Does your pressure washer refuse to dispense soap? We know how annoying this can be. But don’t worry; we have the expertise to help you rectify this issue. Our pro tips are designed to get your pressure washer back in action.
Why Won’t My Pressure Washer Dispense Soap?
Check nozzle is in a low-pressure setting. Clean any nozzle/hose blockages. Use proper soap-to-water ratio. Clean the detergent tank after use. Examine siphon tube and injector parts for faults. Ensure inlet water pressure isn’t too high. Replace worn parts as needed.
This article will teach you different reasons why your pressure washer is not correctly dispensing soap. I will show you how you can troubleshoot and solve soap dispenser issues.
At the end of this article, you will also understand why your pressure washer is not mixing the detergent or soap correctly and how to fix this.
Contents
- 1 How to Fix a Pressure Washer’s Soap Dispenser That Doesn’t Work
- 2 Maintenance and Update: Pressure Washer Won’t Mix Detergent With the Spray
How to Fix a Pressure Washer’s Soap Dispenser That Doesn’t Work
Generally, if your pressure washer unit isn’t working, first check the spray nozzle. I recommend using a black 65-degree nozzle. This will lower the output pressure and spray a larger area.
Examine the nozzle, valves, and high-pressure hose for any blockages that can restrict detergent flow. Make sure you use the correct ratio of soap solution and water. Clean the detergent tank after pressure washing. Lastly, remove the soap injector kit from the pressure washer to siphon.
You can use the following steps to troubleshoot the soap dispenser of your pressure washer:
● Step 1: Check the Spray Nozzle
The first step is to check the spray nozzle. Almost all pressure washers come with a separate soap spray nozzle. This is usually a black 65-degree nozzle. The soap nozzle has a lower output pressure and a broader spray than other nozzles.
If your soap dispenser isn’t working correctly, I have noticed that the wrong nozzle type is often used. Check the nozzle and ensure you use the dedicated soap nozzle, not a high-pressure nozzle.
The last piece isn’t suitable to use with the soap dispenser. If you have an adjustable nozzle, set it to the widest angle.
As an expert in pressure washer maintenance, I can affirm that the most common culprits when a pressure washer fails to dispense soap are a clogged nozzle, the use of incorrect soap, or an issue with the soap injector. These factors can significantly impact the functionality of your pressure washer. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure optimal equipment performance.
● Step 2: Check for Any Blockages in the nozzle, tube, and hose
The next step is to check the nozzle and valve area for blockages hindering the soap injector. After regular use, dirt and debris can gather in the injector tube, preventing the siphoning of the detergent.
The first step is to check the spray nozzle. Almost all pressure washers come with a separate soap spray nozzle. This is usually a black 65-degree nozzle. The soap nozzle has a lower output pressure and a broader spray than other nozzles.
If your soap dispenser isn’t working correctly, I have noticed that the wrong nozzle type is often used. Check the nozzle and ensure you use the dedicated soap nozzle, not a high-pressure nozzle.
The last piece isn’t suitable to use with the soap dispenser. If you have an adjustable nozzle, set it to the widest angle.
● Step 3: Check the Soap Solution
The detergent solution used in the dispenser is much thicker than regular soap. I recommend not mixing the soap solution with water in the dispenser tank. First, dilute the soap or detergent with the recommended amount of water.
In most cases, you should mix 20% soap with 80% water to get the required mixture.
Most experts recommended avoiding the use of bleaching powders during dilution. This can harm most pressure washers and lead to problems with the soap dispenser. Refer to your pressure washer’s manual or dealer for the correct soap-to-water ratio for your specific product.
Where possible, try to stick to the correct soap-water ratio. When there is more soap, the soap solution can create a blockage in the tank’s outlet because of its higher viscosity. If your pressure washer is not set to low pressure, it might not be able to handle the thicker soap solution.
● Step 4: Check the Soap Siphon Tube
The siphon tube provides a path for the detergent to travel to the end of the nozzle. You use the correct size siphon tube to give a clear detergent flow without any restrictions.
Using the wrong size can lead to the failure of your soap dispenser. If you cannot get the pressure right, consider contacting support or your dealer for assistance.
Examine the siphon tube for any dirt restricting the detergent solution flow. To do this, clean the two ends of the tube using clean water only. Connect one end of the tube with the wand and the other with the soap dispenser.
If you’re using a Briggs & Stratton pressure washer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining the siphon tube.
