How To Set Up An Electric Pressure Washer In 7 Easy Steps

Setting up an electric pressure washer can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With our seven-step guide, your washer will be up and running quickly. Trust us, we’ve got this.

Connect a clean hose to the inlet, attach a high-pressure hose to the outlet, add a spray gun, choose the proper nozzle, add detergent if needed, plug in and turn on the washer, squeeze the trigger to spray, release pressure after turning off. Follow safety tips.

Are you tired of the dirt and grime? Our guide provides a simple solution to your cleaning woes. Learn how to set up and operate your equipment safely and efficiently. Get ready to transform your cleaning routine!

Setting Up an Electric Pressure Washer:

● Step 1. Clean up the garden hose, aka the water supply hose:

Your electric pressure washer needs clean water to run correctly and produce optimal pressure. The water is supplied to the pressure washer through the garden hose, also called the water supply hose. That is why it is essential to ensure the garden hose is clean and has no debris.

It is not uncommon to find dust, debris, and other small unwanted particles inside a garden hose that has been left outside or has not been used for a long time. So, to clean the garden hose, all you have to do is connect the hose to an outdoor tap using the connector attached to the end of the garden hose.

Note: If your tap doesn’t have threading at the end to connect the hose, you can buy a tap attachment with threading to perfectly fit the garden hose connector to the tap.

• Turn the tap on and allow the water to run through the hose for at least a minute to ensure all the dirt and debris flow out of the hose.
• Turn the water off: After a minute of rinsing the garden hose with water, turn it off and allow it to drain itself with the help of gravity.

Note: If you notice any leakages or blockages in the hose when water flows through it, you should repair the garden hose or get a new one.

– Understanding the Importance of the Correct Diameter

Use the correct diameter garden hose with your electric pressure washer. You can refer to the user manual with your pressure washer to determine the diameter hose you should use.

Using an incorrect diameter hose to supply water to the pressure washer can reduce the washer’s performance and even reduce the pump’s lifetime. Using the correct length for the garden hose to supply water to your electric pressure washer is also recommended, as mentioned in the machine’s user manual.

● Step 2. Connect the garden hose/supply hose to the inlet of the electric pressure washer:

Now that you have ensured no debris or dirt is inside the hose pipe, it is time to connect the garden hose to the pressure washer. The other end of the hose will also have a similar connector with threading, allowing you to join the hose to the pressure washer unit quickly.

Here is how you can locate and click the supply hose to the pressure washer machine:

– Locate the water inlet: 

First, locate the water inlet before connecting the supply hose to it. In most modern electric pressure washers, the inlet is marked with a label saying “Inlet.”

Another way to identify the inlet of an electric pressure washer is that the inlet will have a thin screen or filter to prevent particles from entering the pressure washer.

– Connect the garden hose:

Once you have identified the inlet of your electric pressure washer, you can connect it to it. In most electric pressure washers, you can screw the end of the hose to the water inlet.

However, some pressure washers might have a different mechanism to secure the garden hose to the inlet, and you will have to pull the valve backward, put the hose in place, and release the valve to make the hose fit onto the pressure washer inlet.

Note: Not all pressure washers are designed the same way, and while some pressure washers have female threading on the inlet valve, others might have male threading on the inlet.

So, to connect to them, you must ensure the garden hose you use has the correct threading to connect to the inlet.

● Step 3. Connect the high-pressure hose with the pressure washer unit:

With the water supply hose hooked up to the machine, it is time to connect the high-pressure hose to the pressure washer unit. A high-pressure hose is a specially designed hose that is usually provided with an electric pressure washer and can withstand highly pressurized water.

These hoses are made from reinforced materials, and you can’t just connect any regular hose to the high-pressure outlet of your pressure washer, so you must make sure you have a designated high-pressure hose before you can start an electric pressure washer.

Once you have the high-pressure hose ready, here is how to start:

– Connect the high-pressure hose:

It would be best to locate the outlet valve to connect the high-pressure hose to the pressure washer unit. In most domestic electric pressure washer units, the outlet valve will usually be found at the front, and it should be simple to identify.

But in some models, the outlet valve might be beside the inlet valve where you connected the garden hose.

– Secure the high-pressure hose:

 Place one end of the high-pressure hose on the outlet valve and pull the valve backward with the high-pressure hose positioned against it. Release the valve, and the high-pressure hose will be secured against the outlet of your pressure washer.

It is less likely for your electric pressure washer to have a threaded connector to connect the high-pressure hose to the machine because there is highly pressurized water coming out of the outlet, and making sure a secure connection is vital to avoid leakage.

– Click:

Ensure you hear a slight click when you connect the high-pressure hose with the pressure washer, which indicates that the connection has been made correctly and the high-pressure hose is secured to the outlet.

As we said earlier, there is a lot of high-pressure water coming through the high-pressure hose, so make sure there aren’t visible signs of damage on the hose.

