How Long Can You Run a Pressure Washer?
There is a lot of misinformation on the internet when it comes to how long you can run a pressure washer for. Some of the top results say you shouldn’t run the machine longer than 3-5 minutes. This is absolutely ridiculous and incorrect.
The truth is, you can realistically run a pressure washer until it runs out of gas. How would pressure washing companies work all day if they could only run their equipment for 3-5 minutes at a job? These contractors would be out of business.
The biggest factor when it comes to run time is power type. Gasoline pressure washers will always run longer, because cordless machines have batteries and are prone to overheating. Let’s take a look at the specific reasons on how to get the most out of your pressure washer.
How Long Can You Run a Gas Pressure Washer?
As we briefly mentioned above, you can run a gasoline powered pressure washer until it runs out of gas. People often wonder how long they can run a machine for, because they fear it will shut off.
Electric pressure washers built today are designed to shut off when not in use. They do not idle like gasoline machines, because the batteries can overheat and they need to stay cool.
How to Run Your Pressure Washer Longer
A machine the frequently shuts off is most likely caused from overheating issues. The good news is, there are a handful of different ways you can fix this problem. Follow the steps below if you want to prevent your machine from cutting off.
1. Keep the Pressure Washer Cool
We all want to work in a comfortable weather – but this isn’t always realistic. If you’re about to take on a pressure washing project, chances are it will be a hot sunny day.
Problems arise when the machine begins to shut off in these extremely hot conditions. The good news is there is one trick you can try that will prevent the pressure washer from shutting off.
You can start by keeping the machine in the shade while using it. This will keep the engine cooler and decrease the chance of it shutting off during continued use.
2. Use a Buffer Tank
Using a buffer tank can help your pressure washer engine stay cool when running. A buffer tank is a detached unit that brings water to help cool the pressure washer pump.
Tanks come in a range of different sizes and you could choose a 5 gallon tank, or 500 gallon tank. It’s common for the machine to overheat when the trigger is not engaged.
The engine will still be running (producing heat) which can overload the pump. A buffer tank works by supplying continuous cold water from the tank to the unloader valve.
3. Don’t Neglect Maintenance
Keeping up with a regular maintenance schedule will also help run your pressure washer for a longer period of time. Neglecting routine care will almost always cause problems.
You should change the oil when needed, replace dirty air filters, and check components for any flaws. To keep your pressure washer running smoothly, you should change the oil every 3 to 5 months.
The exact amount of time will really depend on how often you use the machine. If you run a pressure washing business for example, oil changes should be done on a more frequent basis.
Common Problem Areas
There are some areas to check if you’re keeping the pressure washer cool and preform regular maintenance. It’s common for things to go wrong – even if you’re doing everything right. Checks the below components and fix them if your pressure washer isn’t running long.
1. Gas Cap
It’s critical for gas caps to be tight on the tank to prevent gas from spilling out. At the same time, caps that are too tight will cause issues. This can potentially create a vacuum build-up and the gasoline will not be able to flow freely into the engine.
If you’re having overheating issues, make sure to check this area on the pressure washer. You could also install a gas cap with a vent screw, in order to allow more air inside the tank.
2. Fuel Valve
Most small engine machines come with fuel valves that allow you to close the fuel line when not in use. But if the fuel valve isn’t open all the way, gas won’t be able to enter the engine.
When fuel is blocked from entering the engine it might not operate efficiently and can overheat as a result. Inspect the fuel line to make sure the valve isn’t stuck halfway between open and closed.
3. Carburetor
If you haven’t used your pressure washer for a long time, the carburetor may be clogged. Certain components on the pressure washer can evaporate when gas is left inside of the fuel tank for an extended period of time.
When this happens there will be a thick mixture that can clog the carburetor. If you want to fix this issue, disconnect the fuel line and clean the carburetor so the pressure washer can run longer.
4. Air Filter
Air filters are an essential part of the machine. They will prevent dust, dirt, and other debris from entering the engine and carburetor in the pressure washer.
But when this component is clogged, it will restrict airflow and lead to overheating problems with the engine. When this happens the pressure washer might stall and turn off. Replace the air filter every 3-6 months so you can prevent this from happening.
5. Fuel Line
Every pressure washer has a pump that sends fuel from the gas tank into the engine. If the fuel line is pinched however, it will prohibit gas from flowing between these two points.
Inspect the gas line before each use and look for any pinches or kinks. If gas is unable to pass through this line, there’s a good chance the machine could be overheating and run for a short period of time.
6. Oil
Pressure washers should never have the oil filled up all the way to the fill line. You can get away with this on a car, but not a small engine machine. Pressure washer engines are smaller, so a larger amount of oil will led to more heat in the engine.
In order to prevent the engine from overheating, try filling the tank halfway. Keep an eye on the oil and make sure that it does not drop too low, as this will cause more problems.
Final Thoughts
To figure out how long you can run a pressure washer really depends on the size of the gas tank. A gasoline powered machine can realistically run until it runs out of fuel.
When people refer to pressure washers stopping when in use the main reason comes down to overheating issues. There are a number of different ways you can help prevent this problem.
You can keep the machine in the shade when in use, install a buffer tank to cool the engine, and keep up with regular maintenance. If all of these solutions don’t solve the problem, try the troubleshooting steps listed above.
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