Trystan Casey
If your electric pressure washer won't start, it could be due to a water or electrical problem. First, check the electrical connection and ensure the power cord is intact, properly connected, and plugged directly into a working outlet. Then, check the water flow by connecting the high-pressure hose, spray gun, and lance to the washer, turning on the water, and squeezing the trigger on the spray gun. If there's no water flow, remove the lance and squeeze the trigger again. If there's still no water flow, the problem may lie with the hose or the water inlet screen, which may be kinked, blocked, or clogged. If the washer is receiving water and electricity, the issue could be with the motor or the electronic board, in which case a specialized technician may be required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water flow | Check if there is water flow through the system and that the water hose is not kinked or blocked |
| Electrical connection | Check if the power cord is intact, properly connected, and that the power outlet works |
| Power button | Check if the power button is in the ON position |
| Fuses and safety switches | Check for problems with the fuse or the safety switch |
| Motor | If the motor has stopped making noise, it could be a faulty power cord; if it's making a humming sound, it's likely a faulty capacitor |
| Nozzle | Check if the nozzle is clogged and clean it if necessary |
| GFCI | Check if the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) has been tripped and reset if necessary |
| Pressure regulator or unloader valve | Inspect for malfunction and consider having a professional replace the component if needed |
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What You'll Learn
No water flow
If your electric pressure washer is not turning on, it could be due to a lack of water flow. To check for water flow issues, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Connections
Ensure that the high-pressure hose, spray gun, and lance are all securely connected to the power washer. Also, verify that the garden hose is properly attached to the power washer using the appropriate adapter.
Step 2: Water Source
Make sure the water faucet is fully open and supplying enough water. The water hose should be free of kinks or clogs to maintain adequate water flow.
Step 3: Test Water Flow
Turn on the water source and squeeze the trigger on the spray gun. If water flows through the gun and lance as expected (10-25 feet), water flow is likely not the issue. If there is no water flow, proceed to the next step.
Step 4: Remove Obstructions
Remove the lance and squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to check for any obstructions in the system. Ensure that water filters are clean and free of clogs, as these can restrict water flow and affect the pump's performance.
Step 5: Check Nozzles and Orifice Size
Inspect the nozzles to ensure they match the pressure washer's PSI and GPM requirements. An orifice that is too small will restrict water flow, while an oversized orifice will reduce PSI output. Refer to a sizing chart to determine the correct orifice size for your pressure washer.
Step 6: Re-prime the Pump
If your pressure washer has been sitting for a while, excessive pump pressure may have built up, affecting its ability to start. Try releasing the pressure by pulling the trigger on the spray gun and then holding it down while pulling the starter cord. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on priming the pump, as this will ensure proper water flow through the system.
If you have completed these steps and your electric pressure washer still won't start due to a suspected water flow issue, you may need to consult a specialised technician for further assistance.
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No electricity
If your electric pressure washer won't start, the problem is most likely power-related. Here are some troubleshooting steps to identify and resolve the issue:
Check the Power Source
First, confirm that the pressure washer is securely plugged into a power outlet. Try plugging the power cord into multiple outlets to determine if the issue is with a specific outlet. If the washer turns on with one outlet but not another, the non-working outlet may be faulty and require replacement by an electrician.
Inspect the Power Cord
Examine the power cord for any signs of damage or wear. An issue with the power cord could indicate a problem with the motor or electrical board, which may require professional attention.
Reset the GFCI
Electric pressure washers use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) for protection, which sometimes trips. To reset the GFCI, follow the instructions in your owner's manual. Typically, you'll need to plug the GFCI into a working outlet and press the "Reset" button.
Check the Circuit
If none of the outlets work with your pressure washer, the issue may lie with your circuit. Open your electrical panel and check for a tripped breaker. Reset the breaker by turning it off and then on again. Test the outlets again to see if the problem is resolved.
Test the Amperage
If your pressure washer still won't turn on, use a multimeter to test the amperage of the outlet. If the amperage is below the required level for your pressure washer's motor, you may need to enhance your electrical panel or consider a pressure washer with lower power requirements.
Inspect the Reset Button
If your pressure washer has a Reset button, press and hold it while turning the power on. If the unit turns on briefly before shutting off, it is functioning as intended. To keep it on, squeeze the trigger on the spray gun. This behaviour is due to the Total Stop System (TSS), which only activates the unit when water is flowing through it.
Check the Battery
If your pressure washer has an electric starter, a depleted battery could be the culprit.
Test the Ignition Coil
A broken ignition coil could prevent a spark from igniting the engine's fuel. You can use an ignition coil tester to confirm if this component is malfunctioning.
