The most important part of a pressure washer is the pump. It’s what makes everything else work, and if you don’t have a decent pump, then you aren’t going to be washing very effectively. We have put together a guide to help you find the right kind of pump, showing you what to look for and what some of the best pressure washer pumps have to offer. Hopefully, you will be able to use this information to replace your current pump when it is time or to choose the right pump to start with.
What to Consider Before You Buy a Pressure Washer Pump
The pump is a crucial component in any pressure washing system, and there are a few things you need to keep in mind as you go to buy one of these pumps:
- Know the type– You can choose from three types of pressure washer pumps. These are axial, triplex and wobble washers. The wobble washer will not last very long, but it is pretty cheap. It also cannot be replaced. The axial can be replaced and lasts longer. The triplex lasts the longest, is more expensive and is usually reserved for industrial pressure washers.
- Warranty- You want a pump that is going to last for a while if you pay good money for it. You can find warranties that range between 30 days and a few years, and it’s up to you to decide how long you want your pump covered for. We recommend looking for a warranty that at least covers your purchase for a full year.
- Power- Not all pumps have the same power output, and that is going to matter when you are trying to clean high up on the side of your house or get rid of some stubborn accumulation of dirt in your driveway. Pay attention to the power output to ensure you are getting something that can handle tougher jobs.
- How you will use it- One of the most important things to consider when you buy a pressure washer pump is how you plan to utilize it. If you are using it for your home, then you can get away with a cheaper one that doesn’t do as much or has a high-power output. If you are buying one for professional jobs, though, then you need a heavy-duty washer and pump that is going to perform well even after extended use.
- PSi output- How much pressure the pump can produce is its Psi, and you will want something pretty powerful to handle industrial work. If you are just cleaning around your home, then it won’t be a problem to use a weaker pump with a lower Psi output. For industrial work, you want something that can put out at least 3,500-4,000.
Product Reviews: Top 10 Best Rated Pressure Washer Pump
Now that you know now what you should be looking for and what to avoid, let’s look at some of the best pressure washer pumps on the market today.
SIMPSON Cleaning 90029 Axial Cam Horizontal Pressure Washer Pump
This pump comes with fittings that connect to most brands, making it a very versatile and adaptable pump. It puts out 3,100 PSI of pressure and uses polished stainless-steel parts. That gives it a long life and ensures that the connections are secure and less likely to leak or corrode over time. It also comes with a feature that improves cleaning inside the pump, which allows for a longer lifespan as well and better performance overall. This vertical axial pump is pre-filled with oil, and it is reasonably priced. The one problem with this pump is that it contains some cheap, plastic valves in its interior. These can fail over time or may even be damaged during shipping, and that’s something that consumers need to be aware of.
Pros
- Conforms to most pressure washer brands.
- Very strong connectors.
- Very powerful pump.
Cons
- Made with some cheap plastic inner parts.
Annovi Reverberi AR North America
You’ll only get about 2,400 PSI out of this pump, but it does retail for a reasonable price. This pump works with a variety of gas-driven engines, and it has been designed to maintain itself and prevent problems. The manufacturers created pressure and heat control systems within the pump that allow it to perform well and last for a very long time, even when it is being used constantly. The way the connecting parts on this pump are set up, though, it can be difficult to move the pump around as you clean. You’ll want to be careful about how you move it, as you could damage the tubing.
Pros
- Self-maintaining pump.
- Works with a number of pressure washers.
Cons
- Designed in a way which makes it is difficult to move around.
- Low power compared to other pumps.
APW Distributing Pressure Washer Pump
With this pump, you get a one-year warranty, but no attachments. That means you will need to purchase parts separately to get it to connect to a pressure washer system. If you already have those parts and are using this as a replacement pump, then you are good to go. It works with most pressure washing products, so as long as you have the necessary parts, it should not be too difficult to set up. In fact, this is one of the easiest ones to install. The pressure is decent on it and the price tends to be just over $100.
Pros
- Very easy to install.
- Covered by a one-year warranty.
Cons
- Does not include some parts that come with other pumps.
AR North America RSV4G40-PKG Triplex Plunger Pump
With this pump, you get a very powerful motor that puts out 4,000 PSI. It won’t always put out that kind of power, though. That’s only during optimum conditions. You’ll get 3,400 rotations per minute and about four gallons per minute. That makes it one of the most powerful pumps you can get for residential use. This is probably a pump you want to reserve for industrial use, though. It’s a little too powerful for cleaning your car and the side of your house. It could peel the paint right off if you are not careful. It also could lacerate your skin, so you’ll want to wear protective equipment as you use it. As you can imagine, this a pretty pricey pump, usually being sold for over $200.
