An electric pressure washer is great for getting tough dirt off surfaces, but it can be a pain to use if they keep shutting off. Even if you have a powerful model, it might not be enough to get the job done if it keeps cutting out.
Actually, an electric pressure washer is one of the lightest and most versatile machines for cleaning around your home. They’re perfect for washing cars, sidewalks, decks, gutters, and more. Now the question arrives “why does my electric pressure washer keep cutting out”?
This article will discuss the reasons why an electric pressure washer cut out and what you can do to prevent it. Okay, let’s get started.
Why Does My Electric Pressure Washer Keep Cutting Out: Reasons & Solutions
There are a number of reasons why your pressure washer might be cutting out. We’ll go over the most common ones below and try to offer some solutions.
Power Supply Issues
The first thing you’ll want to check is your power supply. If you’re using an extension cord, make sure it’s rated for outdoor use and that it’s the proper gauge. A 14-gauge cord is a minimum you should use, and a 12-gauge cord is even better.
If you’re plugging your pressure washer into a GFCI outlet, that could be causing it to trip. You can try resetting the GFCI or plugging the pressure washer into a different outlet.
Low Water Pressure
Another common reason your pressure washer might be cutting out is low pressure. This could be caused by a few things, such as a clogged hose or release nozzle, a kinked hose, or a dirty filter.
If you’re experiencing low pressure, the first thing you should do is check the hose and release nozzle for obstructions. If there are no obstructions, try straightening out the hose and making sure there are no kinks in it. If the water pressure is still low, you might need to clean the filter.
Start-Up Procedures Not Followed
If you don’t follow the start-up procedures for your power washer motor, it could cause it to shut down. Make sure you read the owner’s manual and follow all the steps for starting up your machine. Some important steps are:
i) Disconnect the plug: Always disconnect the plug from the power source before doing any maintenance on your machine.
ii) Drain the high-pressure hose: If there’s water in the high-pressure hose, it can cause your pressure washer to cut out.
iii) Install the garden hose: Make sure the garden hose is properly installed and connected to the water source before starting your power washer.
iv) Switch on the water supply: Once the garden hose is connected, turn on the water supply.
v) Let the water flow through the machine: Let the water flow through the machine for a few minutes to clear any debris.
vi) Hose up the high-pressure system: Connect the high-pressure hose to the machine and to the water source.
vii) Activate the trigger: Once everything is connected, you can activate the pressure switch.
viii) Connect the plug again: Once the trigger is activated, you can connect the plug to the power source.
ix) Start the pressure washer: Finally, start the pressure washer machine.
x) Let’s pressure wash: Now you’re ready to pressure wash.
If you follow all these steps and your electric power washer is still cutting out, you might have a faulty machine. In that case, you’ll need to take it to a service center for repairs.
Check for Leaks In the Garden Hose
If there’s a leak in the garden hose, that can cause your pressure washing to cut out. Check the entire length of the hose for any leaks or holes. If you find one, replace the hose.
It’s also a good idea to check the connections to make sure they’re tight. Loose hose connections can also cause electric power washers to cut out.
Blockage In the Garden Hose
If there’s a blockage in the garden hose, that can restrict the flow of water and cause your pressure washer to cut out. To check for a blockage, remove the hose from the machine and turn on the water. If the water doesn’t flow freely, there’s probably a blockage somewhere in the hose.
To clear a blockage, you can use a garden hose brush or a plumbers’ snake. Once you’ve cleared the blockage, reattach the hose to the pressure washer and try it again.
Connections of Pressure Hoses
When you’re connecting the pressure hoses, make sure they’re connected securely. Loose connections can cause the pressure washers to cut out. To check the connections, try wiggling the hoses. If they move around, tighten them up.
Small Hose Diameter
If you’re using a small diameter hose, that can restrict the flow of water and cause your hot water pressure washers to cut out. To avoid this, use a hose with a larger diameter.
This is especially important if you’re using an electric pressure washer, as they tend to have lower flow rates than gas-powered pressure washers.
Failure of the Unloader Valve
Unloader valve failure is another common cause of electric power washers cutting out. When the unloader valve fails, it can’t release the pressure and the machine will shut down.
To test the unloader valve, remove the high-pressure hose from the machine and hold it over a bucket. If water comes out of the hose, the unloader valve is working correctly. If no water comes out, the unloader valve is defective and needs to be replaced.
Malfunctions of Water Pumps
When the pressure washer pump malfunctions, it can cause the pressure washer to cut out. It usually happens when the pump is overworked or if there’s something blocking the water flow.
To fix a water pump, you need to remove the pump cover and check for any blockages. If there are no blockages, the pump might be defective and needs to be replaced.
Starved of Water by Clogged Filters
If the filters are clogged, it can starve the water pump of water and cause it to cut out. To remove the filters, you need to remove the pump cover. Once you’ve removed the cover, you can access the filters and clean them.
Motor Overheating
If the electric pressure washer motors are overheating, it can cause the pressure washer to cut out. This is usually caused by a lack of cooling water or an overworked motor. It also can happen if the motor isn’t properly ventilated.
To fix the motor from overheating, make sure there’s enough water flowing through the machine. You can do this by making sure the filters are clean and by using a garden hose with a larger diameter.
These are just a few of the reasons why pressure washers might cut out. If your machine is constantly shutting down, you might have a faulty machine. In that case, you’ll need to take it to a service center for repairs.
How to Prevent Electric Pressure Washers Cutting Out?
To prevent your pressure washer from cutting out, there are a few things you can do:
- Use a larger diameter hose so there’s enough water flowing through the machine.
- Make sure the filters are clean and not clogged.
- Use a cooling system to keep the motor from overheating.
- Keep the hose connections tight so there’s no water leakage.
- Check for any blockages in the garden hose and clear them if necessary.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to prevent your pressure washer from cutting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a few questions that are asked more often than others when it comes to electric pressure washers cutting out. Here are the most common questions and their answers.
1. How Do I Reset My Electric Pressure Washer?
In order to reset your washer, you must first plug the electric cord into an outlet and then press the Reset button for the power supply. Check that the reset button is activated. Next, confirm the smaller glass window beneath the Reset key shows Red on the screen.
2. Do Electric Pressure Washers Overheat?
Electric washers can overheat, but they are not suitable for use with gas. The pressure washer automatically shuts off its power output once its trigger button is shut off. Your pressure washer may cause excessive hot spots by running it in direct sunlight.
3. How Long Should You Run Electric Pressure Washer?
It is recommended you run your electric pressure washer for a maximum of 5 to 10 minutes but it will depend on the machine you are using. You must wait about two minutes after each five-minute interval before starting it up again.
4. Why Does My Electric Pressure Washer Surge?
An electric pressure washer surge can be caused by a number of things but is often due to an inadequate supply of water. When the pressure washer’s pump tries to draw more water than is available, it can cause the pressure to suddenly weaken or “surge.”
Conclusion
Electric pressure washers can be a great way to clean your home exterior or car, but they can also be prone to cutting out. There are a number of reasons why this might happen, but some common causes are lack of water, clogged filters, and overheating.
To prevent your electric pressure washer keep cutting out, make sure you use a larger diameter hose, keep the filters clean, and use a cooling system. If your machine is still having problems, take it to a service center for repairs.