Guide · High-pressure hoses and reels
Injection injuries, damaged hoses and depressurizing first
A spray wound can look minor and still be serious: get medical attention at once. How the CDC and manuals say to prevent one: inspect hoses, replace damage, depressurize.
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Short answer
A pressure-washer spray wound can look minor and still be serious. Get medical attention at once. To prevent one: inspect the hose before each use, replace a damaged hose instead of repairing it, never hold a leaking fitting, and relieve pressure before you disconnect or change anything.
What an injection injury is
An injection injury happens when the high-pressure stream, or a jet from a leak, goes through the skin. The CDC warns that pressure-washer spray can cause serious wounds that may first look minor, and that it can throw objects that injure people nearby.[2]
We give no medical advice beyond this: seek medical attention immediately.
What the CDC says
- Spray can cause serious wounds that may first look minor, and can throw objects that injure people nearby; get medical attention as soon as possible for a spray wound.[2]
- Never point a pressure washer at yourself or others, and always follow the safety instructions in the owner's manual.[2]
- Gasoline-powered pressure washers can cause carbon monoxide poisoning; never use one in an enclosed space or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent.[2]
What the manuals say about hoses and fittings
Leaks can inject. Champion warns that leaking hoses and fittings can cause injection injury, that hoses and fittings should not be held, and that the discharge hose must never be disconnected while the system is pressurized.[3]
Inspect before each use. Generac's manual says to inspect high-pressure hoses before each use for cuts, leaks, abrasions, bulging and coupling damage, and to replace a damaged hose with one that meets or exceeds the unit's maximum pressure rating.[4]
Stop using a damaged hose. Champion's 100386 manual says to stop using the high-pressure hose and replace it immediately if its outer covering is damaged, because a kinked or damaged hose can leak and cause injection injury.[3]
Replace, don't repair. Champion's 100384 manual says never to repair a high-pressure hose (replace it), never to repair leaking connections with sealant (replace damaged O-rings), and never to use a spray gun with a damaged or altered trigger lock.[5]
| Check before each use | What to do if you find it |
|---|---|
| Cuts, abrasion or a damaged outer cover | Stop using the hose; replace it |
| Bulging | Replace the hose |
| Leaks at the hose or a coupling | Depressurize; replace the O-ring or the hose; never seal or hold it |
| Coupling damage | Replace the hose |
| Damaged or altered trigger lock | Do not use the gun |
The table summarizes the Generac and Champion rules above.
Depressurize before you disconnect
Champion's 100384 manual gives the sequence:[5]
- Engage the trigger lock.
- Turn the unit off.
- Shut off the water.
- Release the latch and squeeze the trigger.
Champion also says to squeeze the trigger for at least 15 seconds after the engine is off, and never to disconnect the high-pressure hose while the system is pressurized.[5] Generac's manual says the spray gun traps high-pressure water even with the engine stopped and the water disconnected.[4]
Westinghouse's PWEXT manual adds that you should never extend or retract a wand, or change nozzles or accessories, while spraying or under pressure; stop the equipment and relieve pressure first.[6] Follow your own machine's manual if it adds steps.
Choosing the replacement hose
A replacement must connect to both ends and be rated at or above your machine's maximum pressure, per Generac's rule above. How to choose a replacement hose and hose PSI and temperature ratings cover the ends and the numbers.
Picks that fit2 products
Flexzilla HFZPW3425M is the 1/4 in x 25 ft hose with M22 fittings on a 14 mm stem; SIMPSON MorFlex 40226 is the 5/16 in x 50 ft hose with M22 ends and an adapter included.
More on choosing
Choose the one whose ends match your machine and gun, and whose working pressure meets or exceeds your machine's maximum. On Amazon, check that Ships from / Sold by is Amazon.com or the brand.
M22 hose with a stated 14 mm stem
Flexzilla HFZPW3425M pressure washer hose, 1/4 in x 25 ft, M22 (14 mm stem)
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Questions
What is a pressure washer injection injury?
A wound where the spray penetrates the skin. Sun Joe's SPX3000 manual warns it can cause serious injury and says to seek medical aid immediately, and the CDC says such wounds may first look minor.[1][2]
When should I replace a pressure washer hose?
As soon as it is damaged. Generac says to inspect high-pressure hoses before each use for cuts, leaks, abrasions, bulging and coupling damage, and to replace a damaged hose with one that meets or exceeds the unit's maximum pressure rating. Champion says to stop using a hose whose outer cover is damaged.[4][3]
How do I release pressure before disconnecting?
Champion's 100384 manual says to engage the trigger lock, turn the unit off, shut off the water, then release the latch and squeeze the trigger. Generac notes the gun traps high-pressure water even with the engine stopped and the water disconnected.[5]
Can I use a gas pressure washer in a garage?
No. The CDC says gasoline-powered pressure washers can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and should never be used in an enclosed space or less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent.[2]