Have you been seeking ways how to plumb a pressure washer trailer? Look no further, as we will help you with all the necessary steps. But first, it is best to have an idea of what a pressure washer entails and the types involved.
Table of Contents
How to plumb a pressure washer trailer: Electric motor
In learning how to plumb a pressure washer trailer, remember that this entails setting up the pressure washer. And, irrespective of the pressure washer you own, setting them up entails connecting your electric pressure washer to an outlet. Whether you often pressure washing a deck or pressure washing a balcony, this is important.
In contrast, the gas pressure washer is simply powered by gasoline. It only needs maintenance and oil. In other news, they both have the same setup procedure, and we will be teaching you how to plumb a pressure washer trailer shortly.
The water tanks can be fixed up while you also add some bits of plumbing that will help in directing the water through the pressure creating valve. Understand that setting up the pressure washer will have you following some steps.
But remember that having your machine work effectively will rely on your setup’s accuracy. This is because lapses reduce or increase the pressure beyond levels or spoil the machine. Nevertheless, the steps to follow when learning how to plumb a pressure washer trailer that is electric includes:
Step 1: Connection of the high-pressure hose
Note that the high pressure hose comes with your pressure washer. So you will have to insert it into a port positioned above your machine’s base. In simpler terms, you will find this port on top of the water inlet.The hose will fit in without any hassle. Ensure you tighten it so that leakage will be avoided when the water begins running.
Step 2: Attachment of the garden hose
Differing from the pressure hose, the garden hose does not come attached to your pressure washer. However, a standard hose will perfectly fit into its port. Note that this port is the same inlet as the water chamber within the washer. Water gets supplied from this garden hose as it passes through the port and into the water compartment.
To do this, you will have to thread a coupler attachment on the garden hose because the coupler will twist on the end of the hose. Then, you can thread it onto any attachment on your washer. As you insert the garden hose into its water inlet, make sure you do not forget to tighten it.
Step 3: Setting up the spray gun
If you never knew, the spray gun is not normally attached to the washer, so space is saved when it is shipped to you. However, the spray gun is long and has a nozzle at its end. As for its other end, it looks exactly like your normal gun, plus it has a trigger that you pull to help release water. Because of its interchangeable tips, you can release water at any pressure and volume.
In setting up this spray gun, you are to attach the wand or extension lance to the spray gun, then ensure you twist it, so it gets locked in place.
Step 4: Connect the electric power washer to the power source.
In this step, you must carefully plug your electric pressure washer into a power source near you. Ensure the cord runs on a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). It will instantly light up to show that it gets power. For those that will be working outdoors, ensure you use power extension cables that will be able to meet the power demands of the pressure washer.
Step 5: Turning on the water
The fifth step entails turning on the water to fill the water compartment before powering it on. It is vital to do this as no one wants to run their pressure washer pump without any water supply. If you use a power washer without any constant water supply, it will cause damage to your pump as a result of airflow. You might need more or less water than normal for soft wash pressure washing. Immediately after your pressure washer gets filled up, you can begin cleaning.
Step 6: Turning on the washer
This is the final step, and it entails powering your machine. You are to power on the washer by hitting the “on” button. You can aim its pressure gun on surfaces that need to be cleaned. When you pull the trigger, high-pressure water will be released instantly. Note that you can control the pressure by using interchangeable tips.
How to plumb a pressure washer trailer: Gas engine
As for the gas pressure washer, you can plumb a pressure washer trailer or set it up by:
Step 1: Inspecting the oil tank
The first thing to do in this situation when using a gas pressure washer is to check its oil tank. It is vital to note that machines known to be powered by gas make use of oil so that they can operate smoothly. When checking the oil tank, you will need to use the oil dipstick normally positioned in the oil tank. Add more oil when you notice you are short of oil. However, do not overfill the engine crankcase.
Step 2: Filling the fuel tank
Unlike oil, a new machine will not come with its fuel tank filled, due to the fact that gas powers this machine, you are to fill its fuel tank with gasoline. While the smaller residential pressure washers use gasoline, the bigger commercial ones use diesel fuel. As you fill the tank up, ensure you avoid spilling the fuel around the tank.
Step 3: Prepare your spray gun
Like all you did with the electric pressure washer, the same applies to the gas pressure washer. You just need to ensure the spray gun is attached to the extension wand and should be tightened.
Step 4: Installing the high-pressure hose
In this step, you will have to attach one end of the high pressure hose to the pressure washer and the other to the inlet on the washer. You have to ensure the two ends fit perfectly and have a tight grip. Remember that water will flow at very high pressure, and if there are any loose spots, it will cause leakage.
Step 5: Connect the garden hose and turn on the water.
Here, you can simply attach the garden hose to the water inlet. It is to be attached to the inlet that directly leads to the water compartment inside the machine. Do not forget to thread a coupler on the garden hose. Once everything is done, turn on the water supply.
Step 6: Powering the engine
Powering the engine will be dependent on the model of your washer. Nevertheless, you can use a primer bulb or a choke to prime the carburetor before pulling the start cord. This cord is positioned on the side of the machine. Make sure you adjust its throttle to an ideal running speed. Then, hold on to the trigger on the pressure gun before aiming it at the surface you need cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Do I need a pressurized water supply for my pressure washer?
I have tested many pressure washers, and in general, I have found that 20 PSI is more than enough for most pressure washers. At the same time, less water pressure seems to work as well. However, you need to make sure that you aren’t using very low pressure because it might cause cavitation. Cavitation is air bubbles that could cause your water pump to explode.
How big of a water tank do I need for my pressure washer?
Most pressure washers have a GPM of 1 gallon, so you will need one with 100 gallons or more. Also, the water tank needs to be alleviated above the water pump but kept close to each other.
How much water pressure do I need for my pressure washer?
With the proper water flow (2.5 GPM for gas-powered pressure washers and 1.5 GPM for electric-powered models), most pressure washers can operate at their stated pressure.
Which is better an electric motor or a gas engine for pressure washers?
Most think that electric motors are the better choice environmentally speaking, but there are some problems with it. Using an electric motor means connecting the pressure washer to an outlet, which can be a huge hassle. Additionally, water and electricity don’t go together, meaning you will need to ensure that all your parts and cables are properly insulated and that you don’t have any exposed wires.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to plumb a pressure washer trailer, both the electric and gas version, you need to go out there and do it. While doing so, you must remember that you can’t miss any of the steps. Pressure washing is a very useful way of cleaning
