A pressure washer hose releases a pressurized water jet for multiple cleaning applications. Quite often, excessive use and fatigue could wear out the hose resulting in a leakage that eventually upsets the water pressure at the nozzle outlet. A leak or damage to a pressure washer hose requires a proper repair methodology.

Pressure washer hose repair:

A pressure washer hose cannot be fixed like a garden hose because the high water pressure would damage the patch quickly. The pressure washer hose uses layers of plastic and PVC that should be properly repaired. The solution to fixing it is using a pressure washer hose repair kit that sometimes comes along with the pressure washer or can be purchased separately.

If you’re a homeowner or a professional who routinely uses a pressure washer and has issues with its hose, this blog post should help. I will give further insight into how to repair a pressure washer hose and answer some frequently asked questions.

Defects in Pressure Water Hose

Routine wear and tear can occur in a pressure washer hose due to wrong use, a pebble or debris in the water. Damage can also occur when a really high-water pressure (more than the recommended value) is used for an extended time. Professional users emphasize that a pressure washer hose must be checked routinely for repair after heavy use.

A low-quality hose can be more prone to wear and tear and more often need repair or a replacement after a shorter interval. I recommend purchasing a high-quality hose and protecting it with hose sleeves to ensure a long life. 

Pressure washer hoses can also be damaged by thermal shocks and kinking of the hose. Always ensure the hose is used such that there is minimal chance of bends. Lay out the hose completely, and do not keep it (partly) as a bundle when using it. 

Preventative Measures:

If you use a pressure washer, you should regularly inspect the hose for leaks, cuts, and kinks. If you see any signs of wear and tear, do not ignore them, as they can lead to a failing hose at the wrong time. I recommend using a suitable material for pressure washer hoses, such as polyvinyl chloride or vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). 

Since these materials are more resistant to damage from high-pressure water and fine debris, they can certainly increase the performance of your pressure washer hose and save you the trouble of continuous repairs and replacements that can be a headache at times. 

Can the Pressure Washer Hose Be Repaired?

Generally, a pressure washer hose can be fixed if it is in okay condition and the problem is local. The fix may require tightening a connection, a kink removal, or replacing the damaged section. When the hose is in terrible shape or really old, I recommend replacing it entirely.

Before explaining how to repair a pressure washer hose, let’s first look at what type of damage you can find. 

Damages to Pressure Washer Hose

There could be various types of damage that a pressure washer hose can sustain, such as holes, leaks, kinks, and cracks. 

The entry of any sharp object inside the hose or a direct hit from a vehicle or another machine primarily causes cracks and punch holes. The bends or kinks are a nuisance that eventually leads to the deformity of a hose. Small leaks can also occur along the length of a hose. 

Another reason for hose damage is when a hose is old. The rubber used will get weaker, and it will crack or damage much easier. Also, if the hose has seen a lot of sunshine, it will weaken faster because of the harmful parts of the sun’s rays.

Also, over-tightening the hose can lead to leaks. In those cases, the hose will mostly not be damaged, but the connection can. Fixing your hose is possible and not extremely difficult if you know what to do and have the right parts and tools. But generally, I recommend replacing the pressure washer hose when it is damaged, as it is not that costly.

Fixing a pressure washer hose

Although most damages can be repaired quickly, it ultimately depends on the extent of the damage. Let’s look at some problems and how to fix them: 

1. Pressure washer hose is leaking:

Minor leaks and cracks cannot be fixed with some duct tape. It might seem like a note-worthy solution, but the high pressure will sooner or later loosen the tape. I recommend using a hose repair kit for fixing leaks. The repair kit consists of the following items:

• The user manual or guidance catalog
• O-ring seal to prevent leaks
• Crimping tool for securing clamps and fittings
• Hose Fittings
• Clamps to secure fittings in the proper place
  
  

If you can not find a suitable hose repair kit, you can find these items separately online or at your local dealer.

