Things happen and that incredibly useful pressure washer, well sooner or later, it may just stop working. It’ll happen at the worse possible moment, it always does, sod’s law.
While pump failure isn’t a common issue with a pressure washer, it can and does happen, and can happen relatively often for those pressure washers which have been in use for a few years potentially without being well maintained.
So if you’re pump has gone or is clearly on the way out, it’s time to get a replacement, and why get anyone old pump when you can pick up the best pressure washer pump, that’ll fit your machine perfectly right out of the box.
Now getting a replacement that’ll just fit when it’s not a like for like replacement (unless your pressure washer features one of these pumps) isn’t as easy as it sounds, there are many different types of pumps and many different models.
I’ve put together this guide to guide you to find the right pump model that’s appropriate for your pressure washer.
I’ve also put together my honest opinion in the pressure washer pump reviews below, covering the most popular and best-rated models.
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Best Pressure Washer Pump Reviews
Annovi Reverberi is a very well known brand in the pressure washer industry, creating some amazing pumps and pressure washers.
Which is why we have this durable, consumer-grade triplex pump. AR designed this pump to be mounted vertically. The flange follows a three-bolt pattern on long lets.
It’s been created for pressure washers, which have 7/8 inch shafts. Which is one of the most common shaft sizes in domestic pressures washers, especially in gas pressure washers.
This pressure washer pump can output up to 2400 PSI of water, with a maximum water flow rate of 2.2 GPM/
The body of the pump is made from a die-cast aluminum alloy, though the pistons are made from hardened and tempered steel.
This is a pump that will last you for many years.
This axial cam pump which is made and distributed by OEM Technologies. It’s quite a punchy pump!
This powerful axial pump has been created for pressure washers, which will output 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) and produce a PSI of 3100. This is very powerful for an axial cam pump pressure washer.
The pump itself has been designed to be mounted horizontally and will fit any engine which has a ¾ inch crankshaft. The flange is mounted in a square pattern by 4 bolts.
This pump is made out of high-quality materials.
It has a sealed anodized die-cast aluminum crankcase, with stainless steel pistons. Both of which have been designed for total and complete protection against corrosion. This pump includes a built-in thermal relief (bypass) valve, so overheating shouldn’t be a concern, especially if you follow my tips below.
This Is a universal Himore Pump, which is distributed by Homelite. This is an ideal replacement for when your manufacturer doesn’t offer replacement parts.
This is an axial cam pump that’s designed to be mounted horizontally and is perfect for fitting to the following brands, Honda, Genera, Husky, and similar pressure washers.
It will fit perfectly onto a crankshaft that has a ¾ inch shaft, as long as your flange connection also fits. This flange of this pump has four bolts organized into a square pattern, so this will need to match your existing flange connection.
This is a pump that’s been created for powerful pressure washers, which output a water flow between 2.4 to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM). This pump can handle pressures up to 3000 PSI.
The body is made entirely out of high-quality metal with a brass head, this is a pump that will last you a long time.
Need a vertical axial pump? Then Homelite has you covered.
This pump is compatible with many pressure washers brands, some of which are Briggs and Stratton, Husky, Ryobi and many more.
This pump has been designed o be mounted vertically to an engine shaft that’s 7/8 inches in diameter and follows a three-point triangular flange mounting pattern, which is common in vertical pumps.
This axial cam pump will fit any pressure washers, which uses up to 2.4 GPM, gallons of water per minute. It can create as much as 2700 PSI. This creates a powerful stream/flow that will clean anything you point it at.
Made out of high-quality metals, this is a sturdy and durable pump.
Though bear in mind that this pump does not come with a thermal release valve, so you’ll have to reuse the one from your old pump or purchase one separately.
One of the most popular pressure washer pump brands is Himore, and this axial model distributed by Ezzy Pump shows why.
This is an axial pump that’s horizontally mounted and will fit your pressure washer engine if it sports a ¾ inch engine shaft. The flange follows the 4 point square mounting pattern, each bolt is 2 5/8 inches away from one another.
This pump includes a thermal relief valve so you won’t have to reuse your old one or source a new one. This is a pump that will fit many pressure washers on the market, specifically those that produce PSI within 2800 and 3000 PSI, and will use up to 2.5 GPM of water.
The pump sports a brass head with a metal body, making this a durable and study pump that will last for a long time.
Amazon product
If your pressure washer requires a new powerful triplex pump, then Canpump has everything you need.
This is a pump that comes at a higher price, but this triplex pump will give you the most bang for your buck.
