Repair Guide

With over 20 years working in the pressure washer repair and spare part industry, and speaking to plenty of people on a regular basis who have spent good money on a fancy looking pressure washer only to be, not only disappointed when a part fails but worse, find out the spares required are not available. Generally people assume, perhaps rightly so, that you will always be able to pick up the trigger gun, hose or seal for their pressure washer but invariably that is not the case, especially with the influx of cheap Chinese machines that flood the UK market.

Firstly it is important to say that all pressure washers will require some sort of service at least once in their lives. Like cars or anything else they have wearing parts that over time will just need replacing! Added to that I have lost count of the amount of times I have been told a trigger needs replacing as it’s been run over by the car while moving it to continue it’s weekly clean…

The aim of this post is to identify some good quality machines at reasonable prices, that will not only do a great cleaning job but also when the inevitable happens the part needed to service the machine can be picked up readily so your investment can carry on giving you years of good service.

1. Nilfisk Alto E140.2

Nilfisk Altoare one of my favourite brands, their machines are made in Europeand generally very good quality. This machine has many attributes usually reserved for commercial units including metal pump (many sub £300 units have plastic pumps) an induction motor, pressure regulation and telescopic handle with sturdy and robust aluminium tubes. Nilfisk ‘Click&Clean’ nozzle system ensures quick and easy change of nozzle and replacements/ upgraded accessory nozzles are very reasonably priced. This machine should be £299 but shopping around Argoshave this pressure washer at £194.00 as do Amazon.

Overview: 140bar Max/ 500lts an hour/ 9mtr hose/ 2100w motor/ Auto stop-start

MacAllister pressure washers are sold exclusively by B&Q and this is the pick of the range. Like the Nilfisk this also has an induction motor and is also European made. The unit has a very acceptable 130bar max pressure rated and produces 390ltrs an hour. But again the built quality and the fact that this machine is made in one of the worlds most reputable pressure washer factories ensure it makes the list. It comes fully equipped with a 3 in 1 jet/ fan/ turbo nozzle and a patio deck cleaner. This machine is usually £169.00 but is currently on offer for £143.00. You could save even more with B&Q’s Diamond Card scheme.

Titan 100

The Titan 100 is the budget option, and honestly it doesn’t quite live up to the quality of our previous machines, however for the price you certainly get a lot for your money. Sold by Screwfix this unit has an aluminium pump, induction motor and cuts off the motor when you let go of the trigger to save water and energy. At 100bar the pressure is not as high as some, but don’t get to hung up on that as the flow rate is a respectable 330ltrs an hour. If you’re looking to spend less than £70 this is the only machine you should consider.

Overview: 100bar/ 330ltrs an hour/ 5mtr hose/ 1500w motor/ Auto stop-start.

Mac Allister 152 aka Mac2201

Featuring a 140cc petrol engine the MacAllister 152 packs some serious punch and its high flow rate makes it ideal for everyday and light commercial use.  Compact and easy to transport the 152 is also the only machine here to feature a

commercial style stainless steel lance with an M22 thread attachment into the gun as well as quick release nozzles. The machine retails at £279.98 and is only available from B&Q. Petrol pressure washers are great if you find yourself needing to clean away from a power source and the 152 shouldn't let you down to easily.

Overview: 152bar/ 456ltrs an hour/ 6mtr hose/ 140cc engine/ Dump Valve

Karcher K5 Eco!ogic

From the worlds most recognisable cleaning equipment brand comes the Karcher K5 Eco, featuring the ‘Eco Switch’ which can save up to 20% water on smaller tasks. Ideal for cleaning medium to large patios it has an impressive flow rate of 500 litters an hour and a maximum working pressure of 145 bar. This model is a pricey £409.99 but is currently on sale through Tesco for £335.99 with a patio deck cleaner thrown in too! Some other notable features include 2100w motor, 8 meter hose and removable detergent tank.

Overview: 145bar/ 500ltrs an hour/ 8mtr hose/ 2100w induction motor/ Auto SS

These are five great pressure washer that should cover most domestic needs and budgets. All these units have induction motors, which is an absolute must, don’t be tempted by a cheaper machine just because it’s from a recognisable brand, the chances are the pump will be plastic and it will have a brush motor, this is not a great combination if you want years of use from your pressure washer. Spare parts and accessories for these machines are available from SparesGiant.

Karcher Spares, Nilfisk Spares, Mac spares and Titan Spares can be purchased, just click the brand.