Theres nothing like a pressure washer to power through tough grime and dirt on your outdoor surfaces, but if your pressure washer isnt working as it should, it may be because theres air in the system.
Fortunately, its easy to get air out of a pressure washer and get it back up and running again, and in this article, well show you exactly how its done.
Well start by discussing what a pressure washer is and how it works, then move on to how you can prepare your pressure washer for use and the steps you need to take to remove all the air.
Finally, well look at what to do if youre still having problems.
So if youre ready to get your pressure washer back to peak performance, read on!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To get air out of a pressure washer, start by turning off the water supply and opening the trigger gun.
Then, release the pressure from the pump by depressing the trigger gun.
Next, open the pumps drain valve to allow the water to flow out.
Finally, turn the water supply back on and close the drain valve.
This should remove all the air from the pressure washer.
Understanding Pressure Washers
Having a pressure washer in your toolkit can be incredibly useful when it comes to cleaning tough surfaces, like patios, driveways, and other outdoor surfaces.
Pressure washers use a combination of high-pressure water jets and detergent to break down dirt and grime without the need for physical scrubbing.
However, if you dont take the proper steps to get the air out of the machine before using it, you may find yourself with an ineffective or dysfunctional pressure washer.
To understand how to get air out of a pressure washer, its important to first understand the basics of how a pressure washer operates.
Pressure washers are typically powered by electricity or gas.
They use a motor to generate a high-pressure water stream which is then used to clean surfaces.
The motor runs the pump, which is responsible for pressurizing the water stream.
The pressure is controlled by a nozzle, which increases or decreases the pressure of the water stream.
In addition, most pressure washers have a wand that is connected to the pump and nozzle.
The wand can be used to direct the water stream and to adjust the pressure.
To ensure that your pressure washer is working properly, you must make sure that the wand is firmly attached to the pump and that all of the connections are secure.
By doing this, youll ensure that the pressure washer is not leaking air.
Preparing the Pressure Washer
Before you can get started with removing air from your pressure washer, you’ll need to make sure that all of the connections are secure and that the wand is firmly attached.
This means checking all hoses and connections and ensuring that they are secure.
If any of the connections are loose, you may need to tighten them or replace them altogether.
Once everything is connected and secure, you’ll be ready to start removing air from the pressure washer.
It’s also important to check the wand and make sure that it is firmly attached to the pressure washer.
This will ensure that the water is able to flow through the system without any air bubbles or other obstructions.
If the wand is not securely attached, then you may need to replace it before moving forward.
Once you’ve made sure that all of the connections are secure and the wand is firmly attached, you can turn on the water supply and the pressure washer.
This will allow the water to flow through the system and begin to remove any trapped air bubbles.
However, you may still need to manually pump the wand in order to completely remove all of the air from the pressure washer.
Turning on Water Supply and Pressure Washer
Turning on the water supply and pressure washer are essential steps for removing air from the machine.
To begin, make sure that the power switch is in the on position and that the water supply is turned on.
Once these two steps are completed, you can turn on the pressure washer.
Depending on the model, this may require flipping a switch, pressing a button, or turning a knob.
When the pressure washer is on, you will need to wait a few moments for the water to flow through the system and any air bubbles to be pushed out.
If you are having trouble getting the pressure washer to turn on, you may need to check the hose connections and tighten them if necessary.
It is also important to make sure that the wand is firmly attached before turning the machine on.
This will help to ensure that the water flows through the system properly and that the air is removed efficiently.
Securing Connections
When it comes to getting air out of a pressure washer, the first step is to make sure that all of the connections are secure and that the wand is firmly attached.
This is an important step, as any air leak in the system can cause the pressure washer to malfunction.
To ensure that the connections are secure, you should start by checking the connections between the pressure washer and the water supply.
Make sure that the hose is properly connected to the pressure washer and that the connections are properly sealed.
Additionally, check the connections where the hose is connected to the wand, ensuring that they are tight and secure.
Once all of the connections are secure, you can move on to the next step.
Manually Pumping the Wand
Manually pumping the wand is the final step to getting any air out of a pressure washer.
To do this, first you’ll need to turn the pressure washer on and make sure the water supply is connected.
Once the pressure washer is running, take the wand of the machine and hold it with both hands.
Begin to rapidly pump the wand up and down, making sure to not let the wand slip out of your hands.
Pumping the wand will help to push out any air bubbles that may be trapped in the machine.
After a few pumps, you should see the water begin to flow out of the wand.
If there are still air bubbles present, you may need to repeat this step a few more times.
Once the water is flowing out of the wand without any air bubbles, you can be sure that all of the air has been removed from the pressure washer.
Checking for Air Bubbles
Checking for air bubbles is the most important step in getting air out of a pressure washer.
Air bubbles can cause the pressure washer to operate inefficiently, and can even damage the machine if left unchecked.
To check for air bubbles, first make sure that all of the connections are secure and that the wand is firmly attached.
Then, turn on the water supply and the pressure washer.
If water is flowing properly, you should be able to see any air bubbles that may be present.
If you do spot any, you can manually pump the wand to remove them.
Make sure to do this slowly and carefully, as too much pressure could cause further damage.
Once the air bubbles have been removed, you should be able to operate the pressure washer without any issues.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting a pressure washer can be a tricky task, but fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that all of the air is removed quickly and easily.
First, make sure that all of the connections, such as hoses, nozzles, and fittings, are tightened and secure.
This will ensure that no air is able to pass through the system.
Second, you’ll want to turn on the water supply and the pressure washer.
This will allow the water to flow through the system and help dislodge any air bubbles that may be trapped in the machine.
Finally, you’ll need to manually pump the wand in order to remove any remaining air bubbles.
Manually pumping the wand is especially important if you have recently changed out the nozzle on your pressure washer.
When a new nozzle is installed, air can become trapped in the line and must be manually pumped out.
To do this, simply press the trigger on the wand a few times and make sure that the water is flowing out evenly.
If you are still finding air bubbles, turn off the pressure washer and check all of your connections again to make sure that there are no air leaks.
If you’re still having trouble getting the air out of your pressure washer, you may need to consult a professional.
A professional can help you identify any underlying problems that may be causing the air bubbles, such as a faulty seal or a clogged line.
They can also help you with any necessary repairs or replacements.
No matter what the problem is, a professional can help you get your pressure washer working correctly and safely.
Final Thoughts
Getting air out of a pressure washer can be a tricky task, but with the right steps it can be done quickly and easily.
By understanding how pressure washers work, preparing the machine, turning on the water and pressure washer, securing the connections, and manually pumping the wand, you can ensure that the machine is free of any air bubbles and working properly.
Now that you know how to get air out of your pressure washer, it’s time to put your knowledge into action and get your machine running smoothly.