How much does a pressure washer tune-up cost?

Your pressure washer isn’t performing as well as it used to. Maybe the pressure’s weak, or it’s leaking, or it won’t even start. Every time you put off dealing with it, the problem gets worse. And when it finally dies completely? You’re looking at $600+ for a replacement!

The better option is to schedule a tune-up. Today, pressure washer tuneups cost around $57 to $143. In this post, we’ll break down what affects the cost of a pressure washer tune-up, what’s typically included in the service, and how to know when it’s time to call in a pro instead of limping along with a dodgy machine.

Price list for pressure washer tune-ups

Tune-up costs vary depending on the issue with your machine and the amount of work required by the technician. A basic service might involve simply cleaning filters and checking connections, while a more thorough tune-up could include replacing worn seals, flushing the pump, or fixing pressure issues. 

Here’s what you can expect to pay for common pressure washer services:

Professional pressure washer maintenance

High-pressure cleaning can be rewarding, so you want to ensure that your pressure washer is properly maintained). Here are some services to expect when seeking professional help:

Detergent removal

Most people use detergent with their pressure washer, especially when cleaning stubborn stains off surfaces. Leftover detergent in the pressure washer can lead to rusting, and professionals can remove it through thorough rinsing. The same goes for mineral deposits and other kinds of debris.

Calibration and storage

After using the pressure washer, it's best to let it cool for a while. If your machine tends to overheat, professionals can examine it and calibrate its settings. Moreover, suppose you need help with storing your pressure washer. In that case, professionals can carefully disconnect the garden hose, spray gun, wand extension and high-pressure hose and recommend storage solutions.

What are common pressure washer problems?

Pressure washers are pretty reliable, but when they start acting up, it’s usually because they haven’t been properly maintained. Here are the most common issues and what causes them:

Low pressure

Your pressure washer turns on, but it’s barely making a dent in the dirt. This usually happens when there’s not enough water coming through the inlet, often because the filter’s clogged with debris. Sometimes it’s as simple as your garden hose being kinked or your tap not fully open. 

Less commonly, you might have the wrong size nozzle attached for the job you're doing. Replacing a nozzle costs $15 to $30 and takes minutes.

No pressure at all

Even worse than weak pressure is no pressure. At that point, you’ve basically got an expensive garden hose that makes noise. This typically means that your unloader valve or pump inlet valves have failed, which prevents water from building up properly under pressure. 

Valve replacements run around $120, and it’s definitely a job for someone who knows what they’re doing.

Pulsing water

If your pressure washer keeps switching between strong and weak pressure in a rhythmic pattern, that's called pulsing. It’s often a sign your pump is damaged or wearing out. Sometimes it’s fixable with a seal replacement, but if the pump itself is gone, you’re looking at around $200 to replace it. Not cheap, but still better than buying a whole new machine.

Is it worth it to get your pressure washer fixed?

The answer depends on one major factor: the extent of the damage. This will affect the cost of repair as well. If the damage is insignificant, asking a professional to fix your pressure washer is the best option, especially if you want to save money. The price difference between repair and replacement is something you can’t ignore!

Posting a task for pressure washer repair 

A pressure washer that’s not working properly is frustrating, especially when you’ve got outdoor projects piling up. Instead of letting it sit broken in the shed, post a task on Airtasker. You’ll get quotes from local experts who know pressure washers inside and out, and most can come to you so you don't have to haul equipment around. 

Post a pressure washer tune-up task on Airtasker and get back to those cleaning jobs fast!