How to Set up a Pressure Washer

Co-authored by Varga Gulshani and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 References

A pressure washer is a machine that increases the water pressure from a residential water spigot to over 1,000 PSI, so the water pressure and an optional cleaning solution can be used to remove unwanted dirt and grime from a variety of objects. You can use a pressure washer on your home (vinyl and brick), driveway, decking and fencing, to name a few. Power washers are either electric or gas. Electric power washers are smaller and lighter than gas power washers, and they are easier to store. They do not deliver as much power as gas pressure washers, which typically require more maintenance. Electric power washers can be used both indoors and outdoors, while gas power washers are strictly used for outside cleaning projects. It's important to set up a power washer properly and check all of the fittings before you begin cleaning. Follow these tips for setting up both gas and electric power washers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Set Up an Electric Power Washer

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Insert the hose into the high-pressure inlet, usually found on top of the water inlet for the garden hose, and tighten it.
Thread a coupler attachment onto your garden hose. A coupler attachment twists on to the end of the garden hose. It can then be threaded to any attachments on the power washer. Insert the garden hose into the water inlet and tighten it.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Varga Gulshani
Residential Painting Specialist

Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}

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Attach the extension lance (or wand) to the spray gun and twist it to lock it in place. Many wands have interchangeable tips to offer different spray volume and pattern.
Plug the power cord into your outdoor outlet. The cord should be running on a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which will light up to indicate that it is getting power.^{[3]
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Turn on the water faucet, you do not want to run the high pressure water pump without a sufficient water supply, or the pump can be damaged.^{[4]
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Varga Gulshani
Residential Painting Specialist

Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
Hit the "On" button to begin washing. The power washer will deliver full power when you pull the trigger, and will pause when you release the trigger.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Set Up a Gas Power Washer

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Remove the oil dipstick and check the levels. Add more oil if the levels are low, but do not overfill the engine crankcase.
Small residential pressure washers generally use gasoline, larger commercial ones may use diesel fuel instead.
Attach the extension wand to the spray gun and tighten it.
Attach 1 end of the high-pressure hose to the spray gun and the other end to the high-pressure inlet on the machine. Tighten all connections.
Turn on your spigot, attached to your garden hose, and let the water run until it's clear. Turn off the water. Thread a coupler on to your garden hose, attach the hose to the water inlet and tighten the coupler. Turn on the water supply.^{[6]
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Research source}^{[7]
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Expert Source

Varga Gulshani
Residential Painting Specialist

Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}
Depending on the model, you may use a choke or a primer bulb to prime the carburetor, then pull the start cord. Adjust the throttle to a suitable running speed. The spray gun will work at full force and pause when you release the trigger.^{[8]
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Research source}^{[9]
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Expert Source

Varga Gulshani
Residential Painting Specialist

Expert Interview. 12 January 2021.}

What Equipment Do Homeowners Need To Maintain Their Property?

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How do you pressure wash your house without damaging it?

Varga Gulshani
Residential Painting Specialist
Varga Gulshani is a Residential Painting Specialist and the Owner of Elegant Painting based in Washington. With more than 16 years of experience, Varga and his team specialize in residential interior painting, exterior painting, and cabinet painting. Varga and the Elegant Painting team have all received background and verification checks.

Varga Gulshani

Residential Painting Specialist

Expert Answer

It's important that you move all your outdoor items away from the house structure and seal all windows and doors to avoid water damage or leaks.

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Do I need to keep the tap running when using a pressure washer?

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Yes. Otherwise, the washer won't work.

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How do I connect the water jet to my hose?

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There should be a little nozzle that fits into the hose; you might need to twist and push to get it in though.

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