How Long Do Pressure Washers Last?

Having a pressure washer around the house can be a very useful tool. The problem is that pressure washers can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

If you’re on the fence about purchasing one of these machines, you probably want to know the answer to the following question: how long do pressure washers last? Let’s take a look at what factors impact this answer.

Expect a pressure washer to last anywhere between 5-10 years. Keep in mind though, this number can change on a number of different factors.

Brand, build quality, motor type, and how much you use the pressure washer will impact its longevity.

Factors to Consider

Even if you have no former experience with pressure washers and tools in general, doing a little research beforehand can make a world of difference before making a purchase.

Look up which brands have the highest reviews, compare models and figure out if you need a residential, or commercial pressure washer.

1. Build Quality

One of the first things that will impact the longevity of a pressure washer is build quality. Keep an eye out for machines that have an abundance of flimsy plastic parts.

This is most common on lower priced machines, but they can still be found on more expensive ones too. One of the first places to look on a pressure washer is the tires. If the tires are made out of plastic (instead of rubber) this can be the first red flag.

Not to say that all plastic wheels are bad, but you need to consider how the pressure washer will be used. Do you plan on moving it around over dirt, gravel, and other surfaces? If so, plastic wheels will be much more difficult to maneuver on these types of terrain.

2. Type of Use

Another way to figure out how long pressure washers last is deciding how you’re going to use it. If you plan on only doing household projects like washing cars and cleaning your patio, it will last a long time.

This is considered average use as the machine won’t be running for 8 hours a day and it will generally stay in the same location. But if you plan on starting a pressure washing business, it will naturally experience a lot more wear and tear.

Pressure washers that see this type of heavy use will generally last only 3-5 years. That doesn’t mean you will need to buy a new pressure washer after this time, but some parts on the machine may need to be replaced.

3. Reputable Brand

We’ve all heard the expression you get what you pay for. And while expensive cars, tools, and other gadgets are known to break, the saying generally holds true. When buying a higher cost pressure washer, it’s fair to say the manufacturers used premium materials in the assembly process.

And the brand is probably well-known because of this fact. It’s important to keep this factor in mind when comparing pressure washers. The budget-friendly option may seem like a good deal, but if it breaks in a few months you will need to start all over again.

The one exception to this rule is how much you plan on using it. If you only plan to turn the machine on 2-3 times a year, the cheaper brand is a good choice.

4. Gas vs Electric

Choosing between a gas and electric pressure washer can be confusing. They both have their own pros and cons, but is one better than the other? Gas machines pack more power but they can be heavier and much louder.

Electric pressure washers don’t require you to spend money on gasoline, but they are best suited for smaller jobs. When it comes to durability, gas powered pressure washers will last longer than electric machines. The first reason is that water and electricity don’t mix well.

And when you’re dealing with extension cords this can become a problem. But gas pressure washers are also easier to maintain. They have interchangeable components and parts that can be replaced.

How to Maintain a Pressure Washer

If you want your pressure washer to last a long time, it’s essential to take care of it on a regular basis. Keep up with a maintenance schedule, replace parts that are worn, and make sure to store the machine properly when not in use.

This type of preventative maintenance will ensure that you get the most out of your pressure washer.

Change the Oil

If you have a gasoline powered engine, you should change the oil on your pressure washer every 3-5 months. This will keep the motor and other important components running efficiently.

Before changing the oil turn the motor on and run it for a few minutes to warm it up. The warm oil will trap dirt more effectively and it flows at a better rate compared to cold oil.

Just be careful when removing the drain plug as the engine will still be hot. You can easily drain the oil from the bottom of the oil pan. When you’re finished, secure the drain plug back on and fill the pump with new oil.

Flush the Pump

Another important maintenance task is to flush the pump after each use. The pump is the heart of the machine and it’s the component that allows you to spray high amounts of water pressure.

Leaving water in the pump can result in corrosion and mineral buildup. As a result, this can wear out pump seals and pistons. The solution is to pick up a can of pump saver anti-freeze and lubricant, so you can flush the pump after each use.

Use this product after each use and before storing the pressure washer for an extended period of time. Attach the garden hose adapter onto the pump inlet and hold down the trigger until foamy liquid shoots out.

Check the Nozzles

It’s important to check the nozzle attachments on a regular basis. One of the most common problems people have with their pressure washers is that they aren’t getting enough pressure.

Instead of tearing apart your machine, the first place to check is the nozzle. Most often the solution is to clean this area. This issue happens frequently to people who use the same nozzle over and over. Even the smallest piece of dirt can make its way into this area and create a block.

The solution is to remove the nozzle from the wand and make sure light is passing through. The output is so small, it might not even look clogged when attached to the wand.

Keep it Clean

It might sound strange to clean a tool that’s used for cleaning. But either way you look at it, a pressure washer should be cleaned on a regular basis. Each time you use it, chances are it will get wet from all the water in the area.

Even though pressure washers are waterproof, you should still wipe down all of the components when finished. This will keep the important metal parts from rusting and corroding over time.

Other reasons to keep a pressure washer clean is to maintain proper airflow. Any vents on the motor and pump should be free of leaves, dirt, dust, and other debris. Make sure to remove any of these contaminants before and after each use.

How Long Do Pressure Washers Last?