How to Repair Pressure Washer Hose

There's nothing quite like the power and convenience of a pressure washer for deep cleaning tough, grimy messes. But when the hose starts to show damage in the form of cracks, bursts, leaks or fraying, that power and convenience quickly fade.

Pressure washer hoses experience constant vibration and impact, causing deterioration over time. Inspecting hoses regularly for any signs of damage is critical to preventing dangerous bursting or leaks that could cause injury. But don't panic – many minor damage types can be easily repaired to keep your washer in working order.

How to Repair Pressure Washer Hose?

Inspecting your pressure washer hoses regularly is critical to preventing dangerous damage that could injure your hands or burst under high pressure. Look for signs of cracking, splitting, fraying or leaking in the hose material and at hose connections. Catching issues early allows for easy repair and repair, avoiding costly replacement.

Some common types of hose damage and their repair options include:

• Burst or split hose: Can often be patched from inside using special hose repair tape. Remove any loose hose material, rough up the area around the split with sandpaper and place tape along the split, covering at least 4-6 inches on each side. Wrap tightly but do not constrict hose. As reinforcement, you can wrap the taped area in duct tape, cord or cable. For larger splits, a hose mending sleeve may be better.

• Leaking hose ends: Check that hose ends are properly barbed and seated in hose couplers. Light leaks can be sealed using hose washers, hose repair clamps or hose mending kits. These clamp over barbed ends and hose to seal and reinforce. For worse leaks, cut out the damaged section and re-couple hose using proper water-resistant hose couplers and hose clamping or waterproof epoxy glue.

• Cracked or damaged hose: Small cracks can be sealed using hose repair tape as above. For larger cracks or deep damage, cutting out cracked sections and re-coupling the hose will be necessary. Be very careful when re-applying high pressure to a repaired hose section.

• Fraying or deteriorating hose: If hose is beginning to fray, split or tear apart at the outer layer, it must be immediately replaced. This could quickly lead to a burst rupture under pressure, resulting in injury. Hose material and reinforcement cords start to deteriorate over time with use, requiring periodic inspection. It is not worth risking safety to continue using a damaged hose.

Tips

Re-commission your pressure washer carefully after completing any major hose repairs. Apply low pressure first to ensure there are no remaining leaks before progressing to higher pressure settings. Some tips for maximizing hose life:

• Avoid extreme heat/cold, bending and kinking which cause the hose to fatigue quickly.

• Use hose reels to prevent tripping hazards when the hose is extended.

• Protect hoses from sharp objects that could catch or puncture.

• Inspect hoses regularly for any signs of damage or weakness and replace as needed. Safety depends on catching issues promptly.

• When replacing hoses, consider higher-pressure rating and temperature tolerance for more durable performance.

Conclusion

With some basic supplies and skills, you'll be back to enjoying your pressure washer in no time using inexpensive repairs or a low-cost replacement hose. And be sure to continue regular inspections to catch any new damage early before it has a chance to get dangerous.

Let me know if you have any other questions about inspecting for pressure washer hose damage, choosing between repair and replacement options or recommendations for keeping your hose in the best condition possible for safe operation. I'm here to provide guidance for saving your pressure washer and your hands!