When it comes to power washing, Homelite provides some of the best solutions in the form of gas and electric pressure washers. Despite their ruggedness, almost all pressure washers can encounter problems related to the water pressure (being inconsistent) or the pump (leakage and noise issues). Most pressure washer users find it difficult to troubleshoot these problems on their own.
Homelite Pressure Washer Problems:
If water is leaking from your Homelite pressure washer, the problem could be with the pump, the input hose, the high-pressure hose, or the spray gun. Make sure that all connections and seals are secure and intact. Check the nozzles and ensure the unloader valve is adjusted correctly in significant pressure variations (either too high or too low). Ensure the pump is routinely greased and check for damage to its seals if it makes strange noises or leaks oil.
In this blog post, I have listed and explained almost all the problems that can occur in a Homelite pressure washer ranging from its water supply network to the pump itself. If you want to learn how to troubleshoot your pressure washer for these problems, I suggest you continue reading this article.
Contents
- 1 Homelite Pressure Washer is Leaking Water
- 2 Homelite Pressure Washer: Water Pressure Problems
- 2.1 ● 1. Homelite Pressure Washer: Low Pressure
- 2.2 ● 2. Homelite Pressure Washer: No Pressure
- 2.3 ● 3. Homelite Pressure Washer: Surging Pressure
- 2.4 ● 4. Homelite Pressure Washer: Drops Pressure after a Few Seconds
- 2.5 ● 5. Homelite Pressure Washer: Strange Noises from Pump
- 2.6 ● 6. Homelite Pressure Washer: Excessive Noise
- 2.7 ● 7. Homelite Pressure Washer: Oil Leaking from the Pump
- 2.8 ● 8. Homelite Pressure Washer: Water in Oil
- 2.9 ● 9. Homelite Pressure Washer: Soap Not Dispensing from Reservoir
- 3 Homelite Pressure Washer troubleshooting table:
Homelite Pressure Washer is Leaking Water
Check the hose connections at the pump input, the spray gun, and the pump itself if a Homelite pressure washer is leaking water. Check to see if any of these locations have developed a leak.
It is more probable that a leak will occur at one of these three sites. Water might escape if the pump’s intake hose’s seal is compromised. Also susceptible to leaking is the connection between the high-pressure line from the pump and the spray gun. In addition, if the pump’s seals are damaged, it may enable water to escape and produce a leakage.
● Homelite Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Pump
If your Homelite pressure washer leaks directly from the pump, the piston seals are likely worn and must be replaced.
Most pressure washer pumps use a piston mechanism with positive displacement to propel water through the hoses. A piston seal prevents water from entering or leaving the pump. These seals deteriorate over time and eventually cause a leak. In this situation, you may need to remove the pump casing and inspect the piston seals separately for signs of wear.
This only works if you have a plunger pump. Axial and wobble plate pumps are permanently assembled at the factory and cannot be disassembled for maintenance or repair. Therefore, their seals cannot be replaced separately, and the entire pump must be changed to resolve the issue.
● Homelite Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Hose Connection
If the hose connections on your pressure washer are leaking, you should replace the pipe fittings/couplings at these connections.
A pipe connector attaches the pipe to the pump’s low-pressure intake, and a seal prevents leaking at these connections. Therefore, the connection or seal has likely failed if there is a leak at this site. Similarly, if the connection between the pump’s high-pressure output and the accompanying hose develops a leak, the pump’s exit seal must be examined first and then replaced.
● Homelite Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Spray Gun
If the spray gun of your Homelite pressure washer is leaking, check and tighten the hose-gun connection. Inspect the exit of the high-pressure line for a broken O-ring and replace it if necessary.
Most pressure washers utilize a push fit to connect the high-pressure hose to the spray gun. Ensure that the connection is not loose and fits correctly. If there are screws, ensure they are tight. If the leak persists after tightening the fitting, ensure that the hose’s O-ring is intact and present. A broken or absent O-ring might have caused this leak.
Seals, gaskets, and O-rings for pressure washers may be purchased from local and online stores.
Homelite Pressure Washer: Water Pressure Problems
Follow the procedures below if your Homelite pressure washer is not consistent in providing adequate water pressure.
● 1. Homelite Pressure Washer: Low Pressure
Ensure adequate water enters the system and the input line is not clogged with debris to resolve low water pressure. Furthermore, ensure that the spray nozzle is not broken or clogged.
The water entering the pump must be sufficient to provide sufficient pressure for power washing. Moreover, you should remove any twists or bends from the input hose so that no back pressure is exerted on the pump. Most input hoses are connected to the pump through a dust filter. Examine the filter to detect if dust has accumulated. If the pressure is still low, check that you are using the correct nozzle and that it is clear of debris.
● 2. Homelite Pressure Washer: No Pressure
If your machine’s output pressure reduces, inspect the water supply, hoses, and nozzle. At least one of the unloader valves or the pump will need to be troubleshot.
