Using hot water in a pressure washer

[Mosey]

I have a Generac 2100 PSI pressure washer with an Axial Cam pump. Will hot water from the hot water tank damage it? It's supposed to get near 50 this weekend and I need to drain the tank anyway and thought I might as well get some use out of the water and wash the tractor, truck, etc.

 

[Boondox]

Not sure why, but my owner's manual says to never run hot water thru my pressure washer. Bummer, since nothing beats hot for getting ice off the underside of a car!

Pete

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I wouldn't do it. I have a different pressure washer than yours. In my manual it says to pull the trigger once a minute when not in use so as to not overheat the pump. I guess the pump seals are sensitive to heat. The newer models I think have a small bypass valve to bleed in fresh water to cool pump when not in use. Parts are expensive for these things, I found that out.

 

[Hoeman00]

I've got a CAT pump on mine and can run either
180 or 200 degree hot water thru it.
U need to pull trigger every minute or so because
the pressure bypass opens and recirculates the water
thru pump.
After a while it can boil or turn to steam, when water turns
to steam I believe it's 1800 time increase in volume.
I've got an outside wood fired furnace and have 180*
water plumbed into shop to use on pressure washer.

 

[Mosey]

OK. I found in the manual where it says to "use only cold water, less than 100 degrees F". So, I'll just drain the water heater and use only cold water in the pressure washer. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[TresCrows]

I think with hot water there is some potential it might flash to steam--and --explode! This could be the start of another urban legend, pressure washer takes out city block. Owner is --steamed! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif J