How to Get Air Out of a Pressure Washer Hose

There’s nothing like the satisfying blast of a pressure washer when it’s working right. That surge of high-pressure water cutting through grime is a DIYer’s dream. But what if your pressure washer just won’t build pressure? Or maybe it’s sputtering, pulsing, or producing weak flow?

You might be dealing with one of the most common (and easily fixable) issues: air trapped in the pressure washer hose.

Don’t worry, it’s not as serious as it sounds. Getting air out of your pressure washer system is a quick and simple process that you can handle yourself in just a few minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify trapped air, why it happens, and the exact steps to purge it, no guesswork, no frustration.

Let’s get that pressure washer running at full power again!

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Why Air Gets Trapped in a Pressure Washer Hose

Before we jump into the fix, it helps to understand why air builds up in the first place. Trapped air usually sneaks into your pressure washer for a few simple reasons:

• The water supply hose wasn’t primed before use

• You connected the high-pressure hose before flushing the system

• You switched attachments or disconnected the gun while water was still on

• You ran the washer dry (no water flowing through it)

• You left the washer in storage and didn’t flush it properly before restarting

Even if you follow all the instructions carefully, air bubbles can form inside hoses, pumps, or fittings. Thankfully, it’s an easy fix.

Symptoms of Air in the Hose

So how do you know there’s air in your system? Here are some telltale signs:

• Low or no pressure at the spray gun

• Pulsing or sputtering water flow

• The engine revs but no pressure builds

• A delay between pulling the trigger and water coming out

• Gurgling sounds in the hose or pump

These symptoms can mimic more serious issues, like a clogged nozzle or a worn-out pump. That’s why bleeding air should always be your first troubleshooting step, it’s easy, fast, and often solves the problem.

Tools You’ll Need

This is one of the few pressure washer fixes that requires no special tools. Just have these handy:

• Your pressure washer (gas or electric)

• A garden hose with a strong water source

• Your high-pressure hose and spray gun

• A clean, flat surface (like your driveway or patio)

Optional: a towel or bucket to catch any excess water.

Step-by-Step: How to Bleed Air from a Pressure Washer Hose

Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow steps so you can get back to blasting away grime in no time.

Step 1: Disconnect the Spray Gun and High-Pressure Hose

To start fresh, disconnect the high-pressure hose from the pump outlet and the spray gun if it’s already attached. This helps you flush the machine and garden hose before introducing pressure.

You want to prime the system with water before pressure builds.

Step 2: Connect the Garden Hose and Turn On Water

Attach your garden hose to the water inlet on your pressure washer. Make sure the hose is connected to a working faucet that provides steady, clean water.

Once connected, turn the faucet on fully to allow water to flow into the pressure washer. You’re not starting the engine yet, just letting the machine fill up with water.

Let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute with the water running to allow the pump and lines to fill.

Step 3: Squeeze the Trigger on the Spray Gun

Now reconnect the high-pressure hose to the pump, and attach the spray gun to the other end.

Do not connect a nozzle tip yet, leave the wand tip open. This will help water flow more freely and allow air to escape faster.

Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun and hold it open. You may hear sputtering, see bubbles, or notice inconsistent water flow at first, this is the air being pushed out.

Let it run for 1–2 minutes, or until the water flows smoothly and continuously.

Step 4: Start the Pressure Washer (Electric or Gas)

Once the water is flowing steadily with no air spurts, it’s time to start your pressure washer.

For electric models:

• Plug in the unit.

• Flip the power switch to ON.

• Keep the trigger squeezed for another 30 seconds to finish flushing air from the pump.

For gas-powered washers:

• Make sure fuel and oil levels are good.

• Pull the starter cord (or use the electric start).

• Let the engine warm up while holding the trigger for a few seconds.

Still don’t attach a nozzle tip yet, you’re still in priming mode.

Step 5: Attach Your Nozzle and Test Pressure

Once everything is flowing well and the system is fully pressurized, go ahead and attach your desired spray nozzle to the wand.

Release the trigger for a moment, then squeeze it again. You should now have consistent, high-pressure water flow.

If it still feels weak or sputtery:

• Repeat the bleeding process

• Check for kinks in the hose

• Make sure no filters or screens are clogged

Extra Troubleshooting Tips

Still having trouble after bleeding air? Here are a few bonus checks to try:

1. Inspect the Garden Hose Inlet Screen

There’s usually a small mesh screen where your garden hose connects to the machine. If it’s clogged with dirt or debris, it can restrict water flow and trap air.

Clean it out with water or a soft brush.

2. Check for Hose Leaks

A small pinhole leak in the high-pressure hose or fittings can pull in air and reduce water pressure. Run your hand along the hose and feel for wet spots or hissing sounds.

Replace damaged hoses or O-rings as needed.

3. Don’t Run the Washer Dry

Running the pressure washer without water in the system can damage the pump and make it hard to prime. Always turn on your water before starting the machine.

4. Use the Right Nozzle

If you’re getting low pressure, make sure you’re not using a wide-angle tip (like 40°) when you need more power. Try switching to a 15° or 25° tip to increase cleaning force.

5. Winterize Your Washer After Use

If you store your pressure washer over the winter, always flush the system with antifreeze or pump saver. Leftover water can freeze and create air pockets or cracks that cause future leaks and flow problems.

How Often Should You Bleed the Hose?

You don’t need to bleed the hose every single time you use the pressure washer, but you should do it whenever:

• The washer hasn’t been used in a while

• You replaced or reattached hoses

• You switched spray guns or tips

• The machine sat in storage or outside

• You notice pulsing, sputtering, or inconsistent flow

It’s also a great habit to bleed the system before the first use each season, just to be safe.

Where To Find Us 

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our repair help section and YouTube videos to help you troubleshoot.

Stay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to reach out. We’re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!