A pressure washer is a useful tool that uses a powerful stream of water to clean driveways, sidewalks, decks, and other surfaces. It is usually connected to an outside tap that acts as a water source for the machine. For a pressure washer to work it will need a steady supply of water.
You can still use a pressure washer without a permanent outside tap as long as you have a water source that can supply enough water pressure. In this article, I will discuss how you can use a pressure washer without an outside tap.
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Use a portable pressure washer
A portable pressure washer has an in-built water reservoir so you can use a pressure washer without an outside tap. To use a portable pressure washer, you will need to fill the reservoir tank with water and then pump the handle to create pressure. Therefore, this kind of pressure washer doesn’t require any consistent water source like the outside tap. They are great for cleaning cars, boats, and RVs.

A portable pressure washer is only suitable for light-duty projects. It does not require connecting to an external water tank and, therefore, can be a great choice if you need to move a lot and don’t want to worry about a stable water source. This method is a good substitute for when you use a pressure washer to clean the deck.
The benefits of portable pressure washer
You can use a pressure washer without an outside tap anywhere when using a portable pressure washer, without having to be near an outside tap. It means that you can use it in your backyard, on your deck, or even in your garage. A portable pressure washer is usually less expensive than a traditional pressure washer. Although you can not avail of all the features of a regular model,
Another advantage of a portable pressure washer is that it is often more versatile than a traditional pressure washer. So, you can use it to do many different kinds of cleaning, like washing your car or cleaning your gutters.
Drawbacks to portable pressure washer
Using a portable pressure washer has some limitations. A portable pressure washer may not have all the features of a regular one. Usually, it does not operate at high pressure. Therefore, it may not be suitable for all kinds of cleaning projects. On top of that, a portable pressure washer has an in-built water tank. Therefore, you will have to refill the water after the tank gets empty. It is not possible to carry out the cleaning job for a long period of time without any breaks with this kind of pressure washer.
Use a water barrel or bucket
Filling a water barrel or bucket and attaching it to the pressure washer is another great option if you want to use a pressure washer without an outside tap. This will give you a limited amount of water to use, but it will still be enough to get the job done. People often use a water barrel with a pressure washer to get a steady supply of water without having to rely on an outside tap.
To connect a water barrel or bucket with a pressure washer as a water source, you will need to purchase a few items. A water barrel that you can find at a nearby hardware store. You will need to purchase a hose that is long enough to connect the pressure washer and the barrel. You may also need a suction pump if the pressure washer does not have an internal system to suck the water from the source.
Now you will need to connect the hose to the water barrel. Use an adapter to connect the hose to the barrel if required. Now connect the other end of the hose to the pressure washer. Finally, you will need to fill the barrel with water and start using the pressure washer. However, you may need to set up the suction pump somewhere on the hose if the pressure washer can not automatically suction the water. If you want to use a pressure washer to clean your balcony they this method should work wonderfully.
The benefits of using a water barrel
Water barrels are a great way to supply water when you use a pressure washer without an outside tap. They can be used to store rainwater that you can use for the garden or wash the car. Water barrels are also great for areas where water is in limited supply. Barrels can be used with any standard pressure washer. Water barrels can be placed anywhere in the garden, making them very versatile.
Drawbacks to using the water barrel
You need to refill the barrel each time the pressure washer consumes all the water. The water pressure will be low or zero if you use a small water bucket. The water may not be as clean as you would like, as it’s sitting in a barrel.
Connect the hose with an indoor tap
You can use an indoor tap for your pressure washer if you use a pressure washer without an outside tap. You just need an adapter while connecting the hose to the tap. A standard garden hose tap can be utilized as a water source for the pressure washer, as long as it has good water pressure.
A kitchen sink tap will also work fine with the pressure washer as it has high water pressure as well. Therefore, you do not need to add any external suction pump to get the water into the pressure washer.

