Q & A @ Chaffee-Ward.com - Your Number One Source for Water Cleaning Equipment, Parts and Repair

1. What kind of pump oil should I use in my pressure washer?

Engine oil is not the same as pump oil and is not interchangeable. Most pumps take 30 weight non-detergent oil.
If unsure, please call our service department @ 1-800-535-9919.

2. Why do I need to protect my pressure washer from freezing?

Water expands with destructive force when it freezes. Pumps and heating coils are especially vulnerable. A heating coil will crack and split, while a variety of problems from bent pistons to cracked pump heads will completely disable a pump. These kind of repairs can be quite costly, but are avoidable when your pressure washer is properly winterized or simply protected from freezing temperatures.

3. How do I protect my pressure washer or steam cleaner from freezing?

When temperatures approach freezing, be sure that your pressure washer is protected from extreme temperatures. Because ice can form inside the machine, damage to the pump, heating coil and/or valves can occur. This can render the machine inoperable and unsafe to use. Chaffee-Ward recommends storing your pressure washer or steam cleaner indoors where the temperature never goes below freezing. If you would like to know more about winterizing your pressure washer, please call us @ 1-800-535-9919.

4. What is the difference between direct drive and belt driven power washers?

Smaller, more portable pressure washers avoid the need for pulleys and belts by using a direct drive engine/pump assembly. The direct coupling means that the pump turns at the same RPM as the engine, typically 3450 or 1725 RPM as compared to belt driven pumps at 900 to 1400 RPM. This coupling exposes the pump to higher operational speeds, engine heat and excessive vibration which in turn means a shorter lifespan. The compact design and lower up front cost are a definite advantage, but direct drive pressure washers are designed for limited, infrequent usage such as that of a homeowner or weekend warrior. If the power washer is used more than once or twice a week for longer durations in an industrial or professional setting, a belt-driven machine is highly recommended.

5. Does Chaffee-Ward keep an in-house inventory of products?

Chaffee-Ward has a large inventory of parts available both in-house and through a large network across North America.

6. Why is the orifice size of pressure wash nozzle important?

A common misconception in the industry is one nozzle fits all pressure washers. Wash nozzles come in different orifice sizes which are determined by water volume (gallons per minute) and pressure of the washer. To obtain the rated output pressure and volume of your pressure washer it is essential that you use the proper nozzle size. Refer to nozzle selection chart or call our service department @ 1-800-535-9919.

7. How do I contact Chaffee-Ward?

Chaffee-Ward can be contacted toll-free at (800) 535-9919. Our fax number is (716) 759-8482 and we can be reached by e-mail at chaffward@verizon.net .

8. How did my fuel filter fail so quickly?

Water in the fuel is one of the leading causes of fuel pump failure especially with a pressure washers proximity to water during normal operation. You can help prevent this by installing a fuel filter/water seperator, part # 2-9905. See the filter section on the parts inventory page for more info.

9. How do I maintain the gas engine on my pressure washer?

Engine manufacturers recommend oil change intervals of no more than 50 hours. Air filters should be checked, cleaned or replaced regularly as well. Spark plugs should be checked, cleaned, gapped or replaced too.

10. Why are there so many different types and models of water cleaning equipment?

Different materials and surfaces require different methods of cleaning. Most dirt and dust may only require the average household garden hose spray for removal, but when it comes to materials which have hardened or are oil/grease based, higher pressure, heat or the addition of cleaning compounds may be necessary for effective removal. Because of these different needs, we supply a large number of makes and models in order to custom fit the right machine at the best price for each individual customer.

11. What is the difference between a pressure washer and a steam cleaner?

Steam cleaning differs from straight pressure washing in that with pressure washers, pressure is created using a pump. Steam is a by-product of creating pressure through heat. Steamers use water vapor expansion when superheated water bursts into the open air through the steam nozzle. Water cleaning units that use steam are capable of higher temperatures making them ideal for cleaning oil based products.