Basically, there are three types of pressure washers: residential, commercial and industrial-grade units. Most consumers purchase Residential or Commercial grade pressure washers. When determining whether your unit is worth repairing, there are three important factors to consider : Price, Hours of Use, and Extent of Damage
Price: Residential models: If the unit cost you less than or close to $500, it is probably a residential model with an axial pump that’s rated for only 30 hours or less (even though, it may have a Honda engine). Depending on the Hours of Use and/or Extent of Damage (below) it may be worth repairing. Commercial models: If the unit cost you more than $750 to $1,500, it probably has a tri-plex pump and is a commercial-grade pressure washer. These units are generally worth repairing.
Hours of Use: Residential models: Manufacturers have coupled Honda engines with inexpensive axial pumps (with a duty rating of 30 hours) to target the residential market. If you have used the unit for more than 30 hours, then your pressure washer probably isn’t worth repairing, unless you want to upgrade your pump. Depending on the quality and size of your engine, we could sell you a better quality pump at market price and charge you less than $100 to install it; or you may want to merely buy another residential one. Commercial models: These units are generally designed with pumps rated at 300 hours or more depending on the brand and quality of the pump. These pumps are designed to be repaired and usually provide years of dependable service.
Extent of Damage: Residential models: If the repair issue is not pump related and the engine is a Honda model or is an 8 hp or higher model engine of any brand, then it may be worth repairing. If your pump isn’t building pressure or leaking, then no, it probably isn’t worth repairing. Commercial models: These types of units are generally worth repairing unless the pump and the engine are both severely damaged.
If you are still unsure about whether to repair or not, please bring your pressure washer into our Metairie Service Center at 2813 Richland Ave. during our normal business hours (M-F, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm) for a Triage, a quick diagnostic procedure. It may be an easy fix. If it is going to need a more in-depth evaluation, then a full-scale estimate will be performed and you will be informed of the cost every step of the way. Call us at 504-888-8989 if you have any further questions. We’ll be happy to assist you.
