Pressure Washer Troubleshooting This guide helps you troubleshoot Sun Joe® electric pressure washers. Use the dropdown sections to find help with no power, low pressure, pulsing pressure, Total Stop System operation, detergent or foam issues, water leaks, and no water output. This guide applies to Sun Joe® electric pressure washers, including models with spray nozzles or foam cannons.Sun Joe® Pressure WasherPressure Washer TroubleshootingUse this guide to troubleshoot common Sun Joe® electric pressure washer power, pressure, water flow, detergent, leak, and storage issues.Safety First Always turn the pressure washer OFF and unplug it before checking connections, nozzles, foam cannons, hoses, filters, or adapters. Do not point the spray gun at people, pets, windows, electrical outlets, or fragile surfaces.No Power Start with water flow, nozzle removal, trigger purge, and GFCI reset. Power CheckLow Pressure Check nozzle, wand opening, inlet filter, and soap/foam mode. Pressure CheckLeaks or No Water Check the garden hose adapter, O-rings, inlet filter, and water supply. Water Flow📌 Quick ReferenceUse this table to choose the correct troubleshooting section before starting.IssueMost Likely CheckStart HereNo power / unit will not startWater flow, trigger position, GFCI plug, and cooling timeNo Power / Unit Will Not StartLow pressure or no pressureNozzle, foam cannon, wand opening, inlet filter, and soap modeLow Pressure or No PressurePressure pulsating or surgingGarden hose diameter, kinks, water supply, and clogged attachmentsPressure Pulsating or SurgingUnit turns on and off by itselfTotal Stop System, leaks, or loose connectionsUnit Turns On and Off by ItselfDetergent or foam will not dispenseLow-pressure mode, correct attachment, and detergent dilutionDetergent or Foam Will Not DispenseWater leaking or no water outputGarden hose adapter, connections, O-rings, inlet filter, or frozen partsWater Leaking / No Water Output🔌 No Power / Unit Will Not StartMost pressure washer start issues are resolved by checking water flow, removing the attachment, and starting the unit while holding the trigger.Try This First Connect the garden hose, turn the water fully ON, remove any spray nozzle or foam cannon, then press and hold the trigger while powering on.Unplug the unit before checking connections.Confirm water is connected and turned ON.Remove any spray nozzle or foam cannon and make sure to clean the nozzles using the needle clean-out tool. Hold the trigger for 30 seconds until the water flow is steady to purge air and release trapped pressure. Reset the GFCI plug. Attach a colored nozzle or set the wand to high pressure (Except Black Nozzle).Press and hold the trigger while powering on.Allow the unit to cool for 5 minutes if it may have overheated.💦 Low Pressure or No PressureRemove the nozzle or foam cannon.Hold the trigger until pressure stabilizes.Clean the spray tip or wand opening.Clean the water inlet filter. Confirm the unit is not in soap or foam mode.Important If the pressure washer is in soap or foam mode, pressure may be reduced. Switch to the correct high-pressure nozzle or wand setting before testing again.🌊 Pressure Pulsating or SurgingUse a minimum ½-inch diameter garden hose.Straighten any hose kinks.Turn the water supply fully ON.Clean the nozzle, foam cannon, and inlet filter.Hold the trigger until pressure stabilizes.🔁 Unit Turns On and Off by ItselfThis can be normal operation. Sun Joe® pressure washers use a Total Stop System that shuts the motor off when the trigger is released and restarts it when the trigger is pulled.Total Stop System Reminder If the unit turns off when the trigger is released and turns back on when the trigger is pulled, the pressure washer is operating normally.If the unit cycles continuously without using the trigger, check the following:Check for leaks.Check for loose connections.🧼 Detergent or Foam Will Not DispenseUse this section if detergent or foam is not dispensing from your pressure washer. First, choose the setup you are using: a foam cannon or the black soap nozzle / low-pressure detergent setting.Foam CannonFollow these steps if you are using a foam cannon and soap is not dispensing.Make sure the foam cannon bottle has detergent inside.Use pressure-washer-safe detergent only. Do not use household cleaners, bleach, acids, solvents, or other chemicals. Dilute the detergent correctly: 1 part soap to 10 parts water.Remove the foam cannon bottle cap, then reattach it securely.Remove the stainless steel lance from the trigger gun.Insert the transfer adapter (if available) into the trigger gun and twist it until it locks.Align the foam cannon with the adapter, push it in, and twist it to lock it into place.Rotate the adjustable cap to increase the soap volume. Adjust the foam cannon nozzle between fan spray and pencil jet.Turn the pressure washer on and test if soap starts dispensing.If soap was left in the bottle or system after the last use, rinse the bottle and try again with fresh pressure-washer-safe detergent.Important Soap may not dispense if the foam cannon is not attached correctly. Dried soap can also clog the bottle, cap, nozzle, or detergent path.Black Soap Nozzle / Low-Pressure Detergent SettingFollow these steps if you are using the black soap nozzle or your model’s low-pressure detergent setting and detergent is not dispensing.Make sure you are using the black soap nozzle or the correct low-pressure detergent setting for your model.Use pressure-washer-safe detergent only.Dilute the detergent correctly: 1 part soap to 10 parts water.If you are not using the correct nozzle or setting, switch to the black soap nozzle or low-pressure detergent setting.Check whether the detergent tube is loose, kinked, or blocked.Inspect the pickup tube or detergent path for any blockage.Make sure the detergent tube is seated securely.Turn the pressure washer on and test if detergent starts dispensing.Important Detergent only dispenses in low-pressure mode. Rinse the detergent system after each use to help prevent dried soap buildup and clogging.🚿 Water Leaking / No Water OutputWater LeakingCheck the garden hose adapter first.The aluminum end screws onto the pressure washer.The colored plastic end connects to the garden hose.If leaking continues:Check all hose, wand, and trigger gun connections.Inspect all visible O-rings for damage or missing seals.Water leaking from the bottom of the unit requires support assistance.Motor Runs but No Water Comes OutConfirm the water supply is ON.Reinstall the garden hose adapter correctly.Clean the inlet filter.Remove and clean the spray tip or foam cannon.Allow frozen components to thaw completely.❄️ Important Storage ReminderFreeze Protection Always store your pressure washer above 32°F (0°C). Freeze damage is not covered under warranty. Related articles SPX3000 Not Dispensing Detergent