Kärcher Electric Pressure Washer: Troubleshooting Water, Pressure, Motor, No Detergent Problems

Kärcher electric pressure washers are sold at many places and are very popular. If you're going to buy an electric pressure washer, chances are you're going to buy a Kärcher. Kärcher electric pressure washers are popular, yet it too has operating problems that you need to know how to troubleshoot. It's worth repeating: Troubleshooting a Kärcher electric pressure washer on your own saves you time and money, since you don't have to pay a premium hourly rate for a technician to troubleshoot it.

Kärcher Electric Pressure Washer: Troubleshooting Water, Pressure, Motor, No Detergent Problems ( Motor Won't Start )

Check the On/Off switch and make sure it is in the "On" position.

Check the power cord and make sure it is correctly plugged into an electrical outlet.

Measure the length of the extension cord you are using, both for length and wire gauge. The extension cord may be too long if it is longer than 25 feet, and too thick if it is thicker than a 10/2 gauge cord.

Plug the Karcher electric pressure washer power cord into another electrical outlet. The electrical outlet currently used may not properly work.

Reset the ground fault circuit interrupter on the Kärcher electric pressure washer power cord or the breaker in the electric breaker box to the source of electricity.

Kärcher Electric Pressure Washer: Troubleshooting Water, Pressure, Motor, No Detergent Problems ( Low Pressure )

Check the diameter of the garden hose attached to the Kärcher electric pressure washer. If it is less than 3/4 inch in diameter, replace it with a garden hose that is at least that wide.

Check the garden hose for kinks or any types of blockage. Unwind or unblock the garden hose, allowing water to flow freely.

Test the water pressure at the water source you're using. Open the water source fully and if the water pressure isn't strong, particularly close to, at, or above 250 psi, use another stronger-pressured water source.

Inspect the water inlet filter for clogs. Take the filter off of the Kärcher electric pressure washer and clean it.

Check the spray wand for which pressure position it is set. Turn the spray wand to high pressure position.

Kärcher Electric Pressure Washer: Troubleshooting Water, Pressure, Motor, No Detergent Problems ( Pressure Varies )

Check water supply, including water source for water pressure and garden hose for blockage.

Check that all hoses and fittings are tightly secured. Turn off the machine. Squeeze pressure washer wand gun trigger to remove air in the system, squeezing until an uninterrupted flow of water streams from the pressure washer nozzle.

Visually inspect the Karcher pressure washer nozzle for debris and remove as necessary.

Kärcher Electric Pressure Washer: Troubleshooting Water, Pressure, Motor, No Detergent Problems ( No Detergent )

Check detergent connection at the suction tube to make sure it is properly connected to the Kärcher electric pressure washer.

Dilute Kärcher detergent if it doesn't easily move through the suction tube.

Clean the filter on the detergent suction tube if it is clogged.

Turn the spray wand to the low pressure position to use detergent.

Kärcher Electric Pressure Washer: Troubleshooting Water, Pressure, Motor, No Detergent Problems ( Leaks )

Check garden hose, pressure washer hose, and extension wand to ensure everything is securely connected. Check rubber gaskets for wear and replace as necessary.

Check the Kärcher spray wand o-ring or plastic insert for cracks or breaks. Replace as necessary.

Count how many drops of water drop from the water pump. If more than 10 drops fall per minute, check the fittings for tightness. Call Kärcher for service if the fittings are tight and more than 10 drops of water fall from the pump per minute.

Sources:

Kärcher Residential, Kärcher User Manuals, http://www.karcherresidential.com/en/manuals.php