Pressure Washer Question?

drumhead

I want to start a mobile detailing company but have no room or way to transport water. If I buy an electric 1700psi washer, connect a hose to it and the other end INSIDE A WATER CONTAINER, will the washer suck the water in?

Thank you in advance and your answers are HIGHLY appreciated!

Answer
No, but you could buy a small electric water pump to supply the washer.

How to convert pressure washer into water pump?

jjsschultz

I have a briggs 6.5 hp pressure washer that I was wondering if I could convert it into a water pump to shiphon water from a river. I got the go ahead from the mayor to use river water to water grass and garden but now I need a pump to get it a few hundred feet from the river to my garden. Is there a way to convert my pressure washer into a pump the can siphon the water out for me and pump it to where I need. I'm not worried about it being high or low pressure, just want to know if i can do this.
I tried to do what shiggity said but the pressure washer requires pressurized water going into the inlet it does not siphon from the inlet on its own, i also tried to "prime" it by filling the hose with water before sumerging it into the river but still no luck.

Answer
Attach a pipe to the outlet of your pressure washer.
Add a hose to the end of the pipe.
The pipe is so that your hose won't get damaged by the pressure as it exits the nozzle.
Run a hose from the river to the water supply of your washer. Don't forget a filter.

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what is the best pressure washer?

Pandora

Looking for a good gas cold water pressure washer for home use.

Answer
There are a couple different types of cold water, gas pressure washers out there. There are direct drive models, and there are belt drive models. The difference is as follows:

Direct Drive- These things are more efficient because they have no moving parts. the shaft from the motor is connected directly to the pump, so no belts or pulleys are required. These units are cheaper because they are simpler to build.

Belt Drive- These units use a belt and pulleys to connect the motor and the pump. This setup uses a few more parts, but is actually preferable to the direct drive units because they last longer. This is because a larger pulley can be used at the pump, causing the pump to run at a lower RPM than the motor. this is less straining on the pump, and will help your unit to last longer. Unfortunately, it is also more expensive.

For home use, I would go with a belt driven unit. If you are using the pressure washer less than 20 hours a week consistently, then it is not worth the added cost to get a belt driven unit. If you do a quick Google search, you will see that most sources recommend 3000 PSI for concrete, and that is more than enough for siding and decks (I'll put a link in my sources to a forum discussion on what pressure is needed for concrete). 3000 PSI is also enough to run a surface cleaner or rotary nozzle if you later decide that you want to speed up that driveway cleaning. I have heard it said that pressure cleans, but flow helps you clean it faster, so make sure that the machine you get has a decent GPM rating. A machine that is like 3000 PSI at 2 Gallons per minute will be perfect for what you need it for.

Note: I would get a machine with a Honda engine. They rarely have to be serviced, and after market parts are abundant online for cheaper repairs.

Pressure washer help!!!!?

Logan Jame

I have a Troy Bilt Pressure washer that won't build up pressure or spray water. It comes out the hose but not the wand. I don't know if it could be the pump or wand? Please help!!!

Answer
Easy fix. There is a small rubber washer inside the attachment assembly that needs to be replaced. I use my pressure washer daily and it happens all the time. Home Depot sells replacment "O' ring washers for them.

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Water Hose to pressure washer quick attachment?

Richard

I'm looking for the quick attachment that goes from the pressure washer to the water hose. My Pressure washer is the (Briggs & Stratton "chore master" > Model CV-2100-OMBC). I'm not sure if I'm looking at the wrong parts or what but everything I find doesn't work for my hose. Please help.

Answer
Although the engine is a Briggs & Stratton the pressure washer was manufactured by a different company. We would recommend contacting the manufacturer of the pressure washer; Mi-T-M. They will have the information on what size fitting the pressure hose is.

Pressure Washer engine oil?

coaster

I recently rediscovered a somewhat old Honda 6 hp pressure washer and want to get it running. I got 2 cycle multi purpose engine oil for it and am hoping that it will work fine. I don't have any information about it with my and therefore cannot look up a owner manual. My question is basically will a pressure washer that needs say 3 cycle engine oil run with 2 cycle?
On second thoughts it seems to be a 5hp and looks like this. http://www.dynamitetoolco.com/BE-PE-2005HWX-5HP-2500-PSI-Honda-Pressure-Washer-p/bep-pe-2005hwx.htm

Answer
Your pressure washer is run by a 4cycle engine which has a seperate oil reservoir. I would suggest using a standard 30 wt engine oil which is recommended for lawnmower engines. A 2- cycle engine oil is used on only in small engines like weed eaters and chain saws and is mixed in with gasoline.

