Introducing the Washer CMEPW1700

The Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer is a compact yet powerful cleaning tool designed to tackle various outdoor tasks with ease. With a maximum pressure of 1700 PSI and a flow rate of 1.2 GPM, it effectively removes dirt and grime from surfaces like patios, vehicles, and driveways. This electric model features a 20-foot high-pressure hose, multiple nozzles, and a soap applicator for versatile cleaning options. The CMEPW1700 is priced at approximately $99.99.

Definitions: Safety Alert Symbols and Words
This instruction manual uses the following safety alert symbols and words to alert you to hazardous situations and your risk of personal injury or property damage.

DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.(Used without a word) Indicates a safety related message.

NOTICE: Indicates a practice not related to personal injury which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.

Overview

1. High pressure hose
2. Spray wand
3. Quick connect collar
4. Spray handle
5. Spray handle grip
6. Trigger lock-off
7. Trigger
8. Pressure washer unit
9. On button
10. Off button
11. Handle
12. Garden hose water intake
13. Soap bottle 

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, read the instruction manual.

Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer CMEPW1700 Specifications

• Maximum Pounds per Square Inch 1700
• Rated Gallons per Minute* 1.2
• Electrical Requirements 120VAC ~60Hz, 13A
• Electrical Cord 35 ft. (10.6 m)
• High-pressure hose 25 ft. (7.6 m)
• Minimum Amp Source 15A
• The pressure of Inlet Water* 20-100 PSI
• Inlet Water Cold Tap
• Soap Consumption Rate 10% MAX

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: When using this appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed including the following:

• Read all the instructions before using the product.
• To reduce the risk of injury, close supervision is necessary when a product is used near children.
• Know how to stop the product and bleed pressures quickly. Be thoroughly familiar with the controls.
• Stay alert – watch what you are doing.
• Do not operate the product when fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Keep operating area clear of all persons.
• Do not overreach or stand on unstable support. Keep good footing and balance at all times.
• Follow the maintenance instructions specified in the manual.
• This product is provided with a ground fault circuit interrupter built into the power cord plug. If replacement of the plug or cord is needed, use only identical replacement parts.

CAUTION: risk of injection or injury – do not direct discharge stream at persons.”

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: Please read this entire manual before attempting to assemble, operate or install the product.

WARNING: This unit was designed for specific applications. It should not be modified and/or used for any application other than that which it was designed.

NOTICE: Always store your pressure washer in a location where the temperature will not fall below 4 °C. freeze damage is not covered by the warranty.

WARNING: This product and its exhaust can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and carbon monoxide, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www. P65Warnings.ca.gov.

1. Do not touch plug or outlet with wet hands.
2. Avoid accidental starts. Move switch on unit to OFF position before connecting or disconnecting cord to electrical outlets.
3. Water spray must never be directed towards any electric wiring or directly towards the pressure washer machine itself or fatal electric shock may occur.
4. Never carry your pressure washer by the cord. Do not pull on the cord to disconnect from the outlet.
5. To prevent damage, the cord should not be crushed, placed next to sharp objects or near a heat source.
6. Check power cords before using. Damaged cords can reduce performance of pressure washer or cause a fatal electrical shock
7. The narrow pin point stream is very powerful. It is not recommended for use on painted surfaces, wood surfaces or items attached with an adhesive backing.
8. Keep operating area clear of all persons and animals.
9. Always use both hands when operating pressure washer to maintain complete control of the wand.
10. Do not touch nozzle or water spray while operating. Never place hands in front of nozzle.
11. Wear safety goggles while operating. Wear protective clothing and footwear to protect against accidental spraying.
12. Disconnect power plug from the outlet when not in use and prior to the detaching of the high pressure hose.
13. Never tie knots or kink the high pressure hose as damage could result. Inspect the high-pressure hose regularly. Replace the hose immediately if it is damaged, worn or shows any signs of cracks, bubbles, pinholes, or other leakage. Never grasp a high-pressure hose that is leaking or damaged.
14. Do not operate or store this product in temperatures below 4 °C. Freeze damage is not covered by the warranty.
15. Carefully observe all chemical instructions and warnings before using. Use only approved pressure washer cleaners. Do not use bleach, chlorine,  or any cleaners containing acids. Always follow manufacturer’s label recommendations for proper use of cleaners. Always protect eyes, skin and respiratory system from cleaners.
16. The pressure washer should not be used in areas where gas vapors may be present. An electric spark could cause an explosion or fire.
17. To minimize the amount of water getting into the pressure washer, the unit should be placed as far as possible from the cleaning site during operation.
18. To prevent accidental discharge, the spray gun should be secured by locking the trigger when not in use.
19. To allow free air circulation, the pressure washer should NOT be covered during operation.
20. Never touch, grasp or attempt to cover a pinhole or similar water leak on the high-pressure hose. The stream of water IS under high pressure and WILL penetrate skin.
21. Use only hoses and accessories rated for pressure higher than your pressure washer’s psi. Never use with any other manufacturer’s accessories or components.
22. Never defeat the safety features of this product.
23. Do not operate machine with missing, broken or unauthorised parts.
24. Never spray flammable liquids or use pressure washer in areas containing combustible dust, liquid, or vapors.
25. DO NOT use an extension cord with this pressure washer.

GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER PROTECTION
This pressure washer is provided with a ground-fault circuitinterrupter (GFCI) built into the plug of the power-supply cord. This device provides additional protection from the risk of electric shock. Should replacement of the plug or cord become necessary, use only identical replacement parts that include GFCI protection.

EXTENSION CORDS

1. Use only extension cords that are intended for outdoor use. These extension cords are identified by a marking “Acceptable for use with outdoor appliances; store indoors while not in use.” Use only extension cords having an electrical rating not less than the rating of the product.
2. Do not use damaged extension cords. Examine extension cord before using and replace if damaged. Do not abuse extension cord and do not yank on any cord to disconnect.
3. Keep cord away from heat and sharp edges. Always disconnect the extension cord from the receptacle before disconnecting the product from the extension cord.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrocution, keep all connections dry and OFF the ground. Do not touch plug with wet hands.

Motor
Be sure your power supply agrees with the nameplate marking. Voltage decrease of more than 10% will cause loss of power and overheating. These tools are factory tested; if this tool does not operate, check power supply.

Intended Use
This pressure washer is intended for cleaning boats, cars, decks, driveways, grills, house siding, motorcycles, patios, and outdoor furniture.
DO NOT let children come into contact with the tool. Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this tool.

Description

The Electric Pressure Washer is built with durability and convenience in mind. The pressure washer features a sturdy frame that houses the powerful electric motor, ensuring consistent performance over time. The ergonomic handle and wheels make it easy to move around your yard or driveway, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach areas with ease.

The included nozzles provide flexibility in cleaning tasks, from narrow jets for tight spaces to wide fans for larger areas. The detergent tank allows for easy application of soap or cleaning solutions directly through the hose, enhancing the cleaning effectiveness.

ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS

Attaching Soap Bottle (Fig. F)

• To connect the soap bottle 13 to the spray handle 2 , insert the end of the soap bottle inside the spray handle and turn the soap bottle counterclockwise to lock it into position.

NOTE: The wand and soap bottle cannot be installed at the same time.

NOTE: The soap bottle should be positioned underneath the barrel of the spray handle. Do not position the soapbottle above the barrel of the plastic gun as this will lead to soap dripping on the barrel.

Attaching Spray Wand

(Fig. B)

To connect the spray wand 2 to the spray handle 4 , insert the end of the spray wand inside the spray handle and turn the spray wand counterclockwise to lock it into position.

Attaching High-Pressure Hose

(Fig. C, D)

NOTICE: Never pull a high-pressure hose to move the pressure washer. This could damage the hose and/or pump outlet.

• To connect the high-pressure hose 1 to the spray handle 4, screw the hose collar 14 onto the spray handle inlet coupler 15.
• To connect the high-pressure hose to the pressure washer unit 8 , screw the hose collar 14 onto the high-pressure water outlet 16.

Attaching Garden Hose

(Fig. A, D)

• To connect a garden hose to the pressure washer unit 8, place the end of the garden hose inside the water intake 17.
• Tighten the garden hose by hand.
• Always disconnect the garden hose after usage.

NOTE: Before connecting the garden hose to the pressure washer unit, run water through the garden hose for thirty seconds to clear any debris from the mouth of the garden hose.

