Electric pressure washers are a convenient tool for cleaning various kinds of surfaces. However, like any tool, they do have a limited lifespan. How long an electric pressure washer lasts depends on a few factors that include how often it is used and what kind of maintenance it receives.
An electric pressure washer can survive many years with proper care and use. In this article, I will discuss how long an electric pressure washer lasts and how to enhance its longevity. Pressure washers all work in similar manner doesn’t matter if they are electric or gasoline-powered but they don’t last for the same amount of time.
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How long do electric pressure washers last?
You might be wondering how long pressure washers last before buying one. A good quality electric pressure washer will last between 3 and 5 years if you perform regular maintenance, take care of it, and avoid cavitation and overheating.
One of the biggest things you have to look out for is whether or not your electric washer has a bad pump. A cheaper or lower-quality pump will most often reduce your electric pressure washer pump’s life expectancy. The bad pumps are only good for about 60 to 100 hours at best.
Factors that affect how long electric pressure washers last
Material
An electric pressure washer has a pump, motor, hose, and wand. The pump is what increases the water pressure; the motor powers the pump; the hose carries the water from the pump to the wand; and the wand is what the user holds onto to direct the water stream.
The service life of a pressure washer depends on the materials of all these components. Especially the pump, since it acts like the heart of the pressure washer. Therefore, if the pump is made of high-quality material, it can extend the life of the pressure washer to a great extent.
Operating pressure
If you’re looking to get the most out of your electric pressure washer, you’ll need to pay attention to its operating pressure. This is because the operating pressure of the pressure washer can have a significant impact on its lifespan. If you use your pressure washer at a higher pressure than necessary, you could shorten its lifespan.
Usage
If electric pressure washers are used for more than five hours a week, electric pressure washers last about one or two years. Excessive use decreases the life of an electric pressure washer because it puts more strain on the motor.
If your pressure washer has a guaranteed life of 500 hours, it should last at least 10 years if you use it 50 hours a year. If you use it for 100 hours a year, then the expected life of the machine will be decreased proportionately, and it may last for 5 years. Therefore, the life of a pressure washer has a direct relationship with its usage. The more you use the machine, the less it will last.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is key for electric pressure washers last more than normal. This includes regularly checking and replacing the pump oil as well as keeping the pump and other moving parts clean. Also, putting the pressure washer somewhere dry and out of the way will help it last longer.
Proper maintenance will help to prevent the build-up of rust and corrosion, which can damage the machine and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, it will also help to ensure that the pressure washer is operating at its peak performance, which can save you money in the long run.
Water quality
Poor water quality will cause electric pressure washers last less than average. This is because the pump can become clogged with sediment and the motor can overheat from working too hard. It’s important to descale your pressure washer regularly if the water is hard.
Pressure washers that are used in areas that contain a lot of minerals can have their pumps and other components damaged more quickly than those that are used in areas with softer water. Also, pressure washers that are used in places with salt water can be more likely to get rusty or broken in other ways.
Cleaning solution
Cleaning solutions can affect the lifespan of an electric pressure washer. If the cleaning solution is not suitable for the machine, it can corrode the pump or other parts. Incompatible cleaning solutions can also void the warranty on the pressure washer.
Over time, the cleaning solution can break down the materials of the pressure washer, causing it to wear out faster. This is why it’s important to regularly clean and maintain your pressure washer to help it last as long as possible.
Why do electric pressure washers last shorter than normal?
Cavitation
Cavitation is caused by a sudden drop in pressure in the pump, which causes the formation of bubbles. These bubbles collapse when they reach the surface of the water, causing a shock wave that can damage the pump. Cavitation in pumps can have numerous effects that are all bad.
Cavitation on electric pressure washers can be caused by many things, but the most common cause is a build-up of dirt and grime on the pump. This can happen over time, and if not cleaned regularly, can cause the pump to work less efficiently and eventually fail. Other causes of cavitation include a loss of power to the pump, a drop in water pressure, or a change in the water temperature.
Overheating
Overheating is bad and cause electric pressure washers last not as long because it can damage the pump. When the pump gets too hot, the seals can start to break down, and the pump can become less efficient. Additionally, overheating can cause the motor to overheat and eventually burn out.
