How much does a pressure washer tune-up cost?

Right now, your pressure washer might be working... sort of. It’s slower, weaker, or making concerning sounds you’re choosing to ignore. You know it’s not right, but you’re not sure if it’s worth fixing or if you should buy new.

However, here’s what most people don’t realize: every tool needs a tune-up! Today, a professional tune-up costs between £30 and £100, depending on various factors. In this guide, we’ll cover what impacts tune-up costs, what technicians actually do during a service, and when it’s worth getting yours serviced versus just replacing it entirely.

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 washers, especially when cleaning stubborn stains off of 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 £6 to £30, 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 £50 to £80 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 

If your pressure washer’s showing signs of trouble, don’t wait until it completely dies. Post a task on Airtasker and get quotes from experienced technicians in your area. They’ll tell you exactly what needs attention and how much it’ll cost, so there are no surprises.

Give it a try now!