To start a Craftsman pressure washer correctly, the operator needs to attach all the accessories to the unit, connect the power washer to a water supply, and check all the connections before starting the engine. The next step is to turn on the water source and get the air out of the system. After positioning the spray gun safely, the operator can start the engine.
The steps that need to be followed to correctly turn on a Craftsman pressure washer are discussed in detail below.
Step 1. Attach the Accessories to the Craftsman Pressure Washer
Connecting all the necessary attachments to the pressure washer before starting the engine is essential to remove the risk of damaging the unit. Performing this action before turning on the motor also diminishes the risk of getting injured. This step requires the operator to attach the high-pressure hose, the pressure washer gun, the wand, and the nozzle.
Begin with connecting the gun to the pressure washer hose by screwing the collar of the hose onto the coupler of the spray gun. This step can be followed by attaching the pressure washer wand to the gun. Insert one end of the wand into the tip of the gun and turn it clockwise. Stop when the wand is securely hooked into position. Using a pressure washer wand is optional, as some power washing tasks need to be performed at a close distance.
The pressure washer nozzle can be connected either to the spray gun directly, or to the other end of the wand. Attaching the nozzle directly to the high-pressure hose is strictly prohibited. This step does not require much effort, as the quick connect fittings allow the operator to simply pull the nozzle coupler to the wand or gun and release it so that it comes into place instantly. To test the connection, try to pull the nozzle without rotating it. If the power washer nozzle tip doesn’t come off, the connection is safe.
Connect the pressure washer hose to the unit through the water outlet by screwing its end onto it. Make sure that the hose is uncoiled before connecting it to avoid kinks.
Step 2. Connect the Craftsman Pressure Washer to a Water Source
To connect the Craftsman power washer to a water supply the operator needs to use a garden hose. Do not confuse the pressure washer hose with the garden hose, as the first one is designed to withstand water which is propelled under high pressure, while the former one is a simple hose that doesn’t have any special features.
One end of the garden hose needs to be connected to the water supply. After attaching it to the faucet, switch on the faucet and let the water run through the hose for about a minute to remove any tracks of debris that might have gotten stuck inside from previous uses. Switch off the faucet and let the water come out of the garden hose.
The garden hose needs to be attached to the pressure washer by screwing its end onto the water inlet of the unit. Make sure to check the connections by hand to diminish the risk of leaks.
Step 3. Turn On the Water Supply
After everything is set up in place, the operator must run water through the machine for 2 to 3 minutes to remove any air that is present inside the system. This step is essential because if the Craftsman pressure washer is used while air is present inside the pressure washer pump, the unit will not work properly. Press the trigger of the spray gun to release the air out of the system.
Step 4 . Position the Gun of the Craftsman Pressure Washer
Pressure washer operation can lead to injury if the machine is not used correctly. Positioning the Craftsman power washer’s trigger gun safely will reduce the risk of injury. The direction of the gun should be exactly on the area that needs to be cleaned. As a safety measure, it is recommended to hold the gun with both hands, one on the handle and one on the grip of the gun.
Step 5. Start the Engine of the Craftsman Pressure Washer
To start the engine of an electric pressure washer manufactured by Craftsman, test the GFCI system in advance. After plugging the switch into a grounded outlet, an indicator should turn green if the outlet is working properly. To make sure that the GFCI system is working correctly, press the button which says ‘Test’. At this point, the green light should turn off. The pressure washer is safe to use only after pressing the ‘Reset’ button. If the steps described here fail, do not start the power washer and have it checked before use.
Move the start switch to ‘ON’ to start the engine and begin the cleaning process.
A Craftsman gas pressure washer doesn’t require a connection to an electric outlet but requires the operator to check the oil and fuel levels of the engine before turning it on. After making sure that the engine is safe to use, check if the start handle is secure and in the right position.
Some Craftsman pressure washers are equipped with an engine rocker switch that needs to be turned to ‘On’. The operator needs to pay attention to their position before pulling the starter grip handle. The operator should be positioned behind the pressure washer’s handle with one hand holding onto it. With the other hand, the starter grip handle needs to be pulled slowly until a resistance is felt. A rapid pull is required to start the engine, as this will diminish the risk of kickbacks, which can lead to severe injury.
Keep in mind: Avoid pulling the starter handle if the spray gun pressure hasn’t been released to avoid getting seriously injured.
