Fix low pressure on a pressure washer? Tips from pros

Notice a drop in your pressure washer’s effectiveness? It’s likely due to low pressure. Our expert advice will guide you through the steps to fix this, ensuring your pressure washer is back to its best.

Regularly maintain your pressure washer. Change oil, clean nozzle, and filter. Check the hose, valve, leaks, intake, and pump belt. Replace the worn nozzle with a new high-pressure one. Use a nozzle with steady water over 20 PSI and 4 GPM.

Are you dealing with a pressure washer that’s lost its power? Let us help. Our expert tips will show you how to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Are you eager to learn more? Keep reading!

How do you fix low pressure on a pressure washer?

The pressure washer is used to clean the exterior parts of your house because it produces more pressure than the standard pipe attached to the tap. But still, a large number of pressure washer users complain about their washer producing low or very minimum pressure.

There can be many reasons for this problem, and to fix them, we have come up with some solutions that can be very helpful for you to fix the low pressure on your pressure washer.

● Solution 1: Maintenance of your pressure washer 

The first solution to fix the low pressure on your pressure washer is to maintain it from time to time correctly. Many people use their pressure washers to clean different areas of their house and do not give proper attention to their maintenance.

When these pressure washers run on high pressure to clean areas like concrete, they use more power than usual, which results in more oil consumption. If you still have pressure issues, it might be due to a problem with the high-pressure hose.

So, to fix the low pressure of your washer, you should pay proper attention to its maintenance and change its oil after regular intervals. There’s no time like the present to start having pressure washer maintenance as a regular part of your routine.

– Dealing with Dust Particles

Also, the nozzle and filter of your washer catch a lot of dust particles during cleaning, and it causes a hindrance to the pressure washer maintaining its high pressure. Therefore, you must clean the nozzle and filter of your washer before or after using it to clean the dust.

From a maintenance point of view, checking your outdoor power equipment manual for specific instructions related to your model is essential. Different models may require different maintenance steps. Remember, maintaining outdoor power equipment is vital to longevity and performance.

● Solution 2: Fixing the hose

Now, if your pressure washer is still producing low pressure after changing the oil and cleaning the spray tip, you should move forward and check the hose of the water supply going into the machine.

In the case of most pressure washers, it is essential to supply them with at least 1 gallon of water per minute. If unsure, refer to the equipment manual or look up the model number for specific instructions.

According to most experts, the recommended diameter of the supply hose should be ¾ inches to fix the low pressure of your pressure washer if the pressure of the washer is still down at the given ¾-inch diameter of the hose.

– Check for blockage in the hose

It would be best to start troubleshooting pressure washer issues by checking for any blockage in your hose. Loosen the hose from the inlet valve of the pressure washer and clear the dust and debris from the inside of the filter.

That could be why your pressure washer has low water pressure. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, you should contact a Briggs & Stratton dealer near you for assistance. Briggs & Stratton offers excellent support services.

It can help you diagnose and fix the problem with your pressure washer. Remember, it’s always best to consult a professional if you’re unsure about performing these tasks yourself.

● Solution 3: Adjust the unloader valve

The primary function of the unloader valve is to divert the water flow from the pump toward the bypass. This unloader valve can also fix the low water pressure from the pressure washer’s nozzle. To do so, first check the nozzle of the pressure washer.

If it is torn out, replace it before adjusting the unloader valve. Then, change the unloader valve in small steps to increase the washer’s pressure. Also, connect the pressure gauge when adjusting the unloader valve to prevent the pressure from getting too high.

During the unloader valve adjustment, ensure that the machine is running and pull the trigger wand to allow the water to flow through the machine.

Now, if your machine is still producing a low amount of pressure after adjusting the unloader valve, then your valve can be broken and need replacement.

● Solution 4: Replace the nozzle

Another solution to fix the low pressure of the pressure washing machine is to replace the nozzle at the trigger wand. Sometimes, the nozzle at the end of the trigger wand becomes worn, resulting in an unusual spraying pattern of water.

This worn-out nozzle can also cause low pressure on the pressure washing machine because of the holes in it that widen with time. As these holes widen, more water flows through the nozzle, thus decreasing the pressure of the water.

