Pressure Washer Pump

 

The Importance of Supplying Adequate Water to a Pressure Washer Pump and Preventing Premature Pump Valve Failure

When it comes to operating a pressure washer, ensuring a sufficient water supply to the pump is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Insufficient water can lead to various issues, including decreased efficiency, increased wear, and even catastrophic pump failure. In this blog entry, we will delve into why it is essential to supply enough water to a pressure washer pump and explore effective strategies to prevent premature pump valve failure due to cavitation.

Why Adequate Water Supply is Crucial

1. Preventing Overheating

Pressure washer pumps depend on a steady flow of water to keep operating temperatures within a safe range. When there isn’t enough water, the pump can overheat due to excessive friction and inadequate cooling. Overheating can lead to thermal damage, resulting in costly repairs or even the need for a complete pump replacement.

Example:

If a pressure washer is rated for a flow rate of 4 GPM and you connect it to a water source that can only supply 2.5 GPM, the pump may overheat after just a few minutes of operation, leading to potential damage.

2. Ensuring Effective Cleaning

The cleaning effectiveness of a pressure washer is directly tied to the amount of water it can deliver. An insufficient flow reduces the pressure and cleaning power, making it challenging to remove stubborn dirt and grime from surfaces. This can render the pressure washer ineffective for its intended purpose.

Example:

Using a pressure washer to clean a driveway may result in unsatisfactory outcomes if the water supply is inadequate, leading to streaks or uncleaned areas.

3. Extending Pump Life

Adequate water supply ensures that the pump is well-lubricated and cooled, which helps to extend its lifespan. A pump that operates under optimal conditions experiences less wear and tear, ultimately reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

4. Avoiding Cavitation

Cavitation occurs when the water flow into the pump is insufficient, causing vapor bubbles to form and collapse within the pump. This bubble collapse creates shock waves that can damage internal components, particularly the valves, leading to premature pump failure.

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Water cavitation on a pressure washer

 Water cavitation on a pressure washer is the process of gas bubbles forming and collapsing inside the pump, which can damage the pump and cause premature failure. 

Cavitation occurs when the pump's inlet doesn't supply enough fluid to match the amount being discharged from the outlet. This can happen when the net positive suction head (NPSHR) needed by the pump isn't available. The NPSHA is the minimum pressure required at the suction port to prevent the liquid from boiling or evaporating. 

To prevent cavitation, you can: 

• Ensure the pressure applied at the suction port is greater than the liquid's vapor pressure 
• Match the pump specifications to the fluid and system requirements

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Water cavitation is a phenomenon that can occur in a pressure washer…

 

Always use a commercial grade garden hose with a three-quarter inch non-collapsible internal diameter. Having adequate water supply is the first step in avoiding damaging pressure washer cavitation.

 Water cavitation is a phenomenon that can occur in a pressure washer when the water pressure is too high. It occurs when the pressure of the water is reduced to the point where it can no longer hold dissolved gases in solution.

These gases then come out of the solution in the form of bubbles, which can collapse and implode with great force, creating microscopic vacuum pockets or low-pressure areas. These vacuum pockets can damage the most durable metals including stainless steel.

 The sudden collapse of these bubbles, or cavities, generates intense pressure and heat, which can erode the surfaces they come into contact with. It is most common near the nozzle, in the pump and in the pressure washer hose.

Cavitation can cause damage to the pressure washer's pump internal valves, seats, packings, plungers, spray nozzle, and other components. Cavitation can also reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning.

To avoid cavitation, it is important to use the appropriate pressure setting for the task at hand, and ensure that the water supply is adequate to meet the demands of your Water Cannon pressure washer.

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