A pressure washer is a handy tool for cleaning tough stains and dirt. It makes cleaning seem easy and efficient, but sometimes you may be ready for the cleaning job, but the pressure washer won’t start. So what do you do in such a scenario? First, you need to troubleshoot the pressure washer to diagnose the problem.
This article will help you diagnose why your pressure washer won’t start and help you restart it. But first, there are a few things you need to check on to ensure everything is ok. First, check whether the power supply is working or the gas tank is full and fresh.
There could be a possibility that there is old fuel; the sticky old fuel could have clogged the carburetor. Next, confirm whether the spark plugs are working and clean the filters. Finally, you should inspect the entire unit to rule out the possibility of leaks.
These are just simple lookouts, but a pressure washer is a complex machine with other components requiring professional checkups to keep it running. However, some parameters are easy to follow; as long as you have turned the machine on, you can easily overlook the rest of the parts to gauge the pressure washer problem and narrow it down to the potential fixtures.
How To Fix A Pressure Washer That won’t Start
Pressure washers are valuable gadgets for most homeowners as they clean a wide area. The only problem that a pressure washer may have is that it may fail to start when you let it sit for a long period without starting it. It is worth noting that you should fix the problem before it becomes worse and cause trouble. The following possibilities may make your pressure washer not start.
The Fuel Source
The first thing you need to check is whether your pressure washer has fuel. Pressure washers require fuel to keep them running. Next, if you use an electric pressure washer, you need to check if the AC outlet is plugged into power correctly. If the spark plug is not functioning properly, you will need to fix it or replace it. You can also test the pressure washer if the socket is the problem.
At the same time, there could be an issue with the power cord; check to see if there are no wiring issues. You can use an ignition coil tester to see if the problem is in the wiring or use some basic wiring soldering techniques to solder the wire together.
If you use a gas-powered pressure washer, make sure the fuel tank is full. If there is no gas, the pressure washer will not start. It would help if you also used the correct fuel mix for the pressure washer.
A wrong fuel mix will damage the components of the pressure washer. At the same time, you should ensure that the fuel pump that leads to the fuel tank is working properly. Check also the fuel valve. The issue could be that the fuel is not reaching the motor, which in this case, you have to replace the fuel pump or seal it to prevent leaks or drops in fuel pressure.
A Dirty Air Filter
An air filter is an important pressure washer component; it filters the air so that the engine and the fuel pump do not get clogged with outside debris. If the air filter is clogged up, it s unable to suck in enough air to keep the engine cool.
It may cause the pressure washer not to start at all in most cases. If that is the issue, you need to clean the air filter thoroughly by running it under a water tank in the sink. If it is too damaged or dirty, you can also buy a new one. There are affordable pressure washer options in the market, ranging from $100 to $300, so you can get a new one depending on your budget.
A Clogged Carburetor
Another problem hindering your pressure washer from starting could be a clogged or broken carburetor. The carburetor is essential in the functioning of a gas-powered pressure washer.
If you may have left fuel in the pressure washer for some weeks without using it, it may have dried out and left some residue within some parts of the carburetor. It could be sticky and clog the carburetor making it not work, thus the pressure washer failing to start. Again, the solution is to get a carburetor cleaner.
Flush the carburetor ut with a special cleaning agent and remove the heavy build-up to allow the pressure washer to start up. If the carburetor is defective and beyond repair, you can replace it with a new one.
Too Much Air
Sometimes the problem can be too much air in the water pump or the water hose making the engine not start. To fix this problem, try to pump water through the pressure washer until the air has been removed. The water will help start the pump and get the water pressure flowing.
A Defective Spark Plug
Another cause of your pressure washer not starting could be a defective spark plug. The spark plug could have suffered from prolonged wear and tear, or it could have been damaged. You can replace it if you cannot fix a spark plug since it is cheaper. Take a look at the spark plug and see whether the porcelain insulator is cracked or has a lot of carbon built upon the electrode. If the electrode is damaged, you can use a spark plug tester to see if it is still working.
