DeWalt 3100 PSI 2.3 GPM Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer with HONDA GCV170 Engine

Why I reached for this DeWalt 3100 PSI washer

I wanted a gas unit that could knock out typical homeowner jobs—siding, decks, and a stained driveway—without creeping into pro-priced, heavy, hot‑water territory. This DeWalt 3100 PSI washer checks the right boxes on paper: a Honda GCV170 engine, a maintenance‑free axial cam pump, and a 35‑foot hose. After several weekends of use, I’ve got a solid sense of where it shines and where it stumbles.

Setup, assembly, and first impressions

Out of the box, assembly is straightforward: attach the handle, wand, and hose, fill the engine with oil and fuel, and you’re close to first pull. The frame is compact and stout, with 12‑inch never‑flat wheels that make it easy to roll over pavers and lawn. The 35‑foot polyurethane hose is a welcome upgrade over stiff PVC hoses; it doesn’t coil like a memory spring, and it resists kinks better than most in this class.

I did run into a minor hiccup on the handle: the uprights didn’t line up perfectly with the lower tubes on my unit, which meant a few extra minutes of persuasion to seat the bolts. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s the kind of fit-and-finish detail I notice on a tool wearing DeWalt yellow. Once assembled, the footprint is roughly a 36‑inch cube and weighs about 61 pounds. It stores neatly against a wall and is easy enough to load into a pickup by one person if you lift with your legs.

Engine and pump: the heart of the machine

The Honda GCV170 is the highlight here. It starts with minimal fuss using the recoil starter—choke on, one or two pulls cold, and it settles into a steady idle. Under load, it’s confident without hunting. The fuel tank is small at 0.24 gallons, so plan for refills if you’re tackling a large driveway or an entire house in one session. That’s a tradeoff for keeping weight and size compact.

Paired with the engine is an OEM Technologies axial cam pump. It’s maintenance‑free, which means no pump oil changes—handy for homeowners who want a machine that just works. There’s a thermal relief system to protect the pump if you leave it idling in bypass, but that’s a last‑ditch safeguard; as with any pressure washer, try not to let it sit more than a minute or two without pulling the trigger. If you need daily duty or field‑serviceable components, a triplex pump is the way to go, but for weekend use, this axial pump is appropriate and keeps the cost reasonable.

Note: there’s no external pressure adjustment knob. You control cleaning force with your nozzle selection and working distance, which is typical at this price and power level.

Power and real‑world cleaning

This washer is rated at 3100 PSI and 2.3 GPM. Specs can be misleading, but in use, the balance is right for residential work. Here’s how it played out for me:

• Vinyl siding and soffits: The 40° nozzle with a little stand‑off distance cleaned oxidation and mildew without leaving lap marks. The long hose meant I could leave the unit on the ground and work around much of the exterior before moving it.
• Decking: I stayed with the 25° equivalent (more on nozzles in a moment) to avoid furring the wood. It had enough flow to rinse debris quickly without gouging soft boards.
• Driveway: This is where GPM matters. At 2.3 GPM, you can certainly clean concrete with a 15° tip, but it’s slow going on large slabs. Add a 14–15 inch surface cleaner and the machine feels right at home; you’ll maintain even results and move much faster.

For most homeowners, the performance ceiling is higher than the jobs on the list. If you routinely tackle heavily stained concrete or want to run larger surface cleaners, you’ll want more flow. For siding, vehicles, patio furniture, fences, and moderate driveway work, this unit is well matched.

Nozzles, soap, and accessories

DeWalt includes four quick‑connect tips: 0°, 15°, 40°, and a low‑pressure soap nozzle. That covers most tasks, but I do miss a 25° tip. It’s my go‑to for general cleaning on wood and composite surfaces because it strikes a nice balance between coverage and cut. A decent aftermarket 25° nozzle is inexpensive—add one to your kit.

The integrated soap tank is convenient. It eliminates juggling a separate bottle and siphon tube. As with most consumer washers, soap only pulls with the low‑pressure tip, and you’ll want to flush the tank and pump with clean water afterward to avoid clogs. The 16‑inch wand is fine, but a longer lance or an extension wand is handy for soffits and second‑story work if you’re trying to avoid ladders.

One nitpick: the onboard storage for the wand and hose is just okay. The wand hook didn’t mate perfectly with my handle hardware, and the hose wants to spring loose unless you take your time coiling it. Better clips or a simple strap would go a long way here.

Ergonomics, mobility, and hose behavior

At 61 pounds with big wheels and a tall handle, the unit is easy to move, even across gravel. The wide stance helps prevent tipping, and the hose connection points are placed so you’re not fighting the frame when you swap nozzles or move the machine around. The polyurethane hose is a bright spot. It lays flatter, kinks less, and slides over surfaces without scraping as much as rubber. It’s also long enough to leave the washer parked and move around vehicles without repositioning.

The spray gun is basic but comfortable, with a predictable trigger pull. If you’re particular about ergonomics, an aftermarket gun with a swiveling inlet and quick‑connect coupler at the base of the wand is a simple upgrade that reduces hose fighting and wrist strain.

Noise and maintenance

It’s a gas pressure washer—bring ear protection. Noise levels are typical for the class. Vibration is well controlled, thanks to the mass of the frame and engine, and the feet do a decent job of keeping the unit in place.

Maintenance is minimal: keep fresh fuel in the tank (E10 or better, stabilizer recommended if it’ll sit), change the engine oil per Honda’s schedule, and flush out the pump after using soap. Before winter storage, I like to run a pump saver product through the inlet to protect seals. The pump’s maintenance‑free design means you’re not cracking open the crankcase, which keeps ownership simple.

Warranty coverage is respectable: five years on the frame, two years on the pump, and two years on the engine. Keep your receipts and serial numbers handy.

What could be better

• Handle alignment and hardware: My handle needed extra coaxing to fit. Tolerances could be tighter, and the accessory hooks could be better designed.
• No 25° nozzle: The included set is usable, but a 25° tip is the “daily driver” for many tasks. Plan to buy one.
• No external pressure adjustment: Not unusual at this level, but it’s worth noting if you expect a regulator knob.
• Small fuel tank: The compact tank keeps weight down but means refills on longer jobs.

None of these are showstoppers, but they’re good to know before you buy.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners who want a reliable, easy‑starting gas washer for routine cleaning: siding, decks, patios, vehicles, fences, and moderate driveway work.
• DIYers who prefer a maintenance‑light pump and the confidence of a Honda engine.
• Anyone who values a longer, more flexible hose and integrated soap without stepping up to pricier pro gear.

Who should look elsewhere: If you’re in the field every day, want a serviceable triplex pump, need adjustable pressure at the pump, or regularly clean large concrete slabs, consider a higher‑flow, pro‑oriented unit.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 3100 PSI washer for homeowners and DIYers who want dependable gas power, straightforward maintenance, and a thoughtful set of core features. The Honda GCV170 starts easily and runs smoothly, the axial pump is appropriately matched and maintenance‑free, and the 35‑foot polyurethane hose is a meaningful usability upgrade. Add a 25° nozzle and, if you’re tackling large driveways, a mid‑size surface cleaner, and you’ll cover most residential tasks with efficient, consistent results.

The shortcomings—fussy handle alignment on my sample, basic onboard storage, no external pressure adjustment, and a small fuel tank—are manageable and, in my experience, outweighed by the performance, engine quality, and overall value. If your needs match the typical homeowner use case, this machine is a practical, capable choice that should serve reliably for years with basic care.