Dick Smith Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 As I stated in an earlier post on another thread I have just bought a Kärcher powerwasher to replace an older B&Q one - the reason being that the B&Q cheapie would work for a few minutes and then pack up. Eventually it stopped working altogether.This morning I excitedly unpacked the new one, set it up and - after 15 minutes of use - it stopped.It must be me - what am I doing wrong?I have a full length of hose (well over 10m) and I am washing out moss and earth between paving slabs and giving the slabs a quick sluice, no more.Help, please - £70 for a quarter of an hour's use! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BJSLIV Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 The pumps are protected by a thermal cut out, and I reckon that the cheap ones , including a bottom of the range Karcher's thaink that 15 minutes is enough for most domestic jobs. Leave for half an hour and start again.I wonder if they set them low on the low side not only to protect the pump but also to protect the sales of the larger professional models! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 2, 2005 Author Share Posted July 2, 2005 Could be that. After half an hour I tried it again and it pumped for maybe half a second and cut out. If I started it up with the trigger on the spray head held in it worked fine...I'll see if that works on the 'broken' one when I feel able to withstand the disappointment if it works! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opel Fruit<P><BR>Opel Fruit, Dept. 53<P> Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 Water supply? What are you using to supply water? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 2, 2005 Author Share Posted July 2, 2005 Domestic supply, tap in the garden, somewhat reduced pressure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baz Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 Power washers do need a reasonable amount of water pressure otherwise they will continually cut out. If the supply you are using suffers a reduced pressure when another outlet is used, such as washing machine, toilet flush, shower/ bath this could be the cause of your troubles. In my previous home the water supply pressure was poor and it was a nightmare trying to use a pressure washer, but now in my present home it is with great satisfaction the jobs that I am able to do with my washer no longer cutting out.A possible cure is to draw the water directly out of a rain butt, swimming pool etc the machine is then able to take the amount of water it requires and you will surprised how little it uses.Baz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 2, 2005 Author Share Posted July 2, 2005 Ah! When I said reduced pressure I meant that I was reducing it so as not to strain the pump. Duh!Also using a long hose (Kärcher reckon 10m minimum) which then loops around a lot, so may reduce pressure further.Double Duh!Thanks all, I'll give it another go in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Opel Fruit<P><BR>Opel Fruit, Dept. 53<P> Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 I think you are reducing the flow, not the pressure.I suggest you ensure the machine has full pressure, full flow. If that doesn't work (and I would be surprised in France with the superb water network) stick the inlet into a water butt as previously suggested, but not too long a hose! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weedon Posted July 2, 2005 Share Posted July 2, 2005 Do we have our own rival for "two jags Prescott"..."two pumps Dick"weedon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 2, 2005 Author Share Posted July 2, 2005 Damn! Sussed at last! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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