Pressure Washer Won't Start After Storage – Battery or Fuel?

Hey all, pulled out my pressure washer after winter storage and it won't start. It's a gas model, but I left the battery connected for the electric start. Battery seems dead (won't charge) and I'm getting a clicking sound. Is it just the battery or could something else be wrong? Any tips before I start tearing things apart?

Hey DrillMaster, sounds like a classic dead battery. But the clicking could also be a bad solenoid or starter. First things first: check the battery voltage with a multimeter. If it's below 12V, try a trickle charge overnight. If it still won't hold, replace it. Also, check the fuel – old gas can cause starting issues too. Make sure you have fresh gas and maybe a bit of starter fluid (careful though). Let us know what you find!

I'd second Wendy's advice. I've had batteries die after storage more times than I count. But don't forget to clean the carburetor if it's been sitting with old gas. That's a common culprit. I usually drain the carb and use fuel stabilizer before storing. For the battery, I keep it on a maintainer during the off-season. Cheap insurance.

Could also be a bad ground connection or a safety switch. Check the oil level – some models won't start if oil is low. And if the battery is old (3+ years), just replace it. I've got a few pressure washers and I always use a battery tender. Also, make sure the wand trigger is in the 'off' position – that's a safety feature that can prevent starting. Good luck!