Pressure washers are a great tool for cleaning off dirt, grime, and residue from a range of surfaces.
But when they start surging, it’s not only disruptive but potentially dangerous.
Do you suspect your pressure washer is surging? In this article, we’ll answer that question and take a look at some of the most common causes of pressure washer surging.
We’ll cover what a pressure washer is, the signs of surging, and some common causes such as air leaks, clogged nozzles, blocked suction hoses, and faulty regulators.
So read on to get the answers you need to keep your pressure washer running smoothly!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Your pressure washer may be surging because the engine is not running at a consistent speed.
This could be caused by an issue with the carburetor, a loose or damaged spark plug, a clogged fuel filter, or a problem with the engine’s intake or exhaust.
You should check these components and make sure they are functioning properly.
If the issue persists, it may be best to consult a professional mechanic.
What Is a Pressure Washer?
A pressure washer is a powerful outdoor cleaning tool used to clean driveways, siding, decks, and more.
It works by combining water pressure and cleaning agents to blast away dirt and grime from even the most stubborn surfaces.
Pressure washers are available in both electric and gas-powered models and come in a variety of sizes and power levels, making them suitable for both residential and commercial use.
The most common type of pressure washer is powered by a gasoline engine and features a pump that is driven by the engine, sending pressurized water through a hose and out of a nozzle.
The pressure washers nozzle is adjustable, allowing for different spray patterns and nozzle sizes, allowing for a wide range of cleaning power.
Additionally, some models also have additional features such as detergent tanks, adjustable spray nozzles, and adjustable pressure settings.
Pressure washers are extremely powerful tools that can be used to clean a variety of surfaces quickly and efficiently.
However, like any machine, they are susceptible to certain issues, such as surging.
What Causes Pressure Washer Surging?
When a pressure washer is surging, it is usually a sign that something is not right. While the exact cause of the issue will vary depending on the type and age of the machine, it is usually due to one of the following issues: an air leak in the system, a clogged nozzle, a blocked suction hose, or a faulty regulator.
An air leak in the system can cause the pressure washer to surge because the pressure within the system is not stable.
This can be caused by a worn or cracked gasket, a loose connection, or a damaged hose.
If the air leak is severe, it can cause the pressure washer to lose power or even shut off completely.
Another common cause of surging is a clogged nozzle.
If the nozzle becomes clogged with dirt, debris, or even soap, it can restrict the flow of water, causing the pressure washer to surge.
The nozzle should be checked regularly and cleared of any blockages to ensure it is working properly.
A blocked suction hose can also cause the pressure washer to surge.
If the suction hose is blocked, the pressure washer will not be able to draw in enough water, causing it to surge.
This can be caused by anything from a kink in the hose to a build-up of dirt or debris.
The suction hose should be checked regularly to ensure it is not blocked.
The last common cause of surging is a faulty regulator.
The regulator is responsible for regulating the pressure of the water, so if it is not functioning correctly, the pressure of the water can fluctuate, causing the pressure washer to surge.
A faulty regulator can be caused by a worn-out part or a blocked filter.
In any case, correcting the issue will help you get the most out of your pressure washer and ensure it runs safely and effectively.
If you suspect a mechanical issue, it’s best to have your pressure washer inspected by a qualified technician.
They will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend the best course of action.
Signs of Surging
It is important to identify the signs of pressure washer surging in order to ensure it is running safely and effectively.
The most common signs of surging include inconsistent water pressure, a pulsing or vibrating spray nozzle, and a loud, irregular noise when operating.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to take action and investigate the cause of the issue.
Inconsistent water pressure can be caused by a number of things, such as a clogged nozzle, blocked suction hose, or faulty regulator, as previously mentioned.
A clogged nozzle can cause the water pressure to fluctuate and can also cause the spray nozzle to pulse or vibrate.
This can be caused by a buildup of debris, or a worn out component.
A blocked suction hose can also cause the water pressure to fluctuate, as it restricts the amount of water that is able to flow through the system.
A faulty regulator can also cause the water pressure to fluctuate, as it is responsible for regulating the amount of pressure that is delivered to the nozzle.
