Troy-Bilt Pressure Washer Won't Start? (We Have a Fix)

You’ve emptied your schedule, gathered supplies, and are ready to pressure wash your driveway when — nothing happens. Your pressure washer won’t start. What gives?

There are a few reasons why your Troy-Bilt pressure washer won’t start, ranging from easy fixes to death declarations. The most likely scenario is bad fuel, especially if your washer has been sitting unused for a while. The gas can simply be bad, or it could have clogged the carburetor, or worse.

Obviously, the first thing you want to check is to make sure your pressure washer is turned on. Then, if further investigation is needed, it’s time to get your hands dirty.

Even if you regularly use your pressure washer, you can run into problems if it is not appropriately maintained. Make sure to check the gas and change it as needed periodically. It is also advised to refrain from using ethanol gas in small engines. Gas that you get at the pump can deteriorate over time, leading to corrosion and other issues with your washer’s fuel system.

Read the manual for your pressure washer carefully for proper maintenance recommendations, as all washers have different needs. Your manual might suggest using a fuel stabilizer to help fend off engine corrosion. An alternative would be to use a pre-mixed, ethanol-free fuel. This type of fuel works well for use with small engines and remains fresher for a longer period of time.

The steps mentioned above are helpful to get your gas-powered pressure washer to start, but what if your washer is electric Obviously, fuel is not a problem with an electric pressure washer. Instead, there are a host of electrical components that could be to blame.

First, try the obvious — make sure the plug is securely in the outlet. You can also try a different outlet; it might not be your pressure washer at all. Sometimes, the simplest fix does do the trick. Also, use an outlet with no other appliances plugged into it that could draw power away from the washer. If you are using an extension cord, check your washer’s manual to ensure you are using the proper type.

If your pressure washer has officially bit the dust, you have several options. You can hire a pro, or you can rent a washer, or buy a new one. However, if your project is a one-and-done deal, then you might want to just go ahead and let someone else do the work for you. If that’s not your style, or you have several projects planned over a short timeframe, renting is a good option.

You can rent a medium-duty pressure washer from Lowe’s or Home Depot for roughly $80 a day. Check with your local store for minimum rental periods, exact pricing, and what is included with the rental. On the other hand, if you do a lot of pressure washing, buying is probably the more economical option. Whether used for business or personal projects, proper maintenance can help your pressure washer last for its maximum work-life.

The average pressure washer, when properly maintained, can last for about 500 hours of use. Of course, this number varies with the type of pressure washer, quality of maintenance, and how the washer is stored. A higher-quality pressure washer will likely last longer than a cheaper alternative. In other words, you get what you pay for.

If you buy a cheap washer for home projects, expect to get one to two good years out of it. If you spring for a higher-quality model, you could get up to four solid years of work from it.

If your gas-powered pressure washer won’t start, the most likely culprit is the gas. Start with checking the fuel tank and replacing old gas, and changing the oil if needed. If the gas has sat for too long, it could have clogged your carburetor or done damage to the engine. If, after changing the fuel and oil and checking all connections, your washer still doesn’t start, you might need to admit defeat.

Check out your local home improvement stores for rental options or see if buying new is the way to go. For more great tips and advice on how to tackle your home improvement to-do list, check out the rest of our blogs! We’ve got you covered, no matter how big or small your next project is!