Pressure washer hose is leaking or burst

Symptoms

• Water spraying from a spot along the hose
• Bulge or soft spot visible in the hose
• Leak right where the hose meets a fitting
• Sudden loss of pressure with visible spray from the hose

Likely causes

• CommonCracked or worn hose from age and UV exposureRubber and reinforced hoses degrade over years of sun exposure and use.
• CommonKink damage weakening the hose wallSharp kinks under pressure stress and eventually crack the inner lining.
• CommonWorn fitting crimp at the hose endsThe connection point sees the most flexing and is a common failure spot.
• PossiblePhysical damage from being run over or pinchedVehicles, doors, or heavy equipment can crush the hose wall even without an obvious visible cut.
• Less commonExceeding the hose's rated pressureUsing a hose rated for a lower PSI than the machine produces can cause it to fail.

What to do

1. Turn off the machine and relieve pressure before handling the hose.
2. Run water through the hose at low pressure and look closely along its full length for the leak point.
3. If the leak is a small puncture mid-hose, a hose can sometimes be cut and re-fitted with a repair kit, though this shortens it.
4. If the leak is at a fitting, check whether the fitting can be re-tightened or if the crimp has failed, which usually means replacement.
5. Avoid sharp kinks when storing or using the hose going forward; use a hose reel if kinking is a recurring issue.
6. Check that any replacement hose matches or exceeds your machine's rated PSI.
7. Replace the full hose if damage is extensive or near multiple points, since patched hoses are more prone to repeat failure.

Tools and parts

• Hose repair kit (for minor punctures)

When to call a pro

A pro is rarely needed here; if leaks keep recurring at fittings, have a repair shop check whether the pump's outlet pressure exceeds the hose's rating.

Safety