Pressure washer has low pressure

Replacing the valves on a pressure washer due to low pressure

[@pokey5428]

I was out pressure washing the driveway, and I noticed the pressure seemed low and was getting weaker the longer I worked. I came in and told the wife I need a new pressure washer--she was not on board with that expense. So I searched KZbin and found your video. Thanks to you, I won't be getting a new pressure washer. Thanks--I think ;o)

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

So sorry. Next time tell her You Tube was no help

[@TieftoenerS2H]

Thank you - this general situation (losing pressing after initial burst) was my problem. Despite being a completely different unit (Troy Built with Briggs engine), I was able to disassemble the manifold and three of my valves were not closing on the inlet side. Luckily, they just had debris blocking them, none were broken. Thanks so much for explaining the process - it was done well enough that I could apply the same principles to my own pressure washer.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Very glad to help

[@ashbjackson]

i know om late to the game. this was a very informative, well edited video with good info and zero fluff. thank you for putting together great content.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I hate the fluff in a video myself. I want them to get to the point of the video. Thanks hope it helps

[@wjl1988504]

Have now used this to clean house siding and it performed well kzbin.infoUgkx43QMbQqu67IZadu9ou8Sg1BdrunMRNqX I also bought some wand extensions which enabled higher washing without needing a ladder. I recommend both. This unit arrived quickly, was easy to assemble (only had to attach the handle), and arrived in perfect condition. The only very slight downgrade from a perfect score is the design has a low handle and requires pulling from the side. My old washer was an upright model, while this one is more horizontal. Other than that, it's perfect for my needs. It has a great deal of pressure and more easily cleaned the house siding, porch rails and concrete than did my older model. The engine is a bit louder, as well, but the total time to clean was reduced by the more powerful spray. Did I mention it starts on the first or second pull every time?!! I am definitely happy with this model.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Thank you and thank you for watching

[@albertleung6543]

I found your video very useful and the water pump is now not as intimidating. Thank you.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I am glad it was helpful

[@waynedavies3185]

Thank you for the video. Bother in law brought over his power washer that has next to no pressure, and it jets water back into the cleaning fluid reservoir, and fills it up to over flowing. I figured there has to be a bad valve in his unit, so the info you gave me was excellent. It's one of those cheap electric "Dirt Devil" power wash sprayers. In the next couple of hours, I'll know whether it's worth getting new valves for it, or even worth trying to fix the issue. Thanks again for the info.....

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Glad to help

[@williamb454]

Junk it, or return it, if it doesn't have at least 3000psi ,might aswell be pissing in the wind

[@CraigArndt]

Subbed, great video. Was looking for information on pump internals, very helpful.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Hope it was helpful. Are you needing something specific?

[@clientaaarei8367]

GREAT VIDEO!!!!! Thank you so much for making it.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

No problem. Hope it helped

[@smokeskull]

I have same pump approx 90 minutes run time and it lost pressure. Exacting exactly the same as my 20 year old General pump. I found exact same problem as yours. Green Canpump wont cover parts under warranty claiming they are a "wear" item. I found 2 broken on my new triplex and only 1 broken on my 20 year old General. The General pumps valve material appeared to be better quality plastic and not as brittle as the new triplex. Not pleased with Green Canpump as i sent them a video of what my washer was doing before i saw your video and they got back to me in 24 hours. There "top technician" said it was the inlet check ball causing a water restriction. WRONG. Thanks for your video.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Very glad to help

[@briandriedger1221]

Thanks. Now l understand a little more about pressure washers

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I am glad to help

[@roysandi7126]

i will look at this valvules to see if that's the problem. i hope that will fix it. Thank you for this video

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

If you have any questions feel free to ask

[@jonboysprowash7845]

No thread lock or Teflon tape on threads? Mine came off with a ton of blue thread lock. I have to replace mine and want to get it right. Very helpful video. 👍

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I know some companies use thread lock. I say there is no need, but the choice is yours. As you mentioned I have seen some come off with lots of thread lock. So much that it leaked into the pump before drying and sealed a valve shut.

