Can I Repair My Pressure Washer Hose?
While some shops are capable of repairing your old hose with specialized equipment, continuing to use these hoses long-term could turn them into a ticking time bomb, posing a risk of bursting and injuring the operator. Read on to learn more about pressure washer hose repairs and how to determine when it's time for a replacement.
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Why Is It Dangerous To Repair A Hose?
Repairing a pressure washer hose is much more technical than standard maintenance tasks like winterizing a machine or replacing seals. You will need specialized tools, special fittings, and advanced knowledge to ensure that the crimp used will be able to handle the pressures and temperatures that your machine is putting out. Unless you are highly experienced and equipped with the correct equipment, attempting to repair a hose is not worth the cost savings. Some shops refuse to repair old hoses due to the risk of liability.
What Could Happen If A Pressure Washer Hose Fails?
It is important to consider that hoses hold highly pressurized water. A blown hose will recoil and can seriously injure its user, and a ruptured hose can easily cut a user with a high-pressure water stream. High PSI water may not be the only concern: If you have a hot water model, you need to consider the risk of burns from being sprayed. Injuries can range from lacerations requiring stitches to potential vision loss if the hose or stream strikes the eye.
It is not worth it to risk deep cuts and burns for a cheap repair, so if your hose is damaged, replacing the entire hose is the safest option.
How Do I Know When My Hose Needs To Be Replaced?
There are 3 things you need to look for: flat spots, exposed braiding, and bulges.
- Flat spots- If a car, truck, or other equipment has run over a hose, the metal braid underneath may be crimped or crushed, compromising its structural integrity. If there are any flat spots in the hose, it should be replaced.
- Exposed braiding- Hoses are dragged across concrete all day, and the abrasion will eventually run down to the wire. If metal wire is exposed, it’s time to toss it and replace the hose.
- Bulges- wire braiding underneath has opened up, and water is causing the inner tube to bulge outwards.
How Often Should I Inspect My Hose For Damage?
Every time you use it. If you run a hose reel, inspecting the hose as you reel it back in is an ideal practice. Again, check for flat spots, exposed braiding, and bulges that might be present.
Summary
Hoses carry highly pressurized and often high-temperature water, so being diligent about monitoring the condition of your hose is important for user safety. We don't recommend attempting to repair a hose without sufficient tools and experience. If you need to replace your hose or are on the fence about whether or not your hose needs to be replaced, one of our partnered dealer experts are available to assist.
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