The pressure washer pump is the heart of your machine. It takes water in from your hose, pumps it through a tip at high pressure and then back out through the same hose, all within a short amount of time. There are many different types of pressure washer pumps, each with their own pros and cons. Typically the higher quality professional units use a triplex plunger pump which offers the best lifespan of any type of pressure washer pump.
Most entry level gas pressure washers come equipped with an axial cam or wobble pump. These are direct drive and bolt directly to your engine. Axial cam pressure washer pumps are cheaper to purchase but have a much shorter lifespan than a triplex. The cylinder seals move with the piston on each stroke, this causes the pump to wear down much faster than a triplex pump.
Some semi-pro gas pressure washers are built with a triplex pump as well. These have a higher price tag but offer a longer life than a wobble or axial cam pump. With proper maintenance i.e. valve and seals replaced as needed, no leaks in the system, regular oil changes and using your pressure washer for a reasonable number of hours per week you will likely recoup the up front cost of a triplex upgrade in less than 2 years.
For the serious professional cleaner who will be working with a machine on a daily basis or for long durations it is highly recommended to get a triplex plunger pump upgraded from an axial or wobble pump. This will provide the longest lifespan of any pressure washer pump for your machine and is worth the extra investment. We recommend getting a pressure washer triplex pump upgrade whenever possible as you will easily recoup the up front cost and save money over time. We also sell replacement triplex plunger pumps so you can always have a spare ready to go when your old pump needs replacing. We also carry a full line of other pressure washer parts including nozzles, wands and accessories. Visit our complete online pressure washer parts store to find everything you need. We ship quickly and efficiently worldwide!