If you’ve ever experienced slow-moving water when trying to wash your deck, sidewalk, or driveway, you understand how frustrating a less-than-powerful hose can be. What would you do if there was a simple fix? With an expertly designed pressure washer, you can put power behind your cleaning—and it all depends on the Generac pressure washer pump.
What is a Pressure Washer?
Before you understand the pros and cons of different Generac pressure washer pumps, you need to understand what a pressure washer is designed to do. The mechanical device uses a motor or engine to significantly increase the pressure of water, expelling it through a nozzle at a high velocity to remove mold, grime, dust, loose paint, and more from various surfaces. This tool consumes less water than a traditional garden hose and is often considered to be the most effective method for outdoor cleaning.
What Can You Clean with Generac Pressure Washers?
- Drains
- Gutters
- Home exteriors
- Patios
- Fences
- Vehicles
- Driveways
What is a Pressure Washer Pump?
Think of a Generac pressure washer pump as what controls the equipment’s main function. The pump uses either pistons or plungers (depending on the model) to take a steady supply of low-pressure water in before forcing it through a small nozzle. Surprisingly, the process is quite simple.
When the piston moves backward, it creates a suction or vacuum inside the cylinder. Once the water is in the chamber, the piston reverses direction and moves forward, compressing the volume. Then, the piston pushes open the outlet or pressure check valve, forcing it into the specially designed high-pressure hose and out the spray mechanism.
Does the Type of Generac Pressure Washer Pump Make a Difference?
Contrary to popular belief, not all Generac pressure washer pumps are created equal. Each one is designed to be compatible with certain pressure washer models and has distinct differences that set it apart. They are often chosen depending on the machine’s anticipated usage.
It’s important to understand which power washer replacement pump you need for your personal equipment before buying. If you’re not sure, you can always check our Find Part Numbers page to find the perfect Generac pressure washer pump for your machine.
Axial vs. Triplex Pressure Washer Pumps:
Axial pump: Designed for all standard Generac residential power washers, these Generac pressure washer pumps are crafted out of aluminum and are sealed and lubricated during initial manufacturing. These compact and lightweight pumps work by driving pistons forward and backward via a slanted swash plate attached to the engine’s drive shaft. These do not require oil maintenance and cannot be rebuilt if damaged.
Triplex pump: Made for professional Generac pressure washers, these heavy-duty pumps are best for frequent commercial use and professional contractors. These highly durable replacement pressure washer pumps use a crankshaft to drive the piston’s movements and are known for lasting up to four times longer than axial pumps. They feature a built-in and adjustable unloader valve that lets you manually change the pressure on the machine, can be rebuilt, and require regular oil changes to ensure top performance.
Why Do You Need to Replace a Pressure Washer Pump?
Buying a Generac pressure washer is a future-thinking investment and should be treated as such. Replacing key parts is the best way to ensure your equipment’s lifespan is extended as much as possible.
If you were to leave a Generac pressure washer pump unchecked for too long, you’d eventually need to buy a whole new machine. Avoid this hassle and restore peak cleaning power by upgrading and replacing your Generac pressure washer pumps on a regular basis.
How Often Do You Need to Replace a Power Washer Pump?
When your Generac pressure washer pump begins to wear-out, you’ll need to buy a brand-new piece to breathe new life into your machine. Depending on the usage and model you have, we recommend swapping to a pressure washer replacement pump every 3 to 7 years. If you were to measure it in operating hours, axial pumps can typically last between 300 and 800 hours, while triplex pumps can handle 1,000 to 2,000 hours.
How Can You Tell When It’s Time to Replace a Pressure Washer Pump?
While proactively replacing a pressure washer pump is a beneficial approach, there are a few signs you can look out for to extend the use of your existing device. It should be noted that issues like leaking seals or worn-out valves can typically be repaired, but if the costs start exceeding the cost of a brand-new pump, it’s worth just buying the replacement pressure washer pump.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Pressure Washer Pump:
- Water leaks: water dripping from the bottom of the pump or housing means the housing or seals are cracked
- Contaminated oil: milky or frothy pump oil means that water is leaking into the oil reservoir
- Pressure issues: low or pulsating pressure indicates damaged internal seals and valves
- Unusual vibration: metal-on-metal grinding or loud knocking signals that the pistons and bearings are failing
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Pressure Washer Pump?
If you only need to repair a single component of a triplex pump, it’ll likely only set you back between $20 and $50. But, if you’re in the market for a complex pressure washer replacement pump, it could cost you anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the model. When it is time to buy a replacement, make sure you search for a genuine OEM Generac pressure washer pump, as aftermarket equivalents aren’t as trustworthy.
3 Tips for Making the Most Out of Your Replacement Pressure Washer Pump:
- Tip #1: Never let the pump run without a continuous water supply, as it will overheat and destroy internal components within seconds
- Tip #2: Don’t let the machine run while you take a break, as the hot water could recirculate and fry the pump
- Tip #3: Remember to change the oil after the first 50 hours of use (and every 100 to 500 hours of use after, depending on the model’s specifications)
Whether you’re looking for a replacement pressure washer pump or just doing due diligence for future purchases, Generator Magic has your back. Keep your favorite cleaning helper working for longer by investing in Generac pressure washer pumps today.