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