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

Husky is renowned for producing portable power equipment such as pressure washers and spare parts. Some common issues with any pressure washer are water leakage and inconsistent water pressure (too high or low). Most homeowners may not know how to diagnose the root cause of such problems.

Husky Pressure Washer Problems:

Suppose water leaks from your Husky pressure washer, the pump, input hose, high-pressure hose, or spray gun might be the culprit. Ensure that all connections and seals are secure and in good condition. If there are significant changes in water pressure (too low or too high), examine the nozzles and ensure that the unloader valve is adjusted correctly. Inspect the pump’s seals for damage if it makes an annoying sound or spills oil, and ensure it is regularly oiled.

The abovementioned problems are related to the pressure washer’s pump and water delivery system. Hence, this blog post lists all possible issues with a Husky pressure washer and provides the steps for fixing these problems.

Husky Pressure Washer is Leaking Water

Examine the hose connections at the pump input, spray gun, and pump itself if your Husky pressure washer is leaking water. Determine if any of these sites have developed a leak.

The chance of a leak occurring at one of these three points is higher. If the intake hose’s seal is compromised, it may leak water. The connection between the pump’s high-pressure line and the spray cannon is susceptible to leaking. Moreover, if the pump’s seals are weakened, water may leak and cause damage.

● Husky Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Pump

If your Husky pressure washer leaks directly from the pump, you must replace the piston seals.

Most pressure washer pumps use a piston mechanism with positive displacement to pump water through the hoses. A piston seal prevents water from entering and leaving the pump, but these seals eventually deteriorate and cause a leak. In this situation, removing the pump casing and inspecting each piston seal for signs of wear may be essential.

This process can only be accomplished using a plunger pump. Axial and wobbling plate pumps are built at the factory and cannot be disassembled for maintenance or repair. Therefore, their seals cannot be changed separately; the whole pump must be rebuilt to resolve the issue.

● Husky Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Hose Connection

If the hose connections on your pressure washer are leaking, you must replace the pipe fittings or couplings at these connections.

A pipe connector joins the pipe to the pump’s low-pressure input, and a seal prevents leaks at these connections. If a leak develops at this point, the connection or its seal has probably failed. Similarly, if a leak develops between the high-pressure output of the pump and the accompanying hose, the pump’s exit seal must be examined and replaced.

● Husky Pressure Washer: Water Leaking from the Spray Gun

If the spray gun of your Husky pressure washer is leaking, examine and tighten the hose-gun connection. Examine the exit of the high-pressure line for a broken O-ring and replace it if necessary.

Most pressure washers use a push fit to connect the high-pressure hose to the spray gun. Ensure that the connection is both secure and the correct size. If screws are present, check that they are tight. If the leak persists after tightening the fitting, confirm that the hose’s O-ring is intact and present. This leak may have been caused by a missing or broken O-ring.

Pressure washer seals, gaskets, and O-rings are available locally and online.

Husky Pressure Washer: Water Pressure Problems

Follow the procedures below if your Husky pressure washer does not consistently deliver enough water pressure.

● 1. Husky Pressure Washer: Low Pressure

Ensure adequate water enters the system and the input line is not clogged with debris to resolve low water pressure. Additionally, check that the spray nozzle is not broken or obstructed.

The water entering the pump must be enough to generate sufficient pressure for pressure washing. Also, remove any turns or bends from the input pipe so that the pump is not subjected to back pressure. Most input hoses are connected to the pump through a dust filter. Check for evidence of dust collection on the filter. If the pressure is still low, verify that the correct nozzle is being used and that it is clear of debris.

● 2. Husky Pressure Washer: No Pressure

If your machine’s output pressure decreases, inspect the water supply, hoses, and nozzle. At least one of the valves or pumps on the unloader will need troubleshooting.

Pressure loss may also be caused by a blocked nozzle or inadequate water supply and nozzle debris. In this situation, the pump or unloading valve is most likely at fault. Adjust the unloader valve while the pump is operating, and the trigger is pressed to determine whether the pressure has increased.

If the problem persists, the presumably defective unloader valve must be replaced. Also, it would be best to examine the pump’s plungers and O-rings for damage.

Cavitation may occur in air bubbles, which, over time, may cause damage to pump components and a pressure drop. Consult the owner’s manual before replacing pump components. Since most pumps are constructed as a single unit, they cannot be dismantled and must be replaced with identical versions.

● 3. Husky Pressure Washer: Surging Pressure

Examine the nozzle for obstructions or evidence of damage if the water pressure suddenly increases. Adjust the unloader valve so that a substantial volume of water enters the bypass and a lesser amount enters the spray nozzle.

