If the Honda pressure washer has no pressure then the following are the reasons
- Clogged nozzle
- Air trapped in the system
- Faulty pump
- Insufficient water supply
- Broken Pressure washer components
Don’t worry, you can get it all fixed through a little bit of DIY work and ingenuity. Keep reading this article till the end to find out more.
Table of Contents
Honda Pressure Washer No Pressure: Common Causes and Fixes
If you are wondering ‘why does my pressure washer have no pressure?’ then check the table below. It covers all the main reasons and how you can solve any pressure-related issue in the Honda Pressure Washer.
| Causes | Fixes |
| Clogged or Worn Nozzle | Unclog the nozzle |
| Air Leaks in the Inlet Plumbing | Fix the leak in the inlet plumbing |
| Air in the System | Remove the trapped air from the system |
| Malfunctioning Pump | Repair or replace the pump |
| Engine Issues | Repair or replace the pump |
| Water Supply Restrictions | Check if the hose is properly connected or not |
| Tip and Wand Issues | Check the condition of the tip and wand |
| Broken Unloader Valve Spring | Replace the broken unloader valve spring |
Now let’s dive into the details of why the pressure washer is having pressure issues and how you can solve them.
Clogged or Worn Nozzle
This might happen in your Honda GC 190. Normally, it happens due to the gradual mineral and debris buildup as the water keeps passing through the nozzle. The issue can be more if you use hard water.
On top of that if the nozzle has too small of an orifice size for the pressure washer then it will get clogged more easily.
Solution: Unclog the Nozzle
You have to unclog the nozzle properly to get the pressure. First, remove the nozzle from the wand and check its orifice for any visual sign of debris or blockage. Once you find anything, just remove it. You can use a thin wire to poke through the orifice and remove any debris or mineral buildup.
If there are still minerals in it, dissolve the nozzle in white vinegar for a few minutes. This will help to dissolve the minerals. You may use a small brush to further scrub it off.
Air in the System
This mainly happens if there is any crack, hole, or loose connection in the suction hose or high-pressure hose. Whenever that happens, the air gets inside the system. This prevents the pump from building any pressure.
Along with this, a clogged inlet filter can also cause trapped air in the system as it restricts water flow, leading to the pump getting cavitated and drawing in air.
Apart from this, problems with the pump and incorrect nozzle size are some other reasons why the air remains trapped in the system.
Solution: Remove the Trapped Air from the System
Following are the steps to remove the trapped air from the system
Step 1: Turn off the pressure washer and squeeze the trigger to release any pressure in the hose.
Step 2: Disconnect the spray wand and nozzle.
Step 3: Start the pressure washer and let it run for 30 seconds to clear out any air.
Step 4: Turn off the pressure washer and reconnect the wand and nozzle.
Step 5: Restart the pressure washer and check if the pressure is back. If not, repeat these steps.
However, after removing the trapped air, fix what caused this trapped air. If it is the pump, get it replaced or repaired. If it is the clogged inlet filter, get it unclogged.
Malfunctioning Pump
Like the Karcher pressure washer, pump issues can lead to no pressure. Over time, the pump’s seals, bearings, and other parts can wear out. This lets air into the system, which stops the pump from building pressure.
On top of that, if the pump is not getting enough water flow, it can start to cavitate, which means the water is vaporizing inside the pump. This leads to pressure problems and allows air into the pump, resulting in low pressure.
In some cases, the pump can completely fail, either by seizing up or losing its ability to pressurize the water. When this happens, there is no pressure at all from the nozzle.
Solution: Repair or Replace the Pump
To diagnose if there’s a problem with your pump, check for these signs:
- Pressure only lasts for 1-2 seconds.
- The pump keeps turning on and off quickly.
- Only a small stream of water comes out of the nozzle.
If any or all of them are happening then make sure to replace the pump. This Honda Power Washer Pump Replacement: Power Washer Rebuild Repair (2019) a video for Honda GCV 160 can be of help to you.
You can also replace a part of the pump that is preventing the water flow. Then lubricate the stuck component with WD-40 for more free movement. Check this How to Fix Honda GC190 Pressure Washer That Has No Pressure video for a detailed idea.
Water Supply Restrictions
Pressure washers need enough water flow, usually 4-7 gallons per minute (GPM), to work properly. If your water supply can’t provide this, the washer won’t build enough pressure. Normally, this can be an issue with the hose.
They also need enough water pressure, typically around 20-40 PSI. If the water pressure is too low, the washer won’t be able to pressurize the water.
Along with this, if the water temperature is above 100°F, it can cause problems inside the pump, preventing it from building pressure.
Solution: Check if the Hose is Properly Connected or Not
Firstly, check the hose. You need to find out if it is properly connected or not. Often, it’s just the loose connection that leads to restrictions in the overall water supply. If there is no loose connection, then watch out for any leaks. Once you find any leak then either seal it or replace the hose.
Tip and Wand Issues
The small hole in the spray tip can get clogged with debris or mineral buildup, blocking water flow and reducing pressure.
Besides, if the spray tip’s hole is too small for your pressure washer, it can limit water flow and pressure. The tip size needs to match your pump and engine output.
On top of that cracks or holes in the spray wand can let air into the system, preventing the pump from building full pressure.
Solution: Check the Condition of the Tip
Check if the tip is properly secured or not. If it is not then disconnect it and then secure it properly.
Make sure to also remove and clean the spray tip. This can remove the debris from the tip. It is also important that you replace the spray tip and get one that has the correct size for your pressure washer model.
Broken Unloader Valve Spring
The unloader valve is a crucial part of the pressure washer system that regulates pressure. It functions by redirecting water back to the pump’s inlet when the trigger is released, allowing the pump to maintain pressure. If the unloader valve spring is broken or weak, it may fail to properly open and close the valve.
When the unloader valve is partially open even when the trigger is squeezed, water will continuously bypass the nozzle, and that prevents pressure from building up.
If the unloader valve does not open at all then the pressure washer will not build up any pressure at all.
Solution: Replace the Unloader Valve Spring
To fix this, just replace the unloader valve spring. Following are the steps
Step 1: Relieve the pressure in the system by squeezing the trigger on the spray wand. Keep doing it until the pressure is released.
Step 2: Locate the unloader valve on the pump and then remove it by unscrewing it from the pump.
Step 3: Check the spring. Find out if it’s broken, weak or corroded, or requires replacement.
Step 4: If it requires replacement, just remove it and then install the new spring into the unloader valve.
Step 5: Screw the unloader valve back into the pump and make sure that it is tight. Start the pressure washer and then check for proper operation.
FAQs
How Do I Know if My Pressure Washer Unloader Valve is Bad?
One of the first ways to know that your pressure washer unloader valve has gone bad is to check for any pressure in the wand when the trigger is pressed. If there is nothing then the unloader valve is bad. It happens whenever the unloader valve gets stuck open and does not allow the water to enter the hose and trigger.
How Do I Know if My Pressure Washer Pump is Bad?
You will know that your pressure washer pump is not working properly when you hear a strange grinding, rattling, or whining noise. This indicates that there is an issue with the bearing, piston, or other moving parts in the pump.
How Do You Fix Low Water Pressure on a Pressure Washer?
If you find low water pressure on a pressure washer then check the nozzles for any wear or tear. If the nozzles are in good condition then adjust the unloader valve to increase the pressure. But whenever you are adjusting the unloader valve, make sure to do it in tiny increments especially when you are testing the pressure between each adjustment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Honda pressure washer has no pressure for a lot of reasons related to its components. But you can get it fixed by replacing or repairing these parts. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully while solving the pressure issue.
