It can be frustrating when your pressure washer isn’t pulling soap, especially when you’re trying to tackle a tough cleaning job. I’ve dealt with this issue a few times, and it’s usually caused by one of several common problems that can be easily fixed.
Here are the main reasons why your pressure washer may not be pulling soap and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Using the Wrong Nozzle
One of the most common reasons your pressure washer isn’t pulling soap is that you’re using the wrong nozzle. Pressure washers only pull soap when they’re operating at low pressure, and the correct nozzle for this is usually the black soap nozzle.
- Solution: Switch to the black low-pressure nozzle (also known as the detergent or soap nozzle). High-pressure nozzles like the 0°, 15°, or 25° nozzles are designed for water flow only and won’t allow soap to be siphoned.
2. Soap Solution Is Too Thick
If the soap solution is too thick or not properly diluted, your pressure washer might struggle to pull it through the detergent siphon tube.
- Solution: Check the soap or detergent label for the recommended dilution ratio and ensure you’re following the instructions. Most pressure washer detergents need to be diluted with water for proper suction.
3. Clogged Soap Nozzle or Siphon Tube
Over time, dirt, debris, or dried soap can clog the soap nozzle or detergent siphon tube, preventing the soap from flowing properly.
- Solution:
- Inspect the Soap Nozzle: Remove the nozzle and clean it with water to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Clean the Siphon Tube: Detach the detergent siphon tube and flush it with warm water to remove any blockages or debris.
4. Air Leak in the Siphon Tube
If there’s an air leak in the detergent siphon tube or its connections, the pressure washer won’t be able to pull the soap correctly.
- Solution: Check for cracks or holes in the siphon tube and make sure all connections are tight and secure. If the tube is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
5. Check the Detergent Filter
Some pressure washers have a small filter at the end of the siphon tube that sits in the detergent container. If this filter is clogged, soap won’t be able to flow through the system.
- Solution: Remove the filter and clean it with water, or replace it if it’s too clogged or damaged to clean.
6. Using the Wrong Type of Detergent
Not all soaps are suitable for pressure washers. Some household cleaners are too thick or contain ingredients that can clog the system or damage the pressure washer.
- Solution: Make sure you’re using a pressure-washer-safe detergent, which is usually a low-foaming detergent designed specifically for use in pressure washers.
7. Insufficient Water Pressure
If the water pressure going into your pressure washer is too low, it can prevent the system from pulling soap. This happens because the siphon mechanism depends on proper water flow to create the suction needed to draw in detergent.
- Solution: Ensure that your water source is providing adequate pressure (usually 40-60 PSI for most pressure washers). Check that your garden hose isn’t kinked and that the water supply is fully open.
8. Blocked or Worn-Out Injector
The soap injector valve or chemical injector inside the pressure washer may be blocked or worn out, which would prevent soap from being siphoned.
- Solution: Inspect the injector for blockages and clean it if necessary. If it’s damaged or worn, you may need to replace the injector.
9. Incorrect Settings or Mode
Some pressure washers have specific modes for soap application. If the pressure washer is not set to the correct mode, the soap will not be pulled.
- Solution: Check your pressure washer’s manual to ensure you have it set to the correct low-pressure soap setting.
Final Checklist for Soap Issues:
- Use the black soap nozzle for low-pressure detergent application.
- Ensure the soap solution is properly diluted.
- Check the siphon tube and soap nozzle for blockages.
- Look for any cracks or air leaks in the siphon tube.
- Make sure the detergent is pressure washer-safe.
- Check for sufficient water pressure.
- Inspect the soap injector for blockages or damage.
- Confirm that your pressure washer is set to the correct soap mode.
Conclusion
When your pressure washer isn’t pulling soap, it’s often due to something simple like using the wrong nozzle, clogged tubes, or improper soap dilution. By going through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify the issue and get your pressure washer working with soap again in no time.