Pressure washer has no pressure: Common Causes & How to Fix
1Pressure Washer Pump Assembly
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
You might need to rebuild or replace the pump. If the pump is older and you use the pressure washer a lot, just replace the whole pump. If the pump is still pretty new, and you don't use the washer much, try rebuilding it or swapping the seals. How old the pump is and how often it gets used impacts the repair. An older, frequently used pump is probably too worn out for rebuilding. Replacing it ensures you get back to full pressure. If the pump hasn't run much yet, rebuilding could work. But new seals may be needed either way. Try fixing a newer pump first before completing the replacement. But an old pump that gets heavy use will need a full swap out to fully restore pressure washing power.
How to Replace Pressure Washer Pump Assembly
- Shut off the water supply and disconnect the hoses. Turn off the water supply to the pressure washer and disconnect the water inlet and outlet hoses. This will drain any remaining water from the pump assembly.
- Disconnect wiring. Locate and disconnect any electrical wiring connected to the pump motor. This usually includes disconnecting the power cord.
- Remove pump assembly. The pump assembly is usually held in place with mounting screws or bolts. Remove all fasteners to fully detach the assembly. Lifting up and out once detached.
- Inspect pump and supply lines. Check the pump seals, valves, and supply lines for any wear or damage. Replace parts as needed.
- Install new pump assembly. Place the new pump assembly into the mounting location and reinstall the fasteners. Connect water inlet and outlet hoses.
- Reconnect wiring. Plug in or reconnect any electrical wiring to the pump motor. Double-check connections.
- Restore water supply. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Let water run through the pump briefly to check operation.
- Test operation. With all hoses reattached, power on and test the operation of pressure washer. Check the water pressure and flow. Ensure no leaks.
2Pressure Washer Pump
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
You might need to rebuild or replace the whole pump piece. If the pump is older and gets used a lot, just swap in a new one. If it's still pretty new, and you don't use the washer much, try fixing the pump or replacing the seals. How old it is and how often it runs impacts the repair. An older pump that gets heavy use is probably too worn out to rebuild. Replacing the whole pump ensures full pressure is restored. If it hasn't run much yet, rebuilding could work. But new seals may be needed anyway. Try fixing a newer pump first before total replacement. But an old, frequently used one will need the full assembly swapped out to get back to full power washing abilities.
How to Replace Pressure Washer Pump
- Shut off water supply and disconnect hoses. Turn off the water supply to the pressure washer and disconnect the water inlet and outlet hoses from the pump. This will drain any remaining water.
- Disconnect wiring. Locate and disconnect any electrical wiring connected to the pump motor. This usually includes disconnecting the power cord.
- Remove pump mounting hardware. The pump is usually mounted with screws or bolts. Remove all fasteners to fully detach the pump.
- Remove pump. Once detached, lift the pump out of the pressure washer frame.
- Install new pump. Place the new pump into the mounting location and reinstall the fasteners to secure it in place.
- Reconnect hoses. Reconnect the water inlet and outlet hoses to the pump. Use thread seal tape to prevent leaks.
- Reconnect wiring. Plug in or reconnect the electrical wiring to the pump motor. Double-check connections.
- Restore water supply. Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Allow water to run through the pump briefly.
- Test operation. With all hoses reattached, power on the pressure washer and test operation. Check water pressure and flow to ensure proper functioning.