Do Pressure Washers Overheat?
On those hot days outdoors washing off vehicles, buildings, job sites, or anything else for that matter, you’re going to feel yourself overheating – it’s important to stay hydrated over the course of the workday. But this leads us to another question – do pressure washers overheat, too?
Commercial pressure washers are a valuable piece of equipment in any business. They can help clean surfaces quickly and easily, saving time and money. However, if they are not properly maintained, they can overheat and cause significant damage. In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of pressure washer overheating and how to prevent it from happening. Let’s start by addressing the main question you came here with today: do pressure washers overheat?
Do Pressure Washers Overheat?
The simple answer is yes, pressure washers can overheat. This is not unique to pressure washing machines – anything with a motor or power source can overheat in the right (or perhaps, wrong) circumstances. The key to preventing this detriment is to understand what causes this to happen. And, there are a few different reasons we see people struggling with pressure washers overheating:
- Lack of maintenance: This is one of the most common causes of pressure washer overheating. If the machine is not properly maintained, it will not be able to function as efficiently as possible and will overheat. We recently wrote a complete guide on how to service pressure washers. This resource will help you maintain your pressure washer and prevent this issue from happening.
- Build-up: Another common cause of pressure washer overheating is a build-up of dirt and debris in the machine. This can happen if the machine is not used regularly or if it is not properly cleaned after each use.
- Improper usage: If the machine is used improperly, it can also cause it to overheat. For example, if the machine is used for too long or if the water pressure is too high, it can cause the machine to overheat. Don’t worry – in our article discussing the various pressure washing techniques, we cover all the basics to help you prevent improper usage from harming your machine.
- Working conditions: One final cause of pressure washers overheating can be your working conditions. Picture this: you’re out working in the desert cleaning a job site in the scorching sun. With temperatures upwards of 110 degrees Fahrenheit, it would come as no surprise that your pressure washer gets hot. This can be further exacerbated by dust and debris flying around and clogging your air filter.
All of these factors can lead to pressure washer overheating and cause significant damage to the machine. If you notice that your pressure washer is overheating, it is important to take action immediately to prevent further damage. Let’s discuss what can happen if you try and work through the heat, so to speak.
What Can Happen When Pressure Washers Overheat?
So, yes – pressure washers can overheat. But is it really that big of a problem? Do you need to stop what you’re doing if you notice your pressure washer is overheating and rectify the problem? Yes again!
If pressure washer overheating is not rectified, it can cause a number of problems, including:
- Damage to the machine: Overheating can damage the internal components of the machine and lead to costly repairs. Pressure washers are expensive as it is – you want to protect your investment any way you can.
- Fire: In some cases, overheating can lead to a fire. This is especially true if the machine is not properly maintained or if there is a build-up of dirt and debris in the machine.
- Injury: If you are using the machine when it overheats, you could be injured by the hot water or steam that is released. This is also true of the fire possibility. All things considered, preventing or fixing an overheating machine is important from a pressure washer safety standpoint.
As you can see, it is important to take action if you notice your pressure washer is overheating. But how do you fix the problem? Let’s discuss a few troubleshooting tips that can help.
Troubleshooting Pressure Washer Overheating
If your pressure washer is overheating, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem and get the machine running properly again. Begin by trying to determine if there is an obvious cause for the problem. Has it been a while since you changed the oil? Start there. Are you working in insanely hot conditions? Turn the machine off for a bit and move it to a shady area. If the basic solutions yield no results, we have a few additional troubleshooting tips that may produce a solution.
First, check the water supply. If the water pressure is too high, it can cause the machine to overheat. Adjust the pressure accordingly and see if that solves the problem.
Next, take a look at the machine itself. If there is a build-up of dirt and debris, this can also lead to overheating. Clean out the machine and make sure all of the components are clear before using it again.
Finally, check the oil level in the machine. If the oil is low, this can cause overheating. Add more oil as needed and be sure to use the proper type of oil for your specific model of pressure washer.
These are just a few troubleshooting tips that can help if your pressure washer is overheating. If you have followed all of these steps and the problem persists, it is important to contact a professional for further assistance. Our best advice is to find a Hotsy retailer or dealer near you so you can get professional pressure washer service and maintenance. You’ve got better things to do than try and fix a machine yourself – let the experts take care of it so you can focus on what you do best. We may even be able to offer you a rental unit in the meantime!
Preventing Pressure Washer Overheating
Now that we’ve discussed what can happen if pressure washers overheat and how to troubleshoot the problem, let’s talk about prevention. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
There are a few things you can do to prevent your pressure washer from overheating in the first place. First, be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will ensure that you are using the machine properly and not doing anything that could cause it to overheat.
Next, be sure to regularly maintain your pressure washer. This includes things like keeping it clean, changing the oil, and checking the water supply. These simple maintenance tasks can go a long way in preventing overheating.
Finally, be sure to use the machine as intended. If you are using it for something other than its intended purpose, this could lead to overheating. For example, using a pressure washer to remove paint from a surface is not recommended as it can damage the machine.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent your pressure washer from overheating and keep it running properly for years to come.
If you have any further questions about do pressure washers overheat or if you need assistance with troubleshooting or prevention, please contact us. We would be happy to help!
Do Pressure Washers Overheat? Parting Thoughts
As we’ve seen, overheating can be a big problem for pressure washers. But by following the proper procedures and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your machine running properly for years to come. We’ve equipped you with the necessary information to keep your unit safe and effective – free from damage. But remember – sometimes, the problem is just the unit itself. Low-quality machines are prone to overheat. For the best commercial pressure washers on the market, stick with Hotsy.
We offer a full catalog of professional machines for businesses in all types of industries. Whether you need to clean big rigs or you operate a car detailing business, a house cleaning business, or a construction company. We have a wide array of styles to choose from – including pressure washer trailers, electric and gas machines, and even hot and cold pressure washer units.
Whether you need to find a commercial pressure washer rental service or you want to find a quality hot water pressure washer for sale, we’ve got it in our San Antonio pressure washer store. Not sure which unit is best for you? Reach out and we’ll get you taken care of!
