Easy fixes for pressure washers and wheelbarrows

There are many tools available to us to keep our homes and gardens looking their best. When experiencing minor issues with these tools, try a few home remedies before rushing to the store for replacements.

Clean, descale and get rid of air bubbles

First, check that you have fitted the high-pressure nozzle and that the water supply from the tap is fully on. Sufficient water needs to be supplied to the washer for it to build up high pressure.

• Switch off the washer. Clear any debris from the nozzle of the spray gun by sliding a needle in and out a few times — be careful not to enlarge the opening. Run water through the washer to expel any dislodged grime. If you live in a hard-water area, lime may have built up in the system. Fill your washer's detergent bottle with white vinegar and run the machine with its detergent setting active.
• Detach the cold-water inlet hose and use a pair of long-nose pliers to remove the water filter, which plugs into the washer. Rinse the filter under cold water, and use an old toothbrush to remove any particles.
• Air bubbles may have gotten into the machine's pipework. Detach the high-pressure spraying hose where it connects to the body of the machine. Switch the machine on, and run water through it for a couple of minutes to clear any air pockets.
• Unclip all the hose connectors and extension pieces. The joins between the components are kept watertight by O-ring washers. Make sure that all these washers are intact — replace any that are misshapen or broken. If the pressure is still low, you may have a faulty pump — time for a professional repair.

Try injecting sealant to fill the hole

If your tire has developed a slow leak and you can't see any holes and gashes that are more then three to four millimetres (about 1/8 of an inch) across, the easiest way to fix it is to use injectable tire sealant (available online and from auto supply stores and garden centres).

There are different formulations for tubeless tires and tires with tubes, so be sure to buy the right one. You can tell what type of tire you have by looking at the valve stem: if it is attached to the metal wheel rim, you have a tubeless tire; if it protrudes through a hole in the rim, you have a tire with a tube.

• Deflate the tire and squirt the prescribed amount of sealant into the tire valve. Reinflate the tire, then spin it around for a few minutes to distribute the sealant; it will form a protective layer within that will fill both existing and future puncture holes.
• Inflate the tire — if it still leaks, you'll need to repair or replace the tire or tube. It can be a difficult job to remove the tire, so consider getting some help.