Attaching Nozzles

(Fig. E)

DANGER: Risk of fluid injection. Do not direct discharge stream toward persons, unprotected skin, eyes, or any pets or animals. A serious injury will occur. 
WARNING: Flying objects could cause a risk of serious injury. DO NOT attempt to change nozzles while the pressure washer is running. Turn the pressure washer unit OFF before changing the nozzles.

• To connect the 40° white nozzle or the black turbo nozzle to the spray wand 2, pull the quick connect collar 3 toward the spray wand and insert the appropriate nozzle. Release the quick-connect collar to lock the nozzle in place.
• To ensure the nozzle is locked into place, give the nozzle a firm tug after the quick connect collar has locked into place.

Spray: Tip Application

40° White Nozzle: For gentle wide area cleaning. 

Black Turbo Nozzle: For abrasive cleaning.

Attaching Soap Bottle

 (Fig. F)

To connect the soap bottle  13  to the spray handle  2 , insert the end of the soap bottle inside the spray handle and turn the soap bottle counterclockwise to lock it into position. NOTE: The wand and soap bottle cannot be installed at the same time.

NOTE: The soap bottle should be positioned underneath the barrel of the spray handle. Do not position the soap bottle above the barrel of the plastic gun as this will lead to soap dripping on the barrel. 

OPERATION

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit OFF and disconnect it from power source before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Proper Hand Position (Fig. G)

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS use proper hand position as shown. WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, ALWAYS hold securely in anticipation of a sudden reaction.

Proper hand position requires one hand on the spray handle grip 4 and the other hand on the spray handle 3 .

Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Before Each Use 

This pressure washer is provided with a ground-fault circuitinterrupter (GFCI) built into the plug of the power-supply cord. This device provides additional protection from the risk of electric shock.

1. Plug the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) into a working grounded outlet.
2. The indicator at the top of the GFCI should turn green when product is ready to use.
3. Press the “TEST” button (bottom). The green indicator should disappear.
4. Press “RESET” button for use. Do not use if the above test fails.

Pressure Washing

Preparing Surface for Cleaning

• Remove objects from the area which could create a hazard such as children's toys or outdoor furniture.
• Insure that all doors and windows are closed tight. Protect all plants and trees in the adjacent area with a drop cloth ensuring that they will not be harmed by any overspray.
• Pre-rinse cleaning area with fresh water.
• Use only detergents formulated for pressure washers.
• Always test detergent in an inconspicuous area before use.

Preparing Pressure Washer Unit for Use (Fig. A)

DANGER: Risk of fluid injection and laceration. When using the high-pressure setting, DO NOT allow the high-pressure spray to come in contact with unprotected skin, eyes, or with any pets or animals.
Serious injury will occur. 

CAUTION: Before operation:

• Connect the water supply to the pressure washer . For instructions on connecting the water supply to the pressure washer, please refer to Attaching Garden Hose under Assembly and Adjustments.
• Connect the High pressure hose to the pressure washer and the pressure wand. For instructions on connecting the High pressure hose to the pressure washer and pressure wand, please refer to Attaching High Pressure Hose under Assembly and Adjustments.

Preparing Spray Handle

IMPORTANT: Before turning on the pressure washer unit, disengage the trigger lock-off  6  and squeeze the trigger  7 . Hold the trigger for 30 seconds to purge the system of air. If air is still found in the water stream, continue to run water through the spray handle.

1. Disengage the trigger lock-off 6.
2. Squeeze the trigger 7.

Cleaning a Surface 

• To start the pressure washer, press the ON button  9 .
• The best angle for spraying water against a cleaning surface is 45°. Spraying head on tends to cause dirt particles to imbed in the surface. When working on vertical surfaces, it is best to apply detergent starting at the bottom and working upwards which will prevent the detergent from sliding down and causing streaks.

To disengage the spray handle, release the trigger.
NOTE: Excessive pump pressure may be the result of a clogged nozzle or brass coupling. Always turn OFF the pressure washer unit and unplug the unit before attempting to unclog a nozzle or brass coupler.

Moving the Pressure Washer (Fig. A)

1. Shut OFF the pressure washer unit  8  and turn OFF the water supply.
2. Point the spray wand  2  in a safe direction and pull the trigger  7  to release remaining water pressure.
3. Wohen the spray wand is completely empty, carry the pressure washer by the handle  11 .

