How to Connect a Pressure Washer to a Kitchen Tap

Pressure washers are useful and versatile. As long as there is ample water supply and the right parts, it is ready for cleaning any time. But can you use a pressure washer with a kitchen faucet or tap? If you want to give this a try, follow the steps provided below.

You can use a kitchen tap with a pressure washer by connecting an adapter to the tap and plugging a hose pipe to it. Connect the hose pipe to the pressure washer. Turn the machine on, squeeze the trigger and water should come out.

How to Use a Pressure Washer with a Kitchen Tap

Before starting, we have to point out that not all indoor taps can be connected to a pressure washer. For this to work the indoor tap must be compatible with your garden hose.

This video shows you how to use an indoor tap with a pressure washer. If you prefer to read, follow the directions below.

What You Need

• Spray gun (the M MINGLE is a nice option)
• Tap adapter or connector
• Garden hose
• Pressure washer

Step 1

The first step is to make sure the hose is long enough. If the water source was outdoors you could get away with a short hose. But since it is indoors a longer one is required. Estimate the length required before proceeding. Next, look for a tap adapter or connector that is compatible with your tap and pressure washer.

Step 2

Connect the adapter to the tap. Put the adapter onto the tap and tighten it. Follow the instructions provided with the product.

When the adapter is secured, turn the tap on. Water should flow but there should be no pressure buildup or water leaks. If water is flowing from the sides, turn the tap off and reconnect the adapter.

Do not proceed until you have stopped the leaks. Make sure the connection is correct because it could affect the water supply. This could lead to various problems such as the pressure washer surging while idle.

Step 3

When you are done with the tap adapter, connect the garden hose pipe. The pipe will plug into the adapter easily.

Once the pipe is plugged to the tap adapter, open a window or door and run the hose through it. Now you have one end of the hose connected to the kitchen tap and the other end is outdoors, without any attachment.

Turn the tap on. Got outside and watch the hose. Water should flow out of it. If there are leaks, turn the tap off and tighten the adapter. If there are no leaks, proceed to step 4.

Note: if you need a quality hose, we suggest Joeys Garden Expandable Garden Hose. It is ideal for these kinds of tasks and is durable.

Step 4

Go outside and connect the unattached hose end to the pressure washer. The connector is at the back of the washer.

Put a spray gun at the end of the pressure washer and attach a nozzle tip to it. Turn the tap on. Squeeze the trigger and water will flow out. You can start cleaning now.

At this point you can go about cleaning as you usually do. The only potential issue is if the tap adapter suddenly comes loose or the hose is too short. This is why preparation is key.

Should I Use a Pressure Washer with a Kitchen Tap?

Pressure washers will work with kitchen taps, but this should be your last resort. If there are no other water sources available, a faucet will do. Otherwise, look for other water supply options.

There are two issues with using kitchen taps as a water source:

• Some taps especially older ones, cannot handle the pressure. If you pressure wash too often it can damage the adapter.
• Pressure washers are used outdoors. With an indoor tap, you have to run the hose through a window or door. If your car or whatever you have to clean is on the other side, you will need a very long hose. The longer the hose the lower the pressure.

A lot of pressure washers have tap adapters so that is not the issue. The problem is that these connectors are for outdoor taps. You can use it to plug into kitchen or other indoor faucets but as pointed out above, it can be cumbersome.

But if properly set up, you can pressure wash with a kitchen tap. It is more involved and requires adapters and connectors, but it can be done. The key is to ensure that the connectors and adapters are suitable for this type of work.

Alternatives to Pressure Washing with a Kitchen Tap

There are some instances where you cannot use a kitchen tap for pressure washing. The hose is too short or you are not getting enough water pressure for example. Fortunately there are alternatives.

Outdoor tap. The most obvious solution is to use an outdoor water source. If none is available you can use a bucket, barrel or water tank. See this article on pressure washer and gravity feeding for more details.

While it is possible to use a bucket, tank or any container with water, a tap has its benefits. The biggest one is that you have access to continuous water supply. Unless your bucket is connected to a tap, the water will run out. When it does you won’t be able to use the pressure washer until more water is available.

Portable water containers. You have probably seen some pressure washers with portable reservoirs. Because they are portable you can do the washing anytime, anywhere there is water.

The problem with portable water tanks is their limited capacity. These are also not meant for heavy duty cleaning. If you have to pressure wash concrete for instance, a steady water source is required.

Suction nozzle. Pressure washers are bundled with a suction nozzle which you can use with a water container. The suction nozzle draws water from the container and does not need pressure.

Fill a bucket with water, put the nozzle on the pressure washer and dip it into the bucket. Squeeze the trigger and water comes out.

The disadvantage is that when the container runs out of water, you have to fill it up again. This is fine if you only do light cleaning, but for large scale washing this will not do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an electric pressure washer with a kitchen faucet?

Yes. First you need an adapter for the tap. Once connected, hook up a garden hose to it. Try the tap to see if water flows. If it does, plug the other end of the hose to the pressure washer. Attach a wand to the spray gun, plug it into the hose and it is ready.

Why is there no water coming out of the nozzle?

Check if the adapter is still attached to the tap. Next, look for any loose connections on the pressure washer or kinks in the hose. It could also be due to low pressure. If you combine that with a very long hose, there will be problems with the water output.

Can I use a pressure washer with limited water supply from the tap?

No. Pressure washers require at least 1500 GPM to run. If the indoor tap cannot provide this, look for another water source. Running a pressure washer with limited water can destroy the pump.

Why is my gas pressure washer not working?

If the water supply is sufficient, check if there is enough oil. These types of pressure washers need regular maintenance. Clean and replace air filter once a year and inspect the engine regularly.

How long can I use an indoor tap for pressure washing?

As long as there is enough water and the tap is holding up. Because pressure washers require a good amount of water volume, it is not a good idea to use the kitchen sink faucet for prolonged periods. But if you only do light cleaning it should hold up.