[@jonboysprowash7845]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy That would make for a bad day. 😂I think I will try mine without and see how that goes. Thanks 👍

[@jocelynquintal2710]

real mechanic part guy

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Whatever you say

[@user-jl3fj2dq3g]

Where would I look to find these valves to buy and replace on my pump

[@3613jeremy]

Basically anywhere eBay, amazon, Mi-t-m authorize dealer and so on the hardest part is trying to find the correct ones atleast it is for my dad's electric 1400psi version

[@OutGolfing69]

Great video! This helped me troubleshoot my pump also. By chance, do you know what spring is used behind the quick connect fitting? That's where my issue is. When I took the quick connect fitting off, the little spring that the valve slides over, was mangled and broken into 4 pieces . I just need a new spring. Any help would be appreciated!

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

They vary depending on the pump and unloader. I do not know them all off the top of my head. I would suggest calling watercannon.com and give them the information they ask, and they will most definitely be able to get you the part

[@JoshuaHockley]

Same here... Exactly... Did you have any luck just getting the spring only?!

[@eddydavis9548]

Really informative

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I hope it helps you

[@w.j.bendellr.c.flying.1037]

Great Job, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Glad you like it

[@brianfletcher7942]

Is it a good idea to replace those pump O rings with Viton O rings, since they are so much better quality ?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I couldn't really say. In 32 years of repairing equipment, I can't say I have ever had an issue with an O ring failing on the valves. But, my memory isn't what it used to be.

[@thyubernoob]

Ok, I have to ask....how did you finally get that stubborn plug in?...

[@ron_burgandy]

What's the name of the tools you're using to pick stuff out and how do I get one

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

They are dental type tools. I purchase these from Harbor Freight

[@garbo3682]

Good video....im having unloader problems..I took it out and it was very hard to move in and out ..I freed it up and now it's leaking at unloader as soon as I turn water on...how many Owings go on outside of unloader and how many on inside...pump rsv 3G31...thanks

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Not sure what unloader you have. Can't answer that question. There are several types of unloaders for that pump.

[@2Ramrod2]

Wow! I'm pretty good with cars and washer & dryers lol and you just made my day on this video! About 2 years ago I bought a chinese "Ausono" electric brand off Amazon (1800psi). It's worked fairly well on patio, driveway, and truck, but I noticed last summer sometimes when I let up on wand trigger for a minute than started back it would give a short burst than back off like half pressure or more (just like you said!!!). So I would pop the trigger several times real quick than I'd get my pressure back....well, today, I got it out for first time this year for back patio,...after about 30 minutes I released trigger than started back and it did that crap again but this time I never got high pressure back...even after letting it sit an hour! I'm assuming this pump is close to a gas model right??? will I be able to find valves online with pump # ???? Do you know? Great vid man, Thank you!!

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

The pumps are definitely similar. For parts you can go to or call watercannon.com. The folks there can definitely help you find the parts you need. The information on the pump is what they will need. I would consider replacing the black valves (may be white) and the packings. Before you order anything, look at the pistons or plungers on the pump. Make sure they are smooth.

[@2Ramrod2]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy Thank you for that!! What I needed!

[@timmywhorley6668]

I have a simpson 3700 doing same thing. Pressure at first but quickly looses pressure. Its only been used two or 3 times. Do you think this is the problem?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

If you get a burst of pressure, then fads quickly, then the valves are usually the problem. That would be the first thing I would check. There are a couple other things, but start there. That is most common. Let me know

[@jorgecorea18]

Hey Brian .quick question, is the unloader valve fixable on a 4200 mi-t the pump is AR RRV 4G40-M

[@jorgecorea18]

Or it has to be replaced?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@jorgecorea18 it is better to replace the whole unloader. They are about the same price to repair

[@jorgecorea18]

Thank you Brian.

[@adalbertoesteban9777]

Are you suppose to mess with the unloader while using in operation or whatsoever?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Yes, most are adjustable manually. Get a high pressure gauge to help out finding your pressures

[@j.f.5374]

How tight do you tighten the nuts? I heard a gentleman say it has to be tightened at a set pressure from manufacture recommendation

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

There is a specific torque. That will vary depending on the manufacturer of the pump

[@ricos4700]

Where would yu buy new valves for a pressure washer? Thanks

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Several sources online. I like watercannon.com

[@paolamaldonado5016]

No stores in person carry them?

