Pressure washer

DPittman

Member
I got a Campbell hausfield pressure washer 1900psi, 1.65gpm that is fluctuating during use. It seems to be an electrical issue more than a water supply problem. It's like 2 seconds full pressure, 2 seconds not. It's a regular fluctuation, again like a pump or electric problem. It's a cheapy from Lowe's I think, which l'm sure is designed to be thrown away and replaced, but I would like to get more than one and a half years out of it. Thanks for any ideas. DP
 
I've found that the tip makes a difference in whether or not they hold pressure. Have you changed that?
 
I have one sort of like that that caused me problems. I simply called the company when I had problems and they fixed it for me and said there washers did not go bad
 
You could be getting air into the water supply. The air could be coming in with the water supply, but is more likely that there is a loose fitting or connection, or a hairline crack somewhere that's not allowing for 100% seal.

We're on private well with about 2GPM capacity, so can only use a small washer. Still, when the water can't keep up, it'll suck air into the system and do exactly as you were describing.

It "could" be something as simple as an air bubble that is trapped somewhere inside the pressure washer.

As the pressure washer pumps, it will compress any air that is in the system, then that air "should" get blown out. If this is a new washer, I'd take it back and exchange. But first, check all your fittings, and make certain your water supply (hose) is tight. Look for leaks. Might even try having someone keep the wand spraying while you tip the pump in different directions - maybe that'll dislodge a stick air pocket (IF that's what it is).
 
It takes a while to get all the air out of the lines when you hook up one. I generally leave mine hooked up all the time so I don't have that issue.
 
Sure sounds like air in the system. I have an Alladin hot water that does it when starting at times. I usually take tip off end and run water through it not under pressure for about 30 seconds and it will clear up. Then it never happens again while using it.
 
Also check your inlet screen on the washer,if it gets partly clogged with something in the hose it will cause the flow to be intermittent and have the same effect.
 
You sure you doesn't have air in it? I turn the water on and walk away for a while, pull the trigger a few times and let it belch air/ turn the pump on and it still belches air for a couple minutes and then hang on.
 

Since it is a cheapo from Lowe's, turn it upside down and check the brand of the pump. If it is an Annovi Reverberi it has a 50 hour expected life.
 
Possible unloader valve sticking. It's located on the pump-not sure where on that one, usually an o-ring splits and gets hung up. U-tube has a bunch of videos on this.
 
I got a bunch of stuff to check, I pretty sure I got plenty of water and I already checked the screen at the hose inlet, so l'm leaning toward the sucking air somewhere possibility. At least now I know some more things to check. Thanks again. DP
 
Sounds like water flow through the pump. I have an older B&S unit that was acting the same way. Eventually it wouldn't hold pressure long enough to use it at all. Sounds like you are at that point.

After doing hours of research, buying new unloader valve, cleaning the pump internals and lubing all the seals it became clear that the pump was just bad. Bought a new Comet pump for it and all issues were solved immediately. I use it occasionally but it's always ready to go. I store it with pump saver and all is good now.

If you want to get a feel for how many of those come with short life pumps look on Craigslist and see how many small engines are for sale that came off power washers.
 

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