pressure washer to draw from a tank??

[J_J]

There is no reason that a pressure washer will not draw from a tank once the hose is primed. Be sure to use a stiff hose that will not collapse easily. If the supply of water can not feed the requirement of the pump, the hose will collapse. I was using water from a flowing well years ago, and the pressure started dropping off, to nothing. Looked back at the input hose, and that round hose was now flat. So, I believe the PW will draw a vacuum, as to how much, just don't know. Trick is to get the input primed.

 

[brokenot]

There isn't any across-the-board answer on using a pressure washer pump to "draw" from a water source, but the vast majority of pump manuals caution against it. The pump plungers are too small in diameter, and the stroke is too short for the pump to reliably and consistently "suck" water past the inlet check valves. Cavitation will result and pump life will be cut drastically. Most pumps recommend a minimum such as a 3 foot column of water, but some can be found that only recommend that the inlet be "flooded". I doubt you'll find any that recommend, (let alone say it's okay), to attempt to pull water up to the pump inlet.

Pump manufacturers like General Pump have a lot of useful pump selection info, as well as installation "do's and dont's".

General Pump

 

[HCJtractor]

There isn't any across-the-board answer on using a pressure washer pump to "draw" from a water source, but the vast majority of pump manuals caution against it. The pump plungers are too small in diameter, and the stroke is too short for the pump to reliably and consistently "suck" water past the inlet check valves. Cavitation will result and pump life will be cut drastically. Most pumps recommend a minimum such as a 3 foot column of water, but some can be found that only recommend that the inlet be "flooded". I doubt you'll find any that recommend, (let alone say it's okay), to attempt to pull water up to the pump inlet.

Pump manufacturers like General Pump have a lot of useful pump selection info, as well as installation "do's and dont's".

General Pump

I guess I don't mean "suck" water but simply to be gravity fed. My cistern is mounted 4' off the ground and has a 1" output, but obviously that would be constricted to 3/4" with an adapter at the washer. Of course the hose would be a rigid hose made for pump intake to resist collapse. So I do get good flow, just not the pressure you have at a normal hose outlet. I understand the manufacturer will say no to cover their a_ _, but I would think there is a punp that would work satisfactory in this scenario. But I am not a fluid engineer so I am just guessing.

 

[crusty 1]

I guess I don't mean "suck" water but simply to be gravity fed. My cistern is mounted 4' off the ground and has a 1" output, but obviously that would be constricted to 3/4" with an adapter at the washer. Of course the hose would be a rigid hose made for pump intake to resist collapse. So I do get good flow, just not the pressure you have at a normal hose outlet. I understand the manufacturer will say no to cover their a_ _, but I would think there is a punp that would work satisfactory in this scenario. But I am not a fluid engineer so I am just guessing.

check out a Northern tool cat. for trailer mounted rigs.If your water supply is above your inlet you,re fine.As JJ said use a hard hose that can,t flatten out. You do not need to supply anything more than the water it takes to keep the inlet submerged.Pump gpmxtank size = usable time to run.Go for it you,re fine:thumbsupave

 

[brokenot]

You do not need to supply anything more than the water it takes to keep the inlet submerged

Once again, an across-the-board answer like that is incorrect. If you click on the GP link I posted above for example, you'll find three or four different minimum inlet supply specifications....just for the line(s) of pumps they produce. And they're only one of many manufacturers out there.

Click this link, and then go to application>>deck cleaning>>0-4.99 gpm>>2500 psi for example. The list of pump models they build that fit the criteria you just entered will pop up. You can then click on the individual models and look at the specs listed for minimum/maximum inlet supply. They will not all be the same. Choose other pump parameters and check those out as well if you wish.

General Pump

There is no across-the-board spec or recommendation for pressure washer pumps. Consult the manufacturer's specs for the pump model you have or intend to use.

 

[Glen Watkins]

I pump out of a tank using a 12v Blaster Pump that has garden hose connections and turns on and off automatically as needed. I just connect it too my pressure washer and it works great.

Washdown Pumps

 

[tatra805]

my karcher (HD 5/11 C) also pumps (up to 6ft i think but should look up the manual)

Karcher website does not mention it but you can download the manuals in pdf.

as a side note:
Take a small pro instead of a high-end Home User model. Big difference between de home series and the pro series in construction and washing results. Price difference is not the point. Pressure alone wont give you anything so look at the flow also. (the more flow and pressure the more surface you'll cover. a high pressure low flow (as many home models) will draw lines and strip paint instead of cleaning a surface)

 

[J_J]

From all the pressure washers I have used, and read about. The majority will draw water, from a level tank of water, and some will draw up a couple of feet.

 

[crusty 1]

You said your tank is 4 feet above ground and that is plenty of head for any washer I,v ever used,and I,ve used many.I even built my last one.It was about the same thing as Northern's skid mount.5000 psi &4 1/2 gpm 205 degree water.Piston pumps will draw water,axial pumps I,m not sure.A washer with an axial pump just don,t hold up for heavy use.Kinda like my Harley, they'll shake themselves to death.Dave

 

[warhammer]

I bought a pressure washer from TSC and use it with a 65 gallon plastic tank sitting in the bed of my truck. It will run for about 40 minutes off and on cleaning my truck, tractor and Kawasaki Mule.
The last 10 gallons or so in the tank don't put enough pressure to feed the washer well.

Warhammer

I know this is an old question but I can't find good answers. i need a washer that will be supplied from a 200 gal. tank. Most washers mention a minimum innput pressure or flow, but most info is vague. I have only found one that specificaly states it will draw from a tank but it is pricey. Anyone use or know of a specific washer that will work? I will only use it occasionally to wash off a tractor, so I want one with minimal power and minimal cost.