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Overall Rating
2.7
(Based on 14 Reviews)
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July 13, 2010
Ken C. San Jose, CA
Unreliable Product
I purchased this pressure washer back in 2007 from Pressure Washers Direct.com after seeing a great review on Money magazine. The unit performed reasonably well when it worked.
I used it twice to prepare wood deck for applying stain. It did pretty good job. Other than than I used it for cleaning car, perhaps about 10 times over 2 years. I haven't used the unit for over a year and now trying to use it again to clean my car the unit stopped working.
The power seemed fine but the motor did not start. I'm guessing the pressure sensor could be broken. I looked up an authorized service center and brought it in to have the unit looked at, just to get an answer below.
How old is the unit? A few years, I replied. Then the guy at the service center said, THROW IT AWAY. THE UNIT IS SEALED. I CANT TAKE IT APART. If it's less than one year I can just ship it back and CH just replaces it.
That really surprised me. This is a $250 machine and is occasionally used. How could CH make a pressure washer machine that is not serviceable? I will contact CH just to find out what is going on.
If I really have to buy new unit as the guy at service center said, I will do so because I think pressure washer is a great tool to have, but it will definitely NOT be Campbell Hausfeld. I feel pretty ripped off right now.
PWD RESPONDS: We checked our records, and didn't find your email address on file so we'll try and help you here in the review pages.
Campbell Hausfeld Tech Support can be reached at (800) 543-6400. Consumer grade electric pressure washers are sealed units, since the high cost of small appliance repair has made replacing the unit more practical.
Proper storage is critical to the long life of a pressure washer. Keeping it from freezing, making sure all the detergent is cleaned from the tank and hoses, cleaning the intake screen, etc. are all covered in the Owner's Manual, but are frequently overlooked as the seasons change.
We suggest using Pump Saver (any brand) occasionally throughout the year to clean and lubricate the seals (hard water is tough on seals); and then keep it in the unit during storage to exclude moisture and corrosion.
I purchased this pressure washer back in 2007 from Pressure Washers Direct.com after seeing a great review on Money magazine. The unit performed reasonably well when it worked.
I used it twice to prepare wood deck for applying stain. It did pretty good job. Other than than I used it for cleaning car, perhaps about 10 times over 2 years. I haven't used the unit for over a year and now trying to use it again to clean my car the unit stopped working.
The power seemed fine but the motor did not start. I'm guessing the pressure sensor could be broken. I looked up an ... more
June 28, 2010
Norman Faris Signal Mountain, TN
Kinky pressure hose.
The pressure hose stayed straight about half way through the first use. Since then it continues to kink, twist and just gives lots of trouble.
The quality of the hose does not match the other features. I would not recommend the CH because of this low quality hose. Other than that I was pleased with the service your company offered.
PWD RESPONDS: Consumer grade electric pressure washers have lightweight hoses to help keep costs down, but they can seem like they have a mind of their own.
One way to tame a plastic hose is to lay it out straight, or with as few curves as possible, and let it sit in the sun for a couple hours.
Once it's relaxed a bit, don't wrap it around your arm like an extension cord, but lay it into loose loops and store around the handle of the pressure washer.
The pressure hose stayed straight about half way through the first use. Since then it continues to kink, twist and just gives lots of trouble.
The quality of the hose does not match the other features. I would not recommend the CH because of this low quality hose. Other than that I was pleased with the service your company offered.
PWD RESPONDS: Consumer grade electric pressure washers have lightweight hoses to help keep costs down, but they can seem like they have a mind of their own.
One way to tame a plastic hose is to lay it out straight, or ... more
April 11, 2010
Richard Seguin Mooers, NY
Stopped working after a couple uses
The unit worked well for the first couple times. I then noticed the detergent stopped flowing through the tank hoses. The unit would not kick on when the trigger was pulled and every time the delay would get more and more. The fifth time using the pressure washer the unit would not even turn on at all. It sat in my garage for two years not being used because of it not turning on. And no it has never been frozen.
I took the entire unit apart and found out what the problem was. The detergent tank had leaked inside the unit and gummed up the switch down by where the pressure hose is connected. I opened up the clipped cover and lubricated the pin with WD 40 and cleaned out the area. I then plugged in the cord and behold the pressure washer works.
Now here is the part that really ticks me off. Some how during the tear down I lost the part that hooks to the garden hose. Try and find any replacement parts on the internet, good luck. Now I have a working unit but no way to connect the hose. I should have just thrown it in the garbage two years ago.
Poor design on the fluid tanks and why does Cambell Hausfield not have a parts list on this machine.? Very disappointed and will stay away from this brand in the future and will not recommend this to any of my friends, family or anybody who will listen to me.
PWD RESPONDS: The PW1810 comes with a one year warranty from Campbell Hausfeld; we are sorry you let the unit sit in your garage for so long.
In the event of a problem, you should have checked Campbell Hausfeld's Service Center link by clicking on the Customer Service button at the bottom of any of our web pages. Campbell Hausfeld would have arranged for either repair or replacement.