● Step 5: Check the Detergent Tank
As discussed earlier, the detergent solution used in the tank is much thicker than that used in everyday cleaning products. Since the detergent tank is simply a reservoir where you mix the soap solution, you must clean the tank after every use. Otherwise, the soap solution can dry and block the hole in the tank.
If you don’t clean the detergent tank, the remaining detergent dries up and turns into hard particles that can block the tank’s outlet.
In that case, fresh soap can not get out of the dispenser or only with incredible difficulty. If the unit still does not work after cleaning, you may need to consult your manual for further maintenance.
Addressing a soap dispensing issue is a systematic process. It begins with thoroughly examining the soap system for any blockages or damage, followed by a meticulous cleaning or replacement of parts as necessary. The final step involves testing the pressure washer to ensure the issue has been resolved.
● Step 6: Check the Soap Injector System
After following all the steps above, and your soap dispenser is still not working correctly, check the soap injector system. The soap injector is the part that is used to mix the soap with the high-pressure water that goes to the spray nozzle.
The main components of the soap injector are the O-ring, conical spring, ball, and injector. If these components are faulty, your soap dispenser system won’t work correctly.
To examine the soap injector kit, remove it from the pressure washer. The soap injector kit is usually located near the pressure pump. Loosen the screws using a wrench and remove it from the pressure washer. Disassemble the components from the soap injector system.
You should find the conical spring and a metal ball. Check the components and replace them if they are really worn out.
– Preparing the New Ring and Ball
Before assembling the (new) ring and ball, apply some grease on them so that the ball doesn’t get stuck with the ring. First, install the O-ring and then put the ball inside the bore. Shake the injector kit; it works fine if the ball drops out.
If this doesn’t happen, remove the ball and O-ring again. Reduce the amount of lubricant. Install these components back into the soap injector bore following the abovementioned procedure.
Attach the injector kit with the pressure washer and turn the machine on. Check the soap dispenser. It should work fine now. If not, replace it.
If you cannot get the pressure washer to siphon detergent, it may be time to consider replacing your product. Always remember to check the Setting of your pressure washer before use.
Maintenance and Update: Pressure Washer Won’t Mix Detergent With the Spray
Generally, if your pressure washer cannot mix detergent with the spray, it’s most likely because you used the wrong nozzle. The nozzle pressure will not mix correctly if it doesn’t match the desired detergent pressure. Check the siphon tube if it is dirty.
The soap injector also kit plays an important role. Ensure that all of its components are working correctly. Lastly, too high water pressure can also give the detergent no chance to get into the hose.
The soap dispenser, a chemical injection system, is used to siphon detergent from the tank and mix it with the high-pressure water spray.
Sometimes, the pressure washer won’t mix detergent with the spray. The most common reason behind this problem is the chemical injection kit. As explained earlier, the first step to diagnosing the problem is to check the various components. Clean and, if needed, replace defective parts.
Other reasons for your pressure washer not mixing detergent with the spray are:
● Reason 1: Wrong Spray Tip
The most common reason behind the pressure washer not mixing detergent with the spray is using the wrong nozzle or spray tip. The soap dispenser uses a specific wide-angle nozzle and often has a black color.
The reason for using this wide-angle nozzle is that it lowers the output pressure and improves the mixing of detergent with the spray.
● Reason 2: Blocked Siphon Tube
Another reason for not mixing the detergent with the spray is a blocked siphon tube. A clogged detergent tube inhibits the proper flow of detergent through it.
I recommend checking the siphon tube before using the pressure washer. If you notice any dirt inside that could be causing a blockage, clean it thoroughly.
As an expert in pressure washer maintenance, I can affirm that the most common culprits when a pressure washer fails to dispense soap are a clogged nozzle, the use of incorrect soap, or an issue with the soap injector. These factors can significantly impact the functionality of your pressure washer. It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure optimal equipment performance.
● Reason 3: Faulty Metal Ball
The metal ball is located inside the soap injector kit. If you don’t properly maintain the soap injector, there is a chance that the metal ball will get stuck and restrict the soap from going through the hose. I recommended applying some lubricant to the soap injector components occasionally.
This avoids many issues. The injector kit also consists of a rubber ring and spring.
If the spring has some wear and tear or the rubber ring gets sticky over time, it will prevent the soap from entering the hose. Check and clean both components. If they do not look pleasing, replace them. If the rubber ring is older and sticky, I recommend replacing it.
