Don’t be too fast to replace your leaky pressure washer hose- a simple, inexpensive mending may be all it needs to get it to work again
This article will teach you how to repair pressure washer hose and save some good money (some replacement pressure hose models are pretty expensive).
We shall cover two smart DIY fixes here.
Go through both the techniques and try them before thinking of replacing this most essential pressure washer accessory.
How to repair pressure washer hose – step by step
Approach 1: Put new coupling.
In most cases, replacing the coupling will salvage your hose.
The best part is that this repair tends to last a long time.
Read on to learn how to go about it.
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Step 2: Gather the requirements
For this renovation operation, you’ll need the following:
- Pressure washer hose repair coupling kit (male and female) – be sure to purchase a coupling with a diameter that equals that of your pressure hose. Check the packaging for the coupling ‘gender’ and diameter.
- A wrench.
- A cutting tool such as a pair of shears.
Step 3: Getting ready
To avoid more damage to the equipment or an injury to yourself, it’s important to put in place some basic safety measures.
To begin with, there is no point risking electrical shock when on the job (for those using electric pressure washers) so you should start by unplugging the pressure washer.
For the rest, turning it off will suffice.
Then, we all know that the high-pressure water jets from the machine can cause serious injuries to the eye.
For this reason, wear safety goggles.
Having your safety gloves on as well is great.
Step 4: Drain it
Overall, sealing leaks in a dry hose is much easier.
As such, we suggest that you empty any water that is still lingering inside the hose.
Perhaps the best way to flush out the liquid left inside is by pressing the hose’s trigger until all flows out.
Step 5: Locate the leak
It’s usually not that difficult to pick out a leak in pressure hoses though you may need to work harder on the odd occasion.
First try to see if doing a visual inspection will help you narrow down on the troublesome leak- the guilty cuts, holes, and cracks are often visible to the naked eye.
If not lucky, consider further procedures.
For instance- and this takes more time- submerging the pressure hose in soapy water works wonders because the leak will certainly show bubbles.
We recommend you look for a large plastic container and use it for this step.
Then, you very well understand that the entire length of the pressure hose won’t fit so you’ll dip it in bits until you catch the leak.
Upon locating the affected spot, wipe the area completely dry then mark it out clearly and carefully.
Step 6: Cut out the leakage
Look:
The solution under this approach involves cutting the hose at the leak in two then attaching the two couplers to both ends.
You’ll, therefore, cautiously cut out the leaky chunk of the hose while ensuring that the ends are as straight as possible (with your shears).
That may take a bit of skill but it’s no rocket science.
And oh, remember to clean up the cut edges to prevent issues when you come to the final steps.
Step 7: Mount the hose clamps
Grab the hoses clamp and install them over the hose, on both the cut sides.
This is typically the safest and easiest way of installing the clamps (not after fixing the couplings).
Step 8: Connect the male coupler
Hold the male coupling and seat into one the first raw end.
Ensure that its ends seat flat against the pressure hose (just crimp them until you’re satisfied).
Also, tighten the previously-installed hose clamp enough.
Tip: Check the coupler’s package for specific instructions on how to make a successful connection if you’re finding the process difficult.
Step 9: Connect the female coupler
Repeat the procedure in step 7 with the female coupling.
Ensure there is a tight connection on the remaining side too.
Step 10: Join the two sides
Join the two repair couplings together to make a complete hose.
Simply thread them into each other and again tighten with your wrench.
You’re now almost done but for this one more step….
Step 11: Test the job
Test if the leak is now eliminated.
Simply insert the repaired pressure washer hose into your power washer machine and plug in the appliance.
Finally turn on the liquid and see if you’re back in business.
Approach 2: How to repair pressure washer hose with high pressure hose repair tape
This is not our most recommended method but it works in some cases, mostly where your hose has only a tiny hole/cut.
All you need to do is apply a good quality plumbing tape around the area if you’re persuaded that the puncture/nick/fissure is small enough.
We suggest a self-fusing repair silicone brand (or a similar repair tape) over a duct tape- ducting helps mostly in non-pressurized hoses such as a garden hose.
Tip: To give yourself a higher chance of success with the tape, we insist that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions during the application.
Other tips – what else to know
There are plenty of other hacks out there and we cannot discount them.
However, the golden rule is to first do your math before going ahead with any technique including those we have discussed in this guide.
You see, it won’t make any economic sense wasting time and resources on a fix that is going to cost you more than a new hose.
So, that’s how to repair a leaking pressure washer hose inexpensively.
We trust that you will hack either of the two procedures with some patience and maximum concentration (we highly recommend the new coupling tactic).
Of course, you should consider getting a new hose if leaks persist.