Nozzles will wear over time with regular use and need to be replaced. It is recommended to have several nozzles on hand.  This allows you to easily change the nozzle if you see any decrease in pressure and test other nozzles to check whether the pressure is decreased due to the nozzle.

– Choosing the Right Nozzle for Your Pressure Washer

Regardless of which pressure washer you choose, selecting the proper nozzle is vital to fix the pre-nozzle’s low pressure and determine the angle of the water stream emerging from the pressure washer. Pressure washer nozzles are universally color-coded.

The color of the nozzle’s tip determines the angle of the water stream. Generally, pressure washer nozzles come in four different colors.

– Red nozzles:

A nozzle with a red tip represents the narrowest angle, 0 degrees. This nozzle creates a water stream with high pressure. Using a red nozzle with your pressure washer can fix the low water pressure of the machine.

A red-tip nozzle can do much damage and must be used carefully. It is recommended that the red-tip nozzle should not be used up close on any surface.

– Yellow nozzles:

The yellow tip nozzle creates a water stream at an angle of 15 degrees. It is recommended for use when you want to clean concrete surfaces.

– Green nozzles:

Green tip nozzles spray water at the surface at an angle of 25 degrees. This tip can pressure wash your car, clean mildew accumulated on the patio or deck, or do any other household pressure washing.

– White nozzles:

A Whitetip nozzle is used to clean windows or sidings with little dirt. It produces a water spray at 40 degrees. It is the most user-friendly nozzle and causes no damage to the surfaces.

– Black nozzles:

The Blacktip nozzle produces a water stream with a 65-degree angle. It is the gentlest nozzle and does not remove stains or dust. It is used just to wet a surface.

Why is my pressure washer low on pressure?

Many factors affect the pressure of your pressure washer, and the most important factors are the worn-out nozzle and dirt blockages. Other than these factors, a loose or slipping belt and air leakage also cause the pressure washer to be low on pressure.

For the electrical pressure washer, motor malfunction can be the reason behind the low water pressure, and oil deficiency could be the factor for the gas pressure washer.

With time, every pressure washer loses pressure, and because of this, you cannot clean your surface effectively. Apart from the problems mentioned above, there can be many reasons for your pressure washer being low on pressure.

In the below section, we have provided you with the most common factors that could be the reason for the intense pressure of your washer.

● Factor 1: Worn nozzle

As explained earlier, the nozzle of your pressure washer is worn out with time, reducing the pressure of the water coming out of it. So before using your pressure washer, check the nozzle and replace it with the proper size and color if worn out.

●  Factor 2: Issue with Loose belt

Another important factor behind the low pressure of your pressure washer is that if the belt of your machine is loose or slipping, it decreases the pressure of water. You can fix this problem by tightening or replacing the belt.

● Factor 3: Air leakage

This may not be clear to you, but it is pretty simple. It means there might be some air leakage through your pressure washer’s inner plumbing that decreases the machine’s air pressure. This high air pressure is significant to maintain the high water pressure.

You can fix this problem by disassembling your pressure washer, fixing the area where the air is escaping, and assembling the pressure washer.

● Factor 4: Dirt

Sometimes, after using the pressure washer several times, a significant amount of dirt gets stuck inside the nozzle and clogs it. Due to these reasons, your pressure washer runs on a shallow pressure.

This problem can be identified easily because under these conditions, the spray pattern of water from the nozzle will be uncontrolled, and less water will be delivered to the surface. You can fix this problem by cleaning the nozzle; replace it if it is too torn.

Sometimes dirt also gets stuck in the wand, which results in low water pressure, so check the wand as well, and if there is any leakage in the wand, seal that area or replace it.

● Factor 5: Pressure pump

In most cases, the pressure pump is the reason behind the low water pressure because, with time, dirt and debris gather inside the inline filter, which increases to a significant level after a couple of washing.

So, as a result, your pressure washer runs on a shallow pressure. To get rid of this problem, clean the inline filter with the air blow, and if your machine does not have an inline filter, then make sure to install one.

● Factor 5: Motor malfunction

Unlike the gas pressure washer, the electric washer runs on a motor that is the key source of producing power. With this power, the pump works and generates a high water pressure. If your motor malfunctions, the pressure washer loses the high pressure of water.