If you have just bought a brand-new pressure washer, the chances of the high-pressure hose being damaged are slim to none. Still, if you are renting a pressure washer, then there is a chance that the high-pressure hose might be worn out, so always be careful and inspect the hoses before connecting.

– Ensuring a Perfect Fit for Your Pressure Washer Outlet

If you have bought a brand new pressure washer that didn’t come with a high-pressure hose, you should get a hose that is rated for the psi rating of the pressure washer unit and fits the outlet perfectly.

Once you are ready to start an electric pressure washer, refer to videos or the mi-t-m video for a visual guide. Remember to disconnect the high-pressure hose and turn off the motor when you’re done.

Always ensure the hose is correctly locked into place by checking the collar. Now, you are ready to use your electric pressure washer.

● Step 4. Connect the spray gun to the high-pressure hose:

The pressure washer hose can’t spray water, and to produce a pressurized spray of water from your electric pressure washer, you have to connect a spray gun to the high-pressure hose.

Connecting a spray gun to the high-pressure hose is a delicate process because you might also have to assemble the spray gun if your electric pressure washer is fresh out of the box. So, without further ado, you connect the spray gun to the high-pressure hose.

Assemble the spray gun:

First, you have to assemble the gun itself if it is not already assembled. The spray gun of your electric pressure washer will come in two parts out of the box: the spray gun with the trigger and the long wand that connects to the front of the spray gun.

To connect the wand to the spray gun, place the back end onto the front end and gently press both together while turning the wand clockwise to make it fit onto the spray gun.

Note: Some electric pressure washers have a spray gun that works without the wand, so in that case, you can skip this step.

– Connect the hose:

Place the free end of the high-pressure hose directly at the bottom of the spray gun, and you will either have to screw the high-pressure hose onto the spray gun, or you might have to pull the valve on the spray gun to connect the high-pressure hose to it.

In some light-duty electric pressure washers, there is a small locking mechanism on the spray gun, and you have to place the end of the high-pressure hose in the spray gun and lock the hose in.

– Secure the hose:

Move the hose’s end to ensure that the hose is secured to the spray gun.

● Step 5. Connect the nozzle to the end of the spray gun or wand:

The nozzle is a small attachment that connects to the end of your electric pressure washer’s wand or spray gun. The job of the nozzle is to adjust the pressure of the pressure washer unit according to the situation.

Both electric and gas-powered pressure washers come with multiple nozzles that produce different types of spray. Furthermore, some electric pressure washers have an accessory at the end of the wand or spray gun, which you can twist to adjust the pressure.

The spray of water coming out of the pressure washer. Either way, here is how you can connect the nozzle to the spray gun or wand:

• 5 nozzles: Pressure washers come with up to five nozzles; you can find them in a separate case inside the packaging or stored in special compartments on the pressure washer unit.
  
• Attach the nozzle: Putting a nozzle on the spray gun or wand is very simple. All you have to do is place the nozzle at the front end of the spray gun and push it slightly or twist it to fit it onto it.

– Types of pressure washer nozzles and their functions

– Red or zero-degree nozzle:

Signified by the red color, this nozzle sprays a highly concentrated blast of water. The red nozzle will cover a tiny area when attached to the pressure washer spray gun, which is why it is called a zero-degree nozzle.

The red nozzle can potentially harm delicate paints and wooden surfaces; therefore, it should be used cautiously. This nozzle mostly cleans inside fragile cracks or gaps between concrete.

– Yellow or 15-degree nozzle:

A step down from the highly narrow spray of the red nozzle, the yellow nozzle produces a wider 15-degree jet of water, making it perfect for removing stubborn dirt from roofs, unblocking drains, and removing dirt from concrete.

You can also use the yellow nozzle to remove the paint because it is strong enough to pull it while keeping the surface underneath the paint safe.

But remember that the yellow nozzle still produces a mighty jet, and it can damage soft wooden surfaces, so be careful when using it on softer materials such as wooden decks.

– Green or 25-degree nozzle:

This nozzle is easily used because it can handle most pressure-washing tasks around the house. With a 25-degree nozzle, you can cover a decent surface area, providing a decent amount of pressure to wash away loose debris from the concrete.

But most importantly, you can use a green nozzle on softer surfaces, such as washing a car or motorcycle.

White or 40-degree nozzle:

With a wide 40-degree spray angle, the white nozzle is not very powerful but can quickly spray a large area.

The lack of power makes it ineffective for removing sticky stains, but you can remove loose dirt using the white nozzle, making it ideal for cleaning glass surfaces such as doors or windows with loose dirt on them.

– Black or 65-degree nozzle:

This nozzle is combined with the detergent feature because it is too weak to clean anything, but the low pressure and vast spray angle make it ideal for evenly spraying foam on a surface.  

● Step 6. Add detergent to the detergent tank:

This is an optional step when setting up your electric pressure washer, and it should only be done if you want to thoroughly clean an item, such as when washing a car. Most electric pressure washers have a built-in detergent reservoir that allows you to pour the detergent into the reservoir.

