Are you tired of using scouring chemicals and detergents to clean surfaces with no positive results? Then, we have the solution for you. The pressure washer pump will sort out your problems with remarkable results, ease of use, and efficiency.
A pressure washer pump is a water pump powered by an electric motor. The best pressure washer pumps have unique features from efficiency to quality and durability.
Pressure washers clean surfaces using high-pressure water released from the system. This article highlights the best pressure washer pump you can buy and some critical considerations you should have in mind. Read along.
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When to replace your pressure washer pump
The pressure washer pumps have a lifespan within which they work efficiently. However, there are cases where you may have to replace the pressure washer pump. The cases include:
• When the pump gets damaged in the inlet water supply by air.
• If there are no pressure or low water pressure issues that are persistent due to a faulty pump
• When the pump keeps on leaking and has broken seals that are cracked or worn out
• You can also replace the pressure washer if you look for an upgraded version that fits your pump.
Factors to consider when purchasing the best pressure washer pump
Right pump type – The type of pump that you buy has a lot to do with how long it will serve you. The different types are Axial, Wobble, and Triplex. While most commercial pumps use axial pumps, Triplex is the most durable while Wobble comes in last.
Pressure levels – The pressure levels of the pressure washer that you want are another crucial factor to consider. High pressures are the most effective, especially when thoroughly cleaning and working on harsh surfaces.
Flow rate – The flow rate measured in Gallons per minute (GPM) is an essential aspect of the pressure cleaner. More flow rates mean you will spend less time washing; hence consider higher GPM machines for fast and efficient work.
Matching PSI and GPM – The Pounds per square inch (PSI) and the Gallons per minute (GPM), which determine the flow rate and the pressure, are supposed to match. The reason behind this is that the pressure will always determine the pump’s flow rate that you purchase.
The fluid’s viscosity – Most of the time, the pressure washers use water for cleaning. Suppose a unique element is needed in washing to alter the fluid’s viscosity. In that case, it is vital to consider this in mind. The viscous liquid will need more pressure and higher flow rates to work effectively.
Warranty and support – A warranty is an essential aspect of pressure cleaners. It serves as an assurance by the manufacturer that the pump will function effectively under specific conditions.
If the product malfunctions, you can always get it replaced by the manufacturer. Always consider the availability of support for the particular type of pump you are purchasing.
Benefits of Pressure washer pumps?
• It helps to save on time as compared to other methods of washing
• It helps you save money by using less water and increasing the life of surfaces.
• Thorough and efficient cleaning even for the most challenging surfaces
• The pressure pumps help to increase the appeal of your curb and the value of your home
• It is fun using the pressure washer compared to other cleaning methods.
Attributes that differentiate the pressure washer pumps
Gas and electric use – The pumps can be designed to use gas or electricity. In this regard, the critical determining factor is the nature of use, the hours, and the convenience either method offers. For example, the electric pumps use motors to power pump while the gas pressure washers use engines.
Hot water and cold water pumps – The pressure washer pumps can come as hot water or cold water pumps. Those who use hot water are much more effective than those who use cold water but cost a lot more.
PSI and GPM – The Gallons per minute (GPM) and the Pounds per square inch (PSI) determine your pressure washer’s pressure and flow rates. The pumps with more flow rates are much more convenient since they help you save on time, while higher pressures are more useful for thorough cleaning.
Pump types – Different pressure washer pumps have different types of pumps. The most common among the residential pressure washers is the axial cam pumps. The others include the Wobble pump, which is not replaceable, nor can it be repaired. It has an estimated lifespan of 3 years when used for 2 hours every weekend. The Triplex pump is efficient for daily use. It is by far the most durable among the pumps, with a lifespan that is 10x that of the axial pump.
What’s the best way to use pressure washer pumps?
Due to the extreme pressures delivered by the pressure washers, it is essential to observe caution when using them. It would be better if you never aimed it at people or animals.
Doing this may result in cuts or serious injuries. It is also advisable for you to wear safety glasses and maintain a considerable distance of about 6 feet around electrical outlets and power lines.
Always remember to engage the safety lock located on the trigger when not using the pressure pump or when changing the tips of the nozzle.
