Otis Singleton
Electric pressure washers are designed to cycle on and off to build and maintain pressure. However, if your electric pressure washer is cycling too frequently, there may be an issue. Cycling can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a faulty pump, clogged nozzle, or problem with the power supply. A common cause of cycling is a loss of pressure, which can be due to a leak in the system or air trapped in the pump. To prevent cycling, ensure your pressure washer is well-maintained, with no blockages or leaks, and that the psi pressure is set correctly.
Characteristics and their Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Development of pressure inside the machine, faulty power cord, faulty capacitor, blockage, clogged nozzle, faulty pump, incompatible accessories, leak in the system, etc. |
| Solution | Pull the trigger and keep it pressed, test and replace parts, clean the nozzle, ensure the detergent siphoning tube is not clogged, follow manufacturer's instructions, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Electric pressure washers cycle to maintain pressure
Electric pressure washers are designed to cycle on and off to maintain the target pressure. This is a unique feature of electric pressure washers, which is not available on gas-powered pressure washers as they do not have a pressure switch.
When you connect the power washer to the water supply and turn on the faucet, a lot of pressure will develop inside the machine within a few seconds after the motor starts running. There is only a small amount of pressure that the machine can hold without releasing it. After reaching this pre-specified pressure, it will switch the motor off to protect the pump. The pressure washer will then turn on again when you pull the trigger, releasing the pressure inside the pump and disengaging the switch.
If your electric pressure washer is cycling too frequently, there could be a few issues causing this. Firstly, check for any leaks in the system as even a small leak can cause a drop in internal pressure, forcing the pump to cycle unnecessarily. Inspect the pressure washer itself, especially the base where water may pool, and check all accessories such as hoses, guns, and nozzles for signs of water leakage. If you find a leak, repair or replace the faulty component.
Another potential cause of frequent cycling could be a clog in the nozzle or pressure washer filter. Clean the nozzle and filter to remove any debris or blockage. Additionally, ensure that the detergent siphoning tube is not clogged and always use the soap recommended by the manufacturer.
It is also important to ensure that your pressure washer is receiving ample current and is plugged directly into a power outlet. High-amperage appliances running on the same circuit as your pressure washer can cause fuses to blow or breakers to trip. Check if the motor has stopped making noise, indicating a faulty power cord, or if it is making a humming sound, which usually points to a faulty capacitor.
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Cycling could be due to a faulty power supply
Cycling in electric pressure washers is when the motor turns on and off without pulling the trigger on the gun. It is a unique feature of electric pressure washers as most gas machines do not have a pressure switch. When the pressure washer is connected to a water source and turned on, the motor will run for a few seconds, building up pressure. Once the pressure reaches a certain level, the motor will switch off to protect the pump.
If your electric pressure washer is cycling, it could be due to a faulty power supply. Before troubleshooting the machine, ensure that it is unplugged. Check if the machine is receiving enough current to work properly. Avoid using an extension cord and plug the machine directly into a power outlet. Check the fuse to see if it is working properly. If there are any issues, replace the fuse immediately as a faulty fuse can be dangerous. If there are any burning smells coming from the machine, seek professional help.
If the power supply is not the issue, there are other potential causes for cycling. Cycling can be caused by pressure loss in the system, which could be due to a leak somewhere in the system. Inspect the pressure washer, especially at the base where water may pool, and check all accessories such as hoses, guns, and nozzles for signs of water leakage. If you find a leak, repair or replace the faulty component.
Another potential cause of cycling is air trapped in the pump. To fix this, turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the high-pressure water hose and trigger gun. Turn on the water source and allow water to run through the pump for 20-30 seconds. Then, reconnect the pressure hose and trigger gun and try using the machine again.
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A clogged nozzle or hose could cause cycling
If your electric pressure washer is cycling on and off, it could be due to a clogged nozzle or hose. Cycling is caused by a loss of pressure in the system, which can be the result of a leak. Even a small leak will cause internal pressure to drop, forcing the pump to run continuously or cycle unnecessarily.
To prevent the pressure washer from cutting out, ensure the pressure washer pump is well-maintained and the psi pressure is set correctly. If your pressure washer has an extension, make sure it is securely connected and in good condition. Check the hose and nozzle for any blockages, including debris, and ensure they meet the manufacturer's specifications. The hose must be no longer than 100 feet in length and should have M22-14mm connections that match the pressure washer's fittings. If you are using quick connects, verify they are also M22-14mm compatible. Make sure the hose is steel-braided to prevent expansion under high pressure, which could prevent the unit from reaching peak pressure.