It is designed for powerful washing, seeing as it has a GPM of 3.1 gallons of water per minute and is ideally suited to pressure washers which produce 3100 PSI.
For the engine connection, this triplex pump is perfect for engines that produce 6.5 Horsepower (HP) and will connect to a ¾ inch crankshaft. This pump has a 4.78 millimeters keyway. The flange required 4 bolts, which mount in a square pattern, these are 65.1 millimeters away from each other, this measurement is taken from the center of the hold.
The pistons have been coated with a Plasma Thermal ceramic coating, and the manifold is brass forged. It also comes with a thermal relief valve and an easy start valve.
This is an impressive triplex pump
Perhaps you are looking for an affordable axial pump? One designed for vertical installation then looks no further than this model produced by Troy Bilt.
The pump is designed specifically for Troy Bilt pressure washers, actually for these two models 020344 and 020344-0. Though it is capable of fitting many other pressure washers with similar specs.
So if your pressure washer produces between 2500 and 2800 PSI, with a water flow rate of 2.3 GPM, this pump is an excellent replacement.
It’s designed to fit a 7/8 inch crankshaft and is mounted vertically with a three-point triangular flange.
The body of this axial model is made out of heavy-duty metal, this includes the body and the head, so you can be assured that this will last a good long time.
However, should it fail within the first year, you are covered with a warranty.
This pump comes with a thermal bypass valve, so you don’t need to source a new one or use the one on your old pump.
What Is a Pressure Washer Pump?
If you hadn’t noticed, your pressure washer has a single and straightforward job. It takes water from your water faucet via a garden hose typically and pressurizes it so that it blasts out of the spray nozzle with a lot of power.
Now the main component in the process when it comes to pressurizing the water is your pressure washer pump.
It’s an essential component in your pressure washer. Without it, your pressure washer isn’t a pressure washer.
Whether you are removing gum from your patio, washing your car, or sandblasting away rust off of an old wheelbarrow, the pump of the pressure washer is what makes this all possible.
Unlike many other types of pumps, i.e., the sump pump which moves your pressure washer pump oil. Pumps in pressure washers are designed to take a low flow of water and pressurize it to a high pressure.
However, like all things, not all pressure washer pumps are made equal. There are many types and equally many different models out there, some of which are driven by pistons, these pistons are driven by an angled wobble plate. Others work much like your car using a crankshaft.
Choosing the right replacement pump for your model of pressure washer will make all the difference in whether the pressure washer comes back to life or if you are returned that pump to the seller, so let’s make sure that you end up replacing your pump with a like for like or enhance it.
When Do I Need to Replace My Pressure Washer Pump?
Hopefully, you won’t, but unfortunately, one day your pressure washer pump may fail, the pump is an integral part of your pressure washer.
You’ll know instantly that this has failed as if any water exits your pressure washer at all, it won’t be pressurized, or if it is, it won’t be to the normal level / high pressures.
Why Do Pressure Washer Pumps Fail?
Generally speaking, all pressure washer pumps have a pre-defined life expectancy, this is measured in hours usually.
Cheaper models usually come with a pump that’s rated at about 200 hours. While some commercial grade pressure washers can come with a pump, which is rated for 5000 hours of work. You’ll usually find your pump hour number in your pressure washer manual. That said some manufacturers may not specify it.
Though your pressure washer pump may fail for reasons that aren’t wear and tear. There are other possible reasons, such as cavitation and overheating, due to running with no pressure relief.
1. Cavitation
Cavitation is a common problem for pressure washer pumps. This is caused by rapid changes in pressure or insufficient flow of water.
Cavitation is just a fancy name for a formation of bubbles or air/vapor-filled cavities inside the pump. If you find that your pressure washer wand feels unstable and vibrates when you are spraying, and you feel surges of pressure, cavitation is the most likely culprit.
Cavitation is commonly caused within pumps due to an insufficient supply of water. When you attach your pressure washer to an inadequate water supply.
When you attach your pressure washer to a water supply, the water source must meet the pressure washers minimum GPM (gallons per minute) rate at all times.
Fluctuations in the water flow rate or just an overall lack of sufficient incoming water can cause your pressure washer pump to fail.
Even if the difference in GPM is only small, for example, you supply 2.8 GPM but your pressure washer requires 3 GPM. This discrepancy is enough for trouble to occur within the pump.
If you an unsure if your faucet can produce enough pressure, there’s a simple method to find out.
