Ryobi Pressure Washer Troubleshooting: Common Problems and Solutions

Pressure washers are utilized in many homes by people for cleaning their homes and automobiles. Ryobi is a manufacturer which specializes in the manufacture of high-quality electric and gas pressure washers. There are times when these devices fail however, these issues tend to be resolved by with our troubleshooting suggestions.

Ryobi Pressure washer troubleshooting:

A few of the most frequently encountered problems associated with ryobi pressure washer power washers include problems with pressure, power or water leakage problems.

Most of the time, these issues are due to defective switches, a malfunctioning unloading valve dirty air filters or blocked high-pressure hose nozzles. Certain of these issues are fixable without much expertise in the field. Some are more complicated and may require the use of tools.

This post will concentrate on addressing many of the most frequently asked concerns and power issues that people have about the Ryobi pressure washer. They also face issues when making use of their equipment. Following our suggestions to help you identify many difficulties and solve the issue in a matter of minutes.

How to Troubleshoot a Ryobi Pressure Washer troubleshooting

Utilize the table below to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with your Ryobi Pressure washer. There’s an additional section for Gas models, Electric models, and Gas models. We begin by addressing issues that affect both Electric and Gas Models:

The main reason why a gasoline Ryobi pressure washer doesn’t work can be due to issues related to the fuel system. In the same way, if electric models aren’t starting, it’s most likely the power source or outlet to blame. However, there are other possible reasons why your washer won’t get started, for example:

• Spark plugs that aren’t working properly
• Filtering of fuel or air is dirty.
• Carburetor dirty
• Blocked fuel cap
• Power washer cord damaged or insufficient
• Battery dead or weak connection
• Overheating
• Mechanical issues

Gas Unit Solutions

1. Verify the level of your gas and make sure there’s sufficient gas in your unit, and also make sure the fuel mix is as per the manual for users. If you have noticed that the fuel cap has been stored in the unit for a while, remove the gas and then replace it with fresh mix.
2. Examine your fuel and air filters. If the filters are dirty, clean them and scrub them.
3. If your carburetor appears filthy, you can use a treatment to remove the blockage.
4. Examine the hole inside the cap on the fuel cap. If the hole is blocked, you can clean it out to make it easier for it to be opened.

If the solutions you’ve tried don’t succeed, you’ll need to conduct some tests and then change a few parts in order to repair the pressure washer’s performance of fuel filters and your pressure washer.

1. Begin by examining the spark plug, and removing it from the device by using a spark-plug tester. If it fails you should change the spark plug.
2. An ignition coil that is not working properly can result in a gas device not starting. Check this out using an integrated spark tester, or the faulty ignition coil test. If it fails to take it off and take it off and replace the faulty ignition coil.
3. The motor housing should be opened and find the flywheel, then it off to reveal the key to the flywheel. Verify the state of the key for the flywheel. If damaged, repair it.

Corded Unit Solutions

1. Verify that the unit is connected, and the electrical outlet is operating correctly.
2. Examine the extension cord for any harm to the cord.
3. Verify that the extension cord you are using is sufficient for the operation of the device. It is generally recommended to use at least 14 gauge cord to run these devices. If you have cords that exceed 25 feet, increase the size from 12 to 14 gauge.
4. If you’ve tried using this unit, and the motor appears hot then the circuit breaker within the unit could have occurred. Let the unit cool down before trying it to do it again.

If none of these options solve your issue, it’s likely to be much more complex and necessitate some work on your own.

1. Begin by looking at the fuses. The fuse that is damaged will have to be changed.
2. After that, you should check the capacitor in the motor by detaching the outer casing using the help of a screwdriver. If the capacitor appears to be bulging or has become blackened, it will need to be replaced by a brand-new one.

Battery Unit Solutions

1. Make sure the battery is correctly loaded by pulling it away and then pushing it back into its position until you can hear the sound of snapping.
2. Check that the connectors for the battery and unit are free of dirt. If required, apply alcohol wipes and fine sandpaper to get rid of dirt and corrosion.
3. Verify that the battery is filled. If your battery displays errors when you put it into the charger it is important to first figure out the cause. Check out our ryobi pressure washer battery troubleshooting guide to learn more.
4. As with the corded units, these units can become overheated with frequent usage. If the unit feels hot, wait for it to cool down before trying it again.

If none of these work then the problem could be much more serious. Use the guidelines within the corded washer section to test the fuse and capacitor.

