Can you run a pressure washer without water? That has been a question in most pressure washer owner’s minds. Now, pressure washers don’t come cheap. Therefore, you wouldn’t want to operate them in a way that would risk damage.
A highly automated world has most of us relying on technology to simplify domestic tasks for us. A pressure washer enables one to clean faster and more efficiently. You need to know what is best for it if you want it to serve you longer.
Pressure washers hit a surface with high-pressure water to eliminate dirt and grime. Where the usual soap, water, and scrubber in a bucket have failed, a pressure washer will do you right.
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Can You Run a Pressure Washer Without Water?
To put it simply, it is best if you don’t run a pressure washer without water. Water plays a critical cooling function in your washer’s pump. By cooling the pump, the water prevents the pump from overheating and consequently breaking down.
We all have the occasional temporary lapse in concentration that might lead one to accidentally run a pressure washer without water. You wouldn’t want that happening because of what could happen to the pressure washer.
What Will Happen if I Run a Pressure Washer Without Water?
Yeah, we know some have tried it, and nothing of note happened to their washer. Which isn’t to say you should try it. Probably they were just lucky.
Starting a pressure washer without water can be catastrophic. The pump will be the hardest hit. You see, the function of the pump is to push water out through the nozzle from the supply hose.
Denying the pump water is akin to denying it much needed lubrication. It will, therefore, work so hard for nothing since the water meant to flow through it is absent. The result will be massive friction within the pump, causing it to wear down.
The pump struggling to run without water will also have a ripple effect on the motor. The motor is responsible for turning the pump. It will be working so hard to turn a pump that is nearly impossible to turn due to friction.
In the blink of an eye, you might find yourself with a problematic pressure washer that struggles to clean the smallest of dirt. Major components such as the pump, gaskets, motor, and seals might become defective, never to recover.
It might cost you dearly to replace these components or get another pressure washer. We don’t want that for you, bearing in mind that finances might be quite tight right now due to the pandemic.
“Preventing it is better than remedying it,” they said.
Read Also: Top 10 Best Pressure Washer Soap, Detergents, & Chemicals
So, What’s Next After Running a Pressure Washer Without Water?
Accidents happen, and therefore you might find yourself here without really understanding how. We will reserve judgment and go right ahead with what you will do.
Immediately you find yourself having started the machine without water; turn it off. Hook some water to the machine before trying to start the machine. Wait to see whether the water comes out of the wand.
If no water is forthcoming, then it means the pump is defective. Also, the pressure washer motor might start and then shut off. You’ll be staring in the face of a rebuild since damage to the motor often goes hand in hand with Damage to the gaskets and seals.
You probably would save more getting another pressure washer than replacing the spoilt parts. Sorry.
What about Using Little Water in A Pressure Washer?
Maybe you’re thinking of this because you don’t have access to enough water. Starting a pressure washer with little water is not a good idea. The pressure by which the water lives in the wand makes it impossible to use little water.
Little water in a pressure washer is just like no water at all. Use sufficient amounts of water with your washer.
Points Worth Noting
- A pressure washer being an appliance is just like a car. You don’t drink and drive; therefore, don’t drink and operate a pressure washer. It would help if you were in your right mind to avoid such accidents as running it without water.
- Make sure you use the right fuel for your pressure washer. The wrong fuel will run down your machine, giving you a mighty inconvenience.
- To prevent overheating and buildup of friction within the pump, regularly lubricate it. That way, its components will be working at optimum and will, therefore, survive for longer.
Read Also: Pressure Washer Pump Leaking Oil? Here’s the Best Solution
Final Thoughts
We hope by answering your question, we have prevented you from making a mistake you will regret later. As we sign out, remember, don’t run your pressure washer without enough water.
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