April 19, 2023

Gas Pressure Washer: Why does water spray out of my pressure washer's pressure relief valve?

If the pressure washer runs for more than 5 minutes when the spray wand isn't in use, the water in the pump often overheats, causing the thermal relief valve to open and discharge hot water onto the ground. When the thermal relief valve opens, cool water enters the pump and cools the system. Once the pump has cooled, the thermal relief valve closes and the pressure washer operates normally. If the pressure relief valve purges constantly and doesn't close properly, replace it.

gas pressure washer

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR GAS PRESSURE WASHER PROBLEM

JC-PW-Replace-the-pressure-washer-thermal-relief-valve

Replace the pressure washer thermal relief valve

The thermal relief valve opens to release hot, high-pressure water from the pump system onto the ground to prevent damage to the pump. Hot water builds up when the spray gun is unused for more than 5 minutes while the pump is running. The unloader valve recirculates water back to the pump inlet to control the pressure and temperature. If the water gets too hot, the thermal relief valve opens to relieve the pressure by dumping hot water on the ground. The thermal relief valve closes after the pressure is released and the pump cools. If the thermal relief valve fails to open and the unloader valve fails shut, high pressure and heat damages the pump seals and check valves, and the pump won't develop pressure. If the thermal relief valve fails to shut properly, water is constantly purged through the relief valve and the pump can't build up pressure. Replace the thermal relieve valve if it fails to open and close properly to relieve pressure and heat from the pump system.

Pressure washer thermal relief valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-PW-Replace-the-pressure-washer-unloader-valve

Replace the pressure washer unloader valve

The unloader valve reduces water pressure within the pressure washer pump when the pump runs but the spray wand isn't used, by recirculating water to the pump inlet. If the valve sticks in the closed position, the thermal relief valve frequently discharges hot water onto the ground because the unloader valve can't open to allow recirculation. If the pressure washer doesn't develop adequate outlet pressure, the unloader valve could be stuck open. Replace the unloader valve if it sticks in either the closed or open position.

Pressure washer unloader valve

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-PW-Replace-a-Pressure-Washer-Unloader-Valve-Intro-Image
April 01, 2013

How to replace a pressure washer unloader valve

If your pressure washer suddenly loses all pressure, the unloader valve could be broken. This step-by-step repair guide shows how to replace a pressure washer unloader valve in less than 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Symptoms for gas pressure washers

Choose a symptom to see related pressure washer repairs.

Main causes: faulty unloader valve, bad pressure regulator…

Main causes: stale fuel, gummed up carburetor, engine needs tune up, throttle and choke controls need adjustment, bad re…

Main causes: dirty air filter, stale fuel, clogged or dirty carburetor, bad unloader valve…

Main causes: broken recoil spring, damaged recoil starter…

Main causes: overfilling engine with oil, improper fuel/air mixture, choke system problems, dirty carburetor, engine nee…

Main causes: pump running for more than 5 minutes when the spray wand isn't being used, faulty pressure relief valve, ba…

Main causes: insufficient water supply, clogged water inlet screen, clogged pressure hose, faulty pump check valves, stu…

Main causes: using a high-pressure spray tip when applying detergent, clogged siphon tube, chemical injection system fai…

Main causes: damaged recoil starter, oil inside cylinder, locked up engine piston…

Repair guides for gas pressure washers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your pressure washer.

How to install a pressure washer chemical injection kit

How to install a pressure washer chemical injection kit

The chemical injection valve draws detergent into the pump. If it’s not drawing detergent, use a repair kit to replace t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to install a pressure washer O-ring kit

How to install a pressure washer O-ring kit

O-rings seal fittings on the pressure washer pump. Damaged seals allow water to leak from the pump. Follow these steps t…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 45 minutes or less
How to replace a pressure washer pump

How to replace a pressure washer pump

The pump can be damaged by air in the inlet water supply or by chemicals that remain in the pump body after using the ch…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your pressure washers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your pressure washer.

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