1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer. Please read this manual thoroughly before initial use and retain it for future reference.
Figure 1: Sun Joe SPX3500 Electric Pressure Washer, showing its compact design and integrated handle.
2. Safety Information
Always follow basic safety precautions when using this product to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury.
General Safety Rules:
- Read all instructions before using the appliance.
- Do not direct discharge stream at persons or animals.
- Keep the operating area clear of all persons.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including eye protection.
- Ensure the power cord is connected to a grounded outlet with GFCI protection.
- Never operate the unit without water supply connected and turned on.
3. Product Components
Familiarize yourself with the parts of your pressure washer before assembly and operation.
Figure 2: Main unit with included accessories: 5 Quick-Connect nozzles, 20-foot high-pressure hose, detergent tank, and power cord.
Key Components:
- Main Unit: Houses the 14.9-Amp/2000-Watt motor.
- High-Pressure Hose: 20-foot wire-reinforced hose for durable use.
- Spray Wand with Lance: 34-inch stainless steel lance with quick-connect fitting.
- Quick-Connect Nozzles: Five interchangeable nozzles (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, and soap).
- Detergent Tanks: Dual onboard tanks for different cleaning solutions.
- GFCI Power Cord: 35-foot power cord with built-in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter for safety.
- Wheels: For easy portability.
4. Setup and Assembly
Follow these steps to assemble your pressure washer before first use.
- Attach Wheels: Securely attach the wheels to the main unit.
- Connect Handle: Assemble and attach the handle to the top of the unit.
- Connect High-Pressure Hose: Connect one end of the high-pressure hose to the pressure washer's outlet and the other end to the spray gun. Ensure connections are tight to prevent leaks.
- Attach Spray Lance: Connect the spray lance to the spray gun.
- Connect Water Supply: Attach a garden hose (not included) to the water inlet of the pressure washer. Ensure the water supply is clean and free of debris.
- Fill Detergent Tanks (Optional): If using detergent, fill the onboard tanks with appropriate pressure washer-safe cleaning solution.
Figure 3: Pressure washer fully assembled with hose and wand connected, ready for water supply.
5. Operating Instructions
Starting the Pressure Washer:
- Ensure all connections are secure.
- Turn on the water supply completely.
- Squeeze the trigger on the spray gun to release air from the system until a steady stream of water emerges.
- Plug the GFCI power cord into a grounded 120V AC electrical outlet. The GFCI indicator light should illuminate.
- Turn the power switch on the unit to the "ON" position. The motor will run briefly to build pressure and then shut off (Total Stop System).
- Select the appropriate quick-connect nozzle for your task.
- Squeeze the trigger to begin spraying. The motor will restart automatically.
Figure 4: The pressure washer in use, demonstrating its suitability for various cleaning tasks like auto cleaning.
Nozzle Selection:
The SPX3500 includes five quick-connect nozzles for various applications:
| Nozzle Type | Application |
|---|---|
| 0° (Red) | High-pressure, pinpoint stream for tough, concentrated cleaning. Use with extreme caution. |
| 15° (Yellow) | High-pressure, wide spray for intense cleaning of hard surfaces. |
| 25° (Green) | Medium-pressure, wider spray for general cleaning of decks, patios, and driveways. |
| 40° (White) | Low-pressure, wide spray for gentle cleaning of delicate surfaces like siding, windows, and vehicles. |
| Soap (Black) | Low-pressure stream for applying detergent. Activates detergent tank. |
Figure 5: The five quick-connect nozzles, color-coded for easy identification of spray patterns.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the life of your pressure washer.
- Nozzle Cleaning: If a nozzle becomes clogged, use the included needle clean-out tool to clear debris.
- Water Inlet Filter: Regularly check and clean the water inlet filter to prevent debris from entering the pump.
- Hose and Connections: Inspect the high-pressure hose and all connections for wear, damage, or leaks before each use. Replace if necessary.
- Winter Storage: If storing in freezing temperatures, drain all water from the pump, hose, and spray gun. Use a pump protector/antifreeze solution to prevent damage.
7. Troubleshooting
Refer to this section for common issues and their solutions.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Motor does not start. | Power cord not plugged in; GFCI tripped; Power switch OFF. | Plug in cord; Reset GFCI; Turn power switch ON. |
| Low pressure. | Nozzle clogged; Water supply restricted; Air in pump. | Clean nozzle; Check water hose for kinks; Bleed air from pump by squeezing trigger without power. |
| Water leaks. | Loose connections; Damaged O-rings. | Tighten connections; Replace O-rings. |
| Detergent not dispensing. | Soap nozzle not attached; Detergent tank empty; Detergent too thick. | Attach soap nozzle; Refill tank; Dilute detergent. |
8. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the Sun Joe SPX3500.
- Model: SPX3500
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Motor: 14.9-Amp / 2000-Watt
- Maximum Pressure: 2000 PSI (PWMA Certified)
- Maximum Flow Rate: 1.1 GPM
- Hose Length: 20 Feet (High-Pressure)
- Power Cord Length: 35 Feet (GFCI)
- Detergent Tank Volume: Dual 40.6 Fluid Ounces
- Item Weight: 24.3 Pounds
- Product Dimensions (L x W x H): 16.7" x 14.5" x 36"
- Certification: CSA
9. Warranty and Support
Sun Joe products are backed by a comprehensive warranty. For detailed warranty information, product registration, or technical support, please visit the official Sun Joe website or contact their customer service.
You can also refer to the official User Manual PDF for more in-depth information: Download User Manual (PDF)