So make sure that the motor of your pressure washer is working fine, and to do so, push the throttle a couple of times. Your motor is fine if your pressure washer produces high and low pressure.

Electric pressure washers are more convenient than gas pressure washers because they do not require engine oil. They require very little maintenance as compared to gas pressure washers.

– Emission-free operation of Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers do not produce gas fumes or any other harmful emissions, and they can be easily used for indoor applications. However, electric pressure washers do not provide high power like gas pressure washers.

Large and filthy areas cannot be cleaned quickly and effectively with electric pressure washers. An electric pressure washer takes much longer than a gas pressure washer to clean large areas.

And there is also a significant difference between the cleaning results of the two washers. Electric pressure washers are not portable because they have a cord and require a power outlet.

● Factor 6: Gasoline engine of the gas pressure washer

The problem behind your gas pressure washers low on pressure is that they consist of a gasoline engine, which requires proper maintenance. You have to change the oil in the engine. Moreover, you must add fuel additives to store the machine for a long time.

Gas pressure washers provide more powerful cleaning than electric power washers. They offer higher PSI (pounds per Square Inch) and GPM (Gallons per Minute). This means the gas pressure washers clean the surfaces more quickly and effectively.

They are generally used to clean hard surfaces like concrete. Gas pressure washers provide a wide range of PSI and GPM levels, giving you more options to adjust the washer’s pressure. You can use gas-pressure washers easily.

These pressure washers are cordless because they are powered by gasoline.

Checking the Engine and Throttle Control

One of the critical aspects to consider when running a pressure washer involves the engine. It should be continually monitored to ensure it’s running at full speed.

If you notice otherwise, swiftly move the throttle control to the FAST position. This position ensures the machine operates at its peak functional capacity and delivers powerful water pressure.

• Selection of Pressure Washer Nozzle

There may be situations where you notice that a low-pressure nozzle is connected to the wand. In such cases, quickly switch to a high-pressure nozzle. High-pressure nozzles are crucial for thorough cleaning, especially when dealing with stubborn dirt or stains.

• Maintaining a Clean Water Inlet

Your pressure washer water inlet should be devoid of any blockages or damage. If the garden hose is connected, disconnect it from the water inlet. Make sure to clean both the water inlet and the filter screen thoroughly.

An unobstructed water inlet prevents issues of low pressure and ensures optimal operation.

• Replacing Damaged O-rings

Any leakage in your high-pressure hose is often indicative of damaged O-rings. Keep your pressure washer in optimal shape by removing and replacing damaged O-rings. A sealed system ensures all the necessary pressure is directed towards the cleaning task.

• Managing Leaking Spray Guns

A spray gun leak leads to inefficient cleaning and wasted water. If you notice any apparent leakage in your pressure washer spray gun, replace it promptly. This guarantees a steady stream of water at the correct pressure, contributing to an efficient cleaning process.

• Cleaning Nozzle Orifice

Every so often, ensure the nozzle orifice is clean and free from obstructions. If there’s any blockage, take the wire tool from the maintenance kit and clean it out. A clean nozzle orifice ensures a uniform spray pattern and optimal pressure for effective cleaning.

• Regulating Water Supply Temperature

Keep a tab on the temperature of your water supply. If the supply water temperature climbs over 100F, an excellent water supply is recommended. Extreme temperatures can cause damage to certain parts of the pressure washer.

• Testing Water Supply

Occasionally, test the supply of water. Use a pressure/flow-rate gauge to see if the supply meets the minimum requirements of 20 PSI and 4 GPM. Efficient cleaning relies on having an adequate water supply at the correct pressure.

• Adding Oil to Pump

One often overlooked aspect of pressure washer maintenance is the pump’s oil level. If it’s low, it’s time to add some oil. Sufficient oil levels help the pressure washer pump to function smoothly, ensuring longevity and effective performance.

• Checking Attachments for Clogs

Lastly, check the attachments (high-pressure hose, gun, wand, or nozzle) for clogs. To do this, remove the high-pressure hose from the pump, attach the garden hose, and turn on the water. This procedure helps impede disruptions, which might decrease performance.

I recommend visiting Cleaning Equipment Safety on the National Safety Council’s website for more details on safely operating pressure washers and other cleaning equipment.