I have a Ryobi Electric Pressure Washer (an example can be found here: Ryobi 2,000-PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer Review and How To - YouTube) that has worked fine for some time. However, now it works just fine for about 3-4 minutes upon startup, but then loses pressure quickly and won’t regain it unless I basically disconnect everything and start it up again. This same scenario happens repeatedly.
I took the pressure washer to a small motor repair center, but they thought it wouldn’t be worth repairing because the cost of their labor would probably offset the cost of a new electric pressure washer, which I understand.
I’ve thought about just buying a new electric pressure washer, but I would rather not spend the expense and this one works so well for my needs (when it was working) that I would like to keep it, rather than risk getting something else that might not.
Does anyone know what might cause an electric pressure washer to work fine for 3 - 4 minutes and then have the pressure fall off rapidly and can’t regain pressure? If it is something not too complicated, I’m wondering if I might be able to repair this myself.
Probably sucking air in somewhere. You have a leak somewhere. They are like $100-$150 new, not really worth repairing unless it’s an obvious and easy fix.
Yea, but odd that it works fine with full power for 4 minutes and then fails. Additionally, by letting it rest for a while the pressure comes back. If it was a leak, I would think that would expose itself almost immediately.
You are right about a ton of electric pressure washers in that price range, but the trouble is finding one that is at least as good as the one I have. The specs of pressure are almost useless. I’ve seen plenty rated at 3000 psi that actually perform around 1700 psi when attached to a gauge. I’m not sure where this specific Ryobi falls but for an electric pressure washer it has some kick. The only one I would probably consider as a replacement is the Greenworks 3000, which is $400 and a bigger investment, but has true power so I would be guaranteed to have just as much pressure as I have now. If anyone can recommend an electric pressure washer, please let me know.
After a little more research, it could be the unloader that has gone bad on this Ryobi, but again, I’m just taking a somewhat uneducated guess.
Your pump is shot. Throw the whole thing away and get a new one. That’s exactly what those homeowner machines are meant for. Use it and abuse it and when it’s done you get a new one. See? I’m a poet and didn’t know it. Catch ya later alligator
The best electric pressure washer would be an electric motor driving a triplex plunger pump and running off 220. If you think $400 is an investment I can assure you that you will not want to see the price tag on a machine like I’m suggesting. Just run down to Lowe’s or whatever store you have in your area and get another one like you have.
If pigs start flying I’m getting out of the washing business and opening up a flying pig ride share company. Can you imagine loading drunk college kids on the back of a hog and sending them home with a slap on that ham hock? That would be hilarious
This needs to go into the IBS greatest comments book. Soon as I get a few more from you I’m going to print up and sell on Amazon for big bucks since I had to read your posts for years.
I can see roof washing getting a bit more in demand if that happened. Whether from the kids puking or the pigs crapping. Either way, I’d really be bringing home the bacon then!
