Frequently Asked Questions

Generators | Pressure Washers

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What detergents can be used with a pressure washer?
We recommend using only detergents that are specially approved for pressure washer use. Using detergents that are not approved for pressure washer use may damage the pressure washer, and may not be environmentally sound.
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How do you engage detergent injection?
To apply detergent with the pressure washer, use the low pressure setting. Using the low pressure setting allows the water to bypass the high-pressure orifice, giving you only low pressure water, mixed with detergent from the siphoning tube. The method used to get into low pressure varies on different model units. The most popular method is sliding the nozzle on the end of the wand forward. If your model is equipped with Pro style spray tips, use the black low pressure tip.
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Why can't detergent injection be used in high pressure?
Applying detergent in low pressure provides some advantages. If the detergent was applied in high-pressure, the detergent would splash, causing excess use of detergent. Because detergent injection works only in low pressure, the user can conveniently change from low pressure to high pressure right at the wand.
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What is the detergent injection to water ratio?
The ratio that the detergent is diluted varies slightly from unit to unit. The most common ratios fall between 12:1 and 18:1.
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Can I siphon water from a lake or holding tank to operate the pressure washer?
No! The pump is not designed to siphon from standing water. In addition, water that is drawn from a lake or holding tank may contain debris that would cause the pump not to perform as designed.
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What are the engine oil specifications?
This depends on the engine manufacturer's specifications. Check your owners manual for oil recommendations. Remember to check oil level before each use and every refueling.
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What causes a pulsation in the pump?
The unloader valve in the pump opening and closing very rapidly causes the pulsation that is sometimes felt when using a pressure washer. Any restriction down stream from the pump can cause the unloader to go into a bypass mode. When it is pulsating, the restriction is only slight enough to put the unloader into bypass for a short moment, then back to high pressure in a rapid succession. This produces the pulsation felt when using the pressure washer.
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What do I do to cure the pulsation?
The most likely area that would cause a restriction is in the small orifice on the end of the wand. The orifice is usually smaller than a millimeter, and doesn't take a sizeable obstacle to clog it. Consult the owners' manual for the model pressure washer you have to see what process is required to clear the obstruction. Usually removing the nozzle, clearing the obstruction with a small wire, and back flushing the wand is the recommended process. Make sure the garden hose inlet screen is not torn or missing to prevent further debris from obstructing the nozzle.
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What accessories are available for my pressure washer?
Many accessories are available to make your cleaning jobs easier. Check with your local retailer/service center to purchase.
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Are extension hoses available? If so, how long can the hose be extended?
Extension hoses are available for most models. The maximum length that is recommended for use is 100 feet. The unit will operate with lengths beyond this, but performance will suffer, and chemical injection may not operate satisfactory.
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Can I use hot water with a pressure washer?
No, hot water can cause damage to the o-rings and pump. Once water reaches about 140�F the thermal relief will actuate.
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Can I use bleach in my pressure washer?
No, you should never use anything but pressure washer-safe detergents. Use of other chemicals, such as bleach, will damage seals and o-rings in the gun, wand, hoses and pumps. Approved cleaning solutions are also biodegradable for environmental safety.
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How far should I stand from what I am cleaning?
Generally speaking, start 3-4 feet away and slowly move closer. This will give you the ability to judge which distance is appropriate for the job at hand.
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Why does water come out of my pump?
The thermal relief function on Troy-Bilt pressure washers automatically purges overheated water to protect the pump. Expect this to happen when the engine is running for 2-3 minutes without spraying the wand.
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