Shutdown (Fig. A)

1. To stop the pressure washer, press the OFF button  10 and unplug the cord from the outlet.
2. Turn OFF water at the faucet.
3. Discharge residual pressure by squeezing the trigger  7 until no more water comes out of the spray wand  2 .
4. Engage the spray handle lock-off  6 .
5. Disconnect the garden hose from the water  intake 17 .
6. Disconnect the high pressure hose 1 from the high pressure water outlet 16 and drain hose.

Setup Guide

To operate the Craftsman Electric Pressure Washer CMEPW1700, 

1. Start by assembling the unit according to the included instructions. 
2. Connect the high-pressure hose to the pump and attach the desired nozzle. 
3. Ensure all connections are secure to avoid leaks.
4. Plug in the power cord and turn on the washer. 
5. Adjust the nozzle as needed for different cleaning tasks.
6. For soap application, fill the detergent tank with your preferred cleaning solution and attach it to the hose.

Always ensure proper grounding and keep children away from the area being cleaned.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn unit off and disconnect it from power source before making any adjustments or removing/installing attachments or accessories. An accidental start-up can cause injury.

Pressure Washer Cleaning

WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week. To minimize the risk of eye injury, always wear ANSI Z87.1 approved eye protection when performing this procedure. WARNING: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals may weaken the plastic materials used in these parts. Use a cloth dampened only with water and mild soap. Never let any liquid get inside the tool; never immerse any part of the tool into a liquid.

Nozzle (Fig. A)
If the nozzle becomes clogged with foreign materials, such as dirt, excessive pressure may develop. If the nozzle becomes partially clogged or restricted, the pump pressure will pulsate. Clean the nozzle immediately using the nozzle cleaner.

1. Shut OFF the pressure washer unit 8 and turn OFF the water supply.
2. Pull trigger 7 on spray handle 4 to relieve any water pressure.
3. Remove the nozzle from the spray wand 2 by pulling the quick connect collar 3 toward the spray wand.
4. Using the spray tip cleaning tool, unclog any debris from the nozzle.
5. Run water from a faucet or garden hose through the nozzle.

Soap Bottle (Fig. A, H)
Remove the soap bottle 13 from the spray handle 4 by turning the soap bottle counterclockwise and pulling it out of the spray handle. Unscrew the soap bottle applicator 21 . Rinse and empty the soap bottle 13  completely.

Storage (Fig. I, J)

• Before moving the pressure washer for storage, refer to Moving the Pressure Washer under Operations .
• Store in a dry, covered location above freezing temperature. STORE INDOORS.
• Always completetely empty water from high pressure hose, pressure washer unit, spray wand, nozzles, soap bottle, and pressure wand handle.
• 40° white nozzle 18 and turbo nozzle 19 can be stored on the back of the pressure washer unit 8 .
• Wrap up the cord around the power cord storage 20 .

Accessories

WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by CRAFTSMAN, have not been tested with this product, use of such accessories with this tool could be hazardous. To reduce the risk of injury, only CRAFTSMAN-recommended accessories should be used with this product.

Register Online
Thank you for your purchase. Register your product now for:

• WARRANTY SERVICE: Registering your product will help you obtain more efficient warranty service in case there is a problem with your product.
• CONFIRMATION OF OWNERSHIP: In case of an insurance loss, such as fire, flood or theft, your registration of ownership will serve as your proof of purchase.
• FOR YOUR SAFETY: Registering your product will allow us to contact you in the unlikely event a safety notification is required under the Federal Consumer Safety Act.
• Register online at https://www.craftsman.com/registration 

Craftsman Troubleshooting

WARNING: Risk of Unsafe Operation. Before servicing unit unplug or disconnect electrical supply, turn water supply off, discharge residual pressure, and engage spray handle lock-off.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High-pressure output for effective cleaning
• Eco-friendly and quieter than gas-powered models
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Included detergent tank for enhanced cleaning
• Affordable price point compared to similar models

Cons:

• May not be as powerful as gas-powered pressure washers
• Dependent on electrical power source
• Some users report issues with hose durability
• Not suitable for heavy-duty commercial use

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the Craftsman for its ease of use, effective cleaning power, and value for money. However, some users have noted that the hose can be prone to damage if not handled carefully.

Common complaints include the need for better hose quality and occasional issues with the detergent tank clogging. Despite these minor drawbacks, the product remains a popular choice among homeowners looking for a reliable and efficient electric pressure washer.