How to Prime a Hotsy Pressure Washer
Priming a pressure washer is a small step that has massive implications for performance and longevity. It involves clearing the air from the pump so water flows smoothly before you build pressure. Skip it, and you risk weak pressure, sputtering spray, or unnecessary pump wear.
Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through how to prime a Hotsy pressure washer in this guide – using the technique we train customers on every day. We’re the #1 choice for an industrial pressure washer in Houston not just because we sell the best equipment, but because we help you make the most of it.
Learn how to prime a pressure washer below, and remember – Hotsy of Houston is here if you ever have questions beyond priming.
How to Prime a Hotsy Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide
Pressure washer priming pushes all the trapped air out of the pump and hoses so water can move freely as pressure builds up. Otherwise, all that trapped air would prevent the pump from grabbing water consistently. This could lead to sputtering at the spray gun, weak pressure, or a machine that won’t build pressure at all.
Now – you don’t need to prime your pressure washer before every use. It’s important when starting up your unit for the very first time or after it has been stored for a while. We also recommend priming your pressure washer after replacing hoses/fittings.
Every machine is a little different, so we put together this guide on how to prime a Hotsy pressure washer in particular.
Step 1: Start With the Water Supply
Confirm you have a strong, steady water source before touching the machine. A garden hose should be in good condition, free of kinks, and connected directly to a reliable spigot. Long hose runs, undersized supply lines, or shared water sources can starve the pump.
Turn the water on fully and let it run for a moment to flush out any air or debris before connecting it to the pressure washer inlet. Then, you can get started.
Step 2: Check the Inlet Screen and Fittings
Remove and inspect the screen or filter at the water inlet. It doesn’t take much debris to restrict flow and make priming difficult. Rinse it clean if needed and then reinstall it.
Check the inlet fitting, O-ring, and hose connection for cracks or looseness while you’re at it. Any air leak on the inlet side will prevent the pump from pulling water consistently.
Step 3: Leave the Nozzle Off (Important)
This is where we see a lot of our customers make their first mistake. Running water through the system without a nozzle lets air escape fast and prevents backpressure from building too early.
Step 4: Open the Spray Gun and Purge Air
Turn the water on. Then, squeeze and hold the trigger on the spray gun. You should see water flowing freely through the wand or hose. It might sputter or spit air at first. That’s totally fine. Keep the trigger open until the flow becomes smooth and steady to confirm water has reached the pump and most of the trapped air is gone.
Step 5: Power the Machine With the Trigger Open
Start the pressure washer while continuing to hold the trigger. Keep the trigger depressed as the pump starts turning so any remaining air pockets can work their way out of the system without stressing the pump.
Step 6: Watch and Listen for Stable Flow
Let the machine run with the trigger open for 30-60 seconds. You’re looking for consistent water flow with no pulsing or surging. The sound of the pump should smooth out as any air stuck inside clears.
Shut the machine off and recheck the inlet connection and water supply if the flow continues to sputter after a minute. This is a sign there is a clog somewhere.
Step 7: Install the Correct Nozzle
Shut the machine off once it’s flowing steadily. Release pressure and install the proper spray nozzle. Make sure it’s clean and free of debris. Restart the unit with the trigger open and confirm pressure builds normally. You should feel a solid, even spray pattern without hesitation.
Step 8: Engage Heat Only After Pressure Is Stable (Hot Water Units)
For hot water models, wait until you have steady pressure before turning on the burner. Turning heat on too early can cause burner shutdowns or inconsistent temperature. Set the thermostat and engage the burner as needed once water flow and pressure are stable.
Step 9: Final Checks Before Use
Do a quick walk-around before starting your actual cleaning task. Check for leaks at fittings, confirm the hose isn’t whipping or vibrating excessively, and make sure the trigger responds smoothly.
If you’re going to use pressure washer detergent, verify the chemical pickup line is submerged and free of air. Then, you’re ready to get to work!
Why Won’t My Pressure Washer Prime?
You should be off and running at this point. But there are some cases where you can follow the exact steps on how to prime a Hotsy pressure washer and still struggle with pressure building. Common causes include:
- Clogged inlet screen
- Weak water supply
- Air leaks on the inlet side
- A stuck unloader valve
We recommend removing the nozzle again and repeating the purge step often clears the issue. If not, it’s time to inspect fittings more closely or have the unit checked by a technician. That’s where we come in.
Whether you’re working with an industrial cold water pressure washer in Houston or industrial hot water pressure washer in Houston, we offer dependable pressure washer service – not just on Hotsy, but all major manufacturers!
You can also get squared away with one of our industrial pressure washer rentals in Houston while we diagnose and repair your machine, because downtime isn’t an option. Get in touch today if you’re having issues and we’ll have your system back up and running fast!
Parting Thoughts on How to Prime a Pressure Washer
That concludes our guide on how to prime a Hotsy pressure washer. All that’s left to do now is put these tips into practice and start your cleaning task the right way!
But if you ever have more than basic setup questions and want to dial in a solution that actually fits your cleaning needs, reach out to our experts at Hotsy of Houston. Here are just a few of the many industries we’ve helped build custom pressure washing solutions for:
Get in touch today and find out firsthand why Hotsy of Houston has been the trusted choice in the area for more than four decades and counting.
