If your pressure washer arrived upside down or on its side, do not attempt to start the engine immediately. Engine oil may have migrated into the cylinder during transit, which can cause serious internal damage.

Steps to Take

• Stand the unit upright and allow it to rest for at least 24 hours before starting.
• Check the oil level and inspect the air filter housing for oil contamination. Replace the air filter if needed.
• Inspect the unit and packaging for any physical damage.
• Note all damage on the carrier's delivery receipt before signing.
• Contact Water Cannon for further assistance if you suspect internal damage.

When you receive your commercial pressure washer, check carefully for concealed freight damage. Any damage should be noted with the delivering carrier.

If you have questions related to freight on a pressure washer or pump you purchased from Water Cannon, call us at 1-800-333-WASH (9274).

A. Act With Caution

High pressure spray can cause serious injury. Never point or aim the gun/wand at yourself or anyone else. Never put your hand, fingers or body directly in front of the spray nozzle.

B. Know Your Equipment

Read your owner's manual carefully. Do not operate your power washer until you completely understand all operating instructions, precautions and safety rules. Restrict use to operators who have read and can follow all safety rules.

C. Plan Ahead

• Always wear ear protection and eye protection / face shield to prevent debris from flying or ricocheting.
• Dress safely in long pants and boots. Wear protective equipment when using chemicals or corrosive substances.
• Do not operate pressure washing equipment if you have consumed alcohol or taken medication.
• Keep pets, children and bystanders a safe distance away — a minimum of 50 feet is recommended.
• Do not spray directly at glass or fragile objects.
• After turning off your pressure washer and water supply, high-pressure water remains trapped. Release pressure by triggering the gun after the engine has completely stopped.
• Know what chemicals you are using and read all precautions.

Follow all safety precautions, operating procedures and maintenance listed in your engine operator's manual. Please keep the following in mind:

Avoid These Engine Operating Risks

• Risk of fire: Do not fill the engine with gasoline when running, hot, or near an open flame.
• Risk of explosion: Do not spray flammable liquids. Do not smoke when using your pressure washer.
• Risk of electrical shock: Hazardous voltage can shock, burn or cause death. Ground your pressure washing system before connecting to a power supply.
• Risk of asphyxiation: Use only in well-ventilated areas. Never run in enclosed spaces — exhaust fumes contain poisonous carbon monoxide gas.

Additional Precautions

• Do not touch hot mufflers, cylinders, cooling fins or exhaust gases — severe burns may result.
• Never tamper with the governor spring, governor links or other components that may increase engine RPMs.
• Do not operate in the presence of flammable vapors or gases. Properly dispose of flammable materials when servicing.
• Remove the spark plug before making any adjustments. Keep the fuel shut-off valve closed when transporting.
• Use a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician. Do not use an extension cord — use only the factory-supplied power cord.

Before starting your pressure washer, perform the following checks to ensure safe and proper operation.

Pre-Start Checklist

• Check the engine oil level. Add oil if necessary — do not overfill.
• Check the fuel level. Use fresh, clean gasoline appropriate for your engine.
• Connect a garden hose to the water inlet and turn the water supply on fully before starting.
• Inspect all hose connections and fittings for leaks or damage.
• Attach the appropriate nozzle for your cleaning task.
• Squeeze the trigger gun to release any trapped pressure before connecting high-pressure hoses.

Your water supply must exceed the Gallons Per Minute (GPM) rate of your machine. To test: fill a 5-gallon bucket with a timer. If your machine is 5 GPM or less and the bucket fills in under a minute, your supply is adequate.

Note that washing machines, livestock watering systems and toilet flushing can affect supply — ensure adequacy when those are operating simultaneously.

Your water should not contain particles larger than 80 microns. While power washers include small inlet filters, they can only handle poor-quality water for a short period before clogging — causing machine damage. Ensure no large sand or scale particles are present in your water supply.

Use a garden hose or high-quality pressure washer hose from the faucet to the machine. The supply hose should be at least 5/8" diameter and at least 15 feet long — this length helps isolate the water supply from pump pulsations. Check the inlet water filter or screen when connecting. Many states require a Vacuum Break or back-flow preventer at the faucet — check your local and state regulations.

Turn on the water supply and open the trigger gun to purge all air from the system. Look for water leaks and stop any leaks found — leaks can cause erratic pump behavior.

Pressure cleaners are built with one of two unloader types: a trapped pressure unloader or a flow-actuated unloader. A positive displacement pump always delivers a specific volume of water whether the spray gun is open or closed — the unloader controls water direction either to the open spray gun or back to the pump inlet when the gun is closed. Without an unloader valve, dangerously high pressure builds up when the spray gun is closed because the water has nowhere to go. The unloader is a critical safety device guarding against component failure and dangerously high pressures.

The pressure was set at the factory during testing — no adjustments should be required for normal operation.

When replacing or disconnecting quick couplers, always shut off the machine and relieve all pressure from the hoses first. Additional hose lengths may change machine performance — consult Water Cannon if you have questions.

Water filters, hoses and fittings should be inspected prior to every operation for cleanliness, leaks and repair needs. Repair or replace any damaged components as needed before operating.

Factory-supplied hoses are sized in length and diameter for best operational performance within the pressure capabilities of the machine. Adding hose beyond the factory spec may change performance — consult Water Cannon before doing so. Always shut off the machine and relieve pressure from all hoses before replacing or disconnecting quick couplers.