QA

Question: Pressure Washer Surges When Spraying

Why is my pressure washer surging? Water flow may be restricted to the pressure washer. Check that all hoses are free of kinks, leaks, or blockage. If the nozzle has even a little bit of dirt in the tip, it may cause enough obstruction for the pressure washer to pulsate.

How do I fix my pressure washer surging?

How to Troubleshoot a Surging Pressure Washer Remove the nozzle and clean it with a nozzle cleaning kit. You may have a partially plugged spray nozzle. Check the unloader and repair or replace it. Check the inlet hose and filter. Secure an adequate water supply. Inspect valves and clean or replace them as needed.

Why is my pressure washer pulsating?

Check For Minor Problems Including Kinks Or Blockages A dirty inlet or discharge valve is the most common cause of a pulsating pressure washer. Dirt or hard water can get caught up in these little divots. It is important that you clean out these pieces every so often to prevent these kinds of problems.

Why is my pressure washer revving up and down?

In general, a pressure washer idles up and down due to a jammed unloader valve, a restricted carburetor, degraded fuel, or blockage in the air or fuel filters. A clogged carburetor will not mix the correct air-fuel mixture for the engine.

How do you know if your unloader valve is bad?

Water leaks and inconsistent behavior are also signs of a potential failure in the near future. González: The typical signal when there is an unloader malfunction is a reduction of flow through the nozzle, which results in pressure loss. Dean: Typical symptom of an unloader failure is a sudden smooth pressure loss.

What is an unloader?

The unloader diverts the flow of water from the outlet side of the pump back to the inlet side, causing water to flow in a loop back to the pump under virtually no pressure rather than to the nozzle under operating pressure. Flow may be directed back to the pump inlet or to a float tank or other type of reservoir.

Why is my pressure washer not holding pressure?

In general, the most common reason for a pressure washer not building pressure is that it is not getting enough water. This can be due to a hose problem, leakage, or blockage. Another reason can be air can get trapped inside the pressure washer pump or a problem with the nozzle.

What is a pressure washer pump unloader?

A pressure washer unloader valve diverts the water flow through the bypass when the trigger on the gun is depressed. The trigger shuts off the water flow, causing the unloader valve to re-circulate the water back to the header tank or alternatively back to the inlet side of the pump.

Why does my Honda pressure washer surge?

Surging occurs when the pressure is fine and then weakens. It is caused when the flow rate for the pump cannot be supported by the water supply. Problems can mount from there so it is important that it is dealt with as soon as possible.

What does it mean when a pressure washer backfires?

If the engine is backfiring while running, it can be for various reasons, most commonly due to: -lowering throttle speed too fast. -carburetor running too lean. -engine running too hot.

How do you fix a backfire on a pressure washer?

Possible Fixes for Backfiring: Lower engine speed slowly. Follow small engine fuel recommendations and/or switch to brands with low or no alcohol. Adjust carburetor for optimum performance. Inquire with equipment manufacturer about increasing air volume to decrease engine temperature.

What are the symptoms of a bad unloader valve on pressure washer?

One of the most apparent problems with the unloader valve is less output pressure and a lower water flow. If the valve does not work correctly, the pressure washer pump will get hot, and more power is asked from the engine. If you have a gas pressure washer, you can hear more engine noise due to the higher load.

How do you unstick a unloader valve?

How to Remove the Pressure Washer Unloader Valve Install a high-pressure tip on the pressure washer. Locate the nut located on the top of the unloader valve. Turn the pressure adjusting knob in a counterclockwise direction until it is completely removed.

Do all pressure washers have an unloader valve?

Power washers that have a trigger gun control on them most likely have an unloader or bypass valve.

Can I adjust pressure on pressure washer?

Can I adjust the PSI on my pressure washer? You simply turn the dial to increase or decrease the pressure. Others have a regulator on the spray wand, similar to the Vario wand on our electric power washer. You can also change out the nozzle tips which alter the impact pressure when spraying.

Do Pressure washers have adjustable pressure?

One of the most important features to look for on a large semi-pro gas pressure washer is variable or adjustable pressure controls. This way you can tailor the strength of PSI depending on your cleaning task. Variable pressure is especially important on power washers as powerful as these units.

What is compressor unloader?

An air compressor unloader valve is a device used by air compressors to release the trapped air inside the compression chamber and tank discharge line when the motor stops. Extracting the air by the unloader valve is essential for the compressor motor to start again without any effort.