Pressure cleaners are indispensable tools for maintaining cleanliness in various settings, from residential driveways to industrial facilities. However, like all machinery, they can encounter issues that hinder performance. Understanding common problems and their solutions can save time and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Common Pressure Cleaner Pump Issues and Solutions

1. Pump Running but Not Reaching Pre-set Pressure
   • Possible Causes:
     • Air intake in the pump
     • Worn valves
     • Damaged regulating valve seats
     • Inadequate or worn nozzle
     • Deteriorated seals
   • Solutions:
     • Ensure all inlet ducts are airtight to prevent air suction.
     • Inspect and replace worn valves and regulating valve seats.
     • Check the nozzle for wear and replace if necessary.
     • Examine seals and replace if worn.
2. Pump Fails to Suck Water
   • Possible Causes:
     • Air intake in the pump
     • Low suction level
     • Dirty inlet valves
   • Solutions:
     • Verify that inlet ducts are airtight.
     • Check the water supply level to ensure adequate suction.
     • Clean inlet valves by disassembling them or by connecting the pump inlet to the water mains and running the pump for a few minutes.
3. Irregular Pressure Oscillation
   • Possible Causes:
     • Worn inlet or outlet valves
     • Foreign matter obstructing valve function
     • Air intake in the pump
     • Worn water seals
   • Solutions:
     • Inspect and replace worn valves.
     • Clean valves to remove any debris.
     • Ensure inlet ducts are airtight.
     • Check and replace water seals if necessary.
4. Drop in Pressure
   • Possible Causes:
     • Worn nozzle
     • Worn inlet or outlet valves
     • Foreign matter in valves
     • Worn regulating valve seat
     • Worn water seals
     • Slack or worn belts (in belt-driven models)
   • Solutions:
     • Replace the nozzle if worn.
     • Inspect and replace worn valves and clean them to remove debris.
     • Replace the regulating valve seat if worn.
     • Replace worn water seals.
     • Adjust belt tension or replace belts as needed.
5. Excessive Noise During Operation
   • Possible Causes:
     • Inadequate water supply
     • Air intake in the pump
     • Damaged or broken valve springs
     • Foreign matter in valves
     • Worn bearings
     • High fluid temperature
   • Solutions:
     • Ensure the pump is receiving adequate water supply and that suction pipes are not blocked (e.g., check for clogged filters).
     • Verify that inlet ducts are airtight.
     • Replace damaged valve springs.
     • Clean inlet and outlet valves to remove debris.
     • Replace worn bearings.
     • Reduce the temperature of the pumped fluid to appropriate levels.
6. Water in Oil
   • Possible Causes:
     • Excessive leaks due to worn water seals
     • High humidity
   • Solutions:
     • Replace worn water seals.
     • In high-humidity environments, consider changing oil more frequently than usual.
7. Water Leaking from Drains Between Head and Crankcase
   • Possible Causes:
     • Worn water seals
     • Damaged piston
     • Worn O-ring on piston bolt
   • Solutions:
     • Replace worn water seals.
     • Inspect and replace damaged pistons.
     • Replace worn O-rings on piston bolts.
8. Oil Leaking from Drains Between Head and Crankcase
   • Possible Cause:
     • Worn oil seals
   • Solution:
     • Replace worn oil seals.
9. Frequent or Premature Wear of Water Seals
   • Possible Causes:
     • Damaged or scratched pistons
     • Abrasive particles in water
     • High water temperature
     • Running the pump dry
     • Extended operation in by-pass mode
   • Solutions:
     • Replace damaged pistons.
     • Install appropriate filters on the inlet side to remove abrasive particles.
     • Monitor and regulate inlet water temperature.
     • Avoid operating the pump without water.
     • Limit by-pass mode operation to no more than five minutes.
10. Excessive Vibrations at Outlet Hose/Pipe
    • Possible Causes:
      • Drained pulsation dampener (if present)
      • Worn or dirty valves
      • Air intake in the pump
      • Worn water seals
    • Solutions:
      • Check and restore pressure in the pulsation dampener.
      • Inspect, clean, and replace valves as necessary.
      • Ensure inlet ducts are airtight.
      • Replace worn water seals.

Regular maintenance and prompt attention to these common issues can significantly enhance the performance and longevity of your pressure cleaner pump. For problems beyond routine troubleshooting, it’s advisable to consult professionals. Interpump Australasia offers a comprehensive range of repair and maintenance services to keep your equipment in optimal condition.