Like any mechanical device, a pressure washer

When working on a gas pressure washer, it is always a good idea to remove the spark plug cable before starting any work. The location of this cable will vary depending on the make and model and therefore might necessitate consulting the owner's manual. The two main types of problems with output pressure are a) when the pressure isn't consistent and shifts from high to low or the second b) when a pressure washer simply doesn't generate high pressure. When faced with either of these issues, here is a trouble shooting checklist: 1. Make sure that the water facet is turned on full force. Ensure that the faucet is fully open so that the maximum flow of water is being delivered to the pressure washer. 2. Check that the water supply is not restricted. Make a visual inspection of the entire length of the water hose to check for kinks, leaks and blockages. Remove any kinks or twists in the hose if needed and repair any leaks, or replace a leaky hose with a new one. 3. Make certain that the water inlet filter is not clogged. Debris can occasionally get into the filter and impede the flow of water into the inlet. If this is the case, you need to remove the water filter and rinse it out with warm water to remove the debris. Then replace it. 4. Another cause of varying pressure may be that the pump is taking in air. To correct this, make sure that all hoses and fittings are air tight. Then, turn off the pressure washer and purge the pump by squeezing the trigger gun until a steady flow of water emerges through the nozzle. 5. If you're still experiencing a fluctuation in pressure, the spray nozzle may be obstructed. Remove the spray nozzle and blow out or remove any debris with a fine needle. Then replace the nozzle. 6. Another thing to check for is calcification. If your spray hose, wand or spray gun has become calcified, you'll need to run distilled vinegar through the detergent suction tube to loosen and remove the mineral deposits. 7. Perhaps the most common cause of inconsistent or low pressure is the diameter of the garden hose. Some garden hoses are too small to allow a proper flow of water to the pressure washer. This is easily remedied by making sure that your water hose is 5/8ths of an inch in diameter, or larger. 8. Finally, be sure to check the nozzle attached to the spray wand. The black nozzle is designed to deliver detergent at low pressure, so whenever it is attached, the unit will automatically function in low pressure mode. To switch back to high pressure, replace the black nozzle with one of the colored nozzles.