Hotsy Pressure Washer Problems: Pump & Water. Diagnose&Fixes

Hotsy pressure washers are renowned amongst users for their durability and industrial-grade applications. Despite being very few, most of the complaints by users are regarding the pump, water delivery system, or engine/motor. This blog post discusses how to troubleshoot and fix the pump and water-related issues that are relatively common in Hotsy pressure washers.

Hotsy Pressure Washer Problems:

If your Hotsy pressure washer leaks water, the issue could be with the pump or the input hose, high-pressure hose, or spray gun connections. Examine the seals and O-rings at all connections for tightness and durability. If you notice an unusual difference in water pressure, examine the nozzles and ensure the unloader valve is positioned correctly. If your pump leaks oil or makes odd noises, lubricate it and check the seals.

If you have encountered these problems with your Hotsy pressure washer and are looking to solve them, I give in this article a troubleshooting guide on how to fix the issues.

Hotsy Pressure Washer is Leaking Water

Water may escape from your Hotsy pressure washer’s hose attachments. To find the cause of the water leak, inspect the hose connections at the pump and spray gun one by one.

It is more probable that a leak will occur at one of these three locations. The pump itself might cause the leak. Another possible leak location is the pump’s intake and exit hose connectors. In addition, water may leak from the spray gun’s connection to the high-pressure hose.

● Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Pump

If your Hotsy pressure washer leaks water straight from the pump, the piston seals are most likely worn out and need to be replaced.

Most pressure washer pumps use a piston mechanism with positive displacement to push water through the hoses. A piston seal keeps water from entering or leaking the pump. These seals deteriorate with time, ultimately causing a leak. In such a situation, you may have to remove the pump casing and inspect the piston seals for indications of wear on your own.

This only applies if you have a plunger pump. Axial and wobbling plate pumps are factory-assembled and cannot be taken disassembled for maintenance. Consequently, their seals cannot be changed separately, and the whole pump must be replaced to resolve the problem.

● Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Hose Connection

If the hose connections on your pressure washer are leaking, you should try changing the pipe fittings/couplings at these connections.

A pipe connector joins the pipe to the low-pressure inlet of the pump, and the seal on these joints is leak-proof. As a result, if there is a leak at this site, it is more probable that the connection and its seal have worn out. Similarly, the exit seal should be replaced if the connection at the pump’s high-pressure output and its associated hose leaks.

● Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Hose Connection

If your Hotsy pressure washer’s spray gun leaks, inspect the hose-gun connection and tighten the screws. In addition, check the high-pressure line at the outlet for a damaged O-ring and replace it if necessary.

Most pressure washers use a push fit to connect the high-pressure hose to the spray cannon. Check that the fit is proper and that the connection is not loose. If it contains screws, make sure they’re tight. Ensure the hose’s O-ring is intact and present if the leak persists after tightening the connection. This leak might have been caused by a broken or missing O-ring.

Pressure washer seals, gaskets, and O-rings are available online or from your local parts store.

Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water Pressure Problems

Follow the procedures below if your Hotsy pressure washer isn’t delivering adequate water pressure.

● 1. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Low Pressure

To resolve low water pressure, ensure sufficient water enters and the intake line is clear of debris. In addition, ensure that the exit nozzle is not damaged or blocked with dirt.

The water flow rate entering the pump must be sufficient to create enough pressure at the exit. You must also examine and eliminate any twists or bends in the inlet hose. Furthermore, most input hoses have a dust filter at the point where it is connected to the pump. Examine the filter for any dirt that has been lodged. If the pressure remains low, ensure you’re using the correct nozzle and it’s not choked with debris.

● 2. Hotsy Pressure Washer: No Pressure

Check the water source, hoses, and nozzle if your pressure washer loses pressure. Next, check the unloader valve and the pump, of which at least one must be repaired.

Pressure loss may also be caused due to nozzle debris or a low water supply. The problem is most likely with the pump and unloader valve in this scenario. Adjust the unloader valve gently while the pump operates, and the trigger is pressed to check whether the pressure improves.

If the issue continues, the unloader valve, which is most likely defective, must be replaced. It would be good if you also examined the plungers and O-rings of your pump for damage.

Air bubbles caused by cavitation may cause long-term damage to different pump components, resulting in pressure loss. Before changing the components on your pump, consult the owner’s manual. Because most pumps are constructed as a single unit, they cannot be dismantled and must be replaced with an identical one.

● 3. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Surging Pressure

Inspect your nozzle for clogs or evidence of damage if your water pressure suddenly increases. Adjust the unloader valve so more water enters the bypass and less enters the spray nozzle.

A pressure washer’s unloader valve transfers a part of the high-pressure water flow to the pump intake or water tank rather than the spray nozzle. When you tighten the unloader valve, very little incoming flow is bypassed, resulting in increased pressure at the exit nozzle.

