A transfer pump is useful for moving liquids from one place to another. Making one out of an electric pressure washer provides the power of electricity rather than fuel to drive the pump. This allows for lower operating costs and emissions.
Key Takeaways:
- Allows converting an electric pressure washer into a pump to transfer liquids efficiently using electricity instead of fuel for lower operation costs and emissions
- Involves removing old pump and installing a compatible replacement, then adding discharge system plumbing including hoses, fittings, valves
- Follow key steps to disconnect and remove old pump, properly size and connect new one to engine, attach discharge accessory piping
- Make wiring modifications as needed to control on/off pump operation for liquid transfers
- Transfer water as well as cleaning solutions, oils, antifreeze and other thin liquids
- Match the replacement pump specifications and calculate appropriate hose and fitting sizing
- Consider necessary accessories like a valve for better flow control
- Remember maintenance checks on pump oil, hose wear, inlet filter cleaning per manufacturer
The process involves removing the original pump and installing a new compatible pump, then converting the pressure washer setup into a discharge system. With some simple tools and following basic precautions, an electric transfer pump can be constructed to efficiently move water or other liquids.
The main steps are removing the old pump, preparing and installing the new pump, converting the pressure washer into a transfer device, and safely operating the system. This will require an electric pressure washer, a compatible replacement pump, hoses, fittings, a container to transfer into, and basic tools like wrenches and screwdrivers.
Remove the Old Pump from the Pressure Washer
Disconnect the power cord and water supply hose from the electric pressure washer. Then locate the pump bolted to the side of the engine or motor and unscrew the bolts with wrenches or sockets. Carefully slide the pump off the engine shaft and set it aside. This removes the pumping mechanism to make room for installing the replacement.
Prepare the New Pump for Installation
Select a pump designed for pressure washers that matches the specifications like GPM and PSI ratings. Apply thread sealant to the inlet and outlet fittings to prevent leaks. Attach the water supply hose to the inlet and the high-pressure hose to the outlet in preparation for mounting.
Install the New Pump on the Pressure Washer
Slide the replacement pump over the engine shaft, aligning the mounting holes on the pump housing with those on the engine or motor frame. Insert bolts and washers saved from the old pump and tighten down with wrenches to secure. Reconnect the power cord and briefly test it to verify proper pump operation before converting to a transfer setup.
Convert the Pressure Washer into a Transfer Pump
First remove the spray gun and nozzle from the end of the high-pressure hose. Attach a hose adapter fitting followed by a flexible discharge hose secured with a hose clamp. Position the discharge hose so that water will empty into the desired container for transferring liquids.
Operate the Transfer Pump
With the discharge hose aimed correctly, turn on the water supply and power up the electric pressure washer. Adjust the pressure regulator knob to control flow rate. Monitor the setup in operation and shut off the washer when transfer is complete. Avoid running dry or with the output restricted.
Steps to Remove Old Pump and Install Replacement Pump
When outfitting the electric pressure washer into an electric transfer pump, some wiring modifications may be needed depending on the specific power wash model. Consult the manufacturer documentation to identify the power connector for the replacement pump. Splicing this into the existing motor wiring or installing a separate switched power supply gives control to start and stop pump operation for transfers. Consider adding an output valve as well to begin and end flow.
Transfer Pump Can Move Effectively Besides Water
While water is the most common liquid for electric pressure washers and their transfer pump conversions, these systems can also efficiently move lower viscosity liquids like cleaning solutions, light oils, antifreeze, diesel exhaust fluid, water oils, and some solvents depending have electric power. Higher viscosity liquids may require a larger pump size or modifications.
Sizing Guidelines for Selecting Discharge Hoses and Fittings
When determining discharge hoses and fittings, consider factors like the pump’s flow rate, length of hose runs, number of elbows, vertical rise to overcome, and desired transfer speed. Specific working pressure rated hoses and steel or nylon fittings are recommended handle the high-pressure electric transfer pump output. Consult an sizing chart or contact an expert to match components electric pressure washer pumps based on your transfer requirements. This prevents backups, leaks, or failures.
An Output Valve to Start/Stop Flow
Adding a valve on the discharge hose allows manually starting and stopping liquid flow as needed rather than powering the motor on and off. Ball valves or gate valves are common options for handling high pressure flows. Management flow rates may also be achieved using a globe or needle valve to throttle output. Install accessories within pressure ratings to control the high-pressure electric transfer pump.
Routine Maintenance Steps to Keep the Pump System Running Smoothly
Periodically check and change oil levels on the pump per manufacturer specifications. Inspect supply and discharge hoses for wear, cracks, or leaks and replace deteriorated hoses. Confirm fittings are tight and valve seals are intact. Check mounting bolts and motor wiring connections. Removing scale buildup keeps components functioning optimally. And filtering inlet water protects the pump from sediment damage made transfer pumps over time. Follow recommended service intervals and procedures.
Conclusion
Converting an electric pressure washer into a transfer pump is straightforward with some basic tools and supplies. It provides the convenience of an electrically-driven system to move water and other liquids efficiently. Make sure to use pump compatible with the washer and take precautions to safely operate the transfer system. With some simple modifications, an electric pressure washer can become a useful electric transfer pump for a variety of applications.
