I've got a hot water faucet on the exterior of the house. Why? Who knows.... it was here when we bought the place. Can I run hot water from it thru my pressure washer, rather than just regular temp water?
Running hot water (household hot, not steam) thru a standard pressure washer
- Thread starter SAR Tracker
- Start date
What does the owner's manual say? Generally it's advised not to run hot water through a typical cold water pressure washer unless the manufacturer states that it's ok, and they'll often provide a water temperature range that is acceptable. Great question though and curious to see what others think. Hot water works so much better than cold on our greasy tractors.
The local Kubota dealer let me use their hot water pressure washer and it was amazing. Certainly made me wish that I had one. Their model is commercial grade running off a diesel engine so $$$ but you can buy some really good ones with onboard heating for a few thousand. Andrew Camarata uses a nice one on his channel.
North Idaho Wolfman
Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member
Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
No, not unless the pressure washer is made for hot water.
Most pressure washers overheat and will seize up when you use Hot water through them.
BTDT...
^^^^^^
Yep.
Mine even has a Thermal Relief Valve (factory set to 120°F) to avoid seizing the pump. Pump tolerances are extremely tight and seals for cold water pumps are not designed to handle very much heat.
^^^^Yup, to the point the water gets turned on before the pressure washer is even started and is used to cool the pump even at idle.
At work we have a diesel pressure washer that heats the water, that's far different from what most people (like myself) use at home.
Note that consumer pressure washers often need to be drained of water after use, and a rebuild might be needed occasionally....the cheap ones can be worth less than the asking price.