Engine Stalls

Stalls in engines are common for gas engines and usually indicate that the carburetor may be beginning to get blocked. This issue could be caused by:

• Air filters that are blocked
• It’s a gas leak

Solutions

1. Cleanse the carburetor by taking it off it the vehicle and then cleaning it with hands. Alternatively, you could apply carb treatment to the tank for fuel.
2. Take the air filter off and take it apart and clean it or replace it.
3. If your unit was left with gas inside it, or if the mix that was that was used was old, it could be due to the fuel is deteriorating. Clean the tank, and then refill the fuel by a new mix.

Ryobi Pressure Washer Engine Buzzes

The buzzing sound of an engine or a motor that is on, but isn’t running, is an issue that can be observed in electrical outlet units and is usually resulted from voltage issues. However, this problem can be caused by:

• Pressure residual in the system
• Friction within the system
• Mechanical problem

Solutions

1. If the washer is corded, switch off any other appliances connected to the same circuit, to make sure that there is sufficient voltage to run the washer.
2. If you are using an extension cord connected to your corded device you can remove it, and connect the unit directly to the outlet. If it is working fine under those conditions, then the issue lies in the extension cord’s not giving enough power. Make sure you use a stronger extension cord.
3. If you have a battery-operated unit, make sure your battery is completely charged and you’re making use of the right voltage to match the model.
4. If you have a battery or corded unit turn off the unit, then push the trigger in order to let out all water that is trapped within the system. It will alleviate any leftover tension that is preventing the engine from spinning.
5. The friction caused by the water inside the system could cause the unit to stall the motor. Remove the water supply and let the unit run for up to three minutes. Repeat this several times, after which you can reconnect the water source and attempt another time.

If none of these options are able to solve the problem it is most likely to be a mechanical issue. It is particularly likely that the device has been sitting for an extended time. Get it checked by a professional it maintained.

Ryobi Pressure Washer Water Leak From Spray Wand / Lance

Leaks of water coming through the spray wand, or lance is an occurrence that’s a common issue with all kinds of Ryobi powerful washers. It is likely that the O-ring in the connection to the wand is not working correctly or damaged. Another possibility is that the wand’s housing has been damaged.

Solutions

• Replace the o-ring in the handle connection.
• Replace the entire wand.

Clogged Nozzle On Ryobi Pressure Washer

The nozzles can get blocked, which is a problem that is common to all kinds of Ryobi pressure washers because of dirt getting into the line. It’s a good thing that it’s a simple issue to resolve.

Solution

1. Then, disconnect your sprayer wand.
2. Utilize a wire cleaning tool or paperclip nozzle cleaner included with the unit to clean the hole for the nozzle.
3. Make use of your kitchen’s faucet or water hose to clean the wand. This is done by pushing water in the opposite direction from where it is normally flowing through the Wand. Make sure the flow is set to its highest pressure for the best outcomes.
4. Repeat this process until the full pressure has been returned to the pressure washer.

Air Bubbles In Ryobi Pressure Washer

Air bubbles can be a problem for all types of high pressure of washers and are usually caused by air filter entering the unit through the water supply. They can also be caused by:

• Air entering the wand
• A faulty pump

Solutions

1. Disconnect the water supply from the unit and run the water until all bubbles have moved through the hose.
2. Turn off the pump and depress the wand trigger until water flows freely from the end.

If you continue to get air bubbles in your system after doing these two things, then the issue is likely a faulty pump that is drawing in air filter.

Ryobi Pressure Washer Fluctuating Pressure

Gas and electric pressure washers can suffer from fluctuating pressure. Most often, this is caused by issues with the water supply. But many other issues can cause sputtering pressure, including:

• Clogged nozzle
• Clogged intake filter
• Calcified components
• Pump sucking air filter

Solution

1. Assure that water flows easily from the hose that you are using as a source. There must not be tension in the hose. Also, the pressure ought to be at the highest level.
2. Follow the steps within section Clogged Nozzle part to clean obstructions from the tip of the nozzle and the wand.
3. Clean the intake filter, then cleanse it with warm water.
4. Douse your nozzle tip or hose as well as the trigger component in vinegar in order to dissolve the calcium buildup.

NOTE: If none of these works, it is probably that the pump is suctioning air. Check out the above steps to get rid of air filter bubbles in the system and water source. If you are still having problems it could be because the pump is damaged and needs to be replaced.

