Buying a Used Pressure Washer? Here's What to Inspect Before You Hand Over Cash
A used pressure washer can be a great deal. Or a money pit with pump problems waiting. Here's exactly what to look for.
The Visual Inspection (5 Minutes)
Engine Oil: Unscrew dipstick. Is oil clean or dirty? Dark brown = engine wear. Black = run hard, not maintained. Milky = water in oil (seal failure). Don't buy milky oil.
Fuel Tank: Look inside. Rust or sediment at bottom? Rust = old water sat. Sediment = dirty fuel. Causes pump cavitation.
Hose: Look for soft spots, cracks, exposed fiber. Damaged hose = budget $300-500 replacement.
Quick Couplers: Disconnect hose. Look at male and female couplers. Clean or corroded? Corroded = leaking. Need replacement ($40-80 each).
Pump Housing: Look for oil weeping where pump connects engine. Drip = failing pump seals. Budget $150-250 replacement.
The Performance Test (10 Minutes)
Ask seller to start and run it. Watch and listen.
Engine Start: Does it start easily or take multiple pulls? Easy = well maintained. Hard = poor maintenance or carburetor problems.
Engine Sound: Does it sound smooth or sputter/pop? Smooth = good. Sputtering = fouled spark plug or fuel system issues.
Idle Quality: Smooth or surge (goes up and down in RPM)? Surging = carburetor problem.
Pump Pressure: Show you the pressure gauge as engine idles. 3500 PSI machine should read 3000+ PSI. If 1500 PSI or below, pump worn. Don't buy.
Pressure Under Load: Turn wand on. Let pressure build. Does it hold steady or drop? Steady = good pump. Dropping = pump wear or unloader valve problem.
Spray Pattern: Concentrated jet or weak mist? Weak = pump wear. Mist = nozzle clogged (easy fix) or pump damage.
Walk-Away Signs
Oil is milky. Pump pressure below 2000 PSI. Pressure drops under load. Oil leaking from pump. Hose multiple soft spots. Engine won't start reliably.
The Question To Ask
How many hours used? If 400+ hours with no maintenance, pump and engine tired. If 100 hours with regular maintenance, probably good.
Has pump been serviced? If yes, good sign. If no and machine 5+ years old, pump might be near end of life.
Real Evaluation
Contractor selling 3500 PSI washer. Used 300 hours. Changed oil regularly. Stored with fuel stabilizer. Test: pressure 3300 PSI. Oil clean. Engine starts one pull. You pay his asking price. Good deal. Get 5+ more years.
Another: Same model. 400 hours. Never changed oil. Stored with fuel in tank. Pressure 1800 PSI. Oil dark. Takes 5 pulls to start. Walk away. Pump failing. Engine needs work.
Pre-Purchase Inspection: Bring to us for $45. We test pump pressure, check seals, evaluate engine. Saves you $500-1000 if we catch hidden problem.
About the Author
Henry Bockman has bought and sold hundreds of used pressure washers. He knows what to look for.