In addition to the signs mentioned above, a loud, irregular noise can also be a symptom of pressure washer surging.
This can be caused by an air leak in the system, which can lead to a rapid increase and decrease in pressure.
It is important to identify and address any air leaks in the system, as they can be potentially dangerous.
It is important to identify the signs of pressure washer surging in order to ensure it is running safely and effectively.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to take action and investigate the cause of the issue.
In most cases, the issue can be easily resolved with a few simple steps.
However, if the issue is more serious, it may be necessary to have your pressure washer inspected by a qualified technician.
Air Leak
If your pressure washer is surging, it could be due to an air leak in the system.
An air leak can be caused by a number of issues, such as a worn gasket, a loose fitting, or a cracked hose.
If you suspect an air leak, you should inspect all of the components of your pressure washer to make sure everything is properly connected.
You should also check to make sure all of the seals and gaskets are in good condition and not damaged.
If there is a leak, you should replace the faulty component or have it repaired by a qualified technician.
Correcting an air leak will help ensure that your pressure washer runs smoothly and efficiently.
Clogged Nozzle
If your pressure washer is surging, one possible cause could be a clogged nozzle.
A clogged nozzle restricts the flow of water and causes pressure to build up in the system, leading to surging.
This can be caused by dirt and debris that clog the nozzle, or by a build-up of mineral deposits in the system.
To check for a clogged nozzle, first disconnect the nozzle from the wand and inspect it for any blockages.
If it is clogged, try cleaning it with a soft brush and some mild detergent, then reconnect it to the wand.
If the problem persists, you may need to replace the nozzle.
Blocked Suction Hose
When it comes to pressure washers, a blocked suction hose is one of the most common causes of surging.
This can be caused by a variety of factors, from foreign objects blocking the hose to air bubbles that have been trapped inside.
A blocked suction hose can cause a decrease in water pressure, resulting in a surge.
This is because the water is unable to move freely through the hose, creating a pressure imbalance.
To determine if your suction hose is blocked, you can inspect it for any visible obstructions.
Additionally, you can check the pressure gauge to see if it is registering a lower pressure than normal.
If a blockage is suspected, you should contact a qualified technician who can inspect the hose and advise on the best course of action.
You can also take preventative measures to ensure that your suction hose stays clear and free from blockages.
Make sure to routinely inspect the hose for any foreign objects or debris that could cause a blockage.
Additionally, the hose should be flushed regularly in order to remove any built-up sediment that can cause a blockage.
If you are still experiencing issues with your suction hose, it may be time to replace it.
Faulty Regulator
If your pressure washer is surging, one of the potential causes could be a faulty regulator.
A regulator is an important part of the pressure washer system, as it regulates the amount of pressure being applied to the spray nozzle.
If the regulator is not functioning properly, it can cause the pressure washer to surge.
This can result in an inconsistent spray pressure, as well as reduced performance and increased wear and tear on the system.
To determine if your pressure washer has a faulty regulator, you should first check the air pressure in the system.
If the pressure is too low, the regulator may be malfunctioning.
You should also check for any signs of damage or wear on the regulator, as this could be an indication of a problem.
If these signs are present, it’s best to have the regulator inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
In addition to checking the regulator, you should also inspect the other components of the pressure washer system.
This includes checking the suction hose, nozzles, and other parts for signs of damage or wear.
If any of these components are damaged or worn, they can cause the pressure washer to surge, as well as reduce the overall performance of the system.
By inspecting the regulator and other components of the pressure washer system, you can help ensure that your pressure washer runs safely and effectively.
If you suspect a faulty regulator, it’s best to have it inspected by a qualified technician as soon as possible.
This will help to ensure that your pressure washer is running at its optimal performance and that it is safe to use.
Final Thoughts
If your pressure washer is surging, you now know there could be a number of potential causes.
From an air leak to a clogged nozzle to a faulty regulator, it’s important to identify the culprit and take steps to correct it.
That way, you’ll get the most out of your pressure washer and ensure it runs safely and effectively.
If you suspect a mechanical issue, the best course of action is to have your pressure washer inspected by a qualified technician.