Common Pressure Washer Nozzle Issues

Loose your nozzle? Leaky wand tip? Weird spray pattern? Many pressure washer issues can stem from the nozzle. We've listed a few of the more common problems we see and have some tips on how to keep cleaning.
Lock Your Nozzle In
When inserting a nozzle into your pressure washer wand, you must make sure the collar is securely in place. Locking the quick connect will ensure your tip doesn't fly out when you pull the trigger.
Many times, when you lose your nozzle, the o-ring will also take flight. When this happens, you might find the end of your want has some leakage.
O-Rings - Keep the Seal
If you lose your o-ring, simply put a new one in the quick connect and then insert your nozzle, making sure to lock it down. This should take care of the leak and get you back to cleaning!
Losing Pressure - Check your Nozzle Size
Every machine has different requirements for nozzle size. When you use the wrong size nozzle, you can cause a loss of pressure making your machine less effective.
Picking The Correct Nozzle Size
Typically nozzle sizes are engraved on the nozzle body with five numbers. The first two numbers are the degree of nozzle 15 = 15º. The last two numbers are the size 50 = 5.0. Most sizes range from 30 to 60.
So a 15050 is a 15º 5.0 Nozzle. We have a chart below to help figure out the size your machine might need. You can also consult your manual or local dealer for assistance.
Debris In Your Nozzle
it's important to keep the tip and orifice clean. A small rock or piece of debris can cause irregular spray patterns. Periodically inspecting your nozzle tip can ensure you can maintain a consistent spray pattern.
----
Alkota Cleaning Systems has designed and manufactured premium pressure washers in the United States since 1964. We're experts in industrial cleaning solutions!
Subscribe Today for More Pressure Washer Tips and Tricks!
Visit Our Website alkota.com.
Follow Us On Facebook / alkotacs

[@michaelpicazo8310]

My 15 degree nozzle is spraying at a pinstream, think it’s something with the backpack tho

[@murtaghslawncare5861]

How can I measure my actual GMP of my Powerwasher? Is there a way to measure my Pounds per sq inch also? Can I reduce the psi in my machine? Will reducing the throttle do it but there again how can I measure it at the reduced rate.? Thank you

[@AlkotaCS]

Hello! You need a pressure gauge installed on the end of your wand to measure PSI. As for GPM, you can simply use a 5-gallon bucket and timer. Then, measure how much water you have after 1 minute. You can reduce your PSI by using a nozzle with a larger orifice size, or you can purchase a variable pressure wand. Hope this helps!

[@cleysoptique8749]

My nozzle tip is loose in the adapter fitting... I've had two adapters do exactly this.... why? It's like the ball bearings are loose on the adapter or something

[@AlkotaCS]

Try inspecting or replacing the o-ring, it might be worn.

[@iamwhodis]

The tips I have , especially the white has much more pressure on the edges of the stream, leaving marks on the outside edge. I can't figure out what's going on. They are OEM with the machine. Anyone got any ideas?

[@AlkotaCS]

Try bringing the nozzle in closer to what you are cleaning; it should take care of the striping issues. Most nozzles clean best within 12 inches of what you are cleaning.

[@tonyscaringi2088]

Hi, my 15 degree nozzle on my Karcher electric pressure washer seems to be clogged. No water comes out when I use this nozzle. It works fine with the other tips. Can this nozzle be saved?

[@AlkotaCS]

You can try using a pick to clean out the end of the nozzle. Also, a welder tip cleaner can clean out debris in the nozzle. Or contact your local Alkota dealer for a new nozzle :-)

[@TurdFerguson362]

so brand new out of the box my wand's collar won't go back up after i put the nozzle in

[@AlkotaCS]

Try pushing the nozzle in further while pulling up on the collar. Sometimes new nozzles are tricky to get in! The other issue could be the o-ring is not fully seated. Hope that help!

[@TurdFerguson362]

@@AlkotaCS i tried, looks like a manufacturing issue, might just be off by a micrometer but the new model i got works just fine, might be an issue with the ball bearings in the collar.

[@rubio-0678]

Do you know anything that can teplace the O Ring?

[@AlkotaCS]

Use a pick to remove the old o-ring. Then insert a new o-ring and make sure it is seated. There are also higher quality o-rings available such as viton.

[@evanperez557]

Thanks

[@AlkotaCS]

your welcome!