How To Run A Pressure Washer Off A Water Tank: Definitive Guide 2020

With a pressure washer, you expect 8 gallons of water to shoot out of the faucet per minute. However, not getting this enough water feed from the tank is a common problem among users. In fact, some are even confused about how to run a pressure washer off a water tank.

Here's the deal:

People tend to forget that the tank needs to be level or a little higher than the pressure washer. And so, they end up having problems when using their pressure washer.

So how do you exactly operate a pressure washer off a water tank? First, you must understand how it works.

After doing lots of research, I have been convinced that this is the easiest way to explain a pressure washer:

Water flows from the tank to the hose. The hose supplies this water to the pump, which accelerates the water. With the pump producing high pressure, water shoots out like that of pressure guns you see at car washes.

Why You Need A Water Tank With Pressure Washer

Because pressure washer shoots water in great speed, many think that it uses more water than the normal garden hose. This is a hoax!

The truth is...

... a high pressure washer can use about 8 gallons of water per minute, but the garden hose can use up to 20 gallons of water. This is according to the data gathered by the Long Beach Water Department.

So if a pressure washer does not use too much water, why do we use a tank? In fact, can you run a pressure washer off a water tank at all?

The answer is you don't need to. However, if you want to clean any surface more conveniently and safely, then you have to.

If you start the engine without running water through its system, then you might damage the gaskets, seals, and other components of the pump. The water tank can provide you with constant running water through the pressure washer.

Thus, the question is not:

Will a pressure washer run off a water tank?

But should be:

How to run a pressure washer off a water tank?

How To Connect Pressure Washer To The Water Tank

It is important that you set up your pressure washer properly so that you'll get the right water pressure out of the pump.

Here's how you do it:

First, look for the banjo fitting on the tank. Connect a threaded to the fitting. Then, connect an inline to the PVC. Secure it with Teflon tape. Next, connect the ball valve and barb connector. Finally, you can attach the hose.

If the hose does not come with a barb connector, you can buy one from the store. It's important that the barb is clamped properly so that the water won't leak from the hose.

Now, you can connect the hose to the pressure washer feed line. You can usually find its inlet beside the inlet for the garden hose.

Now you're done!

It will not take you more than 8 minutes to connect the pressure washer to the water tank. Attaching the fittings, valves, and tubes together is pretty easy, so you can do it with minimal to no assistance.

Watch this video for the full tutorial!

How To Run A Pressure Washer Off A Water Tank

Can I run a pressure washer off a water tank if it’s not powered by electricity?

Actually, it doesn’t matter if your pressure washer is powered by a gas engine or an electric motor; you run a pressure washer off a water tank in the same way. It runs a pump that will put pressure on the water and force it out of the spray wand. This said, the type of spray nozzle that you use is important.

Here are the different types of spray nozzle:

Once you connect the right spray nozzle to the hose, you can start running the pressure washer off water tank.

Run the water for about a minute. You need to do this to prime the system and remove air from it. Squeeze the spray nozzle trigger to let out water pressure. Finally, pull the starter cord so that you can start the engine.

What To Do When You Don’t Get The Right Pressure

If you are not getting the pressure that you need, there might be a problem with your pressure washer or the connecting valves and hose. Check the following if you want to get the right water pressure from the spray nozzle:

Once you’ve checked all these, try the pressure washer again.

Conclusion

Pressure washers are named power washers for a reason. It can get you great results in a short amount of time. In order to get these results though, you must learn how to run a pressure washer off a water tank. Be sure to follow the guide above!