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How do I fix the hose tail on a Craftsman Pressure washer?

Mike R

I have a Craftsman 2550 PSI pressure washer. I need to replace the "hose tail kit". This is the part that you attach the suction hose to for the detergent. My problem is upon receiving the replacement part I have found that I don't know what order to assemble the parts. There is a new "valve" but it came with a small spring, metal ball, and a washer. Does anyone know in what order these parts go?

Answer
You should be able to download a diagram from craftsman.com and see for sure how to assemble.

If I have to guess it sounds like you should the valve should go on the outside followed by the washer, ball, and spring. It is essentially creating a check valve inline so that it can only suck up the detergent and it won't put water back into that bucket.

Karcher K 301 domestic pressure washer repairs?

ruben

How can I repair it?, motor works ok, water flows without pressure (no leaks), I disasembled it and everything looks ok, what piece should I replace? Washers? rubber rings? All check valves are complete and seem to work

Answer
May be that the pressure pump is shot. If the unit is not old Karcher may cover under warranty or may assist in determining the problem.

I replaced the pump on my 5hp Gas powered unit for around $75. I found a vendor on Ebay. I didn't bother with trying to repair as it can be quite complex and hard to troubleshoot.

With a Karcher the repair (or even the parts alone) may be more than a new unit.

Here's a link to a place that sells repair kits: http://www.pressureparts.com/U-PumpKits-C-KAKITS-Pressure-Products.aspx

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buying preassure washer?

jason s

i am interested in buying a gasoline powered preassure washer, particularly a Troy-Bilt
3000 MAX PSI / 2.7 MAX GPM Pressure Wash. does anyone own one, or have any other recomendations for a different make or model. this one costs about $390.00

Answer
I don't have any info onthis pressure washer, but before buying it, consider storage space and how often you will use it. Sometimes it rather pays to rent it for a day or two.

Water Quality used for Pressure Washer?

Alex

How clean or "pure" does water need to be, to be used in a Pressure Washer?

Specifically: Is Lake Water okay to use through a portable pressure washer? (No google did not help. Plus google gives me headaches.)

INFO: So I have this idea to take a gas generator and my electrical power washer out to some land I own in the country. There is a concrete surface I want to clean, and was wondering if lake water (Frogs, some lily pads, drinking source for abundant wild life) would work properly (pass through the washer without causing long term damage)

I ask because this place is 10 miles from any type of clean public water. And I simply can not haul an estimated 40-160 gallons of water. The lake is a quarter mile from my work space, and with several 5 gallon drums.. Well you get the idea.

I'm not sure exactly how it works.. if the possible debris/algae would clog/break the washer... Or if i could just take it home afterwards and run regular water w/ bleach (or some cleaner t.b.d.).

SPECIFICS: I only need to use the power washer for a maximum of twenty minutes to remove algae/dirt from a 20'x20' concrete landing. At least 10 minutes would be worth it. I have read that depending on the psi of my washer.. That it could consume anywhere from 1-10 gallons a minute.


THANK YOU FOR ANY INFORMATION. Or if you can send me in the right direction to get some concrete answers I will gladly reward you best answer. Thanks just for reading.

Answer
you need to install a light filter unless not feeding from the bottom of water source - as long as no sand or dirt get in should be ok - sand or dirt sedemit is the only thing that burns them out - i use well water or creek or river water all the time - as long as no debre enters the chamber and the chamber is always primed with 35-60 psi of water before running engine on power washer - all is well - they do have internal screens that prevent sediment from entering - but once sedement enters the chamber - it burns up the bearings - and the impeller that pumps the water itself - thats the diffrence of a hot running half wore out pressure washer - as opposed to a brand new one - so either way some go some dont - i run power washers all the time from creeks streams - well water and city water - so go for it - just dont suck crap from the bottom is the key trick

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Which Pressure washer is better?