Loosening the unloader valve increases the bypass flow rate, minimizing pressure spikes at the spray gun. If this does not work, examine your nozzle for apparent signs of damage and replace it.

● 4. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Drops Pressure after a Few Seconds

If your water pressure drops abruptly, it might be due to a worn-out nozzle or a hose leak. A faulty unloader valve could potentially have led to this problem.

In contrast to the earlier example of surging, if the unloader is adjusted too loosely, the pressure at the spray gun may decrease. If this setting is too loose, any flow level may overcome the spring tension and discharge to the water tank. As a consequence, the water pressure at the nozzle exit drops.

In addition, inspect your hoses for any holes or leaks. Make sure your nozzle is not clogged with dirt or debris.

● 5. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Strange Noises from Pump

If your pump is producing strange noises, it might be due to worn-out connecting rods or bearings. It will also make noise if it is not lubricated on time.

Premium pressure washers with plunger-type pumps need oil replenishment every three months. For these pumps to operate effectively, they need frequent maintenance. In low-end models, the pump is either axial or wobble plate. These pumps do not need oil refill since they are permanently sealed with oil after assembly.

– Solution

The pump should be serviced and greased every three months, depending on the pressure washer (axial or plunger). Non-greased metal components tend to rub against each other, generating a lot of noise. If this happens, remove the plunger pump and examine the bearings and connecting rods. A bearing replacement may be needed if lubricating the pump does not fix the issue.

If the noise continues, the pump’s connecting rods could be damaged, mainly if your pump is old. Fatigue and tension may hasten the wear rate of your pump’s connecting rods, particularly if it has been operating for an extended period.

If your pressure washer’s axial or wobbling plate pump makes peculiar sounds, replace it with a similar pump since it cannot be repaired due to its more straightforward build.

● 6. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Excessive Noise

If your pressure washer makes a lot of noise, it might be due to damaged internal pump components, the air seeping into the pump, a cracked pump casing, or the engine knocking due to bad fuel quality.

– Pump Wear and Tear:

When air gets trapped in a pump, the plungers generate a loud grinding noise, which may cause seals and connecting rods to wear out. There may be vibrations and noise if the pump’s casing is broken.

– Engine Knocking Sound:

Examine the fuel grade in the engine of your gas-powered Hotsy pressure washer. To eliminate engine knocking, I recommend using ethanol-free, unleaded gasoline with an octane number of at least 87. You could also search in your owner’s manual to see the manufacturer’s recommended rating.

● 7. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Oil Leaking from the Pump

A shattered O-ring or a damaged seal causes oil to escape from a pump. If required, dismantle your pump and replace all of the seals by hand. If the product is still under warranty, contact the manufacturer for help.

Even though your pump’s warranty has expired, it could still be fixed if you disassemble it. You should consult a mechanic or contact the manufacturer if you lack the expertise to replace the seals. To help you with the replacements, I suggest purchasing an oil seal kit that includes seals and rings in different sizes.

During reassembly, be sure that all bolts and fittings are correctly tightened. Pressure washers should never be exposed to high temperatures to avoid further oil leaks. If your pressure washer’s pump is permanently sealed, the only remedy is to replace it.

● 8. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Water in Oil

Water could leak into the pressure washer pump if the oil seal on the pump fails. You should consider replacing the seal in this condition.

The addition of water causes the oil in the pump to become milky, indicating an oil seal being broken. The pump must be completely disassembled to replace the seal, including the housing, valves, seals, and rings.

I recommend only disassembling the pump if your warranty has ended. If the pump’s still under warranty, your manufacturer should perform this replacement/repair. Please note that this only applies if your pressure washer has a pump whose oil can be replenished, such as a plunger-type pump. Pumps that come factory-assembled can only be replaced and not repaired.

● 9. Hotsy Pressure Washer: Soap Not Dispensing from Reservoir

Check the nozzle size if your pressure washer isn’t pulling soap from the reservoir. You must also check the soap injector kit and repair any broken or worn components.

Your pressure washer’s manual recommends a specific nozzle size for the soap injection function, which provides sufficient suction pressure for all detergent types. Make sure you’re using the proper nozzle. If it still doesn’t work, ensure the nozzle on your injection kit isn’t clogged or damaged. A chemical injector repair kit may help you by supplying the necessary replacement parts.

Hotsy Pressure Washer troubleshooting table:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The pressure washer is 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
	The suction tube or detergent bottle is 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 fittings 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 the motor stops when using the trigger (electric models)	Unloader valve	Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it

● Hotsy 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 them 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
The 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 it 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.
The 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 it 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.

● Hotsy Electric Pressure Washer Motor troubleshooting table:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The 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 into a different outlet
	The pressure washer circuit breaker tripped	Please wait for the washer to cool down and restart it
The 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	I recommend calling a professional for help
Motor not working	Faulty Timer	Disconnect the leads from the timer. If your pressure washer doesn’t turn off after the time out, the timer is faulty, and you need to replace it.