8 Pressure Washer Parts for Replacement
Updated: May 09, 2023Here's what you need to know to identify, purchase and replace the most commonly swapped-out pressure washer parts.
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Where to Find Pressure Washer Parts
A pressure washer is a fantastic way to get the outside of your home and yard as clean as possible. But like any tool, its parts eventually wear out. And that’s when it’s time to replace or upgrade them.
Here we’ll focus on electric and light-duty gas-powered pressure washers most frequently used by DIYers. For these models, you can obtain most parts at a big-box store like The Home Depot or Lowe’s. For anything they don’t carry, it’s a good bet that you can find it online or at a specialty store. A good starting point is to check with the store where you bought your pressure washer.
We won’t cover commercial-grade pressure washers or hot water washers here. Those washers are more often used by pros, but if you have one, your best bet for parts is a dealer that focuses solely on pressure washer parts and maintenance.
We’ll cover the most commonly replaced pressure washer parts, talk about how you can identify the right replacement part and give some rough price estimates.
Nozzle Tips
Nozzle tips can be damaged, lost or simply wear out over time. Nozzle compatibility is largely based on the size and type of the connector, and the pressure washer’s PSI (pounds per square inch) rating. If you’re unsure about these details, check your user manual. If you don’t have one, do an internet search. Many manufacturers and third parties post copies of the manuals online.
This set of five Briggs and Stratton quick connect nozzle tips is affordable and aimed squarely at residential DIYers. Note that this kit specifies the type of connector (1/4-inch quick connect) and maximum pressure rating (4,000 PSI).
Because nozzle tips are swapped out frequently, most are made for quick connect couplings. Look for the abbreviation “QC” in the product description to identify quick connect.
Spray Guns
The handheld controller on a pressure washer is called a spray gun. There are a few designs, but in most cases pressurized water feeds from the pump into the rear of the gun, where it’s held in place by a ball valve. Pulling the trigger opens the valve and releases the water through the front of the gun.
As with nozzle tips, be sure a replacement spray gun is compatible with your washer’s connectors and PSI rating. A great example is this replacement spray gun from Mingle. It’s worth checking out because it has some great photos that show what measurements you need to determine compatibility. Note that this product ships with a pair of swappable rear connectors, each compatible with a different range of manufacturers.
For basic home DIY pressure washers, expect most replacement guns to run from $25 to $40. If you buy a kit with nozzles in quick release fittings, that may cost upwards of $80 to $100.
Lances and Wands
Spray guns can be used directly with a nozzle tip or an extension rod called a lance or wand. (If the spray gun has an extension built into it, the whole thing may be called a wand.) A bent or damaged wand should be replaced.
The most basic pressure washer wands are straight tubes with a screw-on adapter to connect to the gun and a connection for the nozzle on the other. The Surface MaxxPro wand is a typical wand extension. Note that it uses an M-22 male adapter to connect to the gun, so make sure it matches your existing hardware.
Power Washer Pumps
The spray gun may be the control point, but the pump is a pressure washer’s heart. Driven by the engine, the pump is what generates pressure, turning garden hose water into a powerful cleaning spray.
Most pressure washer pumps have essentially the same parts but the manufacturing and machining differs, so the parts of one model won’t match those of another.
It’s possible to repair a damaged pump, often using a general pump repair kit. But for most DIYers, it’s simpler and less costly to replace the entire pump. The most difficult part is making sure you’re selecting a compatible replacement.
Check out this replacement pump for a great example of the kind of information to look for in a replacement part. We love the product description — it clearly features dimensions and specs, as well as a list of compatible models. Whether or not this pump matches your washer, it highlights the details needed when buying replacement parts.
The most common cause of pump failure is running it too long without pulling the trigger. Be sure to turn the washer off when you’re not using it. That can help lengthen the pump’s life.
Power Washer Engines
Residential pressure washers come in two basic varieties: electric powered or gas powered. Regardless of the power source, if the engine isn’t functioning, there is no pressure in your pressure washer.
If the engine is giving you trouble, you can repair or replace it. Generally, electrical motors are harder to repair. While you can certainly replace components such as a GFCI plug, most electrical pressure washer engines are made to be replaced rather than repaired. Gas engines, on the other hand, do lend themselves to DIY repairs.
Most gas-powered pressure washers use engines from reputable small-engine manufacturers like Honda or Briggs and Stratton. If you’re comfortable with working on your gas lawnmower, you’ll find your way around a pressure washer engine as well. Find out why your gas-powered pressure washer won’t start.
Whether you need a Honda crank case assembly or pull-starter, you can pick up replacement parts at pressure-washer specialty shops or other places that focus on small engines, such as lawnmower repair shops.
Hoses
Pressure washer hoses take a beating. Dragged over rough surfaces, shoved into tight bends and filled with pressurized liquid, it’s no wonder they eventually wear out.
A 1/4-inch replacement hose such as this 50-foot Flexzilla specs out at 3,100 PSI. If your washer has a higher PSI, look for a thicker 3/8-inch hose. If you buy the same diameter hose that came with the washer, you should be fine.
Also consider the size and style of connector on both ends of the hose. Be sure that the replacement hose matches the gun and pump connectors.
While it’s possible to repair a hose, the high pressure they need to withstand means that even a small mistake can end up in a serious mess. And the low prices on replacement hoses means that you’re almost always better off just replacing it.
Cart and Frame Parts
Pressure washers are heavy. Between the motor, pump, coil of hose and accessories, you definitely want a unit on some kind of wheels. But if those wheels break or the frame weakens, your pressure washer is suddenly far less useful.
A broken wheel or axle can be replaced relatively easily. Just measure the diameter of the original item, and then go hunting for replacements in your local hardware store. Do your best to match the original, but chances are a replacement similar to this 10-inch rubber tire will work.
Unfortunately, some pressure washers, especially electric models, have integrated wheels that aren’t easily replaced. In that case, consider remounting the washer to a hose reel cart.
Designed to carry a reel-mounted length of hose, a cart like this is the perfect size to relocate a pressure washer with a damaged or worn out original frame. Connecting it can require a little DIY ingenuity, but it’s a better option than buying a new washer.
Filters and Inlets
Filtration is important for most engine types, and pressure washers are no exception. Gas engines on pressure washers need oil changes and air filter swap outs. All pressure washers have another filter, the pump’s intake from the garden hose. This filter serves to break up bubbles and to prevent foreign particles from entering the pump.
From time to time these inlets clog and need to be replaced. Luckily, they are relatively inexpensive. A good example is this replacement inlet for Annovi Reverberi pumps. The filter screen is removable so you can clean it out or replace it separately.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