Take a 5-gallon bucket and time how long it takes for your faucet to fill it. i.e., if you need 3 GPM, then your faucet needs to fill the bucket to the 3-gallon mark within 60 seconds. If it can’t do that, then it’s too low.
Ideally, you want to be able to supply more than the required GPM, this way you don’t have to worry about fluctuations causing problems with the supply.
2. Bypass water overheating
Whether you are spraying or not, your pressure washer will build pressure, unless it employs a system like AR Blue Cleans Total Stop System.
Perhaps you get a text, receive a call, or you need to rearrange some things, every once in awhile, when you are using your pressure washer.
During these times, your pressure washer pump will still be at work, but the pressure is no longer being relieved by you spraying the pressurized water out. There’s only so much pressure builds up that your pressure washer can handle.
Don’t worry, your pressure washer isn’t going to explode! Least, I hope not. This built-up pressure is not directly what damaged your machine, after a while, once enough pressure has built-up, the unloader valve (also called the thermal release valve) will activate and will open a bypass for the water to flow out of. This water is then depressurized in the bypass inlet and sent through the pump once again. It will do this cycle unless it’s eventually released.
This bypass mechanism is in place to protect your pump, but while it will protect your pump, you shouldn’t rely on it for too long.
The water will keep rising in heat as it circulates through the crankcase, your crankcase generated heat, this heat is usually mitigated by a constant flow of fresh, cold water. But if the water is in a bypass loop, it just keeps getting hotter.
If the water within this cycle overheats, it can cause damage to your pump, don’t forget, your pressure washer will have a maximum safe temperature rating, this is usually around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Which isn’t all that much.
Most manufacturers recommend around up to 2 minutes for the water to cycle in the bypass system. Personally, I recommend that you never let this happen for more than 45 seconds, all it takes is a squeeze of the trigger to flush out the hot water and bring in fresh cool water.
Better yet, if you need to stop for a second, just turn the pressure washer off. Restart it once you’ve done what you need to do, this will really help prolong the lifespan of your pump.
Types of Pumps for Pressure Washers
You may have noticed that pressure washers come in many shapes and sizes from heavy, powerful gas and commercial units, the smaller, more compact portable models.
Because of the drastic differences between these model’s requirements in turns of pressurizing water and water flow rates, these machines are all designed differently and one of these differences is the pump type.
There are three types of commonly used pressure washer pumps. The wobble plate, Axial, and triplex pumps.
1. Wobble Plate
The wobble plate pump is an entry-level pump, it uses a wobbling plate that pushes fixed pistons to create suction and pressurized water.
Wobble plate pumps are basic pumps. You’ll typically find these in pressure washers that have a PSI rating under 2500 PSI and water flow rates lower than 2 GPM.
As these, as basic pumps, they usually have a lifespan between 200 to 400 hours of work time, which for the typical household is more than enough.
This works out to 3 hours a week for more than 2 years.
These pumps are sealed shut and don’t require any maintenance. As these pumps are so cheaper, most people just replace them, without any attempt of repair.
2. Axial Cam Pump
The axial cam pump works around the same principle as a wobble plate, the main difference is that the pistons rotate around the plate as the pump works.
This small change in design allows for a more significant oil reservoir, and this dramatically increases the life expectancy and power output of the pump.
Axial pumps have a much-improved lifespan ranging from 500 to 800 hours of use. They are also capable of producing more power, you’ll find these usually within pressure washers which produce up to 3500 PSI.
Some axial pumps can be adjusted to allow you to change the angle of the plate, this regulates the water flow, allowing the user to change how much PSI is generated by the pump. A convenient feature.
Again, due to how cheap these pumps are, they aren’t worth the investment in trying to repair them, so many people will opt to replace them when they fail.
3. Triplex Pump
The best pressure washers will use a triplex pump. Triplex pumps use three pistons to pump out water at much higher pressures and at flow rates that are consistent and can’t be attained by the previous pressure washer pumps.
Triplex pumps are the most costly, and you feel it when you purchase a pressure washer with a triplex pump, but for the most part, these are a buy once component, as they have a virtually unlimited lifespan.
They do require maintenance, you’ll need to change the pump oil every now and then to keep them in top condition.
You’ll find triplex pumps on pressure washers producing an output of 3000 PSI or more.
Unlike the previous two pumps, should anything go wrong with the triplex pump, you can replace the specific parts that have failed. So while these have a higher upfront cost, the longer-term price is lower.
Pressure Washer Pump Buying Guide
If you are looking to change your pressure washer pump, you need to keep in mind a few factors. Otherwise, it won’t just fit out of the box without any modifications.
