Karcher has been a leader in the pressure washer industry for decades. They provide electric pressure washers on a commercial and industrial scale to fit anybody’s needs.
But even the highest quality machines can run into issues or develop faults from time to time. This guide provides a number of solutions to the nine most common faults of a Karcher pressure washer.
Topics
General Troubleshooting
There are a few steps you can follow that will fix most issues with your Karcher pressure washer. Give these a try first and see if your machine operates normally afterwards:
- Turn off the pressure washer and unplug it from the power supply.
- Disconnect the black high-pressure hose.
- Using a free-flow connector, connect your garden hose directly to the machine.
- Turn on the outside tap of the hose.
- Let the water run through the pressure washer for five minutes.
- Turn off the water and disconnect the garden hose.
- Reconnect the original high-pressure hose.
- Press the trigger on the washer gun.
- Reconnect the pressure washer to the power supply.
- Turn the pressure machine on.
If you operate the machine as normal, it will usually be working again. If you’re still having trouble, your machine may have one of the common faults listed below.
Common Faults For Karcher Pressure Washers
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You can use the below guide to troubleshoot any problems you might have and learn how to fix them. You can also use it to help identify the problem to better help the manufacturer assist you.
Karcher has a 24-month guarantee for normal defects. They may be able to help you fix or replace your pressure washer if it’s not working.
1. Pressure Washer Won’t Start
First and foremost, ensure that the machine is fully connected to an appropriate power supply. This may seem too simple, but it’s actually very important.
You aren’t just making sure the machine is plugged in. You are also inspecting the power supply itself for any issues.
Make sure the circuit doesn’t need resetting and that there is no sign of damage on the power cable.
If you’re using an extension cable, make sure it has a 13-amp constant rating. It should also be no more than 10 metres long. Always refer to your user manual for the right specifications for your machine.
You could also have a worn out or damaged spark plug in your pressure washer if it won’t start. If there are obvious signs of damage or heavy carbon buildup, the plug will need replacing.
If you don’t see any visible damage, use a spark plug tester to determine if the spark plug is defective or not. Both testers and spark plugs are widely available at most home improvement stores.
2. Pressure Washer Cuts Out While In Use
A pressure washer that cuts out while you’re using it can also indicate a problem with the power supply. Use the same methods as you would for a pressure washer that won’t start at all.
When in doubt, always check the operating manual for help regarding your machine’s power needs.
3. Water Running Rough Through Power Washer
A clog in the carburetor is a common cause for your power washer to not run smoothly. Evaporating fuel can leave behind a thick, sticky substance that makes it hard for the engine to run.
Use a carburetor cleaner if you spot any old fuel gunk in your washer’s carburetor. These cleaners are available at many hardware and automotive stores.
The fuel filter in your pressure washer may also have a clog from old fuel. Drain the tank, replace the fuel filter, and refill the tank with fresh fuel.
Another reason your Karcher pressure washer may be running roughly is due to a clog in the fuel cap vent. This vent allows air into your fuel tank to keep the pressure below the pressure in the engine.
If the pressure in the fuel tank is too high, your machine will run roughly or stall out. Loosen the fuel cap slightly, then start the engine again.
If the machine runs smoothly, the vent is likely clogged, and you will need to replace the fuel cap.
4. Vibrating or Pulsating Pressure Washer
Sometimes a pressure washer will vibrate while you use it or pulse while it’s on but not spraying. This could indicate an issue with the hose or any accessory attachments.
Ensure that there are no kinks in your garden hose. If there are no kinks or the machine is still pulsing when in use, it may have a blockage.
Clean any accessory you’re using with warm, soapy water. Rinse it clean, then reattach it to your pressure washer. You can also push the end of a paperclip into the nozzle to help remove any debris.
Your garden hose may be too small in diameter as well. For best results, use a ¾ inch garden hose with your Karcher pressure washer. Finally, make sure that your outdoor trap is fully on.
5. No Water Coming From The Lance
If there’s no water when you pull the trigger on the spray gun, the lance probably has a blockage. Insert a paper clip or small wire into the tip to remove any debris and dirt.
To keep your lance tip clean, always place it in its storage slot when not in use. You should also voice dropping the lance on the ground to prevent dirt from entering the tip.
6. Low/Inconsistent/No Water Pressure
A pressure washer with bad water pressure isn’t helpful at all. Pressure issues can be inconsistent or surging water and low or no pressure at all.
If you’re having trouble with the water pressure, it’s likely a valve issue. There are a few things you can do to improve the water pressure.
First, quickly squeeze the trigger on the spray gun five times to free up the stop/start valve. If this doesn’t work, check for damage on the unloader valve and readjust the unloader screw.
Finally, your unloader valve may need recalibrating. Refer to your Karcher instruction manual to properly calibrate the valve.
7. Leaking Pressure Washer
The first thing to check if your pressure washer is leaking is the connections. These include the garden hose, pressure hose, and spray gun of your pressure washer.
If there’s still a leak, check the washers and replace any that show signs of damage. Finally, check the water pump itself for cracks or damage. You may need to contact the Karcher manufacturer for servicing or replacing parts for the pump.
8. No Detergent Coming Out
If your pressure washer is full of detergent but it’s not coming out, check the suction tube first. Make sure it’s connected properly and doesn’t have any damage.
Your detergent mix could also be too thick for the tube. Clean out the suction tube and dilute the detergent with water. Then put the washer on low pressure and try spraying again.
Keep trying different dilutions until you find one that sprays well.
9. Pressure Washer Not Removing Surface Dirt
Sometimes everything may seem normal with your pressure washer, but it’s still not removing dirt from a surface.
The good news is that you’re most likely just using the wrong nozzle or pressure level. Adjust your accessories and pressure level until you see the results you want.
To End
Karcher pressure washers are built to last. Even so, they can develop occasional faults., so it’s beneficial to know how to troubleshoot your machine.
Use this guide if you’re having issues with water pressure, leaks, and even the pressure washer’s power supply.