When the hose has a bad part leaking, you can cut it out from the hose. And with the various couplings and fittings, you can join the two parts. For an even better result, you can use an O-ring sealer that further tightens the connection point between the two pieces of the hose, ensuring no leakage.

If the area is more extended, I recommend replacing the whole hose. A larger area generally means the hose is not that strong anymore; a new leak will often evolve after fixing one.

2. Pressure washer hose connection is leaking:

The connection of the hose to the pressure washer or spray gun is also a source of leaks. When you use your pressure washer, much tension is put on the spray gun connection. This also applies to the connection between the hose and the pressure washer when you move around with the hose fully extended.

Ensure that the connection is tightened and sealed correctly. But do not overtighten them, as this can damage the connection. If the O-ring is in bad shape, replace it. I even recommend preventative replacing this O-ring when it is older, even when it still looks fine.

If you notice that one of the connections is loose, and you can move it with your hands, it generally means there is a high chance that it will break soon. And this always happens at the wrong moment, and I recommend replacing is preventative.

3. Removing Kinks in the pressure washer hose:

Pressure washer hose kinks are a bigger issue than it may seem. Tight kinks in the hose wear down the PVC faster. The twists may arise from improper storage or pulling on the hose.

You can try to remove kinks by heating them slightly with a heat torch or hot water. This will make the part somewhat more flexible and help straighten out some of the twists and turns the hose may have developed over time. But do not expect miracles from this.

How Do You Fix a Punctured Pressure Washer Hose?

A readily available repair kit is needed to fix a punctured hose. Ensure the hose repair kit has all the essential supplies, including the clamps, ferrules, and replacement hose. Generally, I recommend replacing the pressure washer hose completely, as it is not that costly.

Use the following steps to fix a punctured pressure washer hose:

• Step 1. Disconnect the hose: Start by turning the water off and disconnecting the hose from the pressure washer and the spray gun.
• Step 2. Mark the damaged area: Correctly identify the puncture site. If any sharp object or debris is sticking to or out of it, it is essential to remove it first. If you are unsure about the exact location, mark it with some tape when it is in use.
• Step 3. Remove the damaged part: Cut out the punctured section with a saw or sharp knife.
• Step 4. Connect the two parts: Insert the repose section using the ferrules onto the ends of the cut. Use the clamps to fix it firmly. 
• Step 5. Test: Finally, test your repair. Don’t turn the pressure to the maximum on the first try. Slowly increase the pressure and carefully monitor for any leaks still present. 

Can You Splice Together a Pressure Washer Hose?

It is not very difficult to splice together a pressure washer hose, but you need to do it correctly. The hose experiences a lot of water pressure, and you do not want to get leaks.

Use the following steps to splice a pressure washer hose: 

• Step 1. Get the parts: Ensure you have the parts to splice the hose together. I recommend purchasing a hose repair kit containing everything you need.
• Step 2. Disconnect the hose: Start by turning the water off and disconnecting the hose from the pressure washer and the spray gun.
• Step 3. Connect the two parts: Insert the repose section using the ferrules onto the ends of the cut. Use the clamps to fix it firmly. 
• Step 4. Test: Finally, test your repair. Don’t turn the pressure to the maximum on the first try. Slowly increase the pressure and carefully monitor for any leaks still present. 

Why Did My Pressure Washer Hose Burst?

There are various reasons why your pressure washer hose can burst:

• Aging: Your hose might have worn out due to long-term continuous use or exposure to chemicals, water, and sunlight. 
• Storage Issues: Storing a hose at places prone to damage, cuts, wear and tear, sunlight or chemicals could cause the weakening of your hose, so it bursts open when under pressure.
• Overloading: Pressure beyond the limit of the hose can lead to the hose bursting. Also, a hose cannot bear the same pressure once it has achieved its elastic deformation.
• Damage: Being exposed to physical damage, such as being run over by heavy objects or pierced with a sharp object. 
• Low-Quality Material: Some hoses are made from low-grade plastic or PVC, which makes the hose more susceptible to damage and bursting. Or air pockets in the hose itself might contribute to its deterioration. 

