How Do I Prepare and Start My Pressure Washer?

This article contains instructions to check items and perform tasks that ensure the pressure washer is started in a safe manner that avoids injury or damage to the unit.

  • Apr 11, 2025
  • Knowledge

Title
How Do I Prepare and Start My Pressure Washer?
URL Name
How-Do-I-Safely-Prepare-and-Start-My-Pressure-Washer

Public Content

Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns. 

Starting a pressure washer 

Environment

These instructions are generally applicable to most Generac pressure washer models. Always consult your specific pressure washer's user manual for the most accurate instructions. Pressure washer user manuals can be found using the product lookup page on Generac.com.

To start a pressure washer

1. Verify the unit is secure on level ground, with proper clearance, and is in a well-ventilated area. Check oil and fuel levels.
2. Verify all fittings and couplers are properly secured. Verify the direct thermal relief valve is pointed towards the ground.

 
Note: The location of the thermal relief valve will vary depending on the pressure washer model. See your pressure washer's user manual. Note that the thermal relief valve can be rotated 360 degrees on most units. 
 
3. Verify sufficient water supply is connected and turned ON. 
4. Squeeze the trigger to purge the pump system of air. NEVER run the pressure washer without purging the system of air.
5. Open the fuel valve and set the choke to the CLOSED position.
6. Turn the engine switch to “ON” or the “I” position.
7. Pull the recoil to start or use the push button for electric start models. Return recoil handle slowly. DO NOT let recoil snap back against recoil housing.
8. After each start attempt, if engine fails to run, point spray gun in safe direction, and squeeze spray trigger to release high pressure.
9. When the engine starts, adjust the choke to the OPEN position until it is running smoothly.
 
Note: The location of the choke will vary depending on the pressure washer model. See instructions above to locate your pressure washer's user manual.
 
10. Aim the spray gun in a safe direction and squeeze the trigger to start cleaning.
 
 
 

Pressure washer start up troubleshooting

If your pressure washer fails to start, please reference the following article: Why won't my pressure washer start or stay running?

 

 
 
 
 
Was this article helpful?
Upload Files


Need more help? Get in touch with our support team.


Contact Support