Pressure washer problem

[Jeff Hahn]

I purchased a very nice pressure washer from Home Depot in early July and got it out to use the other day. I got it all put together, hooked up, and ready to use. The problem was that it would spray very well for several seconds, then the pressure would be significantly reduced. If I took my finger off of the trigger, the pressure would build back up and I could spray a high pressure stream for several seconds before it would die off again.

I called Home Depot and talked to the repair guys, who gave me some solid advice on which high pressure washer to purchase to begin with. The first thing he asked me was if I had city water or well water. We have a well. He told me that the problem was that the pump in my well could not keep up with the demand of the pressure washer for water. Yes, our water hose does the same thing, but even when the pressure is low, it’s more than enough to spray off the mower, hose down the boat, wash a vehicle, etc. So, the Home Depot guy advised me to return the pressure washer for a refund, which I did today. I wonder if this fluctuating water pressure was why the el cheapo power washer I bought from Harbor Freight crapped out after 1 1/2 years?

i suppose that I could buy a larger capacity pump for my well. But, that seems like a big expense just to be able to use a power washer.

[TRCM]

If you aren't giving the high pressure pump enough water, it will burn up. That's why they have a min suction pressure for operation.

Not enough water, it will suck the suction side dry, and run with no lubrication or cooling until there is water there again.

Both are bad for pumps.

[Capt Gerry]

You have to have good water pressure. Look for one that don't use as many gallons per minute.

[fishwest]

He told you correctly. If the pressure in from your fluctuates so will the pressure washer. I have owned several and they all would do the same thing. There really isn’t much you can do about it. Getting one with lower pressure won’t help. Even the lowest one is around 1200 GPH. Your well isn’t going to be able to supply a steady flow.

[Toypuller]

Have you checked the pressure tank at your pump?

A bad diaphragm will do show the same symptoms.

[Skeet'r89]

Before starting the pressure washer, use something to squeeze the wand trigger and allow the water to run 5 or so minutes. You are trying to pump air.

[rb]

Before starting the pressure washer, use something to squeeze the wand trigger and allow the water to run 5 or so minutes. You are trying to pump air.

This is it. Also check the water filter screen. If there was any trash in the hose it will clog it up.

[dryhorn2]

What size water hose do you have supplying the pressure washer ?

[BigSexyPhoenix]

I got one from home depot and it does the same thing for the first couple of minutes. You gotta let it pump some water for a couple of minutes and it will take off. I'm on city water with good pressure and have the same issue you do.

[GZ ONE]

Not enough water coming in for the machine to operate correctly , he's right . You can check for trash at connection but I'm betting water supply. If it was high of 40 for the day it could be ice from night before unthawing in your pump hose and the water will come out black til it unthaws .

[Z520C]

Think you could hook two pressure washers daisy chained?

[High Tide]

Take a reading of your actual water pressure at the faucet being used... 50lbs would be sufficient. If 50, start checking fittings and filters on the pump. I assume your garden hose if fine with no kinks. Water pressure gauges are inexpensive at the hardware big box stores.

[CatFan]

Before starting the pressure washer, use something to squeeze the wand trigger and allow the water to run 5 or so minutes. You are trying to pump air.

This is the answer. You have to let it bleed all the air out of the hose and the pump.

[Jeff Hahn]

I have already checked all of the items listed above, except for getting an actual water pressure reading and checking. the diaphragm of pressure tank. The latter item is worth a look, as our water pressure does get weak and strong, even at our kitchen faucet.

[billnorman1]

Put it in the bed of your truck. Put your garden hose in the bed of your truck. Drive to a friend's house with city water. Wash his truck. If it works, the pressure washer is not at fault.

[brnzbaklvr]

I would be surprised if it is your inlet pressure causing issues unless it is really bad...I run a 3300 PSI Pressure washer with a Commercial Honda motor and a Cat pump at my cottage with low pressure and CFMs and have no issues...I also run it off a 50 gallon drum and a hose with nothing but head pressure...I would do exactly what billnorman1 suggested to eliminate to see if it is the unit or the inlet pressure..I had a Kacher pressure washer that did the same thing that you describe and it was because the pump was a POS...I put a Cat Pump on the GC160 Honda motor and it ran fine...
If it's a AAA pump be glad they took it back and go to Northern tools and get a washer with a Cat or Comet pump and be done with it.
If you want to come up to Michigan and grab my pressure washer to try you can do that..

Here is a good midrange pump with a Honda Motor and a Comet pump..Read the reviews https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4734_200594734

Here is one with a Cat Pump and a Honda motor. https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4736_200594736

Here is what I have..https://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...4737_200594737

The delivery service from Northern tool was really good...They tell you the exact date and give you a time block when they will drop it off...Then they call you about 30 minutes or so before they get there...

[TwinStick]

You can even take your wand off, turn the water on, and just let it prime. I've had pretty good success with this. When I do my 400 ft driveway, sometimes I have to run it without the want attached for a few minutes to get all the air out.

[buster502]

what pressure is your well pump bladder set at, mine has a gauge on the top and i think it's around 50,i have no problems with my washer at all i do let water run thru it before using

[spinningreel]

normally you will need a min. of 40psi and 2.8 gpm from your supply hose.

[rtlgator]

Water pressure tester/guage is only $10.00 or less at box stores..