If you have a pressure washer with suction function, it is possible to use other water sources than the normal tap water connection. For example, you can use rainwater, in principle you can even use water from a river.
The only things you need are a pressure washer with a suction function, a water filter, a suction hose (optional) and, if required, an additional quick coupling.
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Instructions: for water suction
Step 1: Position the pressure washer below or at the same level as the water tank.
Step 2: Fill the suction hose completely with water.
Step 3: Connect the hose to the pressure washer. Caution: It is best not to allow air bubbles to form in the hose.
Step 4: Switch on the high-pressure cleaner with suction function.
Correct use of the pressure washer that draws water from a bucket
For the pressure washer to be able to suck in water, the hose must be completely filled with water. It is also ideal if the water tank is clearly above the pressure washer. If this is not the case, the water supply to the pressure washer may be interrupted.
Kärcher 26431000 5 m Suction Hose and Filter for Pressure Washer Best price
The use of a suction hose is also recommended. As this has a so-called non-return valve, which is intended to prevent the hose from “drawing” air through the high-pressure cleaner. Thus, the suction function of the high-pressure cleaner is actively supported by such a hose.
In many cases, the water tank does not need to be placed far above the pressure washer because of such a suction hose, but can be placed at the same level.
Sometimes the suction function even works when the water tank is a little lower. However, it would be ideal if the water tank were significantly higher than the high-pressure cleaner, and the suction hose must be completely filled with water.
Summary:
- The hose must be completely filled with water
- There should be no sharp bends or curves in the hose.
- The water tank should ideally be above the pressure washer.
- A suction hose is recommended
Water from the rain barrel, dirty water
Even if the water in the rain barrel looks clean and clear, you should use a water filter. Often, even the smallest residue of dirt is enough to destroy the high-pressure pump of a high-pressure cleaner.
This is because a high-pressure pump has very small toller rings so that pressures of 100 bar and more are possible. Dirt would severely affect the inner workings of the pump, as very high friction is generated and thus wear skyrockets.
You should make sure that the filter is very fine and can be washed out with water. If the water is very dirty, you should use a coarser filter before the fine filter or find a clean water source.
These filters are often included or integrated in a suction hose or are available as accessories for your high-pressure cleaner.
The risks of using the suction function
Basically, it is more risky to operate a pressure washer with another water source such as the tap. This is because there could be dirt in the water, which could damage the pressure washer.
Also, pressure washers don’t like to have the water turned off while they are running. This can cause the pumps to run hot and be permanently damaged. Therefore, it is better to check the water supply twice.
How large should the water supply be?
Good high-pressure cleaners use up to 450 l/h on average, which corresponds to 7.5 litres per minute. Therefore, you should check beforehand how much water is available, because it would be annoying if the work has to be interrupted in the middle.
| 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 45 Minutes | |
| 350 l/h | 87,5 Litres | 175 Litres | 262,5 Litres |
| 450 l/h | 112,5 Litres | 225 Litres | 337,5 Litres |
| 600 l/h | 150 Litres | 300 Litres | 450 Litres |
Common problems when using the suction function
The pressure washer does not get water
If the pressure washer does not get water, this can have two reasons: The water hose is not completely filled with water or the water tank is placed too far under the pressure washer.
Air bubbles in the hose
If air bubbles keep appearing in the hose, you should use a suction hose. This has a non-return valve that prevents the hose from drawing air through the pressure washer.
If there is air in the hose from the start, you must hold the hose completely under water and move it back and forth a little so that all air bubbles can escape.
Quick clogging of the filter
If the filter clogs quickly, it is because you are using water that is too dirty. It is best to use another water source that provides clean water. Another solution would be to use a coarser pre-filter. This will then prevent the finer filter from clogging quickly with coarse dirt.
