How to Start a Pressure Washer

It is not uncommon for leftover air in a pressure pump to "explode" and completely destroy the pump. This kind of air explosion in a pressurized water system is called cavitation. Correctly setting up a pressure washer is fast and easy with this article's steps listed below.

Pressure Washer Setup Steps
To start a pressure washer correctly, all of the air in its system must be cleared out in stages by adding one piece of the washer at a time. Many pressure washer owners know that they need to run water through the machine before turning it on, but few owners take the time to do this one piece of the washer at a time. To ensure that all air is out of the pressure washer, water must be ran through the machine in segments as we suggest. Simply connecting all of the washer's pieces and running water through it might get you by, but you'll notice the difference in the washer's performance if you take the time to set it up the right way.

To make pressure washer setup easier, we suggest using a garden hose valve like the one pictured above.   1. Run water through the garden hose being used.

This will expel any air trapped in the hose that would otherwise get into the pump.

Keep the valve on the hose open until you're sure all the air is out, then close the valve. [Back to top]
  2. Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer pump.

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  3. Run water through the pressure washer pump.

Keep the water running for several seconds, or until any sputtering stops.

This is where having a valve on the hose comes in handy, since you won't have to leave the washer repeatedly to control the water flow. [Back to top]

  4. Connect the wand hose to the pump.

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  5. Run water through the wand hose.

The wand hose is likely to sputter for several moments before completely clearing of air.

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  6. Attach the wand and likewise run water through the system again.

Mixed water and air will make a crackling sound as they leave the wand until all of the air is expelled. The crackling will probably continue for several seconds.

With all of the air properly cleared out of the pressure washer, you can expect strong, consistent pressure out of your tool.

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  Conclusion
Correctly setting up your pressure washer before start-up will protect your machine against unnecessary damage and greatly improve its performance. For pressure washer accessories, tune-up parts, and other repair parts, visit our Pressure Washer Parts page here at eReplacementParts.com.   [Back to top] What we're about.