A pressure washer’s unloader valve reroutes a part of the high-pressure water flow away from the spray nozzle and into the pump inlet or water tank. A small portion of the incoming flow is bypassed when the unloader valve is tightened, causing a high output pressure at the nozzle.

The bypass flow rate increases when the unloader valve is adjusted to a loose setting.  This decreases spray gun pressure spikes. If this does not fix the problem, examine the nozzle for apparent signs of damage and replace it by following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

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

A damaged nozzle or a leaking hose may cause a sudden decline in water pressure. A malfunctioning unloader valve could potentially have contributed to this issue.

If the unloader is adjusted too loosely, as opposed to the previous instance of surging, the spray gun pressure may drop. If this adjustment is too loose, the flow may exceed the spring’s tension and enter the water storage tank. Consequently, water pressure at the nozzle’s exit falls. Check for holes and leaks in your hoses in addition to this adjustment. Ensure that the nozzle is free of dirt and debris.

● 5. Husky Pressure Washer: Strange Noises from Pump

If your pump produces odd noises, the connecting rods or bearings may be worn out. Inadequate pump lubrication also produces unwanted noise.

In premium pressure washers with plunger-style pumps, it is advised to change the oil every three months. Therefore, periodic maintenance is required for the successful operation of these pumps. In low-end models, the pump is either an axial or a wobbling plate. Since these pumps are permanently filled with oil during manufacturing, they do not need to be lubricated after a set period.

– How to Fix?

The pump must be serviced and lubricated every three months, depending on the kind of pressure washer (axial or plunger). Without lubrication, metal components tend to rub together and make significant noise. If this occurs, the plunger pump should be disassembled, and the bearings and connecting rods should be examined. Changing the bearings may be required if lubricating the pump does not address the issue.

The connecting rods may be defective if the noise persists, especially if the pump is old. Fatigue and stress may increase the rate of connecting rod wear, especially if used for an extended period.

If the axial or wobble plate pump on your pressure washer is producing unusual noises, you must replace it with an identical pump since it cannot be repaired like the above.

● 6. Husky Pressure Washer: Excessive Noise

 If your pressure washer produces more noise than usual, it may result from broken components inside the pump, air entering the pump, a cracked pump casing, or an engine knocking due to poor fuel quality.

– Pump Damage:

If the pump’s casing is damaged or fractured, it may cause vibrations and unwanted noise. A loud grinding sound may be produced if air bubbles get stuck in the pump. This might potentially harm the pump’s seals and connecting rods.

– Engine Knocking

If the engine of your gas-powered pressure washer is knocking, check the quality of the fuel. I recommend using ethanol-free, unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane number of 87 to prevent engine knocking. Also, you could refer to the owner’s manual for further details.

● 6. Husky Pressure Washer: Excessive Noise

The oil may leak from the pump if the O-ring or seal is damaged or malfunctioning. Replace each seal by hand, if required, after disassembling the pump. For a replacement, contact the manufacturer if the product’s warranty is still in effect.

If your pump’s warranty has expired, you can disassemble it yourself. If you lack the tools and skill level, consult a mechanic. To aid with the replacements, I suggest acquiring an oil seal kit with seals and rings of several sizes.

Before reassembly, check that all fasteners and fittings are firmly tightened. As a precaution, never subject your pressure washer to high temperatures to avoid future oil leaks. In the case of axial or oscillating plate pumps, the only solution is to replace the pump.

● 8. Husky Pressure Washer: Water in Oil

Water could enter the pressure washer if the oil seal on the pump is damaged. Consider replacing the seal in this case.

A damaged oil seal is detected by the milky look of pump oil produced by water. To replace the seal, you should remove the pump’s casing, valves, and rings completely.

I would only do this if the warranty on the pump were no longer valid. If the pump is still under warranty, the manufacturer is responsible for repairing or replacing it. This only applies to pressure washers with changeable pump oil, such as plunger pumps. Most low-end pressure washer pumps are completely sealed with oil; thus, they must be replaced as a unit if they become defective.

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

Check the nozzle size if your pressure washer cannot extract soap from the reservoir. Also, check the injector kit’s components for signs of wear or damage.

The owner’s manual suggests a specific nozzle for the soap injection function that offers enough suction pressure for all types of detergent. Ensure the appropriate nozzle is being used. Ensure that the injector’s nozzle is not obstructed if the problem persists. I would consider purchasing a chemical injector repair kit since it has all the necessary replacement parts.

Husky 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

● Husky 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.

● Husky 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.