[@deanjagger1190]

I got a Simoniz 3000 PSI 7 HP Gas Pressure Washer, they up grated the pump and now it puts out 3400 PSI. Is there a way to tell what it's putting out??? He even bought a 3400 psi house and gun. Do you have to get a stronger house, I would just use the one that came with my old Honda Washer, it was 2700 PSI machine. Now I have to figure it out. I looked around on the internet and can't find one that HR power. No web site for Simoniz washers.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You can definitely put a stronger pump on the machine. A pressure gauge installed at the pump or gun will indicate your working pressure. Always check the stamps on the hose to figure out the psi limit of the hose and use the appropriate hose with the running psi.

[@kenthompson3730]

Very good information. A couple of technical suggestions: 1. Add some more lighting. Your “set” is too dark. 2. You need to put more thought into camera placement. Too often, your hands were blocking what you were doing. Your viewers want to see everything. Mount camera above your work station or use more than one camera and edit it for your presentation. Cheers.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Thank you for the input. I have increased lighting. The multi camera editing is a bit more tricky. I have yet to find editing software that is user friendly and affordable. If you have suggestions please feel free.

[@markcastrovinci6074]

I didn't think the lighting or angle was too bad. Never crossed my mind. Actually got a really good view of everything you were doing. Maybe it would be good to have a flashlight and give us a good view inside something like those valves. Great video. You are very good at describing everything that is going on. You don't leave blanks in the dialog that might confuse. @@Brian_the_repair_guy

[@NICK_G_0069]

​@@markcastrovinci6074I think the point was some better lighting there would be no need for the use of a flashlight. Definitely couldn't hurt. 😊

[@charlesperilloux8575]

I have a Ryobi 3200 that has low pressure. I think the water is coming out the soap dispenser may be the culprit. Can you provide some insight on how to fix it?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

If the injector is removable, then take it off to determine if the injector is the problem. No need in guessing. If the pressure is low with the injector removed, then we look at the pump If there is a blast and quickly fades to low pressure, could be valves. If there is no pressure at all, then you need to look at packings then unloader

[@d.c.williams787]

Hey.. On my Simpson 4400 pressure washer the check valve looks like two different sizes. The top row is smaller than the bottom row... Have you seen this before, and it doesn't seem like the top row wants to come out easy.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

The valves on the different rows can be different sizes. They can also be a pain to remove. If you have replacement valves, then just break them to remove them. If you don't have valves, just becareful and wiggle them loose

[@d.c.williams787]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy 🤟 That's what I was thinking.... Thanks Subscribed ✅

[@leonardlandicho7491]

I’ve got a similar problem and it’s also brand new(Electric PW). Sometimes, the motor dies after 15-30 mins of use causing to lose pressure and it won’t turn on using the on and off switch. It will only start after I plug in and out the power cord

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You have an electrical problem. You could have a lose connection or the thermistor could be going bad. Electrical problems are difficult to diagnose like this.

[@leonardlandicho7491]

Hey man thanks! just returned the whole unit. glad they replaced it with a new one.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@leonardlandicho7491 good deal

[@alvarotu82]

My unloader valve knob broke off from actual pin that rotates to change pressure. What could have caused it? I think maybe it over heated. What should I do?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You have to replace or rebuild the unloader. They will usually break because of a sharp blow at some point, then fatigue

[@VXRHSV]

I just fired up my pressure washer first time in six months. Water pressure seems fine but the machine seems to be vibrating a lot...Don't suppose you would have any idea what it could be?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Does it vibrate more at idle or with trigger pulled?

[@hardeepsingh-is1pn]

Which bolt fit to Unloader INLET and OUTLET my pump model is “XMV 3G32” Unloader number i find on it is “Gymatic 3” My old inlet bolt is broken inside when I try to loosen because it is too rusty I can not find exact fit part

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

The inlet and outlet unloader bolts can be found on watercannon.com. these are standard size unloader banjo style bolts. 3/8 style

[@thetruthllc7734]

What if my black plastic valves have a brownish tint to them? Is that just a little rust? Can I use CLR to clean it?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

It is just rust and algea on the valves. As long as the springs are good and no cracks, you should be fine

[@thetruthllc7734]

@Brian_the_repair_guy thank you! Awesome channe,l putting the pump back together today and checking the unloader. I got 15 seconds of pressure. It dies down then builds back up.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@thetruthllc7734 so, the pressure dies and comes back repeatedly? Or did it come back and maintain pressure?

