The Ultimate Guide to Using Your Gas-Powered Pressure Washer

Verify Water Source Volume Compatibility

To begin, first verify that your pressure washer receives enough water from its source to achieve the desired pressure as advertised. If the source volume of water does not meet the GPM (gallons per minute) requirement, you will not achieve maximum cleaning power. To measure this, place a large bucket at your source. Let the water run with the valve fully opened for one minute. Measure how much water has collected in the bucket. If it meets the advertised GPM of the pressure washer, you can use it to its full potential. If not, consider using a washer with a lower GPM output.

Getting Started with Your Pressure Washer

Pressure washers offer a high powered, versatile, cleaning solution

Begin by selecting the appropriate tip for the spray wand gun. Each tip has a different size and shaped orifice for the pressurized water. They are color-coded to represent varying pressure levels: red signifies very strong pressure (use with caution), while green indicates light pressure (safe for most surfaces). You may have more options in between. Generally, pressure washers have labels explaining which surfaces you can safely clean with each tip. Always consult the owner's manual for more details to prevent damage to delicate surfaces and the unit itself. Never spray pressurized water at yourself or others!

Next, connect the garden hose to the pump's inlet. You should be able to thread it on by hand or use a quick connect if equipped. Then, connect the spray wand to the outlet of the pressure washer's pump. It will either thread on or use the quick connect by pulling back the connection sleeve and snapping it into place. If your machine has a detergent connection fitting, connect an appropriate power washer cleaning detergent bottle. There may be a separate reservoir on your machine for this purpose. Note: a special detergent spray tip may be required.

Now, turn on the water source (garden hose) and inspect for leaks. Turn the engine choke to the "on" (or closed) position. If unsure how to do this, look for engine decals like the one explained in this post: How to use a Choke: Mastering the Choke Function in Small Engine Operation. Pull the start rope (prime first if equipped with a primer bulb).

Once the engine is running, close the choke by moving the choke lever to the "run" position. Begin cleaning by sensibly spraying the surface you intend to power wash. Use your judgment when selecting the pressure washer tip to avoid damaging surfaces.

Protect Your Pump!

Pro Tip: Never allow the engine to run without pressing the spray wand for more than 30 seconds!

When the spray wand is not pressed, water begins to recirculate in the pump. It can reach unsafe temperatures and melt internal seals if not released. By pressing the spray wand trigger, you introduce cold water back into the pump by releasing the hot, pressurized water. Although the pump is equipped with a thermal relief valve for this reason, damage may have already occurred by the time it opens to release the extremely hot water. Replacement pumps often exceed the entire value of the unit! Always protect your pressure washer's pump by pressing the spray wand while the engine is running.

Safely Store Your Pressure Washer

Many pressure washer pump storage solutions are available. These solutions come in a liquid form that you introduce into the pump. They have a threaded connection on the bottle. With the engine off, squeeze from the bottle and pull the start rope to introduce and circulate this solution into the pump. Follow their directions when storing your pressure washer for the winter. Never leave a pressure washer in an unheated location, such as outside or in an unheated garage. The pumps can develop freezing cracks that cannot be repaired!

Remedy a Pressure-Locked Pressure Washer

If you've attempted to use your pressure washer and suddenly find it impossible to pull the start rope, the engine is likely not seized. To remedy this situation, continue reading!

Pro Tip: Gas-powered pressure washers can become pressure-locked after use or if stopped abruptly. Air pressure develops in the hose and spray wand. To solve this, simply depress the spray wand to relieve air and bleed both the wand and the hose while the engine is not running. This will allow you to start your pressure washer again. It really is as simple as that!

Potential Solution to Low Pressure Issues

If you have followed all the steps above but are experiencing low pressure output, it may be time to adjust your unloader valve. Simply tighten the nut about 1/8th of a turn and test. Do not crank tight all at once; adjust and test until you reach the desired pressure. Loosen the nut counter-clockwise to relieve pressure if necessary.

A vertical style water pump; note the pump is oriented vertically, a horizontal style pump is situated horizontally

By following this guide, you can enjoy the benefits of a gas-powered pressure washer without having to replace the unit prematurely due to entirely avoidable pump misuse.

If you found this post helpful consider enrolling in our free Online Program designed to transform novice lawn mower operators into knowledgeable and independent troubleshooters, and maintainers of their own equipment! Avoid the expense and hassle of untimely breakdowns! All that is required to enroll is an email, and it is completely free of charge! Click here to be directed to the enrollment page: Online Program

Never the Norm!