Pressure Washer Pump Troubleshooting

30 October 2019  |  Ben Marriott

The table below provides a summary of the most common problems and malfunctions that could arise.


For any other specific problems not covered by this list, please contact us by phone, email or just drop in.

 

Problem

Cause

Solution

Pump is running but does not reach the pre-set pressure

Pump is sucking in air

Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight

Valves are worn

Check and replace

Regulating valve seats worn

Check and replace

Nozzle inadequate or worn

Check and replace

Seals worn

Check and replace

Pump not sucking

Pump is sucking in air

Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight

Suction level too low

Check inlet water level

Inlet valves dirty

Disassemble and clean the inlet valves or connect the pump inlet to the water mains and pump for a few minutes

Irregular pressure oscillation

Inlet and/or outlet valves worn

Check and replace

Foreign matter present in the valves jeopardizing their functioning

Check and clean valves

Pump is sucking in air

Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight

Water seals worn

Check and/or replace seals

Drop in pressure

Nozzle worn

Change nozzle

Inlet and/or outlet valves worn

Check and/or replace valvesCheck and clean valves

Foreign matter present in the valves jeopardizing their functioning

Check and/or replace the regulating valve seat

Regulating valve seat worn

Replace

Water seals worn

Replace seals

In case of belt drive, belts are slack or worn

Replace belts or adjust tension

Excessive noise

Pump not being fed correctly

Check that the suction level is not too low or that the suction pipes are not blocked (e.g., filter clogged)

Pump is sucking in air

Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight

Inlet and/or outlet valve springs damaged or broken

Replace valve springs

Foreign matter in inlet/outlet valves

Check and clean the inlet/outlet valves

Bearings worn

Bearings worn Replace bearings

Fluid temperature too high

Reduce the temperature of the pumped fluid

Water traces in oil

Excessive leaks caused by totally worn water seals

Replace seals

High humidity rate in air

Change oil twice as often as recommended

Water seeping from drains between head and crankcase

Water seals worn

Replace seals

Piston damaged

Replace piston

O-ring on piston bolt worn

Replace O-ring

Oil seeping from drains between head and crankcase

Oil seals worn

Replace oil seals

Frequent or premature wear of water seals

Pistons damaged or scratched

Replace pistons

Abrasive matter in water

Install the proper filter on the inlet side

Water temperature too high

Check temperature of inlet water

Pump running dry

Avoid running pump without water

Operates for long periods in by-pass

Limit by-pass mode running to no more than 5 min

Excessive vibrations at outlet hose/pipe

Pulsation dampener drained (where present)

Check pressure in pulsation dampener

Valves worn or dirty

Check and replace

Pump is sucking in air

Check inlet ducts and make sure they are air-tight

Water seals worn

Replace water seals