If you are experiencing a smoking pressure washer, or if the smoke turns black, there may be another issue with your pressure washer. Check for other common causes such as issues related to the spark arrestor, fuel filter, fuel cap, carburettor, and clogging of the pressure washer filter.
If you are still experiencing cycling after checking for leaks and blockages, there may be air trapped in the pump. To resolve this, turn off the pressure washer and disconnect the high-pressure water hose and trigger gun. Turn on the water source and allow water to run through the pump for 20-30 seconds. Reconnect the hose and trigger gun and try using the machine again.
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Air trapped in the pump may cause cycling
If your electric pressure washer is cycling, it could be due to air trapped in the pump. Cycling is when the motor turns on and off when the trigger on the gun is not being pulled. This is a common issue with electric pressure washers as they have a pressure switch. When connected to a water source, the motor will run for a few seconds, building up pressure. However, these machines can only hold a tiny amount of pressure before releasing it, which causes the motor to switch off to protect the pump.
Air can become trapped in the pump from the customer's previous use, causing the unit to pulsate or turn off during use. This can be fixed by removing any nozzle connected to the end of the wand and turning on the garden hose, but leaving the pressure washer turned off. With the pressure washer turned off, squeeze the trigger for about 3 minutes, allowing water to run through the unit at no pressure and releasing any trapped air.
If this does not work, you can try another method to remove air from the pump. Turn off the machine and disconnect the high-pressure water hose and trigger gun from your power washer. With only the garden hose connected, turn on the water source and allow water to run through the pump for 20-30 seconds. Then, turn off the water and reconnect the pressure hose and trigger gun before trying the machine again.
It is important to ensure that your pressure washer pump is well-maintained and that the psi pressure is set correctly to prevent the machine from cutting out. In addition, always use the manufacturer's recommended soap and check that the detergent siphoning tube is not clogged.
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Cycling may be due to a faulty capacitor
If your electric pressure washer is cycling on and off, it could be due to a faulty capacitor. Cycling is when the motor turns on and off when the trigger on the gun is not being pulled. This is a common issue with electric pressure washers as they have a pressure switch that turns the motor off when a certain pressure is reached, to protect the pump.
If the motor has stopped making noise but is humming, this is usually a sign of a faulty capacitor. To be sure, the capacitor and other parts would need to be tested. A faulty capacitor can be replaced, and you should refer to the manufacturer's instructions for troubleshooting and maintenance.
It is important to ensure that the pressure washer pump is well-maintained and the PSI pressure is set correctly. Cycling can also be caused by pressure loss in the system, which could be due to a leak somewhere in the system. Even a small leak will cause internal pressure to drop, forcing the pump to run continuously or cycle unnecessarily. Check all accessories, such as hoses, guns, and nozzles, for signs of water leakage. If you find a leak, replace or repair the faulty component.
Other issues that can cause cycling include a clogged nozzle, a faulty power supply, or air trapped in the pump. A clogged nozzle is a common issue and can be fixed by simply cleaning the nozzle. A faulty power supply could be due to a loose connection or a broken cable fault. If your pressure washer has an extension, ensure it is securely connected and in good condition. Air trapped in the pump can be fixed by allowing water to run through the unit at no pressure to bleed out any air.
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Frequently asked questions
Cycling is when the motor turns on and off without the trigger on the gun being pulled. This is usually due to a loss of pressure in the system, which could be caused by a leak in one of the lines or inside the machine. Check for any water leaks and if there is no leak, there may be air trapped in the pump.
Inspect the pressure washer, especially at the base where water may pool. Check all accessories, such as hoses, guns, and nozzles, for signs of water leakage. If you find a leak, replace or repair the faulty component.
Turn off your pressure washer and disconnect the high-pressure water hose and trigger gun. With only the garden hose connected, turn on your water source and allow water to run through the pump for 20-30 seconds. Then, reconnect the pressure hose and trigger gun and try using the machine again.
Yes, there are various other issues that could be causing your pressure washer to cycle. This includes problems with the pump, a clogged nozzle, or a faulty power supply.
