Pressure Washer Hose Repair and Maintenance

One of the most important elements of a pressure washer is the high-pressure hose that delivers the water to the nozzle. High-pressure hoses are three-layered, high-density hoses that can withstand a wide range of temperatures and chemicals. However, hoses are often the most mistreated parts of the pressure washer. Here are some ways you can prevent hoses from being damaged and get the most out of your washer.

Preventing High-Pressure Hose Breaks

Hose breaks occur often mainly because a lot of people think that the hoses can handle a wide range of abuse. Excessive kinking, driving over the hose, and abrasion can weaken the hose and cause a blowout. If you can see the wire braid in the hose, the hose needs to be repaired or replaced. Any exposed wire braiding on a pressure hose is a potential burst location. High-pressure blowouts can injure anyone around the hose, as high velocity and potentially hot water can spray out and hurt someone.

Make sure the hose is properly stored without kinks, or pressure in the system, keep vehicles from running over it on the job site, and keep the hose from being dragged over rough terrain. Try using booms, hose reels, and wand holders to protect your hoses and keep them off the ground.

Hose Repair vs Replacement

If the high-pressure hose already has a leak in it, it is common that people will attempt to apply a patch to it. Unfortunately, high-pressure water can break the seal of the patch and possibly hurt someone in the process. Unless you are highly skilled with repairing high-pressure hoses and have the required tools and materials, it is best to simply replace the hose altogether.

Pressure Washer Fitting and Gasket Replacement

Oftentimes, the leak in your pressure washer might not be coming from the hose itself. You could notice that the leak is occurring where the hose connects to the pressure washer. This means that the coupler either has a damaged or missing o-ring or needs replacing. By looking inside the quick coupler while your machine is off, you will be able to see if the o-ring is damaged or missing. If it is, you can replace it with the proper high temp o-ring. If the o-ring is intact, you will need to replace the quick coupler and/or the plug.

High-Pressure Hose Repair Methods

If replacing the hose is not a convenient method of stopping a leak, you can repair the hose. However, a simple patch will not do. Most epoxy or vinyl patches are not made to withstand high pressures or temperatures. It is recommended that you take your hose to a qualified repair shop for any hose repairs you need to have done.

Maintaining the integrity of your pressure washer hose is important to your washer’s functionally safe operation. Being mindful of its use and how you store it can prevent leaks. And if you do get a leak, replacing it is the best option, but a repair can possibly be done by a qualified repair shop. Do whatever is necessary to prevent your hose from leaking, as it could cause serious injury.

Get Professional Repair Services

Washing Equipment of Texas offers pressure washer repair services that cover a wide scope of issues. Our team of skilled repair technicians will make sure your pressure washer hose is operating safely. Learn more about our Pressure Washer Repair Services contact us today.