One possible cause of excess heat in electric pressure washers is overloading the machine. When an electric pressure washer is overloaded, it has to work harder to pump the water, which causes the motor to run hotter than normal. Another possible cause of excess heat is the buildup of dirt and debris in the machine. This can happen if the machine is not cleaned on a regular basis.
Insufficient water supply
If you have an insufficient water supply, your electric pressure washer may not work as efficiently. It will cause decreased performance and a shortened lifespan of your device. If you are experiencing insufficient water supply to your electric pressure washer, there are a few possible causes. Check the water supply valve to see if it is fully open.
If it is, then the problem may be with the pump itself. Check for any leaks in the hose or fittings, and if you find any, replace them. You should also check the pressure relief valve to see if it is stuck open. Replace it if you see that it is not working properly.
Using a poor-quality cleaning solution
If you use too much cleaning solution in your electric pressure washer, it can cause the machine to fail. The cleaning solution can build up on the internals of the machine and cause it to overheat or short out.
Similarly, if you use poor-quality detergent in your electric pressure washer, it can damage the pump and shorten the life of the machine. Using a poor-quality detergent can damage the pump, hoses, and other components of the pressure washer. Use detergents and cleaning agents that are safe and compatible with the pump. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for diluting the detergent.
Incorrect pressure setting
Electric pressure washers last only a year or two if the pressure is set too high. This can damage the washer and cause it to malfunction. Therefore, never forget to check the pressure setting on your washer before using it. If you don’t know what pressure setting is right for your job, ask the company that made the tool.
How to make an electric pressure wash last longer?
There are two parts that will make or break your electric or gas pressure washer. These parts are also responsible for how long do an electric pressure washer lasts. They are the water pump and engine.
They will break down faster than expected if they are not properly maintained. The pump is even more important than the engine, as it is responsible for supplying the water with enough pressure to clean whatever needs cleaning.
One of the critical issues with the pump is overheating, and to avoid it, you will need to turn off the pump when not needed and use the electric pressure washer in short intervals.
Here are some simple steps you can follow when using your electric pressure washer so that it lasts longer:
- Learn to diagnose your electric pressure washer by figuring out how each part works.
- Only keep the pump running when you need to wash something.
- Ensure there isn’t any issue with the supply of water through the pressure washer or its pump.
- Remember to set up the unloader valve, which controls the water, properly.
- Flush the pressure washer after use to remove any buildup.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Will electric pressure washers last longer than a gas unit?
If you properly maintain your pressure washer, it should last you a long time, regardless of whether it is gas or electric. However, gasoline-powered pressure washers will typically last longer than electric models. This is because gas-powered units have fewer moving parts, which means there are fewer parts that can break down.
In addition, gas-powered pressure washers tend to have more robust construction, which makes them more durable overall. Additionally, gas pressure washers don’t have cords that can become tangled or frayed, which can lead to damage and premature failure.
Are electric pressure washers a worthwhile investment?
Of course, yes. Electric pressure washers are easy to use and they last a lot longer too. Electric pressure washers are less noisy. Therefore, they will not disturb your neighbors. They are much lighter and easier to maneuver than gas-powered pressure washers, so you can use them for longer periods of time without getting tired. Electric pressure washers are more friendly to the environment compared to gas-powered units. Also, electric pressure washers last for quite some time if properly taken care of.
What are the reasons for the electric pressure washer getting overheated?
The main reason that electric pressure washers last short amount time because of overheating is due to a build-up of dirt and debris in the pump. When this happens, the pump has to work harder to move the water, which causes it to overheat. Another reason for electric pressure washers to overheat is if the water supply is not turned on all the way.
It will make the pump exhausted and cause overheating. A build-up of dirt and grime in the pump may also cause overheating. If there is a problem with the electrical supply or the pump being used for too long without a break, it may cause overheating.
Can an electric pressure washer be repaired?
Yes, electric pressure washers last for long time but they still need to be repaired. However, if you replace it, it can be cost-effective in most cases. Whether you need a repair depends on the type of damage. For example, if the pressure washer is only leaking water, then it can be repaired easily. However, if the motor is damaged, then it may be more difficult to repair.
Conclusion
Electric pressure washers last and they will serve you for many years if you care for them properly. Of course, like with any appliance, there will be some wear and tear over time, but with proper maintenance, your pressure washer should last for many years. With that said, an electric pressure washer can be a worthwhile investment if you want to keep your home clean.