Do You Turn the Water On Before Starting the Pressure Washer?

A pressure washer must be connected to a water source that is turned on before starting it. Water is needed to cool some of the parts, like the pump. Some pressure washers can work from a bucket or lake.

With the water turned on before starting, the pump will contain water and can be adequately cooled when running. Due to the needed high water pressure, it needs a high rpm.

How Often Should I Change the Oil In My Pressure Washer?

Most experts and mechanics recommend changing the pressure washer oil every three months if you use it regularly or after 30-50 hours. Some more modern machines only need an oil change after about 100 hours.

I recommend changing the oil at least once per season to keep your pressure washer in good working order. Immediately change the oil when you notice any contamination, burning, or debris inside the oil, as such oil will drastically increase the wear and tear of the engine. 

Can You Operate a Pressure Washer in The Rain?

You can safely use a gas pressure in the rain, as its components are not affected by moisture or rain. But if you use an electric pressure washer, ensure that you use a proper mains cable and waterproof connections; electricity and water are dangerous. 

Additionally, keep the following in mind:

• Electrical Insulation: The pressure washer must be adequately electrically insulated to prevent shocks or short circuits. If your machine is older, the rubber seals can weaken, and moisture can enter. Generally, I do not recommend using an electric pressure washer in the rain.
• Water Proof: Excessive water entry inside the washer may cause its components to stagnate or damage. Ensure that the pressure washer is prevented from flooding. 
• Slippery: With rain, the whole area will get more slippery. Ensure you use suitable foot ware. 

How to Use a Pressure Washer Without an Outside Tap: 10 Options

If you do not have an outside tab near your pressure washer, there are several other options you can use:

• Using the water from your house: Use a garden hose to connect the pressure washer with a tap in your home or garage.
• Supply from a bucket: Some pressure washers can use a bucket as a water source. To do this, you need a special suction hose, and I recommend using one with an inlet filter to ensure that no debris can enter the pressure washer. As a pressure washer uses a lot of water, use the biggest bucket you can find.
• Rain barrel: If you collect rainwater in your garden in a rain barrel, you can use this as the water supply for your pressure washer. Use a pressure washer suction hose with a filter.
• Using a portable water tank: A portable water tank is similar to a rain barrel, only with the tank you have to fill it yourself. Also, for this option, you need a pressure washer suction hose, and you can only use specific pressure washers.
• Water pump: If you have a nearby water source, you could use an additional pump to transfer water to your pressure washer. If the supply from the pump is high enough (gallons per minute) and with good pressure (PSI), you can use this option with vertically all-pressure washer models. I have experience that most machines still work well with lightly lower water pressure. I recommend checking the minimum rating for your pressure washer model (GPM and PSI).
• Use water from your pool: If you have a pool nearby, you could use it because water from most pools contains chemicals that are not okay for most plants. It would be best to have a pressure washer suction hose with a filter for pool water.
• Using a lake or river: Using your pressure washer near a lake or river, you can draw water from there. Also, it would be best to have a pressure washer suction hose for this option, and a good filter is essential. Both water from a lake or river contains a lot of debris, and you want to be sure this does not enter the pressure washer. I recommend checking the filters regularly and cleaning them when needed.
• Using a well: Water from a well can be a good option for your pressure washer. In almost all cases, you need an additional pump to get the water up to your pressure washer. All pressure washers I know can not suck water from a deep source and can only get water from a level slightly lower than where the machine is. The water from a well is much lower, and you need a strong pump to get it to street level.
• Water delivery service: For some locations, you can use a water delivery service to bring water close to your pressure washer.
• Temporary tab: If you have a water line near, you could install a temporary tab. Remember that you might have to remove the water from the tab if it freezes during winter in your area. Or remove the tab completely.