Prospective buyers: please be aware that opening the case of an electric pressure washer will void the warranty; it is best to check with a Service Center, or call Campbell Hausfeld at (800) 543-6400 with any technical questions or issues.
The unit worked well for the first couple times. I then noticed the detergent stopped flowing through the tank hoses. The unit would not kick on when the trigger was pulled and every time the delay would get more and more. The fifth time using the pressure washer the unit would not even turn on at all. It sat in my garage for two years not being used because of it not turning on. And no it has never been frozen.
I took the entire unit apart and found out what the problem was. The detergent tank had leaked inside the unit and gummed up the switch down by where the pressure hose ... more
March 26, 2010
Raymond Myers Martinsburg, WV
Not impressed
I purchased the Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 power washer because of the Consumer Report rating too. I purchased in November 2008, used it once in 2009 to power wash my deck and patio furniture. It did an average job. I wasn't impressed.
When I took it out of storage last week to redo the deck and wash some spots off my siding, it wouldn't start. Of course, it is out of warranty so it is not covered.
The onetime use cost me $169!
Sorry, but I would not recommend this power washer. I could have rented a power washer much less expensive than the price I paid for a onetime use.
PWD RESPONDS: Even though your warranty has expired, Campbell Hausfeld Tech Support is still available to you. You may wish to call them at (800) 543-6400; they will walk you through basic troubleshooting steps to help get your pressure washer started.
Even electric pressure washers need some TLC for proper storage. According to the Owner's Manual they should be stored in a place that does not freeze over the winter, and use of a Pump Saver product will extend the life of your unit.
I purchased the Campbell Hausfeld PW1810 power washer because of the Consumer Report rating too. I purchased in November 2008, used it once in 2009 to power wash my deck and patio furniture. It did an average job. I wasn't impressed.
When I took it out of storage last week to redo the deck and wash some spots off my siding, it wouldn't start. Of course, it is out of warranty so it is not covered.
The onetime use cost me $169!
Sorry, but I would not recommend this power washer. I could have rented a power washer much less expensive than the ... more
July 14, 2009
Russ Fay Portland, OR
Avoid this machine!!!!!
I purchased one of these on sale at a local discount store. My neighbor, who's an avid DIYer, likes some of the other tools Campbell Hausfeld makes, so I felt it was probably a safe bet. I was wrong.
The only time it didn't give me any trouble was the very first time I used it. I actually used it to wash my entire house before painting, and I was very happy with it's performance.
The second time I used it, it didn't respond to the power switch. I thought it was something I was doing wrong, maybe the combination of using the reset switch and the power switch was critical or something like that. It eventually started operating, so I assumed it was me.
The second and third time that I used it, it took progressively longer to start. When I wanted to use it for only the fourth time, it wouldn't start at all. By then, I had had it for a year and a half, and it was out of warranty.
I found a local shop that claimed to repair this brand, but when I took it to them, they informed me that they didn't actually fix it, they only sent it to the manufacturer for a replacement unit. They couldn't even get parts for it, Campbell Hausfeld wouldn't supply them.
Basically, I got 3 uses out of it for about $100. You can be certain I'll buy nothing else by this company.
PWD RESPONDS: The key is to suit the machine to the task, and keep the machine properly maintained. Overheating can cause an electric pressure washer to fail prematurely, as can improper storage.
Prepping for house painting is a job best done by a gasoline unit- they can run for hours without overheating.
All pressure washers need to be protected from freezing, and use of a Pump Guard product when stored for long periods is recommended.
I purchased one of these on sale at a local discount store. My neighbor, who's an avid DIYer, likes some of the other tools Campbell Hausfeld makes, so I felt it was probably a safe bet. I was wrong.
The only time it didn't give me any trouble was the very first time I used it. I actually used it to wash my entire house before painting, and I was very happy with it's performance.
The second time I used it, it didn't respond to the power switch. I thought it was something I was doing wrong, maybe the combination of using the reset switch and the power switch... more
July 01, 2009
J Smith Boston, MA
skewed ratings
After reading the ratings of multiple power washers I noticed a trend in the individual ratings. Power Washer Direct staff interjected their own comments and at the same time gave 5 stars on every comment they made.
It is unfortunate that their biased statements have made the overall product rating null and void. PWD would be better served by allowing users to comment on their everyday experiences with the products.
PWD RESPONDS: At no time is the "star" rating changed by Power Washers Direct.com. When PWD staff members post reviews, they are based on their actual use of the item reviewed.
Reviews are edited for spelling and liability issues. Comments (like this one) may be added to explain or illustrate a point. We agree that honest reviews help everyone!
In the case of the PW1810, it has been one of our strongest sellers for several years. The large majority of our customers have been satisfied with this unit- and we are always happy to work with our customers and the manufacturer to make sure any problems are resolved promptly.
After reading the ratings of multiple power washers I noticed a trend in the individual ratings. Power Washer Direct staff interjected their own comments and at the same time gave 5 stars on every comment they made.
