How long do pressure washers last? Useful tips for users

Are you curious about how to extend the life of your pressure washer? You’ve come to the right place. Our comprehensive guide will provide the necessary information and practical tips to ensure your equipment lasts as long as possible.

How long do pressure washers last:

A quality pressure washer pump should last 5-10 years with proper maintenance. Turning it off when not in use, ensuring adequate water supply, and regularly flushing minerals will prevent overheating, cavitation, and corrosion that can shorten pump life.

Keep going! We have more to share about extending your pressure washer’s life. Learn how to ensure your equipment lasts as long as possible. From practical tips to essential information, we’ve got it all. Don’t miss out!

How long will a pressure washer pump last?

Generally, a good, properly used pressure washer pump should last 5 to 10 years. Some cheap pumps can last significantly shorter. To get the best from your pump, be careful with overheating, cavitation, and using it with the wrong unloader valve settings.

Different factors affect the life of a pump in a pressure washer. The most important one is the pump material. Each pump manufacturer has its manufacturing standards that usually correspond to the price.

Better materials and lower manufacturing tolerances will enhance the life of the pressure washer pump. Some of the lower-quality pumps can last for up to 100 hours.

• Average Lifespan of a Pressure Washer Pump

If you use your pressure washer for 50 hours per year, this means it will last two years. If you use your machine less, this number will increase.

The actual life span of the pump dramatically depends on how you use and maintain it. The numbers are also indications, and it is more than possible that a cheap pump lasts much longer.

Another critical factor that affects the life of a pressure washer pump is the pressure. Pressure washers that constantly need to deliver the highest pressures will last shorter. This is similar to your car. If you use your vehicle with max throttle, it will have engine problems quickly.

What causes damage to the pressure washer pump

Knowing what causes damage to a pressure washer pump helps mitigate them and makes your pump last longer. The three most common factors that influence the pump are:

1. Overheating of the Pump
2. Cavitation
3. Incorrect settings of the unloader valve.

● Overheating of the Pump

The pump of the pressure washer is designed to create high-pressure water. When the pump runs and the trigger is pulled, this water is released to the nozzle.

The pump is always running for most gas pressure washers and some electric pressure washers. Also, when you do not pull the trigger. When you release the trigger, the pump goes into bypass mode. The water gets redirected into a continuous circular path.

Since the water can’t escape the machine and the pump is in bypass mode, the pump and water will get hotter and hotter. This can eventually damage the pump. Also, using the pump for extended periods will slowly heat it and increase wear and tear.

● Cavitation

Cavitation occurs when air bubbles are formed in the water in the pump. The leading cause of cavitation is not enough water in the pump. This can be a problem if the amount of water going to the pump is less than is required.  

This can be due to a garden hose with a small diameter or just a low amount of water from your faucet. Dirty inlet filters are also a common reason for cavitation. I recommend checking and cleaning your inlet filter regularly. Another reason, but less common, is if the inlet fittings allow air into the system.

You might be wondering how you can identify a pump with cavitation. The answer is straightforward. The pump of your pressure washers gets nosier when cavitation occurs. Suppose you hear a shuttering or banging noise from the pump. It is a clear sign that cavitation is happening in your pump.

● Incorrect settings of the unloader valve

The incorrect settings of the unloader valve can also affect the life of your pressure washer’s pump. When you release the trigger, a pressure spike will occur. This happens when the water will not go out of the nozzle and start a loop.

This spike should not exceed 10% of the standard output pressure. This pressure spike can be more significant when the unloader valve is incorrectly set up. This will increase the wear and tear of the pump. And can even make it explode.

How can I make my pressure washer last longer?

The engine and the pump are the two most essential components to make a pressure washer last longer. Both need regular maintenance. In the case of an electric pressure washer, this is mainly the pump.

Avoid overheating the pump by turning the machine off when not in use. Ensure proper water supply to the pump, and check the unloader valve.

There are some simple steps that you can follow to make your pressure washer pump last longer:

• Learn how to diagnose a pump failure: Get familiar with the operations of the different components of your pressure washer. Pay detailed attention to the pump. Learn to analyze a faulty pump when you see one.
• Turn off when not in use: Turn the pressure washer off when it is not in use. This will help you avoid the circular motion of the water in the pump, which can lead to overheating.
• Check the water supply: Ensure a proper water supply to the pressure washer.
• Unloader Valve: The function of the unloader valve is to control water. Ensure that it is set up correctly.
• Flush the pressure washer: Regularly flush the pressure washer to counter any mineral buildup in the pump.

● Flush your pressure washer

To counter any mineral buildup, I recommend flushing your pressure washer when you plan not to use it for some time. If your area has water with many minerals, it is a good idea to do it after every wash.

Leaving the water in the pump can cause minerals to build up, eventually leading to corrosion or other pump damage. It can wear out the seals of your pump and damage the pistons. Getting a repair for these damages is a much bigger hassle than regularly flushing the pump.

Use the following steps to flush your pressure washer:

• Step 1: Purchase a can of pump lube/antifreeze.
• Step 2: Attach this can to your inlet port using the built-in hose.
• Step 3: When you press the trigger, white foam shoots out of the pressure hose port.
• Step 4: The foam indicates that water is removed from the pump.
• Step 5: The pump inside now contains a protective coating of lubricant/antifreeze.

Remarks

Pressure washer pumps, such as those found in outdoor power equipment like Husqvarna or Gravely, can last 5-10 years with proper use. Overheating, cavitation, and incorrect unloader valve settings damage pumps.

If you’ve used a pressure washer a few times, you’ll know it’s essential to turn off the washer when not in use, ensure adequate water supply, set the unloader valve correctly, and regularly flush minerals.

Regular maintenance, like flushing minerals and lubricating the pump, prevents internal corrosion and wear on seals and pistons. This is especially true if you use a pressure washer like Stihl pressure washers or those from Honda.

• Choosing the Right Setup Before Power Washing

Proper setup and operation prevent overheating and damage from pressure spikes. Before you power wash, there are a few things you need to know.

For instance, it’s essential to connect your garden hose to the pressure washer and ensure it’s supplying enough water (measured in GPM or gallons per minute). Also, attach the quick-connect to the wand and select the right degree of nozzle for the job.

If you’re dealing with moss or other stubborn stains, you might need a more robust nozzle or a detergent. Choosing the proper nozzle and knowing how to operate the trigger on the spray wand can make a big difference.