BMX Pro

These are the two that I've been looking at. They're both the same price.
http://www.homelite.com/catalog/pressureâ¦
Has subaru engine 175cc, 2700PSI, 2.4GPM, Aluminum pump, OHC engine

http://www.homelite.com/catalog/pressureâ¦
Homelite Engine 2.5GPM, 212CC, Brass Pump , OHV engine, 3000PSI

I've never hear of a homelite engine. I am aware that brass head pumps are better than alumium but I am not sure what would be the better choice
the one with an aluminium pump and a well known relaible engine
or the one with a brass pump and an unknown engine
Also the 300 PSI difference doesnt really matter to me as anything over 2500PSI would be enough for me

Answer
It is not the PSI that matters as much as the GPM. Pressure can be increased by just putting a smaller nozzle on it.

A good pressure washer should have about 3.2 GPM minimum. This way you can fan the spray out to do the job without destroying the deck.

Yes a brass pump is better than aluminum or steel.

I can't check it out now. The Homelite web site is down. But Homelite is a good brand and has been around for at least 30 years.

Here is the correct link to your site
http://www.homelite.com/catalog/pressure_washers

The Home lite is the better one out of these choices but fall below what a real pressure washer should have.

I learned years ago the when buying equipment, buy professional heavy duty because the standard home owner equipment is made so cheaply it will only last a few years. You will have to decide.

I personally have a DeWalt Pressure after burning up 2 of those lower cost ones. My DeWalt is now 9 years old and still kicking. My model is no longer mad but it is powered by a Briggs and Stratton and pumps 3.5 GPM.

Here is a link to some professional models.
http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Pressure-Washers-Professional-Pressure-Washers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbxd1/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&Nu=P_PARENT_ID

And for you best bang for the buck here is one I think would fit your needs better
http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Outdoor-Power-Equipment-Pressure-Washers-Professional-Pressure-Washers/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbxd1/R-202564510/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

There are better ones made but at a way higher price. This one is way above what you are looking at without breaking the bank.

Herb

What's the best electric pressure washer for detailing cars?

black_ice_

I'm looking for a good quality pressure washer for cleaning cars. It needs to be able to draw from a water tank without assistance, and it needs to be reliable. About $200 is my budget, but I'd like to keep it as cheap as possible while still keeping quality.

Answer
For $200 you are not going to get any kind of quality pressure washer.
You need a washer which operates at 1800 PSI or higher pressure output to perform effectively. They start at around $350 - $400 dollars. I do not know of any commercially available pressure washers which will draw from an unpressurized tank - they all are designed to operate from a pressurized hose delivering 3-5 GPM @ 20+ PSI.

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I need a good hose nozzle to act like a pressure washer?

slide000

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD NOZZLE THAT CAN GIVE SOME GOOD PRESSURE?

Answer
I found a brass taper nozzle to go on the end of my garden hose at Home Depot. Probably any well socked garden center will have them.

You can try and connect decreasing sizes of copper pipe and tubing down to 1/4" opening. They make a garden hose to pipe thread adapter.

Just remember you'll still only get 80 psi, just at a higher velocity.

How to Use a Pressure Washer ?

rabbi

Answer
First, hook the hose to the pressure washer. Hook the pressure washer to the facet. Turn on the facet. Pull start the pressure washer. This should work like a mower 2 cycle engine.
Use the gun part and pull the trigger. Hold the end of the gun about 2 inches away from and HARD surfaces, like brick or concrete. Increase the distance with the fragility of the surface, glass for example needs to be at least 2 feet.
It is better to brush in some cleaning solvent before using high pressure water.

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Type of oil required for pressure washer pumps?

Al

I have a 3500 psi simpson pressure washer. Bought in 1997 but hardly used. What type of oil does the pressure pump requires? Although I did not use it more than 30 hours but the oil level seems to be low.
Thanks,

Answer
I use straight 30 weight, but the link below suggests a special blend for the manufacturers motor.


".... and made a visit to the local Napa Auto Parts store looking for oil. The guy told me to use 30 weight Non-Detergent oil. He said heâs worked with many a pressure washer and they all took the same oil."

How much of a difference does it make if I wash my car with a pressure washer vs a regular garden hose/nozzle?

