Frequently asked questions
Can you hook up a hot-water to cold-water pressure washer?
Standard pressure washer pumps are not be able to stand hot water unless the pressure washer's pump has been designed and equipped with special seals and packing to withstand the hot water, you will drastically reduce the seals life in your pump leading to, loss of pressure and the pump needing to be rebuilt. Depending on the manufacturer of the pump and style of pump, warm water (up to 100° F) can be used. If warm water is used then it is very important not to leave the machine in by-pass (the machine running without the trigger engaged/pulled) for no longer than 1-2 minutes maximum as the warm water circulating in the by-pass line will make the temperature rise due to friction of water movement through the head of the pump and the fittings, causing the warm water to increase in temperature and damaging the seals, valves and other components. So, if you need to increase cleaning efficiency for the removal of paraffin-based lubricants or truck washing removing road film you have to produce hot water with a heating coil (heat exchanger). Basically, working like this: after the water leaves the pump, hot water pressure washer pressurizes water then runs the water through the heating coils and heat exchanger that heats up water to 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
My pressure washer runs, but won’t reach full high pressure or vibrates?
A lack of pressure can be caused by many things, such as: Low pump RPM, worn incorrect or plugged pressure nozzle, a water flow restriction before the pump, there could be a kink in the hose, the filter could be plugged, not enough water could be getting into the machine, debris caught in a check valve or other valves, a faulty unloader valve, High pressure pump ran out of the oil, a piston is broken, seals and packing may need to be replaced in the pump manifold, the machine drawing air into the system.
Hot water washer that smokes really bad when you are running the burner. What's the cause of it?
Smoke coming from the exhaust points to a combustion problem and can be caused by several things. Build up suit, bad diesel quality, wrong fuel pressure, fuel nozzle or air settings, and broken or wrong gap between electrodes and fuel nozzle. Most fuel oil-fired burners are capable of burning #2 diesel, #1 home heating fuel or kerosene. In the southern states we have seen #2 diesel coming from south of the border that isn’t as refined as the #2 diesel refined here in the US. The higher the refining, the cleaner burning the fuel is. Kerosene will burn much cleaner than #2 or #1 diesel. If the fuel isn’t being completely burned in the combustion chamber the unburned fuel will begin to build up on the heating coil, and this residue will begin a sooting problem. Heating coils are designed to breathe, which allows the air/fuel ratio for proper combustion. If the coils have a soot build up, the air/fuel ratio declines and improper combustion occurs creating smoke. Try this...with the machine NOT running and the burner COLD, reach into the combustion chamber and run your fingers over the heating coil, it is very likely that you will find them covered in black soot. To correct the problem the coil needs to be removed from the machine, cleaned of all the soot residue and then re-insulated, replace the fuel nozzle, check electrodes, and fuel pressure and air settings.
How far from the surface I’m cleaning should I hold the nozzle?
Cleaning a more delicate surface, such as a house, you will want to hold the nozzle about 3 or 5 feet away from the surface of the house. If you’re cleaning more abrasive, hard materials, you’ll want to hold the nozzle about 6 inches from the surface you’re cleaning. The further you are from the surface the lower the impact pressure will be on the surface that you want to clean.
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How should I transport my pressure washer?
It’s recommended that you always keep your pressure washer in an upright position. Laying a pressure washer on its side can cause the oil to spill out from the high-pressure pump, which can damage it. When transporting hot pressure washers, make sure your fuel shut-off valve is in the off position to prevent fuel from spilling out. Other than the fuel shut-off valve, just make sure your pressure washer is secure and not tipping everywhere. Always make sure other things are not falling on your pressure washer, as well.
How do I repair a puncture in my pressure washer hose?
Most cases are not recommended. A pressure washer hose working pressure handles up to 7000 PSI. If the hose has a puncture in it, you should buy a new one. Trying to repair the hose yourself could result in major injury or death upon your next usage of the machine. If the hose is excessively worn and the internal wire braids are exposed, it is best to replace it. However, if the hose is relatively new and in good enough shape, a hose end repair kit may be worth the repair.
Why are there different colored nozzles?
Different colored nozzles are for different jobs:
- Red – 0° nozzle delivers very precise, point concentrated stream, cleans small area
- Yellow – 15° nozzle delivers less concentrated stream, standard nozzle
- Green – 25° nozzle delivers wide stream, best for removing mud and dirt, washing yard
- White - 40º nozzle delivers widest stream, best for wood restoration
- Black – low pressure nozzle very broad stream, best for adding detergent on surface
What kind of oil should I use in my pressure washer?
It is always best to follow the exact pump manufacturer recommendation of the type and the quantity of oil. Different manufacturers each have different ways of construction of high-pressure pumps which require different types and viscosities of oil. Generally, pump manufacturers recommended an oil change every 300-500 hours.
Which is more important—gallons per minute (gpm) or pounds per square inch (psi)?
Gallons per minute says how much rinse flow you’ll be getting after the machine has cleaned the dirt from whatever surface you’re washing. Pounds per square inch tells how much particles you’ll be able to clean off of a surface. GPM is generally more important for farmers or fast rinsing and flushing. PSI is more important for people cleaning abrasive materials such as concrete, ship surfaces, roofs, or walls where dirt and paint can really soak in and get a grip over a long period on the material. So, cleaning power is the Total impact to surface: the measurement to compare combinations of pressure (PSI) and water volume. Reduction in water flow equals to reduction in cleaning efficiency (impact force) so it’s equal to longer cleaning time and more water consumption. Increased impact force is equal to reduced cleaning time and less water usage.