How To Repair A Pressure Washer Hose

How To Repair A Pressure Washer Hose

If you own a pressure washer long enough, you are eventually going to experience a leak in the hose.  Sometimes it comes from touching the exhaust on a gas-powered washer with the hose.  Other times it’s just old age, or bad luck.

You’ll then be faced with a choice. Do you want to throw out your pressure washer and buy a new one? Do you want to repair the hose? Or do you want to buy a pressure washer replacement hose or a pressure washer hose repair kit?

Sometimes A Power Washer Repair Kit Is The Easiest

A leak in a pressure washer hose can’t be fixed the way you would fix a garden hose. The patch won’t last; the high-pressure water will force the patch loose. Even a tiny patched leak can cause serious injury when it bursts open, and the high-pressure water hits your body.   At the very least, you are going to get soaked and whatever washing chore you had planned for the day isn’t going to get done.

The layers of wire mesh and plastic distribute the water evenly throughout the hose and contain the pressure. To repair the hose, each layer needs to be shaped and repaired correctly. If not, the repairs won’t last.

This isn’t the hardest fix, but it’s not for everyone.  Sometimes it’s best just to replace the hose. There are many good pressure washer replacement hose kits available. They can save you time in the end. You could also bring it in for a professional to fix. Search for pressure washer repair near me for some options.

If you prefer repairing the high-pressure hose, here’s how.

Steps to Repair Your Power Washer Hose

  • Switch off the power of the pressure washer. If you’re using an electric pressure washer, unplug it.
  • Press the hose trigger to get rid of any water inside of the hose.
  • Find the leak and dry the area around the leak.
  • Make a square cut on each side of the leak.
  • Measure the diameter of the hose.  You’ll need this to find the right size compression fitting in the next step.  Most residential pressure washers are 0.25″, but check yours to be sure.
  • Create a compression seal with a gates compression fitting. The female repair coupling is reverse threaded and spins counterclockwise when fitted onto the hose. To tighten it use an adjustable wrench. The male repair coupling fits inside the hose tubing. Use motor oil to lubricate the tip. Place the hose in a vice or use two adjustable wrenches to connect and tighten the two pieces.
  • Next, connect the M22 adapter.
  • Lastly, screw the M22 adapter onto the pressure washer.

Make sure the gates compression fitting is the right size for the outside and inside of the hose.


Pressure Washer Repair Video Demonstration

If you are the type of person that learns better from watching rather than reading, the following video does a great job of showing just how easy it a fix it can be.  I’d recommend checking the price of the gates compression fitting and the M22 adapter first, and comparing that to the price of a new hose before tackling the project.

Best Pressure Washer Hose Repair Kits

Flexzilla Pressure Washer Hose With M22 Fittings
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Top Pressure Washer Hose Repair Kit Reviews

As we mentioned before, it might just be easier to buy a replacement pressure washer hose. Here’s two great choices that will work great if you want to save time. Remember to get the size and length you want – both are available in different models to fit your needs.

Best Overall Pressure Washer Hose Replacement Kit: YAMATIC Kink Free 3200 PSI 25 FT Pressure Washer Hose 1/4″ M22-14mm Brass Thread Replacement

We like YAMATIC Kink Free 3200 PSI 25 FT Pressure Washer Hose 1/4 M22-14mm Brass Thread Replacement

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The Yamatic Pressure Washer hose is a great value. It comes with high-quality solid brass connectors which should keep your washer from leaking and spraying you with water. It’s made of recycled material but don’t let that fool you – it’s plenty strong to handle the wear and tear power washer hoses have to deal with.

Most people find these hoses are a nice upgrade from the ones that come “stock” on their pressure washer. Just attach with the quick connect fittings and you’ll be on your way in no time!

Runner Up: Flexzilla Pressure Washer Hose With M22 Fittings

We like Flexzilla Pressure Washer Hose With M22 Fittings

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This made-in-the-USA polymer hose is rated for almost any operating temperature you will face. It’ll fit most power washers – it can replace a Generac pressure washer hose just as easily as a Craftsman. It’s meant for a standard M22-14mm device. It won’t kink while in use – something I find particularly annoying when I’m working around a corner from the base.

It’s quite lightweight – you shouldn’t have much trouble moving this pressure washer hose around. Remember it’s made for cold-water pressure washers only.

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One Comment

  1. Joe mcfarland says:

    This Is one of the best DIY videos I have seen. And I loved that there wasn’t a bunch of personal banter going on throughout the video. I’m sure it works for some of the guys out there that are attracted to the style of presentation. Plus I believe the piece was accurate and fair. And the graphics really fit the subject.

    Nice job,
    Joe