Dinosaur

Answer
High pressure washers tend to be more efficient in removing dirt/bugs/etc from your vehicle during the initial rinse. It reduces the probability of your vehicle being scratched by dirt during the soap application period. These are usually used at Car Wash locations.

Garden hoses are convenient, but use a lot more water with less force.

To give a power comparison, the regular household water pressure in the front yard is about 60psi... The pressure washer usually operates at 1500-3500 psi. Touching the spray of a pressure washer with your hand might cause severe damage.

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turning off water supply?

Brad G

hi im a little bit impaired when it comes to plumbing- I need a bit of help here- I want to change the washer in a tap- so i turned off the water mains outside- then opened up all the cold taps to drain them- but now boiling hot water is coming out the cold tap??? do I also have to shut off the geyser

Answer
The hot water water is finding a path through a faulty valve (tap) washer to the cold water side. Since you shut off the main water supply, it can only be the pressure from your hot water tank. Open the drain at the bottom of your hot water tank to relieve the pressure from there.

I have a Karcher electric pressure washer and water is coming out from the trigger area, what's causing this?

Dinosaur

Here is the one that I have:
http://www.karcher-usa.com/showproducts.php?op=view_prod&param1=232&param2=&param3=

when i turn the water hose on water comes out from the trigger area and it won't stop. i made sure that there is a washer where the hose plugs into the unit also.

Answer
YOU HAVE A SEAL/RUBBER WASHER THT IS BAD

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pump on pressure washer seizes up?

Cheryl

I run the water through the pressure washer.
I fire up the pressure washer.
I pull the trigger and the pressure washer dies.
I cannot pull the cord again until I release the water pressure in the pump, and no water flows through the hose after the engine dies.
I drained the fuel and restarted. I tried to pull the trigger and gave it a little bump--on and off. The motor stayed running, but the water quit flowing. Is there some sort of a valve in the pump that I need to do something to?

Answer
How long has it been since you ran the thing? If you have bad gas or a clogged fuel line, the unit will start and even run after a fashion. But the moment you load the engine (engage the pump), it will die. Before you look to anything else, drain out the old gas, clear the fuel line, check the carburetor and make sure everything is clean - then add fresh *stabilized* gas and try again.This is such a common problem with small engines - mowers and washers in the spring, and snow and leaf blowers in the fall and winter that have not been stored properly that I expect many dozens of such questions over the next few weeks.

If this doesn't work, then look into the pump itself - but as it is building pressure, I am inclined to think that the engine is running lean or fouled and so cannot take the load.

Simply putting in fresh fuel may not be enough if the carburetor is fouled or the fuel-line partially blocked. You could run some carburetor cleaner through the system and there are fuel-additives that perform the same function - but the former requires some small-engine skills, the latter a lot of time - you may have to run several tanks through the system to clean the jets properly.

But, also read the directions that came with it for pump maintenance and sequence-of-operations. It may be as simple as an adjustment of the pressure switch.

What is best water pump for inflow of water for a Gas pressure washer?

Sergio M

I need to feed water into the pressure washer using a still water tank in a van. There are two types of water pumps: Continuous flow and On-Demand.

If i am squeezing the trigger on the pressure washer, I can see the continuous flow pump working best but what if I am NOT squeezing the trigger? What happens? Will it damage the water pump?

An On-Demand pump hiccups between trigger squeezes and I am running the pressure washer "dry" which could damage it. See my question?
The use of the pump would be to rinse a car. (allow time for us to suds and sponge) then rinse.

One alternative I see is to just continually power off the 12V pump and Gas pressure washer Engine to prevent damage. and I see a continuous flow working best.

To comment on your water relief inlet. I don't deem it necessary as we will just be using a few gallons before shut down.

Any new thoughts?

Answer
Your problem doesn't have a simple answer.
You would be wise to contact the pressure washer manufacturer's tech support for pump recommendations. Be prepared to give them the model of your unit, the size of your tank, and the length of time you need to use it continuously.
A constant displacement pump would require a relief valve which returns surplus to the tank for continuous operation. A centrifugal pump would not require relief for continuous operation, but would have to be sized accurately for the task.
A demand pump might not meet the washer manufacturer's requirements.
The manufacturer probably has economical solutions.

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