[@thetruthllc7734]

@Brian_the_repair_guy it does it repeatedly. I just took of my unloader and saw some rust. It's being soaked in some rust removal gel right now. Only used the machine 1 About 10 times. But I see I didn't store it properly for the winter.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@thetruthllc7734 have you checked the packings

[@davedaly5995]

what oil do you use in pump thanks

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

SAE 30 nondetergent

[@tonypozzuoli5613]

Hooked mine up today and no water comes out. Don’t come out of pump. Goes in, just don’t come out. Checked unloaded, it looks good. I put marine grease on anything I can. Any suggestions?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Can you find me on Facebook under the same name. It will be easier to help you

[@jabairsea]

Good video. I have a very similar pressure washer and it has great pressure and will keep up as long as I keep the trigger pulled( I need to be spraying for some time). Then when I stop and then pull the trigger again, no pressure until it seems like it cools down and then works great again. Any suggestions?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

What happens if you rapidly pull and release the trigger as it runs

[@jabairsea]

Unless it runs under pressure for a while it powers on and off no problem.@@Brian_the_repair_guy

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@jabairsea so, over time it begins to lose pressure?

[@jabairsea]

It doesn't lose any pressure if I keep the trigger pulled. If I run for maybe over 10 - 20 minutes and stop, it will not go back to pressure until it has rested.@@Brian_the_repair_guy

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@jabairsea my first thought is valves. They may be getting hot from the unloader leaking back down to the low pressure side. Does the unit have a bolt on unloader or not?

[@gonzalezprestige1498]

Dude. I am having a problem. I got this pressure washer from a friend . But can't figure it out where to get parts. It says made in Italy.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Do you need parts for the pump itself? If so you can go to watercannon.com for washer parts

[@tonymataski4544]

can you put a larger water pump on a 6.5 HP Honda GX299 at the moment it's 2800 psi , 3 Gpm

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

If the pump has the same size shaft, it will fit on the engine. What determines the final pressure is the engine itself. Although the pump may fit, the engine may not allow for increased pressure. You could possibly get 3100 psi from another pump or possibly this pump. If the gpm increases, then the chances are low that the pressure will increase with this engine, it would probably stall. Short answer it is possible to increase pressure with another pump or possibly adjusting the current unloader.

[@tonymataski4544]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy ok may look at a larger motor ( used ) seems to be a lot of 16's around I'm thinking more like 10 - 13 HP with a 3300 pump the house outside water faucet is before the presure valve on the house should be around 120 -140 max county pressure .

[@tonymataski4544]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy will be working on the 6.5 HP Honda engine before going to a larger one .. son in law had it the unit just stopped working . have not had a chance as yet to verify if the trouble is engine or pump assembly . your video is very helpful .

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@tonymataski4544 glad to help

[@ricardotrochez695]

Can someone tell me how to replace the piston and how to take the piston out for a Mi-T-M 3200 psi 2.4 GPM

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

I don't have a video showing this. I can make a video on Monday if that helps you.

[@epiphgd4302]

@9:01 what ‘o’ rings? (Thanks for making this btw, been really helpful)

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

There are O rings at the base of the valves and between the banjo bolts

[@chiiasharif]

Hi there my pressure washer doesn’t work properly I don’t know how to explain it but the water stops and runs again and stops and runs

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Your water flows then stops, alternating when the trigger is pulled?

[@glocksx3]

What would cause no water flow at all? No water out of gun or through pump.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You have a blockage in the pump or unloader.

[@Art-nd7mh]

Turn the water on

[@alisaad4913]

Hello brother can you tell me please how long can run pressure washer continuously

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You can run the machine with the trigger pulled indefinitely. Without the trigger pulled I suggest just a couple minutes

[@laverdadesmejor]

I've got oil seeping out of the filler cap hole on my CAT 2500 psi pump when under pressure???? Even the manufacturer can't give me a sure solution. The pump works fine otherwise, but there is obviously something not right within. I was hoping this video would address an issue of this type but have not been able to find anything so far.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

The filler cap is also a vent. When theboil splashes around it can seep out. Nothing to be concerned about unless it begins to be excessive. If the oil level is too high, it can happen more. If water is getting in that can cause it. If oil is not turning gray or white, I wouldn't be too concerned

[@laverdadesmejor]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy No evidence of any water thankfully. Have had the unit for a while, still performs well, just concerned because this is new and it had drawn the level to below the full line. Something's not right????