Pros
- Produces lots of power.
- Makes cleaning a breeze.
Cons
- May be too powerful for residential use.
- Kind of pricey.
AR RMV2.5G30 Pressure Washer Pump
With this pump, you get about 2.5 gallons of water per minute and a PSI of 3,000 under optimum conditions. It contains pressure and temperature release valves that keep the pump from breaking down or needing maintenance very often. It installs super-fast. Many people can get theirs up and running in about five minutes or less. This retails at about the mid-range pricing for pressure washer pumps, near $100 at most retailers. The biggest problem with it may be that you can’t really change the oil in it. It isn’t made to last for years and years, so expect a decrease in performance as time goes by.
Pros
- Little need for maintenance.
- Powerful for its size and price.
Cons
- May not last as long, compared to other products.
Auto Express Homelite Universal Pressure Washer Pump
If you are looking for something small, only reasonably powerful and kind of inexpensive, then this pump by Auto Express could be right for you. It’s going to provide you with 2,800 PSI of power, and it is a wobble washer pump, which means you can’t replace it. There is a reason these tend to be the most popular type of pump. They are fairly cheap and easy to come by, and they are a breeze to install and use. It does fit most pressure washer systems, but you may need to make some adjustment here and there with the connectors and bolts.
Pros
- Reasonably priced.
- Very compact.
- Fits most kinds of pumps.
Cons
- Not very powerful, for lite home-use.
Vertical Pressure Washer Pump Replacement
This washer pump is incredibly small and produces around 2,500 PSI and about 2.4 gallons per minute. The warranty on this only protects you for 30 days, and some of the parts are not very high quality. That’s what you might expect for this lower end price range, so be prepared to get your money’s worth and nothing more. You also don’t get a thermal release valve with this pump, but other than that it is a decent little pump. It installs quickly and is fairly reliable.
Pros
- Compatible across many different brands.
- Decent value for the price.
Cons
- Doesn’t include a thermal release valve.
- Only 30 days of warranty protection.
309515003 3000 psi PRESSURE WASHER HORIZONTAL PUMP
This simple pressure washer pump gives you 3,000 PSI and fits most pressure washer systems. It includes no keyway, which allows the pump to connect to the washing system, and it provides no way for you to check or change out the oil, but otherwise, it is a very durable and reliable pump. It requires little to no maintenance and is easy to set up, once you have the parts that you need.
Pros
- Very durable.
- Easy to install.
- Pretty powerful for its size.
Cons
- Missing some parts that may be required for setup.
Triplex High-Pressure Power Washer Pump 3.1 GPM 3000
This pump gives you 3.1 gallons per minute and a decent 3,000 PSI. It will cost more than most pumps that offer the same level of power, but it tends to be more durable than most of them. The forged brass manifold helps it to resist corrosion and keep it in great working condition for longer. It also contains all the valves necessary for optimum working condition, such as a pressure release and thermal relief valve.
Pros
- Incredibly durable.
- Decent power output.
- Low maintenance design.
Cons
- Kind of expensive for what it offers, compared to other products.
Briggs & Stratton 207365GS Pump Kit for Pressure Washers
Be careful about which pump you are trying to replace and what system you are trying to fit this pump on. It is a decent pump at a reasonable price, giving you about 2,500 PSI. However, it is designed to only fit a very limited number of pressure washing systems, such as many Craftsman, Troy Built and Briggs & Stratton systems. If you aren’t sure if it will work with your pressure washing system, then you should double-check with the seller, to make sure it fits.
Pros
- Durable design.
- Far cheaper than buying a new pump from most original manufacturers.
Cons
- Only fits a very limited number of pressure washer systems.
Conclusion
Now that you have some options to pick from, you can choose the best pressure washer pump for your needs. As you use your new pump, just be sure you don’t place it too close to any structures or items, as the exhaust can generate intense heat and cause damage to certain surfaces.
Good pressure washer pumps can be powerful tools for cleaning up your property’s exterior quickly and effectively, but you need to operate them carefully, as their power can make them dangerous. Once you have chosen a high-quality pump though, most of your safety concerns should be minimal.