Prerequisites/precautions
It’s best to avoid utilizing the pressure pump while standing on a ladder because the recoil might throw you off. Remember to stop the washer, turn off the water faucet and ensure all pressure in the system is released before you uncouple the hose.
Best Pressure Washer Pump reviews
Here, I’ll go through the details of a few of the best pressure washer pumps on the market.
Briggs Stratton 207365GS
This pressure washer has a robust 2350 PSI and a flow rate of 2.0 GPM. This factor makes it very useful for systems with low input and output pressure washers. In addition, it has a shaft key with six bolts, making it easy to install.
The pump’s design comes with brass, stainless steel, and aluminum, translating to high-quality parts and enhanced longevity. The pump also comes with a thermal release valve and a built-in unloader lever for an easy and smooth start.
Pros
• The pressure washer has parts that are of high quality
• It has a robust 2350 PSI
• It is relatively easy to install
• It comes with a thermal release valve and built-in unloader
Cons
• The washer is costly
• The PSI and GPM are considerably low compared to others.
Last update on 2024-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Annovi Reverberi RMW22G24-EZ Triplex Vertical
This pump is efficient in cleaning and washing surfaces and a suitable option for the household. It is easy to start and operate and comes with a 2400 PSI and 2.2 GPM. The pump also features pressure control valves that are inbuilt, which helps regulate pressure.
The Annovi RMW22G24 comes with an inbuilt loader enhancing the ease of use. The pump features a shaft of ¾ inch, making it compatible with several engines. It also comes in two different mounting configurations with a mounting flange that connects the gas engine. In addition, the pump has a double gasket sealing design with a chemical injector and automatically driven pistons, which enhance the pump’s performance.
Pros
• The pump is easy to install
• It has a sufficient water flow
• It has a design that is robust and attractive
• The pump has different configurations for mounting
Cons
• The longevity of the pump is in question
Warning: This product may contain lead, DEHP, and DINP, known to the State of California to cause cancer and congenital disabilities.
For more information, visit this site.
Last update on 2024-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Homelite Universal Pressure Pump
This universal pressure pump comes with a 2800 PSI and 2.5 GPM. The pump comes with sealed pre-filled oil to help save on maintenance costs. In addition, it comes with two hoses and three bolts, which makes it easy to install.
The pump has a thermal relief valve, which helps in preventing overheating. You can install the valve opposite the position of the inlet fitting.
Pros
• It has a high-pressure output of 2800 PSI
• It is convenient for hook up hoses due to the back hook fitting
• It is easy to use and install
• It comes with a thermal relief valve in a separate box
Cons
• It is challenging to change the oil as there is no access hole.
• The pump does not suit all models.
OEM Technologies Horizontal Axial Pump – Best axial cam pressure washer pump
This power washer pump is one of the best on this list. Designed with a robust 3400 PSI and 2.5 GPM axial cam pump, it helps clean harsh surfaces and gets the job done fast. It’s also designed to fit most gas pressure washers. The pump also comes with a dual seal system that prevents leaks in the system’s lifespan.
The pump uses pistons made from stainless steel, which gives it longevity and assures you of prolonged service. It also features thermal relief protection, which is beneficial in damage prevention for hot temperatures. It also has a built-in unloader that gives you a smooth start.
Pros
• It is very durable
• The pressure washer pump comes with a robust 3100 PSI
• It has a double seal system
• It has a universal fit gas engine flange
Cons
• The brass mounts are cheap; hence no proper quality
• It is not easy to install the pump
Last update on 2024-07-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
AAA Technologies Triplex Plunger Pump – Best durable pressure washer pump
Thermal relief protection is integrated into the pump to break any instances of overheating. The pump also has ball bearings that are radial and oversized to increase mounting support. The presence of an unloader system that is adjustable makes it easy to adjust pressure for effectiveness.
It is more expensive but has a limited five-year warranty on all parts.
