuit. If your pressure washer is smoking, you should have it serviced by a qualified technician.

Also Read: Why Is My Pressure Washer Not Working Properly

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!