Start mixing with the spray of water automatically. At the same time, some pressure washers may have a siphon hose that sucks detergent from a container and combines it with the spray of water.

But in the third scenario, the detergent reservoir might come as an accessory that can be fitted between the spray gun. The wand of the pressure washer. Either way, here is how you can add detergent to your pressure washer:

• Add detergent: Open up the detergent reservoir and add an all-purpose detergent that is outdoor-friendly. Or insert the siphon hose in a container filled with detergent to spray it out from the nozzle.
• Low-pressure nozzle: As we mentioned above, you must use a low-pressure nozzle when using the detergent function of your electric pressure washer. This will ensure optimal foam production from the detergent.

● Step 7. Circulating water through the pressure washer:

The internal system of a pressure washer is airtight, meaning there is no room for air inside the pump. Therefore, it is essential always to circulate water through the pressure washer to eliminate any air bubbles before starting the pressure washer.

You can circulate water through your pressure washer using the following method:

• Turn on the water: Now is the time to turn on the water tap to which you have connected the water supply hose of the pressure washer. Open the tap entirely so water can flow into the pressure washer.
• Press the trigger: Now, hold the spray gun and press the trigger of the spray gun. Remember that you are not supposed to do this step with the pressure washer turned on. The idea is to let the water circulate through the system and remove any air during the circulation.
• Keep the trigger pressed until you see a steady stream of water coming from the pressure washer nozzle, and there are no fluctuations in the stream coming from the nozzle. After 10-15 seconds, release the trigger and hang it on the pressure washer unit.

Your pressure washer is all set for usage once you have completed all 7 steps for setting up your electric pressure washer.

– How do you run an electric pressure washer?

Once a pressure washer is all set up, it is time to start using it for some actual washing. With the help of the steps explained below, you should have no problems running your electric pressure washer:

Step 1. Please turn on the pressure washer:

Electric pressure washers need electricity to run, so you must plug the pressure washer into a power outlet to turn it on. The power cord of your pressure washer might be removable, and if that is the case, you have to connect the power cord to the pressure washer first.

Then, find a GFCI power socket and plug in your pressure washer. Turn the power socket on and turn the pressure washer on by pressing the power button.

Note: Always inspect the power cord before plugging your pressure washer into the power socket and make sure the socket you are plugging the machine in is grounded.

Step 2. Press the trigger and spray:

With the pressure washer running, squeeze the trigger of your pressure washer and point the spray gun toward the object you want to clean. But before you start the cleaning process, ensure the nozzle you use with the pressure washer is appropriate for the surface you intend to clean.

Don’t keep the spray gun too close to the object you are trying to clean because there is a risk of unnecessary splashing if you do so since the water coming out of the nozzle is highly pressurized.

Note: Be very careful not to spray the pressure washer directly at animals or humans because there is a high risk of injury if any living being comes directly in contact with pressurized water.

Step 3. Turn the washer off:

When you use your pressure washer, please turn it off and unplug it from the socket.

Step 4. Press the trigger to release pressure:

After turning the pressure washer off, squeeze the trigger and remove any remaining pressure from the pump. Leaving pressure inside the pressure washer can cause damage to the components; therefore, you should make it a habit to squeeze the trigger of your pressure washer for at least 30 seconds after turning it off.

Always ensure the pressure washer is placed on a level surface before you run it. It is also a good idea to start with the lowest-pressure nozzle and then move up to the higher-pressure nozzles. Doing this will give you an idea about which nozzle is ideal for the task you are doing and how much pressure do you need to get the job done.

– Extension cord:

It is best to avoid using an extension cord with your electric pressure washer because some manufacturers advise against doing so, not to mention that it can damage your pressure washer’s pump and motor.

– Power cord:

Before running the pressure washer,, ensure the power cord is not submerged in water to avoid accidental electric shock.

– Water resistance:

While modern electric pressure washers are water-resistant to some extent, it is still best to keep the pressure washer unit above ground level if the ground is wet or has puddles of water.

– Avoid accidental water splashing

Onto the pressure washer unit, as it can damage the electric motor.

– Avoid getting the power socket wet

Ensure the power socket is as far away as possible from the area you are cleaning.

– Only run when in use:

Don’t let the pressure washer run when you are not using it because this can cause pressure to build up inside the pump and damage it.

An excellent technique to avoid this mistake is to squeeze the trigger every few seconds to release pressure from the pressure washer pump. Or turn the pressure washer off when taking a break during pressure washing.

Remarks

Electric pressure washers are a perfect way to get a small cleaning job done, and they can even be used indoors, making them an efficient appliance.

Whether you received your new electric pressure washer in the mail or have bought one from a hardware store, this guide will help you set up your electric pressure washer and adequately use its various functions.

Now that you have learned how different components of the electric pressure washers are assembled, you should have no problems setting up your pressure washer unit.