Pros
• It has a powerful 3800 PSI
• It has thermal relief protection
• It has an adjustable unloader system for ease of pressure adjustments
• Ceramic-coated pistons to avoid overheating
• The pump has an advanced oil seal that is pre-filled
Cons
• It has plastic valve retainers which quickly wear out
• The pump is costly in terms of pricing
Last update on 2024-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Horizontal Pump – 3/4“ Shaft 2800-3000 PSI
This gasoline pressure horizontal pump replaces the OEM for several models. It has a 2800-3000 PSI and a flow rate of 2.5 GPM, making it convenient for home cleaning tasks. In addition, the pump comes with a ¾ shaft, which is common among pressure washers hence eliminating the need for extra fittings.
The pump has parts built with quality materials and a built-in unloader for effective control and regulation during use. It also comes with a thermal relief valve to eliminate the causes of overheating that may arise.
Pros
• The presence of a thermal relief valve helps protect against overheating
• It has a built-in unloader
• It is compatible with several other models of pressure washers
• It is durable due to the design and materials used in its construction
Cons
• It may require extra fitting devices
• Installation may be problematic in other models
Vertical Pressure Replacement 2700 2.4 GPM – Best fit for most brand
It is one of the most affordable pumps with excellent performance and enhanced durability.
Pros
• It is compatible with several other brands
• The pump provides sufficient water flow
• It is easy to install
• It is lightweight; hence, it does not increase the machine’s weight.
• It is cost-effective
Cons
• Does not have a thermal release valve
• It does not have sufficient power for heavy-duty works
Last update on 2024-08-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
AR North America Triplex Plunger Pump – Best pump for heavy task
This pump features the Triplex plunger technology, which is the latest technology in the design of pumps. In addition, the pump comes with a coupler for quick connections, a nipple, an inlet filter, and a detergent hose that comes with a filter.
The pressure of this pump is remarkable, with 4000 PSI and 4 gallons per minute. This feature is beneficial since it allows you to get the job done quickly and helps challenge tasks.
Pros
• It has very high pressure of around 4000 PSI
• It has a high flow rate of 4 gallons per minute
• The design of the pump uses the latest design and technology
• It is convenient for both heavy and medium cleaning
Cons
• It is not very durable
• It takes more than one pull to start the motor
Common Causes of Pressure Washer Pump Failure
Pressure washer pumps have a predefined hour rating in terms of life expectancy. Cheaper pumps could have an expected lifespan of 200 hours, while commercial-grade models could be rated to put 5000 hours of work even. If your pump manufacturer has specified it, which not all of them do, it should be somewhere in your user manual book.
However, your pressure washer pump may last longer or shorter than the specified time, depending on how you use it. The reason behind your pressure washer pump failure isn’t always natural wear and tear. 2 common reasons could cause your pump to fail earlier than expected:
Cavitation
Cavitation occurs quite frequently when there’s insufficient flow of supplied water or rapid changes in water pressure. In addition, cavitation indicates the scenario of bubbles or vapor-filled cavities inside the pump.
How do you tell when cavitation has occurred? You might notice some difference in the pump sound, your wand will feel unstable and vibrate a little when you’re spraying, and you’ll feel surges of pressure,
The prime reason behind cavitation is insufficient water supply. The water source you connect the pressure washer to needs to supply enough water to the washer according to its GPM rating. So fluctuations in that will lead to cavitation most of the time.
According to its GPM rating, the water supply should supply more water than the pump requires. If it fails by a bit of margin even, for example, say your pressure washer is rated for 3 GPM. At the same time, the source can supply 2.8 gallons per minute; the discrepancy is significant enough for trouble to appear.
How do you know if your source can supply enough water?
Take a 5-gallon bucket and fill it from the faucet directly, and note the time it requires to do so. Do the math, and you’ll get how many gallons of water per minute your source is capable of delivering.
Bypass water overheating
No matter whether you’re spraying through the nozzle or not, your pressure washer pump keeps building the pressure inside when it’s turned on. So what happens when you receive a phone call mid-session or re-arrange the tools you’re working with when the pump keeps running?
Does it burst up since you’re not releasing the pressure by squeezing the nozzle trigger? Well, not really, but also keep in mind that there’s only so much pressure build-up your pressure washer can handle.
To not cause the pump to burst up, it has a pressure or water bypass mechanism. So it’s no pressure build-up that we’re worried about; instead, it’s about the heat generated in the bypassing process.
