Karcher pressure washers are one of the most popular brands for cleaning tasks at home and in the commercial sector. These pressure washers are known for their durability, efficiency, and high performance. However, even the best pressure washers can develop faults from time to time.
In this guide, we will discuss some of the most common faults that occur in Karcher pressure washers and how to fix them.
Karcher Pressure Washers’ Common Faults & DIY Fixes
1. Karcher pressure washer engine won’t start
Causes: There are several reasons why a Karcher pressure washer engine may not start. These include a lack of fuel, an empty oil tank, a dead battery, or a clogged carburetor.
Fix: If the engine won’t start, the first step is to check the fuel levels and refill if necessary. If the oil tank is empty, add oil to the required level. If the battery is dead, recharge it or replace it with a new one. If the carburetor is clogged, clean it or have a professional service it.
2. Karcher pressure washer low water pressure
Causes: Low water pressure can be caused by several factors, including a clogged nozzle, a damaged pump, or a restricted inlet water supply.
Fix: To fix low water pressure, first inspect the nozzle and clean it if necessary. If the pump is damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional. If the inlet water supply is restricted, clear the restriction and ensure an adequate water supply.
3. Karcher pressure washer leaking hose
Causes: A leaking hose can be caused by a damaged or worn hose, or a loose connection.
Fix: To fix a leaking hose, inspect it for any visible damage or wear. If the hose is damaged, replace it with a new one. If the connection is loose, tighten it to prevent further leaks.
4. Karcher pressure washer noisy engine
Causes: A noisy engine can be caused by a loose fan belt, worn engine bearings, or a damaged muffler.
Fix: To fix a noisy engine, inspect the fan belt and tighten it if necessary. If the engine bearings are worn, replace them to restore quiet operation. If the muffler is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced.
5. Karcher pressure washer motor overheating
Causes: Overheating can be caused by a lack of airflow, a clogged cooling system, or an overworked engine.
Fix: To fix overheating issues, check for adequate airflow and clean the cooling system if necessary. If the engine is overworked, allow it to cool down before using it again.
6. Karcher pressure washer: No soap dispenser suction
Causes: The lack of soap dispenser suction can be caused by clogged nozzles or a restricted soap supply.
Fix: To solve this problem, check the nozzles and clean them if clogged. If the soap supply is restricted, clear the restriction and ensure an adequate flow of soap to the dispenser.
7. Karcher pressure washer engine stalls during use
Causes: Engine stalls during use can be caused by clogged fuel filters, an overworked engine, or a restricted air supply.
Fix: To fix engine stalls during use, check the fuel filters and clean or replace them if clogged. If the engine is overworked, allow it to cool down before using it again. If the air supply is restricted, ensure that the air intake is clear and unobstructed.
8. Karcher pressure washer hose kinks during use
Causes: Hose kinking during use can be caused by a hose that is too long or too stiff or a lack of proper storage and maintenance.
Fix: To stop hose kinking during use, inspect the hose and replace it with a shorter or more flexible one if necessary. Proper storage and maintenance of the hose can also help prevent kinking.
9. Karcher pressure washer spray gun leaks
Causes: Spray gun leaks can be caused by a damaged or worn gun, a loose connection, or a clogged nozzle.
Fix: To resolve a spray gun leak, inspect the gun and replace it if damaged or worn. If the connection is loose, tighten it to prevent further leaks. If the nozzle is clogged, clean it to restore the proper spray pattern.
10. Karcher pressure washer motor runs but no water pressure
Causes: The issue of the pressure washer motor running without water pressure can be caused by a clogged nozzle, a damaged pump, or a restricted water supply.
Fix: To resolve this, check the nozzle and clean it if clogged. If the pump is damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional. If the water supply is restricted, clear the restriction and ensure an adequate water supply.
How to Maintain Your Karcher Pressure Washer
To keep your pressure washer operating at its best and to extend its lifespan, regular maintenance is necessary. You can follow the tips here on how to properly maintain your Karcher pressure washer.
Step 1: Store the pressure washer properly
Proper storage is essential to keep your pressure washer in good condition. After use, always store the pressure washer in a dry and covered location to protect it from the elements. This will also prevent dust and debris from clogging the nozzles and other components.
Step 2: Clean the pressure washer after use
Cleaning the pressure washer after each use is recommended to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that can cause corrosion and clogging. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any debris from the surface of the pressure washer, and flush the nozzles and hoses with water to remove any residual soap or cleaning solution.
Step 3: Check the oil level
Check the oil level in the engine regularly to ensure it is at the proper level. If the oil level is low, add oil to the required level. Use only high-quality oil recommended explicitly for your pressure washer’s engine.
Step 4: Inspect the hoses and nozzles
Inspect the hoses and nozzles regularly for signs of wear and damage. Replace any damaged or worn hoses or nozzles immediately to prevent leaks and maintain proper water pressure.
Step 5: Lubricate the pump
Lubricate the pump regularly to keep it operating smoothly and to extend its lifespan. Use a high-quality pump oil specifically recommended for your pressure washer’s pump.
Step 6: Service the engine
Service the engine according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to keep it running smoothly. This may include changing the oil, spark plug, and air filter, as well as performing any other necessary maintenance tasks.
Step 7: Store the pressure washer for winter
If you will not be using your pressure washer for an extended period of time, such as during the winter months, it is important to store it properly to prevent damage from the cold. Drain the fuel tank, run the engine until it runs out of fuel, and store the pressure washer in a dry, covered location.