● Reason 4: High Water Pressure
Before using the pressure washer, ensure the inlet water pressure isn’t too high. High pressure doesn’t allow the detergent to get properly into the hose. Ensure that your soap injector is attached in the correct position. The wrong location can prevent the water from flowing correctly through the injector.
Is it possible to replace worn parts of the soap injector system?
Hi Ana, yes, you can replace worn parts of the soap injector system to rectify any issues with soap dispensing. Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance.
I can’t wait to try out these tips on my pressure washer. Hopefully, it will dispense soap correctly now!
Thank you, Ellen! I’m glad you found the tips helpful. Best of luck with your pressure washer, and I hope you can get it dispensing soap correctly in no time!
These steps will save me so much time trying to figure out why my pressure washer wasn’t working properly.
Thank you for reading! I’m glad our tips helped you solve your pressure washer issue quickly. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.
Thanks for the detailed steps on how to fix my pressure washer’s soap dispenser!
Thank you for reading, Bobbie! I’m glad the steps helped fix your pressure washer’s soap dispenser. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you for explaining each step so clearly. This article is a lifesaver for pressure washer owners!
Thank you so much, Roberto! I’m glad you found the article helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy pressure washing!
The troubleshooting steps provided here are so easy to follow. Thanks for the help!
Thank you for your positive feedback, Brooklyn! I’m glad you found the steps easy to follow. Happy to help you get your pressure washer back in action!
Great explanation on the correct soap-to-water ratio for pressure washers!
Thank you, Lily! I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. Let me know if you have any more questions about pressure washer maintenance.
Where can I find replacement parts for my pressure washer’s soap dispenser?
Hi Judy, for pressure washer replacement parts, I recommend checking the manufacturer’s website or contacting customer support for guidance. Hope this helps!
How often should I clean the soap dispenser to avoid any issues?
Hi Carolyn! To avoid soap dispenser issues, clean it after each use, check for blockages, use the correct soap-to-water ratio, examine siphon tube for defects, and ensure proper water pressure.
What should I do if the soap dispenser still doesn’t work after troubleshooting?
Dear Vera, if the soap dispenser still isn’t working after troubleshooting, consider checking the detergent tank and soap injector system. They may need cleaning or parts replacement.
How can I know if my pressure washer is dispensing soap at the right ratio?
Hi Timmothy! Make sure you’re using the correct ratio of soap-to-water and check for nozzle blockages. Cleaning the detergent tank after use can also help. Good luck!
This article is so helpful! I finally understand why my pressure washer wasn’t dispensing soap.
Thank you, Judith! We’re glad the article was helpful. Remember to check the nozzle, clean any blockages, and use the correct soap-to-water ratio to keep your pressure washer running smoothly.
I had no idea about the importance of maintaining the siphon tube in the pressure washer. Thanks for the info!
Thank you, Constance! We’re thrilled you found the information helpful. Let us know if you have any more questions.
Can a clogged siphon tube cause any damage to the pressure washer?
Hi Janice, a clogged siphon tube can indeed cause damage to your pressure washer. Follow our pro tips to rectify this issue before any further damage occurs.
What type of soap is safe to use with pressure washers?
“Check nozzle setting, clean blockages, use correct soap-to-water ratio, inspect siphon tube for faults, ensure water pressure isn’t too high. Follow these steps to fix soap dispenser issues with your pressure washer.”
I appreciate the tips on how to clean the nozzle and hose to improve soap dispenser flow.
Thank you for your feedback, Ryan! I’m glad the tips on cleaning the nozzle and hose to improve soap dispenser flow were helpful to you. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Are there any specific brands of pressure washers prone to soap dispenser issues?
I recommend checking the spray nozzle and ensuring it’s set to low pressure. Also, make sure the soap solution is diluted correctly. Clean the siphon tube and injector parts. Hope this helps!
What’s the best way to clean the detergent tank to prevent blockages?
Hi Teresa, to prevent blockages in the detergent tank, clean it after each use. Make sure to check the nozzle, hose, and siphon tube for any dirt or debris. Hope this helps!
I never knew about the black 65-degree nozzle for soap dispensing. Very informative article!
Thank you, Lawrence! We’re glad you found the article informative. The black 65-degree nozzle is a game-changer for soap dispensing with a pressure washer. Happy cleaning!
Can using a soap solution with bleach damage the pressure washer?
Using a soap solution with bleach can indeed damage the pressure washer. The bleach can cause corrosion and deterioration of the washer’s parts, leading to potential issues with the soap dispenser.