Pressure loss may also be caused by a blocked nozzle or inadequate water supply and nozzle debris. In this situation, the pump or the unloader valve is most likely at fault. While the pump is operating and the trigger is depressed, adjust the unloader valve to determine if the pressure has increased.
If the problem persists, it is necessary to replace the potentially defective unloader valve. In addition, you should examine the pump’s plungers and O-rings for damage.
Cavitation can cause air bubbles, damaging parts of the pump over time and causing the pressure to drop. Before replacing pump components, check the owner’s manual. Since most pumps are manufactured as a single unit, they cannot be dismantled and must be replaced with the same type.
● 3. Homelite Pressure Washer: Surging Pressure
If your water pressure increases unexpectedly, examine the nozzle for blockage or signs of damage. Adjust the unloader valve so that a substantial amount of water enters the bypass and a lower quantity reaches the spray nozzle.
The unloader valve of a pressure washer sends a part of the high-pressure water flow away from the spray nozzle and toward the pump intake or water tank. When the unloader valve is tightened, a small portion of the incoming flow is bypassed, resulting in a high output pressure at the nozzle.
Loosening the unloader valve increases the bypass flow rate, which decreases pressure spikes at the spray gun. If this does not work, examine the nozzle for apparent signs of damage and replace it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
● 4. Homelite Pressure Washer: Drops Pressure after a Few Seconds
A worn nozzle or a hose leak might be the reason for a rapid decrease in water pressure. A faulty unloader valve may have also contributed to this situation.
In contrast to the previous example of surging, if the unloader is adjusted too loosely, the pressure at the spray gun may drop. If this setting is too loose, any flow might exceed the tension of the spring and enter the water tank. As a result, water pressure falls at the nozzle exit. In addition to this adjustment, inspect your hoses for holes and leaks. Ensure that the nozzle is free of dirt and other debris.
● 5. Homelite Pressure Washer: Strange Noises from Pump
If your pump produces unusual noises, the connecting rods or bearings might be worn out. Inadequate pump lubrication also contributes to the production of unwanted noise.
Premium pressure washers with plunger-type pumps require oil replenishment every three months. Therefore, constant maintenance is needed for the proper operation of these pumps. The pump in low-end models is either axial or wobble plate type. Since these pumps are permanently sealed with oil throughout the manufacturing process, they do not need to be lubricated after a certain period.
– How to Fix?
Every three months, depending on the type of pressure washer, the pump must be serviced and oiled (axial or plunger). Without lubrication, metal parts tend to rub against one another and generate a lot of noise. If this occurs, remove the plunger pump and examine the bearings and connecting rods. If lubricating the pump does not fix the issue, the bearings might need to be replaced.
The connecting rods could be defective if the noise persists, especially if the pump is old. If your pump has been operating for an extended time, fatigue and stress may expedite the wear rate on its connecting rods.
If the axial or wobble plate pump on your pressure washer produces unusual noises, you must replace it with an identical pump since it cannot be repaired.
● 6. Homelite Pressure Washer: Excessive Noise
If your pressure washer is making a lot of noise, it could be because parts inside the pump are broken, the air is getting into the pump, the pump casing is cracked, or the engine is knocking due to poor fuel grade used.
– Pump Damage:
If the pump’s casing is fractured, vibrations and noise may occur. A loud grinding noise may be produced when air bubbles become trapped in the pump, harming the pump’s seals and connecting rods.
– Knocking Engine:
If the engine of your gas-powered pressure washer is knocking, check the fuel quality. To prevent engine knocking, I recommend using ethanol-free, unleaded gasoline with an octane number of at least 87. You may also refer to the owner’s manual for additional information.
● 7. Homelite Pressure Washer: Oil Leaking from the Pump
A cracked O-ring or a faulty seal may cause the pump oil to leak. If required, dismantle the pump and manually replace each seal. Contact the manufacturer for assistance if the product warranty is still in effect.
If the warranty on your pump has expired, you can disassemble it yourself. You can hire a mechanic or contact the manufacturer if you lack the required expertise. To aid with the replacements, I suggest purchasing an oil seal set with seals and rings of several diameters.
Ensure that all fasteners and fittings are correctly tightened before reassembly. Pressure washers should never be exposed to high temperatures to stop more oil leaks. The only way to fix the problem for axial or wobbling plate pumps is to replace the pump.
● 8. Homelite Pressure Washer: Water in Oil
Water might enter the pressure washer if the pump’s oil seal is weakened. Consider replacing the seal in the given situation.
Water causes the pump oil to become milky, which is indicated by a weakened oil seal. To replace the seal, it is necessary to completely remove the pump’s casing, valves, seals, and rings.
I would do this as soon as the pump’s warranty ended. If its manufacturer’s warranty still protects the pump, the manufacturer should repair or replace it. Only pressure washers with changeable pump oil, such as plunger pumps, are affected. Most low-end pressure washer pumps are permanently sealed, so if they get damaged, they must be replaced.