1. Suitable Pump Type
Unsurprisingly the most essential thing you should look out for is the kind of pump that’s compatible with your pressure washer.
The majority of domestic pressure washers use either a wobble plate of an axial pump, though the most powerful ones require a triplex pump. Due to the differences in the construction and size of these pumps. You really need to know the exact type you need.
If you are unable to find the user manual for your pressure washer, you’ll have to open the casing of your pressure washer to take a look at the pump attached to the motor.
In an axial pump, the driveshaft spins the cylinders directly, so it will be turned towards the brass valves. In a triplex pump, the driveshaft runs net to the brass values and connects to a crankshaft.
Oh, and make sure you also measure the shaft diameter!
2. Flange and Shaft Connection
The next thing you need to check is how the pump is mounted to the rest of the pressure washer components. To do this, you should take a look at the flange.
To do that you need to work out how the pump is attached, is it attached vertically or horizontally and how is it attached to the motor.
You then need to determine the number of bolts and their dimensions and distances. It’d be best if you can find a model that can be attached to your pressure washer right out of the box. This will mean you won’t need to make any modifications to make it fit.
The final thing you need to consider is that some pressure washer engines/motors are made with a 3/4” crankshaft, while others utilize a 7/8” crankshaft.
So make sure you measure your shaft so the new pump will fit correctly.
3. Matching PSI and GPM
And finally, the final thing you need to match is the PSI (Pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute) ratings of your replacement pump to your pressure washer.
When you are getting a new pump, this is not the time to try and upgrade the PSI and GPM of your pressure washer.
Even that technically you could install a more powerful pump, chances are the rest of the pressure washer components won’t be able to handle the additional power.
If you install a higher-rated replacement pump, you’ll probably experience your hose or nozzle bursting, or the engine/motor not being able to keep up with the requirements of the new pump.
So match the PSI and GPM ratings with the current specifications of your machine.
How to Replace a Pressure Washer Pump?
You may be apprehensive about replacing the pump of your pressure washer. But don’t be, it’s actually not as difficult as it sounds at first. I’ll take you through the basic steps for when your replacement pump arrives.
1. Consult Your User Manual
I’ll go over the general steps for installing a new pump. However, I highly recommend that you thoroughly read the instruction manual that comes with the new pump, while also consulting with your pressure washers instruction manual.
If you can’t find your pressure washers user manual, you can look online, I do this all the time for things around the home.
The search query is straightforward, try searching with this formula:
- your pressure washer manufacturer and model + “user manual”
So for example if you own an AR Blue Clean AR383 your search query would look like this:
Ar Blue Clean AR383 User manual
Usually, you’ll find the user manual within the first few search results.
2. Disconnect the Old Pump
You don’t need an arsenal of tools to replace your pressure washer pump. For the most part, you will need:
- Wrench and Allen Key
- Anti-Seize
Firstly, remove all components connected to your pressure washer. This includes the water supply and the outlet hose, any chemical injection tubes.
IF your pressure washer is encased in a plastic casing, your should gentle disassemble the housing to expose the inner components of the machine.
Once you’ve got access to the inner parts of the unit, you should be able to remove the old pump from your pressure washer.
Loosen the bolts that attach the pump to the engine using a suitably sized wrench or Allen key.
Once you’ve removed the bolts, the pump will remain attached. This is because it’s mounted onto the crankshaft.
You should be able to slide the pump off of the crankshaft, if it doesn’t come off with ease, there may be a bolt you’ve missed or a bolt-on the shaft itself.
If your crankshaft is rusty, it may take a bit more effort to remove the pump.
A rectangular key will likely fall out of the shaft with your pump, pick it up and place it back onto the shaft.
Once your old pump has been removed, apply some anti-seize onto the exposed engine shaft to ensure that mounting and dismounting are easy in the future and also to avoid corrosion. This is important because these metal parts are in constant contact with water.
3. Mounting the New Pump
Before you attach the pump to the engine, make sure that it has a thermal relief valve (Bypass valve) installed. Some pumps don’t come with this already installed so you’ll have to reuse the one from your old pump or purchase a new one.
Once you’re ready to install the new pump, simply slide the pump onto the crankshaft, and then replace and tighten all the bolts you removed to remove the old pump.
Now remount the plastic casing and other removed parts.
Turn it on and check that water comes out and that water is pressurized.
FAQ About Pressure Washer Pumps
1. Who makes the best pressure washer pumps?
When it comes down to it, a pressure washer pump isn’t a very complicated device, so the chances are whatever brand your pick as long as it’s a suitable type, then it will work just fine.