No Pressure From Ryobi Pressure Washer

Consistently low pressure in gas and electric power washers is usually due to an issue with the source water pressure. But there are many other causes of residual pressure, including:

• Twisted or wound-up hose
• Hose with too small diameter
• Clogged intake filter
• Air filter in the pump
• Loose connections
• Detergent problems
• Clogged suction tube
• Clogged nozzle
• Missing pressure tip
• Loose belt
• Inadequate power supply

Solutions

1. Verify that the water hose has been unwound and free of any kinks, and the water has been totally powered.
2. Verify whether the hose of your pressure washer is completely untangled and is unkinked.
3. Replace the hose for your pressure washer with an hose with a larger diameter (5/8th inch, or one inch).
4. Clean and remove the filter in your intake.
5. The steps are listed in the section before for removing air filter bubbles the hose that is used to supply the unit and also from.
6. Verify and fix the connection of the hoses and wand attachments to the suction tube and detergent bottle. If the connections are loose, it will cause pressure to escape from the system.
7. Make sure that the detergent has been dilute according to the instructions in the instruction manual for your unit and that it is of the correct type that is suitable for the unit you are using. The detergent that is not diluted enough can cause a reduction in pressure and damage to the system.
8. Clean the suction pipe and clean it using warm water to clear obstructions. Replace it if there is a crack within the pipe.
9. Utilize our instructions from the previous section to get rid of any debris left in the sprayer’s the nozzle.
10. Be sure that the nozzle tip is positioned on the tip of the wand for sprayers.
11. In the case of power washers that drive belts make sure your belt is secure set and has not been loosened.
12. In the case of battery-powered units, ensure that your battery has enough charge and that you’re using the right voltage to power the unit.
13. If you have a corded unit, make sure your extension cord is in good condition and the circuit is providing enough electricity.

Ryobi Pressure Washer Won’t Spray

If your power washer turns on but doesn’t spray, the issue is likely a problem with your source water. But the cause may also be:

• A kinked sprayer hose
• A clogged unloader valve.

Solutions

1. Examine the water source. Verify that the water source is turned on, and that the hose isn’t bent.
2. Make sure there aren’t any knots or kinks within the hose of the sprayer.
3. Cleanse the valve for unloading. In the case of older valves that have become worn out, change them completely.

Ryobi Pressure Washer Has Noisy Pump

A noisy pump in an electric or gas pressure washer is likely a sign that air filter has gotten into the system. But it can also be a sign of more serious issues, such as:

• Dirty intake and discharge valves
• Worn-out internal valves
• Damaged pump
• Bad fuel
• Broken pump casing

Solutions

1. Utilize the above steps to eliminate air filter bubbles from the source of the water and from the device.
2. Cleanse the intake and discharge valves.
3. Then, open the valves and inspect the valves inside. Clean and polish using the pump repair kit, or repair if necessary.
4. Lubricate and seal the bearings of the pump. Replace worn out O-rings, and repair any damage that is visible to the pump as well as its the rod connecting it. In the event that the pump is damaged to be salvageable, substitute it.
5. In the case of gas powered pressure washers, the wrong fuel may create engine noise. Clean the tank, then refill the tank with new fuel.
6. Gas pressure washers could also turn unsettling to use when the housing for the pump (which helps to reduce the noise generated by the pump and motor) cracks. Replace the housing for the proper level of noise.

Ryobi Pressure Washer Won’t Dispense Soap

All types of ryobi power washers can experience soap dispensing problems. The most likely cause is that the pressure is too high or low to activate the dispenser. But other issues can affect this process, including:

• The wrong spray nozzle
• Blockages in the soap injector
• Inadequately diluted soap
• Narrow soap siphon tube
• Faulty soap injector kit

Solutions

1. If the pressure in the water is excessive, the circulation of the water through the system will not cause the soap to be activated. Increase the pressure of the water source until the injection starts to work.
2. Lines that are blocked as well as other problems with the pressure can result in the pressure of water to fall to a level that is too low for it to activate the soap injection device. Follow the instructions in the section No Pressure below to restore pressure.
3. A lot of kits include an nozzle specifically designed to dispensing soap. Make sure that this is the type of nozzle that you’re employing. (Generally the nozzle is black nozzle with a 65-degree angle.)
4. Examine the soap pump to see if there are any indications of blockages, and then clean it using the warm water if needed.
5. Make sure you’ve dilute the soap in accordance with the instructions in your user’s manual or soap’s instructions (usually four parts of water to one portion soap). Make sure you’re using the detergent intended for use in an electric power washer.
6. A small soap siphon tube may become clogged and hinder the circulation of soap, specifically when you’re using an extra thick soap than the advised. Replace this siphon tube using larger size could help ryobi pressure washer.

