When your pressure washer isn’t performing the way it should, productivity drops fast. Whether you rely on your equipment for commercial cleaning, surface prep, or daily industrial use, issues like leaks, pressure surges, and low PSI can quickly derail your workflow. This troubleshooting guide outlines the most common causes of these problems and how to fix them so you can keep your equipment running at peak performance.
1. Fixing Pressure Washer Leaks
Leaks are one of the most common issues and are often easy to spot. They typically occur at connections, fittings, hoses, or inside the pump.
Common Causes of Leaks
- Worn or damaged O-rings
- Loose or cross-threaded fittings
- Cracked or aging hoses
- Pump seal failure or housing damage
How to Fix It
- Inspect all hose, gun, and wand connections; tighten or re-seat where needed.
- Replace O-rings, couplers, or seals showing wear.
- Swap out leaking hoses for commercial-grade replacements.
- If the leak originates inside the pump, schedule a professional service – internal pump damage can worsen quickly.
Pro Tip: Keep spare O-rings and quick-connects on hand. These inexpensive parts prevent most leak-related downtime.
2. Troubleshooting Surging or Pulsing Pressure
If your washer’s pressure constantly rises and drops, you’re dealing with “surging” or “pulsing.” This usually indicates a flow or restriction issue.
Common Causes of Surging
- A clogged nozzle restricting water flow
- Air trapped in the pump or hose
- Dirty inlet screens or valves
- Unloader valve issues
- Insufficient water supply
How to Fix It
- Check and clean the nozzle, even small debris can cause inconsistent pressure.
- Purge trapped air by running water through the system with the trigger gun open.
- Clean inlet screens and filters to restore full water flow.
- Inspect the unloader valve – adjust or replace if it sticks or fails to regulate pressure.
- Verify your water supply – ensure your hose isn’t kinked and can deliver enough flow for your PSI/GPM rating.
Surging is typically easy to correct and is often caused by simple maintenance items.
3. Fixing Low Pressure Issues
Low pressure is another top complaint, especially when a machine suddenly loses cleaning power.
Common Causes of Low Pressure
- Worn-out or oversized nozzle
- Internal pump wear (seals, valves, pistons)
- Clogged inlet filter
- Low water flow from the supply
- Belt slippage on belt-drive units
- Incorrect detergent settings
How to Fix It
- Replace the nozzle if it’s worn – this is one of the most common causes of pressure loss.
- Inspect pump seals and valves for wear and replace if necessary.
- Clean or replace the inlet filter to ensure unrestricted flow.
- Check the supply hose to confirm it meets your machine’s GPM requirements.
- For belt-drive washers, tighten or replace slipping belts.
- Reset detergent settings, chemical injectors can reduce pressure when left open.
If all external components check out and pressure is still low, internal pump service may be required.
4. Preventing Future Issues
Routine maintenance is the key to avoiding repairs and extending the life of your pressure washing equipment. Build these simple steps into your workflow:
- Flush the system after each use to remove debris and detergent.
- Inspect hoses, nozzles, and seals regularly.
- Use only properly sized nozzles and accessories.
- Replace worn components before they fail.
- Verify water flow before starting your machine.
Consistent upkeep prevents most leaks, pressure drops, and surging problems before they happen.
5. When to Call a Professional
If you’ve checked the nozzle, hoses, seals, water supply, and pump components and still can’t resolve the issue – the problem may involve:
- Cracked pump housing
- Failing pistons or plungers
- Damaged unloader valve
- Severe internal wear
These problems require professional service to prevent further damage or complete pump failure.
Staying Ahead of Pressure Washer Problems
A well-maintained pressure washer delivers the power, consistency, and reliability you need for demanding cleaning applications. By understanding the most common causes of leaks, surges, and low pressure and following the troubleshooting steps in this guide, you can minimize downtime and keep your equipment performing at its best. For expert help and reliable solutions, contact Aqua Engineers.