It is unfortunate that their biased statements have made the overall product rating null and void. PWD would be better served by allowing users to comment on their everyday experiences with the products.
PWD RESPONDS: At no time is the "star" rating changed by Power Washers Direct.com. When PWD staff members post reviews, they are based ... more
May 30, 2009
Christy Barricklow Warrensburg, MO
I would not recommend this unit
When it works, it does a good job. BUT, it shuts itself down after about 20 minutes and takes a really really long time to restart.
If you like to be frustrated then this is the machine for you. If you like to tackle a project and get done in a reasonable amount of time, then do not buy this unit. I am sorry I did. Consumer Reports was wrong.
PWD RESPONDS: Help is available! Please click on the Customer Service button at the bottom of our website, then select Technical Support. You will see contact information for all of the brands that we carry. You can reach Campbell Hausfeld toll free at (800) 330-0712.
When it works, it does a good job. BUT, it shuts itself down after about 20 minutes and takes a really really long time to restart.
If you like to be frustrated then this is the machine for you. If you like to tackle a project and get done in a reasonable amount of time, then do not buy this unit. I am sorry I did. Consumer Reports was wrong.
PWD RESPONDS: Help is available! Please click on the Customer Service button at the bottom of our website, then select Technical Support. You will see contact information for all of the brands that we carry. You can rea... more
July 04, 2008
Paul Smith Westminster, CO
Run the other way
Learn from my mistake and look for a different pressure washer. The first one developed a huge leak after a couple of uses, but I accept some responsibility for that.
If you leave any detergent in the system the plastic parts that are in contact with it disintegrate. The owner's manual does say to be sure to flush any detergent out, but it doesn't say how to do it. I attempted to find parts, only to find that outside of a few external parts, hose, wheels, etc., the unit is not repairable. If it dies once it's out of warranty, you're out of luck.
To their credit, Campbell Housfeld did replace the whole unit under warranty. I would be pretty happy at this point, except the replacement unit didn't work right out of the box. First it tripped the breaker. After that, it ran and given enough time it would develop a bit of pressure, only to shut off. Fiddling with it I could get it to develop some pressure again, only to repeat the process. It also never would draw any detergent out of the tank. At this point I'm disgusted, and the new pressure washer is in the dumpster.
PWD RESPONDS: To flush your pressure washer just put clean water in one of the detergent tanks and run it through the system. Then do the same with the other tank. Please contact Campbell Hausfeld at 1-800-330-0712 since even their reconditioned units are covered by their warranty.
Learn from my mistake and look for a different pressure washer. The first one developed a huge leak after a couple of uses, but I accept some responsibility for that.
If you leave any detergent in the system the plastic parts that are in contact with it disintegrate. The owner's manual does say to be sure to flush any detergent out, but it doesn't say how to do it. I attempted to find parts, only to find that outside of a few external parts, hose, wheels, etc., the unit is not repairable. If it dies once it's out of warranty, you're out of luck.
I have not used my new PW1810 yet, but after assembly I have discovered one weakness of the unit. The hanger hooks on each side of it for hanging the hose and cord are much too small for the job.
The cord just barely fits on its hanger and most of the hose is always falling off its hanger. This will make neat storage of the system difficult.
The PW1810 works well for the light duty stuff I need it for -- deck, fence, sidewalk, siding. It's a bit of a reach for it to get to second-story siding. It does have enough pressure that it surprised me by removing some stains from my sidewalk. Heed the instructions in the manual to fully flush all detergent from the system when shutting down. I didn't, and some plastic parts disintegrated. Worse news, I called Campbell Hausfeld, then went to a local service center, only to find out replacement parts (other than wheels, hoses, nozzles, etc.) are not available. They replaced the unit under warranty, but if anything significant fails a year from now, the unit is unrepairable.
The PW1810 works well for the light duty stuff I need it for -- deck, fence, sidewalk, siding. It's a bit of a reach for it to get to second-story siding. It does have enough pressure that it surprised me by removing some stains from my sidewalk. Heed the instructions in the manual to fully flush all detergent from the system when shutting down. I didn't, and some plastic parts disintegrated. Worse news, I called Campbell Hausfeld, then went to a local service center, only to find out replacement parts (other than wheels, hoses, nozzles, etc.) are not available. They replaced the unit un... more
The PW1810 performs better than expected. The power is sufficient for decks/driveways and its relative quiet operation is appreciated.
Have used water only. but will source diluted detergent and see if I can wash the cars as well.
The folks at the tech assistance are very helpful. The $239 investment will pay off for me here in the deep south -the mold and mildew capital of the US.
For an electric pressure washer this product can clean the pool deck and with a little more time than a gas pressure washer can clean a driveway and sidewalk. and it dose windows! For home use I am very impressed with this pressure washer, now if I get 5 more weekends out of it like this first one I can say this is a very durable product! Time will tell, for now I am very pleased with the PW 1810 Great product.
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