05 · Pressure Washers

Pressure Washer

Also called Power washer · Jet washer

High-pressure water for blasting dirt, grease, tar, gum and rust stains off hard outdoor surfaces.

Petrol engine

Sizes & models we rent

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1000 psiLight duty3000 psiGeneral purpose3500 psiHeavy duty

Selected model

Pressure Washer · 3500 psi

Heavy duty

Goes with this model

  • HOSE, PRESSURE WASHER 50'
  • WAND, 14' EXTENSION PRESSURE WASHER
  • WAND, 12' EXTENSION PRESSURE WASHER
  • CLEANER, ROTARY SURFACE
View the 3500 psi in the catalogue ↗Compare →

Overview

A pressure washer pumps water through a narrow nozzle hard enough to strip dirt, grease, tar, gum, wax and rust staining off hard surfaces — the job a brush and soapy water would take all day to do badly.

We rent three: 1000 psi for light duty, 3000 psi for general work and 3500 psi for heavy duty. Driveways, patios and walkways, siding and decks, vehicles and equipment are the usual jobs.

Pressure is only half of it; the nozzle decides the rest. Red 0° is a pinpoint jet that cuts wood and paint and is best left in the box. Yellow 15°, green 25° and white 40° cover real work, and black draws soap.

Start with a wide tip about 2 ft back and move closer only if you need to. Never start or run the pump without the water supply connected and turned on.

Best uses

  • Driveways, patios and walkways
  • Siding and decks
  • Vehicles and equipment
  • Grease, tar, gum, wax and rust stains

Not suited for

  • Close-range spraying of wood, car paint or window seals
  • Anything electrical

Attachments & kits

  • Rotary surface cleaner

    Even, streak-free cleaning of driveways, sidewalks and decks

    Ask the counter about availability and inclusion
  • Extension wand

    Reaches taller buildings

    Ask the counter about availability and inclusion
  • Nozzle tips

    0°, 15°, 25°, 40° and soap

    Ask the counter about availability and inclusion

Troubleshooting

Low or pulsing pressure

Likely causes

  • Poor water supply
  • Clogged inlet filter
  • Soap nozzle fitted
  • Air in the pump

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the water tap fully on and check the supply hose isn't kinked.
  2. Clean the inlet filter screen where the garden hose connects.
  3. Swap out the black soap nozzle — it's low pressure by design.
  4. Purge air: with the engine off, squeeze the trigger until a steady stream of water comes out, then start.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Starter rope is very hard to pull

Checks to try, in order

  1. Squeeze the gun trigger to release trapped pressure, then pull the starter.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Water dribbles from the pump when idling

Checks to try, in order

  1. The pump is overheating from idling with the trigger released. Spray for a moment to cool it.
  2. Don't idle for more than a couple of minutes without spraying.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Engine won't startShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Fuel valve or switch off
  • Stale fuel
  • Low oil sensor
  • Choke position
  • Spark plug cap loose

Checks to try, in order

  1. Turn the fuel valve ON and the engine switch to ON.
  2. Cold engine: close the choke. Warm engine: leave the choke open.
  3. Check there is fresh petrol in the tank — stale or water-contaminated fuel is the most common cause.
  4. Check the engine oil. Many engines have a low-oil shutdown that stops them starting when oil is low or the machine is on a slope — top up and set the machine on level ground.
  5. Make sure the spark plug cap is pushed fully onto the plug.
  6. Pull the starter rope with a smooth, firm pull — don't let it snap back.

If the starter rope is locked or unusually hard to pull, stop — don't force it. Tag the unit and return it to the workshop.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Starts, then stalls or runs roughShared · Petrol engine

Likely causes

  • Choke left on
  • Blocked air filter
  • Low fuel
  • Low-oil shutdown

Checks to try, in order

  1. Open the choke gradually once the engine has warmed up.
  2. Check the fuel level and that the fuel cap vent isn't blocked.
  3. Check the air filter — a dusty filter chokes the engine. Tap it out or swap it.
  4. Check the oil level again; the low-oil sensor can cut the engine on uneven ground.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?
Smell of fuel or a visible leakShared · Petrol engine

Checks to try, in order

  1. Switch the engine off immediately and move away any ignition sources.
  2. Turn the fuel valve OFF.
  3. Check the fuel cap is seated and look for a wet fuel line or carburettor bowl.

Don't run a machine that is leaking fuel. Tag it out and report it.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

Link to this fixDid this solve the problem?

Safety

  • Never point the wand at people, animals or yourself. A high-pressure injection injury needs emergency care even if it looks minor.
  • Engage the trigger lock whenever you stop spraying.
  • Wear eye protection and closed-toe boots.

For petrol engine

  • Refuel only with the engine off and cool. No smoking or open flames nearby.
  • Exhaust contains carbon monoxide — never run it indoors, in trenches or in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
  • Wear hearing protection, safety glasses and safety boots.

Videos & links

Related equipment

All Pressure Washers →

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