ANAHEIM

(714) 237-1400
RIVERSIDE

(951) 678-7266

New Riverside Location!

We are delighted to inform you that we are moving to a new location as of 2/1/2023. Come visit us at:

2900 Adams Street, Unit A-10, Riverside, CA 92504 ( map it )

Always pay attention to your pressure gauge

No matter what type of cleaning you do, your pressure gauge is one of the most important features on your pressure washer.  It acts as a window into the performance of your machine and will alert you to problems before they become catastrophic.  

But the problem is, many things can impact the pressure and, therefore, the performance.  So how do you know what is causing the problem – and what should you do about it?  Read on.

Identifying possible pressure issues

When your pressure washer produces low – or no pressure – start with these handy tips and you could save yourself a lot of time and money.  

1. Nozzles: Make sure you’re using the correct one for the pressure and gallons per minute for your pressure washer – and also make sure it’s not worn out or clogged.  If it is clogged, remove the nozzle or spray tip and clean it thoroughly using a wire scrub brush.

2. Leaks: Check your hoses and valves regularly for leaks – and make sure your O-rings are sealed properly to prevent leaking or injury.  If the spray gun is leaking, consider replacing it with a new one.  Engine noise sometimes makes it difficult to determine where a leak may be occurring – so you’ll need to run your hand along to feel for leaks as well.

3. Obstructions: Keep the valve clear of any debris and make sure the coil is not kinked or clogged.  If it’s clogged, take the nozzle and tip off, remove the hoses and carefully clean them out.  If the hose is kinked, make sure there are no holes or breaks in the hose as well.

4. Internal Pump: Accurate gauges can warn you of internal pump damage, pressure spikes and other issues.  If you suspect the pump is the issue, remove the hose from the pump, attach a garden hose, turn on the water and then turn on the water.  The flow should increase as it exits the pump.  If it does, the problem is in the attachment – not the pump.  If not, you’ll need to get the pump repaired to prevent unit failure.

Don’t let the pressure get to you

Your job is pressure-filled enough.  The last thing you need is to deal with more pressure issues.  So when your gauge is acting up, follow the instructions above and get your pressure washer back in action.

Need it?  We’ve got it. If you’ve tried everything above, Hotsy of Southern California can help you diagnose pressure gauge problems and repair it in the shop or on the site – before it becomes a major issue.  We offer the knowledge, training, products and service to help you stay up and running properly.  So don’t leave it to chance – leave it to the experts.  Trust us. We know clean.