Troubleshooting Common Problems with Commercial Pressure Washers
Commercial pressure washers are a fantastic high performance solution, which are extremely durable and resilient.
However, in some instances, these units can encounter issues, or require maintenance or repairs, to restore them back to full working order.
At Alpha Power Cleaners, we are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial cleaning equipment, and have various commercial pressure washers for hire and sale.
Commercial Pressure Washers for Hire »
In this article, we’ve provided a comprehensive troubleshooting guide covering the most common issues with commercial pressure washers, and the most effective solutions to resolve the issues.
Jump to:
- Leaking water or oil
- No pressure / low pressure
- Clogged nozzle
- Pump issues
- Engine will not start
- Water flow issues
- Detergent not dispensing
- Electrical problems
- Excessive inlet pressure
If you have any problems with your commercial pressure washer, please contact our team for a repair quote.
Troubleshooting
Leaking water or oil
- Symptoms: Water or oil visibly pooling underneath the machine.
Solutions:
- Inspect the unit’s pump, hose and spray gun. If you spot any of these areas wearing down excessively, replace the affected part.
- Check for any cracking or damage to the connections for the hose or water gun. If damaged, replace.
- Check the pump crankcase, to ensure that it is not overfilled, or hasn’t been cracked or otherwise damaged. If damaged, replace.
No Pressure / Low Pressure
- Symptoms: Either a weak spray, or an absence of pressure.
Solutions:
- Check whether the nozzle has been clogged, and ensure it has been cleaned thoroughly.
- Check for any signs of blocked water in the inlet filter (if present, clean or replace the filter).
- Make sure that the hose isn’t kinked or twisted.
- Check that the water supply provides a sufficient level of flow for the unit.
- Check whether any air has been trapped in the system. You can do this by running the unit, without the nozzle attached.
- Check whether the unloader valve is causing the malfunction (if so, clean the valve, or check to see whether it needs replacing).
Clogged nozzle
- Symptoms: An irregular or ineffective spray.
Solutions:
- Check the nozzle, and clean it thoroughly, ensuring there are no blockages.
- If the issue persists, replace the nozzle.
Pump issues
- Symptoms: The unit not creating any pressure (or the pressure pulsing), or the pump being excessively noisy.
Solutions:
- Inspect the internal parts of the unit. Check whether the internal parts of the pump are dirty or worn. Replace if needed.
- Flush the entire system, to remove any dirt residue.
- Check the internal parts to see if any parts are loose. If so, tighten the affected parts.
- Check whether any of the plungers, seals or bearings are worn, and need replacing.
Engine will not start
- Symptoms: Ignition does not occur when starting the machine.
Solutions:
- Checking that the fuel valve is open when in use.
- Try replacing the fuel with fresh fuel.
- Ensure that the machine’s oil is at the recommended level.
- Check the spark plug, and clean or replace if necessary.
- Check the machine’s choke’s position is correct, based on its temperature.
- Ensure the circuit is working correctly, and that the voltage is correct.
Water flow issues
- Symptoms: The water flow is either intermittent, or has completely stopped.
Solutions:
- Check that the hose isn’t blocked or kinked, and that there are no signs of damage.
- Ensure the water supply is running as it should. You can do this by running water through the hose without the nozzle attached.
Detergent not dispensing
- Symptoms: Soap isn’t being dispensed, even though there is soap in the unit.
Solutions:
- Check that the nozzle is correct, and that the pressure is at the right level (you might want to swap this for a low pressure version).
- Check the detergent filter for any signs of blockages, and clean or replace if needed.
- Confirm that the detergent tube is fully and correctly submerged in the detergent.
- Check that the detergent isn’t too thick or dry for the system to use.
Electrical problems
- Symptoms: The unit does not have power, or its power is intermittent.
Solutions:
- Check that the unit’s power supply, breakers and extension cords are all correct, undamaged and receiving consistent voltage.
- Check the unit’s wiring and switches for any signs of damage.
Excessive inlet pressure
- Symptoms: The disk venting has burst, or the unloader has failed, due to pressure coming in spikes, or exceeding its limit. The unit may also go into safety shutdown mode.
Solutions:
- Allow the unit to rest and restart, to allow the pressure to relieve.
- Check that the unit’s inlet pressure falls within the recommended level.
- Speak to a professional, if these steps don’t work.
At Alpha Power Cleaners, we are commercial cleaning specialists, offering flexible hire and sale options, and comprehensive servicing and repair services.
If you’re looking for a state of the art commercial pressure washer, or want to receive a quote for your site, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