A bathroom sink tap can also be used. Whichever indoor tap you use, make sure that the tap you’re using is able to give a consistent water supply to support the pressure washer. Connect the pressure washer to the tap using a hose adapter.
The benefits of using an indoor tap
Pressure washers that are designed to be used with an outdoor tap can be adapted so you can use a pressure washer without an outside tap. You can use a pressure washer with an indoor water source without worrying about the quality of the water. Apart from these, indoor water sources do not require any additional setup. They are almost ready to
Drawbacks to indoor tapping
You may not be able to reach the indoor tap if the pressure washer is too far from it. Your home and kitchen can be flooded if you’re not careful. When you are using the pressure washer with the indoor tap, you can not use it for its real purpose.
Use the water bucket
A water bucket is a water container that collects and stores rainwater. This water is usually used for the plants or for cleaning cars. By using them you can use a pressure washer without an outside tap.
If you live in a house without an outside tap, you can use a pressure washer by connecting it to the water bucket. To do this, you’ll need a water bucket with a tap and a hosepipe that will fit the tap. Connect the hosepipe to the tap and then to the pressure washer.
You’ll need a hose that is long enough to reach from the water bucket to the pressure washer, and make sure that the water bucket is higher than the pressure washer to ensure the required water pressure. Once you have everything connected, you can start using your pressure washer. Before using water from a water bucket, make sure the water is clean.
The benefits of using a water bucket
Water buckets can be used to provide a steady supply of water for your pressure washer. Water buckets are also very convenient as they can be placed close to where you will be using the pressure washer, making it easy to access the water. Water buckets can also help to reduce your water bill as they can be used to reduce the amount of water you use from the mains. Additionally, water buckets can help to protect the environment as they can reduce the amount of water that is wasted.
Drawbacks of the water bucket
The water in the bucket will be cold, which can make using the pressure washer uncomfortable. If the water bucket is not located close to the area you are cleaning, it will be inconvenient to use. The water pressure from a water bucket is usually not as strong as that from an outside tap. The water can be contaminated if you do not regularly maintain the water bucket.
Use the water in the garden well
A garden well is a small, hand-dug water source that is usually found in rural areas. To use a pressure washer without an outside tap, you will need a length of hose that is long enough to reach from the well to the pressure washer. Once you have the hose, simply connect the well with the pressure washer inlet.

To do this, you will need a garden hose with a female coupling that fits the well’s outlet. You will also need a male coupling that fits the pressure washer’s inlet. Once you have these, you can connect the two and start using your pressure washer. If your pressure washer doesn’t have an automatic way to draw water in, you’ll need to put a suction pump in a place where the hose can reach it.
The advantages of garden well
Unlike an outside tap, which can run out of water, a garden well will provide a constant supply of water for your pressure washer. Since the water is coming from underground, it will be clean and free of any debris that could clog your pressure washer. Similarly, the temperature of the water will be just right for a pressure washer.
The drawbacks of the garden well
If the water level of the garden well drops too low, you may not be able to reach it. A garden well may not be capable of producing enough pressure to power the washer. Therefore, it may often require connecting a suction pump. The water in the well could be contaminated, causing your pressure washer to malfunction. It will be difficult to connect a hose to the well if it is at a distant place.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Can I use the pressure washer machine tap if I don’t have an outside tap?
You may use the washing machine tap for the pressure washer. If you want a permanent setup, then purchase an adapter that will divide the tap outlet into two. Then connect the washing machine to one half and connect the pressure washer inlet hose to the other half of the adapter to use both of them at the same time.
Is it possible to use a pressure washer without an outside tap?
Yes, it is to use a pressure washer without an outside tap. You can fill the pressure washer with water from a bucket or container. You can use a pressure washer with a tank or with a hose that is connected to a water source. Make sure the pressure washer can suck the water from the source. Otherwise, you need to install a suction pump between the source and the pressure washer.
Is it mandatory to install a pump to suck the water from the source into the pressure washer?
It depends on the type of pressure washer. Some pressure washer models can automatically shave water from the source. Therefore, you do not require an additional suction pump. But if the pressure washer can not automatically suck water from the source, then you may need to install a suction pump. But if the water source can provide enough water pressure, it is not necessary to install the pump.
For example, if you have a large water barrel, then you do not need a water pump if you can take the water from the bottom of the barrel. At the bottom of the barrel, there will be enough water pressure to reach the water to the pressure washer.
Can I use a pressure washer without an outside tap or water?
If you’re running a pressure washer without water, you’re not going to get very far. The utility of a pressure washer is to generate high-pressure water to clean surfaces. If there is no water, then there is no meaning in using it. If you run a pressure washer without water, it will exert pressure on the motor and the pump and ultimately damage these vital parts of the machine.
Conclusion
When you use a pressure washer without an outside tap, always use water at a moderate temperature. Hot water can damage the pump on the pressure washer and cause serious injury. Always make sure the water is clear of dirt and debris. If you follow these simple instructions, you can use water for your pressure washer from any source; there is no need to worry if you do not have an outside tap.