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Pressure washing in Colorado Springs is tough when the equipment you’re using is running rough. The water pressure will come out wrong and cause damage to whatever surface you want to clean. It can start and then stop. Don’t make the mistake of pointing the nozzle to your face in an attempt to check what’s clogging the washer.

It goes without saying that a pressure washer that runs rough is not viable or safe to use. The equipment’s behavior may also be an indication of bigger problems.

When the water’s too rough to handle

What’s causing a pressure washer to run rough?

• Inlet water is too hot

Cold water should be used for best results. With an outdoor faucet that supplies both hot and cold water, it’s easy to forget to adjust from hot to cold and vice versa. If the water’s too hot, your pressure washer will not work as efficiently.

The same is true with water trapped within a hose that has been heated by sunlight.

• Insufficient air

What pressure washing looks like without air

Remember that pressure is created with the combination of air and water. If not enough air enters the inlet plumbing, the same rough performance occurs. This makes pressure washing in Colorado Springs difficult.

A stuck inlet will also have a similar result. So, make sure to check that the water is not too hot and that the air filter is working properly.

• Clogged carburetor

Fuel left in the pressure washer for a long time will leave behind a thick and sticky substance. This is a result of some ingredients evaporating and leaving behind a sticky version of fuel that will clog up the carburetor. This can cause the engine to run roughly.

If this happens, use a carburetor cleaner to de-clog. If this doesn’t work, the next step is to replace or rebuild the entire carburetor.

• Clogged fuel filter

A fuel filter can be clogged up for the same reason as the carburetor. It is best to remove fuel from the pressure washer if the equipment is not in use for a long period of time.

However, if the fuel filter is already clogged, clean it using a fuel filter kit, or have it replaced when cleaning won’t do the job.

Best Practices for Pressure Washing in Colorado Springs

• Prepare for proper disposal of waste water

Where will spent water, contaminants, and dirt go? Depending on your situation, it can go into permeable ground/soil, storm drain, sanitary sewer system, or a drain that goes to a detention basin, on-site retention pond, or swale.

• Stick with low water temperature

This is only when it is possible and when it works. In most cases, pressure cleaning with water set at ambient temperatures costs less and produces the same results. It’s safer for you or whoever is using the pressure washer, too.

• Recycle water

Rather than waste water used to pressure wash, recycle it when possible. Look for ways to collect wash water and re-use it to save on your next pressure washing session. This is especially true if you can process out oil, detergent, and other contaminants from spent water.

Get a pressure washer from PSI in Colorado Springs

We’re an authorized dealer for some of the leading brands, including Landa, Hotsy, and Kärcher. We also offer a range of services—pre-scheduled maintenance, service and repair, equipment rentals, financing and trade-ins, and detergent delivery.

Contact us today if you want to buy or rent a pressure washer equipment, or when you want it serviced.