If none of these solutions resolve the issue, the problem may lie with other components, such as a faulty motor or starting capacitor, requiring professional assistance.
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Faulty power cord
If your electric pressure washer won't start, a faulty power cord could be the culprit. Here are some steps to identify and address potential issues with the power cord:
Check the Electrical Connection
Ensure that the power cord is properly connected to a working power outlet. Check if the power cord is intact and securely plugged into the wall outlet, providing adequate grounded power for your pressure washer. A loose connection or an inadequate power supply could prevent the pressure washer from starting.
Inspect for Damage or Wear
Visually inspect the power cord for any signs of damage or wear. Over time, the power cord may sustain physical damage, such as cuts, tears, or exposed wires. If you notice any damage, it is important to replace the power cord to ensure safe and proper functioning.
Test the Outlet
To confirm whether the issue lies with the power cord or the outlet, try plugging in another device or appliance into the same outlet. If the other device doesn't work either, the problem may be with the outlet itself. Consider resetting the circuit breaker or trying a different outlet to determine if the issue is outlet-related.
Avoid Using Extension Cords
Using an extension cord with your pressure washer is generally not recommended. Extension cords can cause voltage drops and overheating issues, leading to potential damage to your pressure washer. Always plug your pressure washer directly into a wall outlet to ensure a stable power supply.
Check for Overheating
If your pressure washer is turning off during use, it could be due to overheating. Some pressure washers have automatic shut-off features to prevent damage from excessive heat. Ensure that your pressure washer is not operating in an excessively hot environment and allow it to cool down before reuse. Overheating issues may also be related to a faulty power cord, so it's important to inspect the cord for any damage.
If you've tried these troubleshooting steps and the pressure washer still won't start, the power cord may require replacement. Consult a specialized technician or refer to your pressure washer's user manual for further guidance on power cord maintenance and replacement.
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Inlet or water supply issues
If your electric pressure washer won't start, inlet or water supply issues could be the problem. Here are some steps you can take to identify and resolve these issues:
Firstly, ensure that your water source has good pressure and supplies an adequate amount of water. Check that the faucet is fully open and inspect the water inlet screen or filter for any clogs or debris. Clean or replace the screen or filter as necessary.
Next, examine the water hose for any kinks, leaks, or blockages that could be compromising the water flow. Make sure all hoses and fittings are securely connected. If you notice any leaks, tighten the fittings or replace the gaskets.
If your pressure washer has a nozzle, check that it is not clogged. Clean or replace the nozzle if necessary. Also, ensure that the water supply hose is not damaged or blocked.
In some cases, the issue may lie with the pump. Check for any obstructions in the system and ensure that the water is flowing freely. If the pump components are damaged or faulty, they may need to be cleaned or replaced by a specialized technician.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot and address inlet or water supply issues that may be preventing your electric pressure washer from starting.
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Motor or electronic board issues
If your electric pressure washer won't start, it could be due to a motor or electronic board issue. Motor issues can include a faulty capacitor, which may be indicated by a humming sound. In this case, the capacitor would need to be replaced. If the motor has stopped completely, it could be due to a faulty power cord, so check the power cord for any signs of damage or wear. If you're using an extension cord, ensure it is the correct gauge; an undersized cable can cause overheating issues.
Another potential cause is a faulty power source. Check that the machine is turned on and securely plugged into an outlet. If your pressure washer is electric, ensure it is plugged directly into a wall outlet and that the outlet can provide adequate grounded power. If the outlet is faulty, try another one. If the problem persists, you may need to call an electrician to perform panel enhancements or get a pressure washer that requires less power.
Other potential issues include a clogged air filter, which can restrict airflow and prevent the engine from starting. Clean or replace the air filter to resolve this issue. If your pressure washer has a built-in thermal overload protector, it may have been triggered due to overheating. In this case, simply allow the pressure washer to cool down before attempting to start it again.
If the above solutions do not work, the problem could be more complex and related to the electronic board. In this case, it is recommended to consult a specialized technician for further assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few reasons why your electric pressure washer won't start. It could be due to a water flow or electricity problem. Check that the power cord is intact, properly connected, and plugged directly into a working outlet. Ensure the power button is in the 'ON' position. If the motor has stopped making noise, it could be a faulty power cord. If the motor is making a humming sound, it may be a faulty capacitor.
Check that the water hose is not kinked, leaking, or blocked. Ensure the water inlet screen and filter are free of debris and that the water supply is adequate.
Check your Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) and reset it if necessary. Do not use an extension cord as this can drastically shorten the life of your machine.
If your electric pressure washer has a nozzle, ensure it is not clogged or rusted shut.