If none of these options do the trick, then the problem could be with the soap injector’s components. It is possible to examine them and possibly fix them by using these steps.

1. Look for the injector kit in your device (usually in the vicinity of the pressure tank).
2. Take the unit apart, and note the position of the conical spring, o-ring ball, and injector.
3. Clean and inspect these parts. If damaged, you should replace them.
4. Make sure to grease all new or clean components before reinstalling them.

Troubleshoot a Ryobi Gas and Electric Pressure Washer:

Problem	Cause	Solution
Pressure washer not producing high pressure	Hose with small diameter	Replace your hose with a 1″ (25mm) or 5/8″ (16mm) hose
	Restricted water supply to the washer	Check for the kinks and leaks in the hose
	Inadequate water supply	Ensure the water source is unobstructed and fully turned on
	Clogged intake filter	Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water
	Air in the pump	Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip
	Suction tube or detergent bottle not connected properly	Install the suction tube and detergent bottle correctly
	Detergent too thick	Dilute the thick detergent by adding water
	Clogged suction tube	Remove the matter that is obstructing the tube or replace the tube if it’s damaged
	Obstructed spray tip	Remove the debris with a needle
	No pressure tip on the wand	Install a suitable pressure tip at the end of the wand
	If your model has a belt, it can be loose.	Tighten or replace the belt.
Pulsing pressure washer (output pressure varies high and low)	Inadequate water supply	Ensure that the water source is fully on and check the hose for kinks and blockage
	Obstructed spray tip	Remove the debris with a needle
	Pump sucking air	Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip
	Clogged intake filter	Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water
	Calcified hose, tip, or trigger	Clean the hose, pressure tip, or trigger with vinegar or a cleaner designed for this purpose

	Cause	Solution
Noisy Pump	Air in the pump	Ensure that the hose and fittings are airtight. Shut off the washer and squeeze the trigger until water flows steadily from the spray tip
	Clogged inlet filter	Remove the filter and rinse it with warm water
Pump leaking water	Damaged or worn water seals	Replace the seals with new ones or call a professional
	Loose fittings	Ensure that all the fitting are tight
Erratic water pressure, changing up and down	Unloader valve	Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it
No output pressure. Or motor stops when using the trigger (electric models)	Unloader valve	Check and clean the unloader valve. If in bad shape, replace it

Problem	Cause	Solution
Leaks in the spray wand, spray tip or extension	Damaged or broken O-rings or plastic insert	Replace the worn O-rings or call a professional
Pressure washer pump dripping oil	Worn or damaged oil seals	Inspect the oil seals and replace if worn
No water from the washer outlet	The water supply is off	Turn the water supply ON
	Kink in the hose or faucet	Remove any kinks and debris from the hose or water lines

Water Leak From Ryobi Pressure Washer Pump

If water seeps out through the pump of the gas or ryobi electric pressure washer, this is usually the result of a damaged or loose piece garden hose. However, it could indicate that the pump may be damaged.

Solutions

1. Examine the seals of your pump, as well as the parts that connect to your pump. If they are worn out or damaged, you should replace the seals.
2. As you check these seals, ensure that the connections on the pump, and those connecting to it are secure.

If this isn’t enough to solve the issue with your leaky pump fuel tank, the problem may be caused by the pump. It is possible to replace it, or contact a specialist to determine if the fuel filter problem can be fixed.

Oil Leak From Ryobi Pressure Washer Pump

When oil leaks from the pressure pump side of a gas pressure washer, it’s usually a sign of defective or worn seals. Using the wrong kind of oil can also make oil leaks more likely.

Solutions

Check and replace the oil seals following these steps:

1. Open the cover and remove the pump housing.
2. Carefully detach the plunger valve. 
3. Open the pump casing (this usually requires a hammer and strong but careful touch).
4. Remove the back of the pump to expose the brass seals.
5. Carefully remove the brass ring on each seal and set them aside.
6. Examine and replace the rubber seals below as needed using the correct oil seal kit for your model.
7. Reassemble and add new oil to the pump. Be sure to check your owners manual for the right type of oil for your unit.

You can extend the life of your seals by performing proper upkeep maintenance on your power gas pressure washer, storing it out of the elements and protected from hot and cold, and using the right kind of oil.

FAQ