Can a pump on a pressure washer be fixed?

Author: Julien Bailey  |  Last update: Sunday, May 4, 2025

If the damage is minor, rebuilding the pump can be a great option to get it back up and running again. Secondly, the age of the pump is also an important factor to consider. If the pump is relatively new, it may be worth investing in replacement parts rather than buying a new pump altogether.

Is it worth replacing a pump on a pressure washer?

Have you gotten many years and hours of use from the pump? If so, it may be time to replace it. However, if it is a newer pump, repair might be best. A good rule of thumb is if the repair costs more than 50% the value of a replacement pump, it is likely time to replace it.

How much does it cost to repair a pressure washer pump?

Pump Repairs: Seals, Valves, and Unloader Valves

Replacing seals or O-rings might only set you back $20 to $50, but if the pump's valves or unloader valves are damaged, repairs can quickly escalate to $100 to $200. A complete pump replacement is even more costly, often ranging between $200 to $500.

How to tell if a pressure washer pump is bad?

Definitive Pump Testing
  • Attach a pressure gauge to the outlet of the pump to measure the pressure directly.
  • Start the pressure washer and observe the gauge.
  • If the pressure spikes and then drops to a trickle, it confirms an internal pump issue.

What causes the pump to go bad on a pressure washer?

A pump head needs smooth internal surfaces to seal properly. If you have head wash out or metal wear, it's typically not good. Also, scoring or lines internally on the brass head is an issue that will not re-seal.

Top Reasons Your Pressure Washer Pump Is Destroyed & Has No Pressure!

Can you repair a pressure washer pump?

Can a pump on a pressure washer be fixed? In most cases, a pressure washer pump can be fixed instead of having to buy a new one. Common issues that may arise with a pressure washer pump include worn-out seals, damaged valves, or clogged inlet screens.

How to check if a pump is bad?

Common symptoms and what may be causing them
  1. Abnormal flow. If the flow is abnormal, this is a definite sign of a problem. ...
  2. Noisy pumps. The most common noise is that of that of rocks in a can. ...
  3. Frequent clogging. ...
  4. Overheating. ...
  5. Air Leaks.

What is the life expectancy of a pressure washer pump?

On some pumps, the pistons are driven by a plate on an angle (wobble plate), and in other cases, the pistons are driven by a crankshaft. Crankshaft-driven pumps are generally built better and will last longer. Low-cost pressure washers have pumps with very low life expectancies—some as low as 60 – 100 hours.

How much does it cost to replace a washer pump?

Auto Windscreen washer pump: how much does this product cost? The price of car parts within the auto Windscreen washer pump category ranges from £2 to £109, depending on the vehicle type, manufacturer, and product specifications.

How do I know if my washer needs a new pump?

Firstly, just to check you are on the right path, here are the warning signs that your drain pump is broken:
  1. You can't hear the pump when it's draining the water out.
  2. You can hear a low humming sound when on spin cycle but the water doesn't drain.
  3. The washing machine fills up with water as normal.

Are pressure washer pumps rebuildable?

Triplex pumps featured on professional grade pressure washers can be rebuilt, but the axial cam pumps used on residential series pressure washers cannot.

What is the most common cause of a pressure washer going faulty?

The number one cause of low or no pressure when using a pressure washer is a blocked or worn nozzle. Blocked nozzles will prevent water from escaping, while a worn nozzle will allow too much water to pass through, causing the pressure to drop.

How long should a pressure washer last?

Electric pressure washers often come with a lower price tag than gas models and tend to last about three to five years. On the other hand, gas-powered pressure washers have a lifespan of between five and seven years.

What is the life expectancy of a pressure pump?

Pumping systems often have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

Why is replacing a water pump so expensive?

In order to replace the water pump, the timing cover, timing chain and valve covers must be removed. This is a time-consuming and parts & labor-intensive process, which is why the cost of the repair is so high.

Can I put a better pump on my pressure washer?

You'll have to match your old pump's pressure rating (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM) with those of an available replacement. Remember, more is not always better-getting a new pump that puts out a lot more PSI can either bog down the engine, or be too powerful for your hose's burst rating.

How much does a washer pump cost?

On average, the washer pump replacement cost is between $20 and $100 (CAD 27 to CAD 134) just for the part itself, according to data from HomeGuide.

Is replacing a water pump easy?

Replacing a car water pump could be a simple or difficult job, depending on the vehicle and the water pump's location. It's a job usually best left for professional mechanics. The water pump may be hidden under other components and may require special tools depending on the vehicle's design.

What is the most reliable pressure washer pump?

Triplex plunger pumps are the highest quality pressure washer pumps, offering longer life and better performance.

How long can you continuously run a pressure washer?

Gas pressure washers can typically run for about 30 minutes before they need a break. Electric models can usually go for an hour or more. If you're using a hot water pressure washer, you'll need to give it breaks more frequently – about every 15 minutes.

Why did my pressure washer stop running?

If the pressure washer starts and then stalls during its use, first check if the nozzle is clogged and clean it if necessary. If the pressure washer turns off during prolonged use, the problem could be related to motor overheating or a power interruption.

How to solve a pump problem?

Global Pumps' top pump problem checklist
  1. Check the volute casing, impeller vanes, wear plate or wear rings and any hardware. ...
  2. Check the impeller clearance – if this is off, components can wear due to rubbing.
  3. Check the seal – has the seal been worn? ...
  4. Check the bearings of the pump, as worn bearings can cause a wobble.

How do I know if my pump parts need to be replaced?

Breast pump tubing should be replaced every four to six months. However, if you notice any signs of molding, you will need to replace the tubing immediately. Breast milk bottles and containers should be replaced as needed. Keep an eye on your bottles for any sign of degradation or cracks.

Why would a pump stop working?

This can be caused by various issues, including a broken impeller, a loss of power, or a clogged filter. Pump failures can lead to severe consequences, such as flooding, water damage or complete failure of the piping system, so it is essential to take steps to prevent them.

Previous article
How much does it cost to install a 40 gallon electric water heater?
Next article
What does a shim look like?