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. 

Troubleshooting the Chemical/Detergent Injector

Check these common failure points when the chemical/detergent injector is not operating as expected.

Environment

This article applies to pressure washers with chemical/detergent/soap tanks. If you have a pressure washer with a siphon hose and an external detergent bucket, see here: How Do I Use the Siphon Hose if My Pressure Washer Didn’t Come With a Detergent Tank?

What type of detergent can you use? 

Do NOT use bleach or other corrosive chemicals as pump failure can occur. Damage due to the use of corrosive chemicals is not warrantable. Use detergents specifically designed for pressure washers and follow the detergent manufacturer's guidelines for dilution ratios. 

Common issues with detergent hose or injector

The wrong nozzle is installed or the PowerDial gun is not set to the soap setting

• Confirm that either the black detergent nozzle OR the red detergent nozzle is installed (see images below).

   

        

• Set PowerDial™ Gun to the soap setting.

The Siphon hose filter is clogged (the hose end that submerges in the detergent)

• Flush the siphon hose with fresh water.

The detergent injector port is clogged or blocked (the pump side of the tube)

• Before probing the injector port: Turn off the pressure washer, shut off the water supply, and release pressurized water from the pump using the spray gun.

• Remove the hose and use a small, pointed tool to probe the injector port to remove debris and/or unstick the ball valve. 

The siphon hose fitting is too loose on the injector port or it is cracked/damaged

• Air leaking into siphon hose, trim the damaged end of siphon hose, and reattach to port.

The detergent mixture is too thick

• Review detergent dilution instructions from the detergent manufacturer.

• Add more water to dilute the detergent.

• Siphon clean water to determine if the detergent is too thick.

 

Note: It is important to clean the siphon hose after each use to help ensure reliable future operation. See How to clean the pressure washers detergent siphoning tube for more information.