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@laverdadesmejor just keepna check on the oil level. I don't feel there is an issue other that vent blow out

[@Mr1Goldfinger]

What if i installed a Brand new punk but still not getting any pressure

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Did you install the key way for the shaft? Did the inloader get replaced? If yes, did you reset the unloader?

[@Mr1Goldfinger]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy Yes sir I took the pump off and made sure the key was placed correctly. Reinstalled the pump. It's a brand new pump with the manifold already installed. Every time I crank it up still no pressure and it looks like the water is mixing with the oil in the pump. But when I take the brand new pump off the oil in the pump goes back to it's natural color. The motor is a Honda it runs flawlessly. I just don't understand why it's not building pressure

[@Mr1Goldfinger]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy how do you reset the loader

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@Mr1Goldfinger when you run the pump, it gets cloudy from air bubbles, but not actually milky. That is normal. Did the pump come with a new unloader?

[@Mr1Goldfinger]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy Yes sir I bought the whole new assembly with the pump and manifold and new unloader valve already installed. Again I put the shaft key in correctly and installed the new pump and still no pressure. My hose that connected to the pump I think one of the gaskets in it looks worn but I don't know if that's not causing it to build pressure. I know it has to be something simple. I'm just not figuring out what it is

[@kgoutdoorsolutions430]

I really just wish I could take off the caps on my gx390. I can’t even budge one out of six. This machine has been nothing but a headache for me.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You will need a breaker bar about 3 feet. That helps if they have not been removed before. Sometimes they have thread lock on them

[@undergroundsounds332]

Did you say packings?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Possible, since I am unsure of exactly where you are quoting from. But, we can go with packings.

[@undergroundsounds332]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy 1:15 after you valves

[@undergroundsounds332]

Are they the same as o rings?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@undergroundsounds332 Orings are different from packings. A packing set will include Orings, but it comes with the leather V seal, high pressure seals, low pressure seal oil seals. All depending on the type of kit you have and what pump you have.

[@undergroundsounds332]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy I see. Thanks!

[@williamb454]

Can you buy a higher pressure pump ??

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

The size of the pump is determined by the size of the engine. It is possible to put a larhlger pump on a machine if the engine is large enough and the shadt size is correct

[@williamb454]

@@Brian_the_repair_guy my honda engine is 160, at 2600 psi,2.3 gpm,can I go to 2800 or 3000 psi, its doesn't have any pressure, so if I can't fix it, I might aswell get a bigger pump if I'm going to spend the money

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@williamb454 if the shaft size on the engine and then pump match, you can do 3000

[@williamb454]

guy would the engine be big enough? Do you think that is a good idea?

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

@@williamb454 if you get a pump that is 3000 psi at about 2.5 gpm then you will be fine

[@eleuteriomarcial862]

🎉

[@amirulmaizon537]

change the unloader valve cant be high presure or not

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Not sure what you are saying

[@chrissepesi4223]

I would not use an impact at all unless it is low torque.

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Everyone has their preferences

[@davidhoover8877]

Do people still comment if you are not wearing safety glasses. Jeez

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Never had a comment one way or the other. I specifically point out the need for the appropriate safety items as a reminder. Take a second to put them on and a life time coping if you get injured.

[@user-dp6rj8xc8b]

The motor turns off as soon as I try to pull trigger

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Check your oil level in the engine. Make sure it is full. If that is good, turn the pressure on the unloader down 5 turns. If the engine continues to run after that, turn the unloader up one turn at a time until the engine struggles. Then reset the lock collar to prevent the unloader from going higher

[@Art-nd7mh]

You didn’t check o-rings

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

You are correct

[@joeallenpressurewashing]

Those check valves look crappy

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Yeah, some of them are bad

[@charlesperilloux8575]

I mean it's a 3000. It doesn't look anything like the pump on your video

[@JoseLuisRodriguez-dn2ke]

This dude thinks he working on a black hawk helicopter out in the front line in Ukraine. “You need your safety glasses and vest with proper uniform” 😂

[@Brian_the_repair_guy]

Proper safety is important, no matter the job. Not sure why that seems like a joke, but whatever makes you happy I guess.