Are you wondering why you have a flat battery on your water jetter ?

We do get calls from clients with flat batteries on their water jetter machines, it is not an un common occurrence. Here are some reasons why we commonly see flat batteries on water jetting machines.

Key left in the "RUN" Position:
The most common reason for flat batteries in water jetting machines is leaving the key in the "Run" position. When keys are left in the "Run" position on both Vanguard and Honda V-twin engines, it holds open the fuel solenoid in preparation for a start-up. Even though the engine is not running, it is still holding open a fuel solenoid, which drains power over time.
Short run times:
Water jetting machines typically don't have long run times compared to other industrial equipment like generators, water pumps, lighting towers, or ride-on mowers. This means that the trickle charge back to the battery on water jetters may not be running long enough to put enough charge back into the battery to keep it charged up. To address this, it's recommended to run the jetter for about an hour every week with just water flowing through the system, ensuring a good amount of charge is put back into the battery. Alternatively, having a wall-mounted battery charger to top up the battery is also a good practice.
Starting your jetter with the valves closed:
Another fairly common reason for this is starting the jetter with the valves closed. This puts extra load on the starter motor and battery, reducing the life of the battery. To prevent this, always ensure the valves are open before starting the jetter. Starting the machine with closed valves creates resistance in the pump, making it harder for the engine to turn over and putting unnecessary strain on the battery and starter motor. Always check and confirm that the valves are open before starting the jetter to avoid this issue.
Faulty Alternator:
Flat batteries can occur if the alternator on the engine is not working at all and not putting a charge back into the battery. If this is suspected, it's advisable to take the jetter to a local mechanic or auto electrician to test the alternator and ensure power is being returned to the battery.
Wiring Short:
In less common cases, a short circuit in the wiring may be drawing power from the battery even when the key is off. This can be caused if some wires have worn through and are touching the frame or positive and negative intermittently, making contact. Diagnosing and fixing this issue should be done by a professional at a workshop.
Summary:
The blog discusses common reasons for flat batteries in water jetting machines and provides solutions. Issues include leaving the key in the "Run" position, short run times, starting with closed valves, a faulty alternator, and wiring shorts. Recommendations include regular running, using a battery charger, checking valves before starting, and seeking professional help for alternator or wiring issues.