So when there’s enough build-up of unreleased water pressure, your pump activates the unloader valve within it and lets the water flow through a bypass route. The water thus is depressurized and sent through the pump again. The process is repeated until the water is eventually released.
However, though it protects your pump from bursting out, the crankcase generates heat in this process which is meant to be mitigated by a constant flow of fresh, cold water. But when the pump is not used for a long time, the water will keep going through it. So then it keeps getting warmer and warmer.
For most pressure washers, the maximum safe temperature is only a bit above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which isn’t much. So, when the pump is kept idle for a long time, it could generate enough hits to damage your machine.
Most pump manufacturers rate their pump for 2 minutes of switched on and idle time, but not going over a minute is a wiser choice. Instead, you could turn off the unit and restart after you’re done with what you had to get done, and it will prolong the lifespan of your pump.
How to Fix a Pressure Washer Pump
Here’s a video that demonstrates how to fix a pressure washer pump:
Expert Tips on Best Pressure Washer Pump
Like any other mechanical or electrical part, you need to care when using the pressure washer pump properly. Ensure to consistently follow through with the necessary maintenance routines as specified by the manufacturer.
In case of repairs, always refer to your warranty to know whether you can repair or take it back to authorized repair shops. Remember to periodically change the oil and lubricate the pump’s internal moving parts to prolong its life.
Did You Know?
Did you know that pressure washer pumps have different color codes for nozzles? A white nozzle tip signifies high streams, narrowing its application to green, then to yellow, and finally to red. The black colors mean the slightest pressure output. These colors aim at assisting you in finding the correct pressure settings.
Wrap Up
The AAA-Technologies-Triplex-Plunger-Pump is the winner in this category. Coming with a powerful 3800 PSI and 3.5 GPM, this washer pump excels in thorough cleaning with effectiveness and speed. Although the pump is costly, the durable build and triplex plunger pump makes it a worthy investment.
The pressure washer pumps stand out with the die-cast aluminum crankcase and ceramic-coated pistons to eliminate overheating. It also has excellent support and mounting systems, which add to the ease of use and installation.
These are among the best pressure washer pumps you can obtain from the market. It is essential to consider all the factors listed in this article to make an informed purchase.
FAQs
Q: Why do pressure washer pumps fail?
A: The pressure washer pumps are systems with both mechanical and electrical properties. With time, these components wear out and undergo degradation with continued use. Factors such as cavitation and overheating will plague the functionality of the pump.
Q: Can I upgrade my pressure washer pump?
A: Yes, you can upgrade the pressure washer pump under specific conditions. However, the pressure washer pumps are not all the same. They have different specifications and may not fit your pressure washer.
First, you need to determine the types of pressure washer pumps, their uses, and the exact specifications to ensure compatibility.
Q: Do pressure washer pumps need oil?
A: Yes, the pressure washer pump needs its internal surfaces to be lubricated to reduce the friction of the parts. The oil also helps slow down the wear and heating of the internal components. Read more.
Q: How Long Will A High PSI Pressure Washer Pump Last?
A: The lower-priced ones are of low quality, with an average life expectancy of about 70 to 100 hours of use. Those with better quality have a lifespan of roughly 500 hours.
The typical households use the pump for about 50 hours a year, which translates to about ten years for the quality pressure pumps and a year or two for the lower-priced pumps.
Q: What is the cheapest pressure washer water pump?
A: The cheapest pressure washer water pump is the wobble pump.
Q: Is there any need to change gaskets?
A: You may need to replace the pressure washer gaskets if torn or damaged. Failure to do this will cause the engine to run rough. Would you please take the necessary precaution of cleaning the surfaces before changing them?
Q: What is an airlock?
A: An airlock in a pressure washer pump is a stoppage or a limitation in the flow of liquid in the pressure washer pump. For example, when the gas rises to high points within the pump, it inhibits the fluid flow hence referred to as an airlock.
Q: Should I grease the bearings of the pump kit?
A: The pump’s bearings are prone to wear and tear due to the friction they undergo when the pump is operating. There are several considerations before you do this. First, determine if this will void the warranty and the specifications, if any, from the user manual. Ensure to use the recommended lubrication if the user manual and warranty allow you to grease them.
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Last update on 2024-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API