Now that’s not to say that you go for the cheapest option, you still want to get one that’s made from good materials.
So when it comes to brands, I usually suggest that you go with the same brand that your manufacturer used, this usually means that fitment won’t be an issue as well.
Original parts are always the safest bet as they’re 100% compatible with your pressure washer. However, there are times when that’s not always possible, some manufacturers don’t offer replacements parts, in that instance, you can go with a universal pump. The brands that provide replacement parts and universal pumps are Annovi Reverberi, OEM Technologies, Himore, among others.
2. How long should a pressure washer pump last?
The lifespan of your pressure washer pump will depend on Its type and the amount of pressure it outputs. The durability of the pump is directly reflected in its price.
A triplex pump will last the longest, an axial pump will last longer than a wobble plate pump. As such, triplex pumps are the most expensive.
If you want to know how long the pump will last, the best place to check is your manufacturer’s user manual for your pressure washer, As this should list the particular work hours of your pump.
But to give you’re a general picture, a wobble plate pump will last at most about 500 hours. An axial pump up to 900 hours and a triplex has a virtually unlimited work time but will require maintenance every 1000-1500 work hours.
3. Can I repair my pressure washer pump instead of replacing it?
If your pressure washer is fitted with a wobble plate or axial pump, then, unfortunately, no, you can’t repair it, your only solution for these types of pump is to replace them. Once it breaks, that’s it, it’s broken.
That said, if you have a triplex pump, then chances are that you can open it up and replace or repair whatever is broken.
In fact, you can purchase each part of a triplex pump and replace it separately without the need to replace the entire pump. This is why pressure washers that come with triplex pumps cost so much more upfront.
4. How can I prolong the lifespan of my new pressure washer pump?
Replacing your pressure washer pump can make your pressure washer work as good as it did when you unboxed it. But the best thing would be to keep your pressure washer pump working for as long as possible, no one wants to waste money buying replacement parts.
Apart from proper overall maintenance, there are 3 things you should do to ensure the life of your pump.
- Always ensure that there is a constant flow of water to your pressure washer and that that water supply is sufficient. If your pressure washer is rated for 3 gallons per minute (GPM), then the water faucet you are using must have a flow of 3 or more GPM at all times. Insufficient or unstable water supply can result in excess vapor or air in your water, causing bubbling, when these bubbles burst why cause shock which will damage your pump, this process is called cavitation.
- If you need to stop spraying with your pressure washer, even if it’s just for a single minute. The best thing to do is to turn the pressure washer off. Your pressure washer has a built-in safety system to bypass the pump when the pressure gets too high, but that water gets hot as it keeps cycling through the bypass system and that heat can lead to overheating and then damage to the pump.
- Make sure that you read your pressure washers user manual to ensure that you are using it correctly as well as the manufacturer’s guidelines on ways to maintain the machine and prolong the lifespan of your unit.
Best Pressure Washer Pump Comparison Chart
| PRODUCT NAME | PSI | GPM | TYPE |
| AR Annovi Reverberi 2400 PSI Triplex Pump | 2400 | 2.2 | Triplex |
| OEM Technologies Horizontal Axial Cam Pump Kit 3100 PSI | 2100 | 2.5 | Axial |
| Universal 3000 PSI Power Pressure Washer Water Pump | 3000 | 2.5 | Axial |
| Homelite Vertical Pressure Washer Pump Replacement | 2700 | 2.4 | Axial |
| Ezzy Pump OEM HIMORE Pressure Washer Pump 3000 PSI | 3000 | 2.4 | Axial |
| CANPUMP Triplex High Pressure Power Washer Pump 3000 PSI | 3000 | 3.1 | Triplex |
| Troy Bilt Power Pressure Washer Water Pump | 2800 | 2.3 | Axial |
Wrap Up
The pressure washer pump is the heart of your pressure washer, it’s what gives you the ability to wash whatever you want.
Should it fail, you don’t need to replace your whole pressure washer. Instead, you can buy a replacement and on this list of pressure washer pump reviews, I’ve shown you the best pressure washer pump to replace your failed one.
Unfortunately, I can’t give you a “This is the one you should get” as you need to pick one up that’s compatible with your pressure washer. But the ones of this list are fantastic and will do you well should they be compatible with your pressure washer.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful and that the buying guide guided you in all your need to know about picking and installing a new pump into your pressure washer.
If you have any questions, please ask them below.