● 9. Homelite Pressure Washer: Soap Not Dispensing from Reservoir
Check the nozzle size if your pressure washer is not pulling soap from the reservoir. Inspect the components of the soap injector kit for signs of wear or damage.
The owner’s manual suggests a specific nozzle for the soap injection function that will provide enough suction pressure for all types of detergent. Ensure that the correct nozzle is being used. If the problem persists, check that the injection kit’s nozzle is not clogged. A chemical injector repair kit may contain all the necessary replacement parts, so I recommend purchasing it.
Homelite Pressure Washer troubleshooting table:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Pressure washer not producing high pressure | Hose with small diameter | Replace your hose with a 1″ (25mm) or 5/8″ (16mm) hose |
Restricted water supply to the washer | Check for the kinks and leaks in the hose | |
Inadequate water supply | Ensure the water source is unobstructed and fully turned on | |
Clogged intake filter | Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water | |
Air in the pump | Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip | |
Suction tube or detergent bottle not connected properly | Install the suction tube and detergent bottle correctly | |
Detergent too thick | Dilute the thick detergent by adding water | |
Obstructed spray tip | Remove the debris with a needle | |
No pressure tip on the wand | Install a suitable pressure tip at the end of the wand | |
If your model has a belt, it can be loose. | Tighten or replace the belt. |
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Pulsing pressure washer (output pressure varies high and low) | Inadequate water supply | Ensure that the water source is fully on and check the hose for kinks and blockage |
Obstructed spray tip | Remove the debris with a needle | |
Pump sucking air | Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip | |
Clogged intake filter | Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water | |
Calcified hose, tip, or trigger | Clean the hose, pressure tip, or trigger with vinegar or a cleaner designed for this purpose |
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Noisy Pump | Air in the pump | Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip |
Clogged inlet filter | Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water | |
Pump leaking water | Damaged or worn water seals | Replace the seals with new ones or call a professional |
Loose fittings | Ensure that all the fitting are tight | |
Erratic water pressure, changing up and down | Unloader valve | Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it |
No output pressure. Or motor stops when using the trigger (electric models) | Unloader valve | Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it |
● Homelite Electric Pressure Washer Motor troubleshooting table:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Motor won’t start | The power switch is in the “OFF” or “0” state | Turn the power switch “ON” or “1” |
Cord not plugged | Plugin the power cord | |
Damaged, too long, or improper extension cord | Replace the existing cord with a 25′ (7.6m) 14 AWG cord or a 50′ (15m) 12 AWG cord | |
Inadequate power from the electrical outlet | Plug the cord in a different outlet | |
The pressure washer circuit breaker tripped | Wait for the washer to cool down and restart it | |
Motor buzzes but fails to run | Loss in voltage due to the extension cord | Plug the unit directly into the outlet without an extension cord. If the problem isn’t solved, replace the extension cord |
Low supply voltage | Ensure that only the pressure washer runs on that circuit at the time of use | |
Residual pressure in the system | Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger to release pressure | |
Residual friction among the internal components | Cut the water supply and turn the machine ON for 2 to 3 seconds. Try it a couple of times or until the motor starts. Don’t let the machine run dry for more than 3 seconds. | |
Unit not used for long periods | Call a professional | |
Motor not working | Faulty Timer | Disconnect the leads from the timer. If your pressure washer doesn’t turn off after the time out, it means that the timer is faulty and you need to replace it. |
● Homelite Gas Pressure Washer Engine troubleshooting table:
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Leaks in the spray wand, spray tip or extension | Damaged or broken O-rings or plastic insert | Replace the worn O-rings or call a professional |
Pressure washer pump dripping oil | Worn or damaged oil seals | Inspect the oil seals and replace if worn |
No water from the washer outlet | The water supply is off | Turn the water supply ON |
Kink in the hose, or faucet not fully open | Remove any kinks and debris from the hose or water lines. Check and fully open the faucet. |
Problem | Cause | Solution |
Motor won’t start | Check the battery | Check if the battery is charged correctly. Charge or replace when in bad condition. Examine the battery terminals for a proper connection. Clean if needed. |
Check the fuel filter | Clean the fuel filter if dirty. In that case, check the gas tank, as this is the most likely culprit. | |
Check the gas supply | Check the fuel level and add if needed. Ensure that the gas can flow to the carburetor. Remove any blockage. | |
Check the Air-filter | Clean the air filter. Replace when it is in bad condition, or it is a paper air filter. | |
Check the carburetor | Remove and clean the carburetor with some carb cleaner. It is also possible to clean it without removing it. | |
Fuel gap blocked | Check that the hole in the fuel cap is open. Clean if needed. | |
Engine is stalling, or starts and stops | Check the carburetor | Remove and clean the carburetor with some carb cleaner. It is also possible to clean it without removing it. |
Air filter | Clean the air filter. Replace when it is in bad condition, or it is a paper air filter. | |
Check for bad gas | Suppose you have old gas, more than a few months old. It can turn bad. Drain and replace the gas. Next time add a fuel stabilizer. |